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Your honeymoon can be the most romantic trip you'll ever take, and it can also be a lot of fun. Look for a destination that offers everything you want. Remember that there is no "ideal" destination - your personalities will determine where your honeymoon should be. For inspiration, the following locations are traditionally considered the greatest spots to honeymoon:
HAWAII - Hawaii remains the number one destination for honeymoons year after year because of its romantic sunsets, magnificent beaches, and luxurious hotels. Visitors can also conveniently hop from island to island to experience just about any climate and adventure under the sun, including kayaking, mountain climbing, surfing, scuba, and even hiking in a rainforest.
MEXICO - From the Yucatan peninsula to the Pacific Coast, Mexico is romantic, adventurous, and laidback. Reasonably priced attractions and an easy-to-reach location make a Mexico vacation hard to beat. Honeymooners will enjoy a wide variety of activities, including water sports, horseback riding, diving, and touring ancient Mexican ruins.
THE CARIBBEAN - The islands of the Caribbean have long been favorites for honeymooners. While a few are mentioned below, a honeymoon travel consultant will help you with destination materials to help you choose the perfect spot.
BAHAMAS - With over 700 separate islands, you'll find numerous resorts with all the water sports, pampering, night clubs, fine dining, casinos, and beaches you could possibly want. Many amazing islands in the Bahamas can also be visited easily in one trip by booking a cruise. If you're seeking a truly romantic paradise for your upcoming honeymoon, look closely at the Bahamas.
JAMAICA - If you're eager to just get away and relax after hectic wedding planning, Jamaica is the place to be. From famous reggae music festivals to beautiful shorelines, it's easy to get into the Jamaican state of mind. Stay on the island in a luxurious resort or visit for a couple of hours on a cruise ship stop, Jamaica's culture of fun, sun, and romance will make you feel welcome.
BERMUDA - Bermuda is truly a hooneymooner's delight, and couples can rent a moped or take public transportation to see all the sights. With its array of ocean activities and charming historic towns, Bermuda provides a romantic and mysterious escape.
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Filled with sailing, snorkeling, sports fishing, and tons of shopping, honeymooners have long been attracted to the Virgin Islands for an active escape.
TAHITI AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC - These islands are increasingly popular destinations for those seeking an exclusive honeymoon experience and are the closest most couples ever get to a private island retreat. Opt to stay in traditional style burés, some of which are directly over the water, to take advantage of the unparalleled views.
CONTINENTAL U.S. - California offers marvels ranging from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to the glamour of Hollywood. Las Vegas always draws a lively crowd. World-class hotels, casinos, entertainment, and shopping venues gives honeymooners an exciting vacation from home. New York, Florida, and Colorado are also popular destinations for honeymooners, as they offer fun and romantic tourist attractions that welcome visitors year-round.
EUROPE - Always high on honeymooners' lists, in part because of the distinctiveness of each country. From the majestic views of the snow-covered Alps to the Eiffel tower in Paris, Europe is filled with unforgettable history and romance.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND - If you're looking for outdoor adventure both above and below the ocean bed, you'll love the exceptional beauty of these lands. From snorkeling and scuba diving to bush treks and mountain climbing, honeymooners won't find any more high-energy activities than these locations offer.

Honeymoons too often can take a backseat to the arrangements and plans of your actual wedding, but you owe it to yourself to give your honeymoon planning greater and more careful attention. After all, while the wedding is mainly for your family and friends, the once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon that follows is a private getaway for you and your new spouse to celebrate your marriage. Though you may spend a portion of your vacation relaxing and reflecting on this major life change, your honeymoon is most of all an opportunity to enjoy being a newlywed, spending quality time with your new spouse, and experiencing a romantic and exciting getaway.

Honeymooners have endless options. Following months of wedding planning, couples often retreat to a luxurious resort that caters to their every need, while others trek to an adventurous escape from their day-to-day lives. Whether a beach vacation, a safari, or a ski trip, your honeymoon should reflect your joint personalities and wishes.

Keep in mind that perfect honeymoons don't just happen, and planning requires thoughtfulness, patience, careful attention to details, and a lot of decision-making along the way. The more homework you do before leaving for your honeymoon, the more you will enjoy your special vacation.

Explore your dreams...
Christine

Most celebrities would agree that they’re looking for seclusion and private places when they vacation. If you’re looking for the same thing for your honeymoon, the spectacular beauty of BORA BORA may be for you. Most of the hotels are on their own private island, miles away from prying eyes. There are even glass panels in the floor so you can watch the fish swimming underneath. There’s an untouched and pristine quality to the lagoons. And, French Polynesia is more accessible than ever. Air Tahiti Nui flies non-stop from LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK. And still the islands receive just 50,000 U.S. visitors a year — fewer visitors than Hawaii receives in a 10-day span.

FIJI’S TURTLE ISLAND RESORT attracted honeymooners Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, along with Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. After all, 100 staffers are employed at Turtle Island to indulge a maximum of 14 couples. Common duties include arranging a lobster and champagne picnic on a private beach, or organizing horseback rides to a secluded breakfast nook. A honeymoon couple from NEW JERSEY may be dining at the community dinner table on the beach with a princess from a foreign country. All are just guests at Turtle Island.

SAN YSIDRO RANCH in Montecito, California hosted the honeymoon of John and Jacqueline Kennedy. In more recent years this unique resort has reportedly attracted a honeymooning Julia Roberts and Danny Moder as well as Sandra Bullock and Jesse James.

Couples stay in uniquely decorated cottage houses with artwork and antiques, as well as fireplaces made of hand-cut stone or masonry. Canopied beds with fine Pratesi linens, outdoor rain showers and floor-to-ceiling French doors have inspired a lot of buzz throughout Hollywood. This resort has everything: beauty, romance, privacy and incredible service.

Resorts like LA SAMANNA, the majestic Orient-Express beachfront resort in ST. MAARTIN, are one of the spots where Courteney Cox Arquette and David Arquette spent time. These resorts offer not only privacy but also plenty of activities. Everything from a spa, fitness center, pilates studio, three tennis courts, water spots galore to multiple options for dining. All this in just 80 rooms.

The ST. REGIS RESORT BORA BORA has deluxe accommodations that are self-contained resorts within the resort, providing the ultimate in privacy. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban stayed at the St. Regis Bora Bora’s 13,000-square-foot secluded Royal Estate. It offers three bedrooms, two living rooms, a chef's kitchen, dining room, private swimming pool, office, and a spa area with a sauna and whirlpool.

Honeymooners Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston reportedly rented out an entire hotel for their honeymoon when they stayed at FREGATE ISLAND in the SEYCHELLES.

From BORA BORA to the BAHAMAS, the best resorts and locales for celebrities honeymooning or getting married can also be had for your own honeymoon or wedding. You are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you don’t have to earn a celebrity salary to find it.

Explore your dreams…
Christine

Shores fringed with miles of pristine, turquoise waters. Soft, white sand beaches that stretch for miles. And turquoise clouds. How can that be? The breathtaking aqua water color is reflected ...mirrored...on the bottoms of the clouds. Yet another affirmation as to why the Turks & Caicos Islands are one of my favorite beach destinations.

Nestled between Miami and Puerto Rico, the Turks and Caicos Islands have often been called "the forgotten islands". But not easily forgotten are the miles of uncrowded white sand beaches, abundant reefs, excellent diving wrecks and some of the oldest coral communities known to man. Over thirty islands make up the Turks & Caicos, with only about eight of them inhabited.

Providenciales is a British territory, known by many as just "Provo" and has become one of the premier diving spots in the world. Hotel accommodations in Provo are secondary to the incredible scenery, water and beaches. After years of being somewhat unknown, Provo has grown and offers a wide variety of places to stay. Couples will relish Club Med, The Palms, and the two Ocean Clubs nestled on a picturesque, crescent beach of Grace Bay. Most of the hotels share Provo's signature stamp of powder white beaches that stretch for miles against striking aquamarine-colored waters.

Provo is a destination wonderful for all ages, due to its mild climate, safe and friendly accommodations, and calm, beautiful waters. But the adventures and sights beyond the hotel made will make you want to come back for more.

After settling into your hotel, head to Scooter Bob's Jeep rental located at the Turtle Cove Inn. Trekking to remote beaches on rough-terrain roads is a bit adventurous but will offer you the most magnificent sites of Provo. Some snorkel gear and local directions to the most scenic and remote spots on the island and you’re on your way to two of my favorite places in the world:

Chalk Sound
A glimpse of Chalk Sound on your flight to Provo looks like a turquoise mass of water dotted with tiny islands. The three-mile bay looks mystically tranquil...not a ripple and not a wave. This shallow blanket of azure water is at the most 20 feet deep, and studded with perhaps a hundred tiny islets, some the size of a house and some only the size of a beach towel. The bottom of the Sound is completely visible through the clear water and is an unblemished white. The vast lagoon is surrounded by majestic cliffside villas that overlook the calm water.

Not the easiest place to find but this is a definite must-see if you are staying in Provo. There are no waves in the calm water and the white coralline sand feels like velvet under your feet. Even wading out about 100 yards the water still only laps at your waist. Homes with moored sailboats surround the protected cove and a romantic walk to the east will take you to Sapodilla Hill where old carvings of sailors' names still exist from the days they were shipwrecked.

Northwest Point
What many call Malcolm's Road Beach, this route takes you high on hills overlooking the ocean. Although partly paved, the rocky road dips and turns more than it should. Large broken boulders block your way as you drive between scrub brush and cacti to get around the rocky obstacles. But when the ocean comes into view and the turquoise clouds map out the line of the beach, you have arrived. The breathtaking seascape is below and it is a worthwhile reward. Down a small hill of rolling sand dunes lies a stunning beach with crystal clear water that is remarkable for snorkeling and is abundant with white rock coral and small, colorful fish. The beach and view are wondrous, and you can feel like you are on the edge of the world.

These islands aren't as much of a secret anymore. More hotels are building - but despite the new hotels and increasing popularity, the magnetic blue waters and uncrowded beaches still remain. The captivating privacy and romance of these beaches are perfect for honeymooners. And you’ll want to come back to gaze again at the turquoise clouds, and the incredible waters that give them their hue. I don't believe there is anywhere like it in the world.

Explore your dreams...
Christine

Here’s a tidbit of news from Today Show travel editor Peter Greenberg — 3.5 million bags were mishandled January to November by U.S. airlines in 2006. No matter the reason, it happens. Luckily, I’ve never had a bag get lost. Late? Yes. Very late? Yes. Lost? No. These days, the sheer volume of bags means more are ending up where they are not supposed to be. More people are checking bags instead of carrying them on in order to get their lotions, toothpaste and other liquids on the plane. Heightened security at airports has also made the process of checking bags and clearing customs longer and harder.

Utilizing hands-free traveling services to ship your bags ahead of time means your luggage doesn’t get lost on the way to your honeymoon. It also means it frees up your hands at the airport to hang onto the important stuff - like your travel documents and camera, plus that early-morning latte. And a lot of travelers - honeymooners especially - would rather pay a fee to a private company than carry heavy bags. If you are a couple planning a destination wedding, it's a good idea to send your wedding dress and tuxedo ahead. You'll enjoy the peace of mind in knowing your wedding clothes are safely at your destination - waiting on your arrival.

Currently, several airlines charge fees, usually $50 to $80, if your checked luggage is overweight. Can standard luggage fees by the airlines for checked bags be far behind? And let’s not forget the most enticing reason of all: you can skip the wait at the luggage carousel! That perk alone is enough for me!

If you do decide to bring your luggage on the airplane with you, here are a few tips that may help:
- Put your name inside your suitcase. Tags on the outside can be torn off during loading and unloading.
- Take a picture of your bags with your cell phone. That way, if they do get lost, you’ll have a picture with you to show the lost luggage representative.
- I always tie a bright red ribbon on my suitcase so that it stands out. Lately, I’ve been noticing a lot of people have the same idea. So I’ve graduated to pom-poms and multi-colored straps to grab my attention.
- Use brightly colored luggage tags. I have these available in many colors and hand them out to my clients with their documents.
- Get the phone number for the baggage claim office at the airport. Otherwise, you’ll spend time on the airline’s phone roundabout, pushing buttons and waiting on hold.

If you do decide to ship your luggage ahead to your resort or cruise line, your travel specialist will be able to arrange this for you. I have several companies I work with and each have their own destination, and type of luggage, specialties. Prices usually depend on travel distance, luggage size and the level of service requested. On the average, expect to pay about $45 each way for a roll-on or carry-on bag, and about $90 each way for a full-sized suitcase. Hands-free traveling is also a great option for those honeymooners who are sports enthusiasts (think golf clubs, fishing equipment, skis and snowboards).

Explore your dreams...
Christine

With the fluctuating exchange rate of the Euro, couples looking to get the most for their money while honeymooning in Europe will appreciate the value of cruising. With only minimal shoreside expenses such as souvenirs, honeymooners will find that planning a cruise is a proven money-saver as well as being a stress-reducer.

Comparisons of a land tour versus a cruise vacation will show that a savings of up to 30 percent can be had by booking a 7-day Mediterranean cruise over a 7-day deluxe escorted land vacation. Typical expenses such as accommodations, transportation between cities in Europe, food, entertainment and tours should be looked at. Estimated costs for a honeymoon couple total $5,200 for a 7-day cruise vacation in a balcony stateroom and $7,400 for a deluxe escorted Europe land vacation.

More and more honeymooners are realizing that cruising, especially in Europe, is an incredible value. Waking up in a new port each day without having to pack and unpack - as well as avoiding the transportation hassles - is proving to be a big draw for couples who want to have the European honeymoon they thought was out of reach. Cruising means you'll be pampered with fabulous cuisine, amenities and entertainment while being able to better plan your expenses while honeymooning. Shore excursions can be reserved in advance - although there are plenty of ports where romantic strolls through town or on the beach can be had for no additional expense.

To meet the increasing demand for European holidays, diverse cruise itineraries and great savings on premium cruise vacation experiences are available for the 2007 Europe season. Experience a European cruise in the fall, and you'll get not only wonderful weather, but incredible savings as well! Itineraries include such fabulous ports of call as the Baltic, Scandinavia, Norwegian fjords, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, Greece, the Meditteranean and the Black Sea.

From picking a ship, to selecting the itinerary that you'll love, to choosing the stateroom that is appropriate for your budget as well as your destination - there are many variables when choosing a cruise. Your honeymoon travel specialist should be knowledgeable about cruising and be able to confidently present choices for your honeymoon based on your wishes.

Cruising is a great way to experience the many countries of Europe. It's also a wonderful way to help you plan return anniversary trips to your favorite ports.

Explore your dreams...
Christine

OK, your big day is getting closer and you're starting to think about the traditional 'night out with the girls'. Somehow, the thought of you and 6-12 of your closest friends bar-hopping 'til the wee hours is not as appealing as you thought it would be. All those last-minute items on your checklist won't get done if you have to spend an entire day in bed recovering from the over-indulgence of the night before. And, unless you have a special friend who is willing to give up her partying - or you're willing to foot the bill for the 6-hour limo expense - you'll end up drawing straws to see who gets to be designated driver.

There is another choice - one which is proving to be an increasingly popular alternative for 'girls night out'. Spa therapists are making house calls, providing spa services in-home for individuals and groups.

Spa party menus can include massages, reflexology, and yoga instruction. Other treatment choices: facials, exfoliation, masques, eye cream and make-up instruction. These roving spas stress socializing and relaxation while having fun with your bridesmaids or family and friends. Treatments and packages are customized to meet the needs of the clients.

Spa professionals travel to any location with all the necessary equipment, allowing clients to lie back, relax, and enjoy pampering treatments on their own time and in the location of their choice. These professionals can provide spa experiences and programs for nearly any purpose or occasion, including bridal showers (tell your best friend you'd love this!), day-of-wedding services (they'll come to you!), couples' escape, a "thank-you" to the wedding party, and girls' night in.

Think a spa package is just what you've been looking for? Be sure to check out the credentials of the spa carefully. The cheapest price is not always the best choice, especially when it comes to your skin for your wedding day. Your honeymoon travel specialist will be able to give you recommendations for spa professionals and ideas for parties, and will book them for you as well. Add a little food and beverages and you'll have started the newest trend for brides-to-be!

Explore your dreams...
Christine

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT®, FLORIDA

All of your honeymoon wishes can come true at Walt Disney World® Resort. Lush, lavish environments await you as do a variety of romantic activities. Dine on sumptuous meals in the finest restaurants and pamper yourselves with luxurious accommodations.

A Disney honeymoon is unlike any other. It will offer you endless possibilities for fun, adventure and relaxation - enough to create memories that last a lifetime!

DISNEY CRUISE LINE®

Begin your new life together by sailing on a romantic fairy tale voyage to the Bahamas or the Caribbean. Special Disney touches include:

- A romantic gift left in your stateroom
- Priority seating at the exquisite Palo restaurant and a bottle of wine from the Premium Wine List (for guests 21 and older)
- A Tropical Rain Forest room pass for two at the Vista Spa & Salon
- A romance turndown service
- One champagne breakfast in bed

Disney offers fabulous romantic activities, and booking a dream honeymoon is simple. Your honeymoon travel agent can help with rates, stateroom and accommodation choices, and available dates. As with any Disney vacation, reserve well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Whether you choose to celebrate on land, at sea, or both, your Disney Honeymoon is sure to be a priceless experience that you will remember forever. Add on a Fairy Tale Wedding and all your dreams can come true!

Explore your dreams...
Christine

WALT DISNEY WORLD®, FLORIDA

Have you always wanted to arrive at your wedding in fairy princess style in Cinderella's coach? Then a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding at Walt Disney World® may be perfect for you! Your wedding celebration may include the following:

- An elegantly simple ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, Sea Breeze Point at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, The Wedding Gazebo at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Sunrise Terrace at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, or Sunset Point at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
- A fresh floral bouquet for you and a fresh flower boutonniere for your groom.
- A beautiful two-tiered wedding cake with keepsake cake topper and a bottle of Fairy Tale Cuvee for your champagne toast.
- A Violinist for your ceremony and reception.
- A limousine charter for transportation on your wedding day for you and your guests.
- A professional Disney Photographer to capture your ceremony and reception. Includes two hours of photography coverage and an album of twenty images chosen by you. Along with the album, you will also receive a contact sheet of all the images taken during your event.
- Two half-hour telephone planning consultations with a Disney Wedding Coordinator prior to your wedding.
- A personalized wedding Web site.
- Online planning kit.
- Additionally, you may choose to add special features to enhance your wedding celebration.

Disney's Weddings require a minimum of a four night stay at an owned and operated Walt Disney World® Resort. For additional guests, up to 18 maximum additional elements are at an additional cost (please note: some ceremony locations have a maximum occupancy of 10 guests.)

DISNEY CRUISE LINE®

Special wedding vacation packages are available for the bride and groom. The following magical elements are included:

- Your ceremony aboard the Disney Wonder®, Disney Magic®, or on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay
- An on-site Wedding Coordinator to assist with your wedding ceremony and reception
- An officiant to perform your wedding ceremony
- Solo musician (pianist) for your wedding ceremony
- Your choice of a fresh flower bouquet and a flower boutonniere for your groom
- Cake & champagne reception including an elegant two-tier wedding cake with keepsake cake topper and a bottle of champagne for the toast, served by your host/hostess
- Dress steaming for your wedding dress
- Confirmed dinner for two at "Palo" on the night of your wedding (Bride & Groom only)
- A special wedding gift
- A Disney Cruise Line Wedding Certificate
- $100.00 onboard stateroom credit (for Bride & Groom only)
- Florida marriage license (for non-Florida residents only)

Additional guests and private receptions, special transfers to and from the ceremony location (by limo or town car) and to and from the County Courthouse to obtain your marriage license may also be pre-booked.

Disney is an extremely popular venue for weddings and ceremony locations are subject to availability. If you have your heart set on a particular location, be sure to reserve at least 9 months in advance, much sooner if you're planning a holiday wedding.

Disney Cruise Line has a limit on the number of weddings it can accommodate per sailing. Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis so advance planning is also necessary.

Either of these options is a great idea for couples on their own, or with a few close friends and family. Larger receptions are more easily accommodated on board Disney's cruise ships. Many couples find a wedding cruise filled with family and friends makes for very special memories, so think about inviting everyone to sail along with you!

All prices and other terms for Disney land and cruise wedding packages are subject to change without notice. A knowledgeable travel agent can help you with rates, and available resorts and sailings throughout the year.

Explore your dreams...
Christine

How do the new passport rules affect you and your honeymoon plans? Well, for starters, gone are the days when we can hop on a plane or cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean with a swimsuit, a photo ID and a birth certificate. Big changes are ahead for us all.

Everyone will be required to show a valid passport when traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central & South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

THE GOOD NEWS: if you are going to a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands (St Thomas, St John, St Croix), you can still travel with your birth certificate and a government issued photo ID.

EVEN MORE GOOD NEWS: many islands and resorts have a 'Passport Promo' where they will refund you for your passport purchase or renewal, or give you a room credit for meals and beverages equal to the cost of your passport. Your honeymoon travel agent will have all the details.

WHEN DO THESE NEW REQUIREMENTS GO INTO EFFECT?
The deadline keeps changing so check with your travel agent often for travel updates.

Currently, if you are traveling by air, you need a passport starting on January 23, 2007. Yes, the deadline has already passed! This means that if you are traveling outside of the U.S. on your honeymoon, you must have a valid passport or you will be denied airplane boarding.

If you are traveling by land or by sea, you need a passport starting January 2008.

I strongly advise all cruise passengers to get a passport. If you miss the ship (for any reason, including weather) and have to catch up in a foreign port, you are going to have a problem flying there without a passport! The cruise lines consider this a 'no-show' and you will not be eligible for a refund.

APPLYING FOR YOUR FIRST PASSPORT
To get your first passport, you need to go (yes, in person) to a passport agency. Bring with you:
* Two photographs of yourself;
* Proof of U.S. citizenship (ex: your birth certificate);
* A valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license;
* A passport application form.

Passport agencies are usually a post office, government office or public library. You cannot apply for your first passport online. To find an agency near you, visit: http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

Your first passport will get you through the next 10 years and will cost $97 for ages 16 or older. (Over a 10 year period, the cost is about the same price as one of those fancy island drinks with umbrellas in them.) Child passports last for five years and cost $82.

Passports generally take about 6 weeks to process, during busier vacation months the wait can be as long as 12 weeks. Leave plenty of time for passport applications/renewals or utilize expedited passport services (for an additional hefty fee).

PASSPORT RENEWALS
Good news -- skip the lines and renew by mail.

The Bottom Line: Don't delay - get a Passport today!


Information on obtaining or renewing a U.S. Passport can be found on the State Department's Web site at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport

U.S. Citizens may find the following web site helpful in planning their trip: http://travel.state.gov

Foreign Nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain details regarding current passport requirements and application procedures.


Remember, there are many special offers by islands in the Caribbean very willing to entice honeymooners with passport promotions. Take advantage of these offers - it takes very little effort on your part to provide the information and can result in a substantial savings for you. Your travel agent will have all the details and should be able to steer you towards the islands and resorts offering these promotions, as well as forwarding your paperwork for reimbursement. And if it's too late to think about passports - the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are fabulous honeymoon destinations!

Explore your dreams...
Christine

Hello again!

Through the years I have been asked by many brides and grooms if I have any advice to help them in their honeymoon planning. For this purpose, I have put together a list of useful tips that will help you and your fiance as you begin planning your first trip together. Read through them - you're bound to find one or two that apply to you!

1. Use an experienced honeymoon travel agent. Thanks to many years of expertise and time-saving computerized systems, we can almost always save you money as well as time. Plus, we’ve been pretty much everywhere. Take advantage of our knowledge and advice – it’s free!

2. Start early. The sooner the better. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to research your trip—it’s actually part of the fun!—and you’ll be more likely to get exactly what you want. (Some places are reserved as much as a year in advance for popular dates. Airlines release their lower priced seats way before most honeymooners start to plan and destinations with limited seasonal weather – like Bermuda – get snapped up quickly!) And for those of you with holiday time weddings - remember - you're not the only ones thinking of Hawaii at Christmas!

3. Plan together. After all, this honeymoon is for both of you. If one of you does all the planning and makes all the decisions, the other may end up feeling left out or dissatisfied. Provide your agent with as much information as possible so she can help you find the destination that suits you both.

4. Be as specific as possible. Queen-size bed or King? Ocean view or ocean front? Connecting flights or non-stop? You get the idea!

5. Set a tentative budget. Talk about your expectations and priorities so you can agree about what you’ll splurge on and where you’ll save. Suggestion: Splurge on your accommodations. Even if you think you won’t spend much time there, you’ll probably be sorry if it’s not special, after all, this is your honeymoon.

6. Register for your honeymoon with your travel agent. A Honeymoon Gift Registry means gifts from friends and family can be put toward the total cost of your trip. The average couple who uses a gift registry gets $500 to $1,000. This can make the difference between a standard room and an ocean view, or a 7 night honeymoon instead of 5 nights.

7. Use your maiden name. Unless you’re taking a delayed honeymoon, you won’t be able to change your name on your passport, driver’s license, etc., until after you’ve returned. Even though you may be excited to start using your new married name, it can be a real nightmare if you haven’t legally changed it yet. Using your maiden name on visas, airline tickets, etc., so they match your name as it appears on your official documents, is essential to avoiding delays, or worse yet, being denied airline or cruise ship boarding.

8. Pack a sense of humor. A bit of flexibility can go a long way. Expect that things don’t always go as planned. Do what you can to remedy the situation, call your agent if you need help, then relax and enjoy your honeymoon. Years, or even a few hours later, you’ll probably be laughing.

9. Relax. Spend your first days recovering from post-wedding stress and focus on each other. Don’t try to do too much – remember, you’ll have many opportunities to travel together, but only one honeymoon.

10. Tell the world you’re honeymooners! Don’t be shy—you’re likely to enjoy special treatment such as complimentary champagne in-flight, or a gift basket in your room.

Explore your dreams...
Christine~

Hello Everyone!

The very first thing I wish to say is "Congratulations!". I still remember the excitement of being engaged and planning my wedding and honeymoon. This year my husband and I will celebrate our 17th anniversary, and by no coincidence, I will also celebrate 17 years in the travel industry. My experience in trying to plan my own honeymoon is what motivated me to begin a career in honeymoon planning. Too many agents just handed me brochures and told me to come back when I knew what I wanted. In fact, after weeks of researching and debate, when my fiance and I finally decided on a destination (that's a story for another day!), I did go back to an agency that had been referred to me. The agent I spoke to was the owner of the agency. She asked me what I had decided on, made a phone call, took my money, and told me she'd be in touch. The next, and last, time I spoke with her was when I picked up my documents six months later. I received airline tickets (back when they were actual paper tickets), and a voucher for the hotel stay. No explanations, airport check-in time requirements or hotel transfer options. No weather, time change or currency facts. No destination information, travel hints or restaurant recommendations. No suggestions on what to wear, things to see and do, or how to get around the island. As I walked out of the agency, I remember thinking of all the time and effort my fiance and I had put into choosing our island destination and the perfect resort for our honeymoon. The chart my fiance made to point out the differences between partial ocean view, ocean view and ocean front; and the cost ratio of each view, was in itself amazing to behold!

I realized that I had enjoyed all the research and planning that went into our honeymoon. I decided then and there that this was something I could do, and do well. After all, I knew exactly what it was like to coordinate a wedding filled with family and friends who all had their suggestions - while trying to plan a honeymoon that would provide my new husband and me with a romantic start to our life together.

Over the past 17 years, I have grown as a wife and as a travel agent. I am now the proud mother of an 11-year-old son and the proud owner of my own travel agency which specializes in honeymoons and destination weddings. Please call or email me with any questions about your plans. I am always happy to give suggestions and offer alternatives. The travel industry has grown and changed and the internet can sometimes give so much information that it is hard to keep it all straight. That is my job - and it is a job that I love! Take advantage of my 17 years of experience traveling and helping couples plan their honeymoons - it's free!

Your first trip together as husband and wife is also our first journey together as client and travel agent - and will lead to many more wonderful memories in the years to come. Your wedding is a special time and I will give your travel plans the same attention to detail that I still give my own.

Explore your dreams...
Christine~

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