TOTEM TRAVEL blog at BridesClub.com

If you're ready to begin planning your honeymoon we have several upcoming destination nights you may want to attend.

March 12 Tahiti and the South Pacific
March 26 Europe
April 02 Sandals All Inclusive Resorts

On March 12th we'll feature the lovely and romantic islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Tikehau, Raitea and Tahaa. We'll cover all the best resorts, let you know how to experience Tahiti on a moderate budget and where to blow the bucks if money is no object!

Europe night, March 26th, will include information about escorted, hosted and independent travel. We'll cover the most popular honeymoon destinations including Italy, Greece, France, the Romantic Road in Germany and more.

Our Sandals Night April 2nd, will feature 5 fabulous Caribbean islands and 17 all inclusive resorts. We'll help you choose the right resort and room category and explain the great promotions currently available including up to 50% off room rates, special features for honeymoon couples, free weddings and spa credits.

Each evening will begin at 6p with registration and light refreshments followed by a slide presentation. Destination specialists will answer your questions about weather, cost, transportation, activities, food and currency. And, if you are ready to make reservations within 10 days, we'll take an extra $150 off qualifying honeymoons or offer a $250 spa credit.

Please call or email Linda@totemtravel.com to RSVP. We'll send a confirmation and directions to our Kirkland office. We hope to see you there!

Linda, Jennefer and Sandi
Totem Travel
(425) 821-4100 and (800) 321-7907
www.TotemTravel.com
www.TheHoneymoonExperts.com

2007 Top Honeymoon Vacation Spots

Every year Modern Bride magazine surveys its readers to determine the "World's Best Honeymoons" and the list always includes destinations our travel agents visit regularly. This year is no exception!

2007's top honeymoon vacation spots are -

1. Italy
2. Hawaii
3. Tahiti
4. Costa Rica
5. Mexico
6. France
7. Maldives
8. Anguilla
9. Fiji
10. Greece

The top picks for adventure were -
1. Costa Rica
2. South Africa
3. NZ

If you're thinking Italy, France or any other European country, Jennefer is the gal for you. She has completed numerous specialist courses and travels to Europe at least once a year to keep her knowledge current. She can help with independent travel, an escorted tour and anything in between, so unless you're backpacking through Europe, give her a call. She'll help you get the most from your travel budget and enjoy all the unique experiences, culture and history Europe has to offer!

If Hawaii is your dream call Sandi. She lived in Hawaii for several years and has returned many times as a visitor. She knows what the weather is really like, which beaches are best for swimming and snorkeling and how to avoid honeymooning with hundreds of children. She works with hundreds of honeymoon couples every year and can put together the perfect vacation package for your honeymoon in Hawaii

Tahiti, Fiji, Costa Rica and New Zealand (plus Belize & Australia) are some of my favorite places. I've completed specialist courses with the various tourist bureaus and have traveled to all these destinations in recent years. So if you are dreaming of an overwater bungalow or jungle lodge call Linda! I know all the best spots for an exotic, tropical honeymoon.

All of us have been to Mexico and the Caribbean islands many times and we are the #1 travel agency in Washington for Sandals all inclusive resorts. Our slogan says it all.... Get personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!. So call the travel experts at Totem Travel to plan your perfect vacation or honeymoon.

Linda - Totem Travel
425 821-4100

Tahiti, Europe & Sandals Honeymoon Planning Nights

Throughout most of the year Totem Travel hosts monthly vacation and honeymoon planning nights at our Kirkland office, but we take a break for the long, lazy days of summer and hope you do too! By September our calendar is once again full.

We begin with the Seattle and Lynnwood wedding shows with a focus on Sandals all inclusive resorts. We'll have lots of great information about honeymoons in the Caribbean, free beach weddings and destination weddings with all the trimmings. Stop by and see us Sept 15-16 at the Seattle wedding show or Sept 22-23 in Lynnwood.

September 26 we have a Tahiti Night scheduled and will cover the romantic South Pacific islands of Bora Bora, Moorea, Tikehau, Tahaa and more. I'll talk about how to stretch your budget with free nights & free meals or spend every last dollar if money is no obejct! I'll have a slide show and pictures from my last trip and special discounts for attendees.

October 3 is Europe Night and Jennefer will demonstrate her expertise with options for independent travelers as well as those seeking an escorted group tour. She'll have just returned from France and in recent years visited Italy and Eastern Europe so she has lots of stories to share.

October 10 is our next Sandals Caribbean Night with $150 off the lowest price or a $250 resort credit for qualifying reservations. (For those of you planning right now, don't forget that the 50% off special expires July 3!)

All our vacation and honeymoon planning nights begin at 6p with registration and snacks. Please RSVP to me at 425 821-4100 or linda@totemtravel.com if you'd like to attend and I'll send details and directions.

If you need assistance planning a trip before then, please call and one of our fantastic travel agents will help you one on one. You'll get personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!

Have a fabulous summer! Linda

Hurricane Season, Caribbean honeymoons and cruising

The hurricane season started a few days ago, so what does that mean for vacation travel and honeymoons?

To begin with, the official season is June through November and that's like saying the rainy season in Seattle is September through June. Possibly true, but a bit misleading! The season covers six months of the year to include the earliest recorded storms and the latest recorded storms in weather watching history. Typically the most troublesome months are September & October but weather can be fickle so the season is long...

A typical summer day in the Caribbean starts with clear blue skies, sunshine and 80 degree temperatures. As the day progresses the temperature heads toward 90 and an afternoon breeze comes up keeping things comfortable. By early evening a few clouds appear to provide a beautiful sunset and set the stage for a late night thunderstorm.

Although rainfall can be daily throughout the summer, many vacationers never see a drop. On a recent August trip to the Caribbean it rained every day for 10 days and I never got wet. The biggest inconvenience was drying off my patio chair before enjoying my morning coffee outdoors. As a friend would say, this was a high class problem and I managed...

Because I've been to the Caribbean dozens of times and work with hundreds of honeymoon couples every year I understand the weather worries and can share some advice.

1. If this is your one and only Caribbean vacation and a day of rain would ruin the experience, don't go in September or October.

2. There are Caribbean islands that are outside the typical hurricane belt and these include one of my all time favorites, St Lucia, as well as Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

3. Caribbean cruises are a great choice for iffy weather months because ships move and storms only affect a small area at any given time. If a storm is in the area you might miss a scheduled port of call but your multimillion dollar ship and all 2-3000 guests onboard won't sail within 200 nautical miles of serious weather!

4. When it's hurricane season in the Caribbean the weather is outstanding in Tahiti and Fiji as well as northern Europe.

So call us to help plan the perfect vacation or honeymoon. As travel agents we're on your side! Linda - Totem Travel

Honeymoon Planning Night June 13

Please join us for our next honeymoon planning night, June 13.

We'll be covering 17 Sandals and Beaches all inclusive resorts located on five islands throughout the Caribbean. The evening begins at 6p with registration and refreshments followed by a slide presentation and we'll have 4 Sandals Specialists on hand to answer your questions. We will also review Sandals' free wedding package as well as options for a Destination Wedding.

Couples wishing to make reservations for a honeymoon or vacation will receive up to 50% off normal rates plus $150 Caribbean Night discount or a $250 spa credit for qualified bookings.

RSVP to linda@totemtravel.com or call (425) 821-4100. We hope to met you soon!

Sandals Whitehouse on Jamaica's south coast

I just returned from a fantastic vacation at Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica. Whitehouse opened 2 years ago and was the last of 17 Sandals and Beaches Resorts on 5 different Caribbean islands for me to visit. When I met with the General Manager he said I saved the best for last and he could be right!

Sandals Whitehouse combines a fabulous beach with three wonderful pools, 7 excellent and diverse restaurants, beautiful rooms (every one oceanfront) and an absolutely outstanding staff.

You can enjoy water volleyball, games, contests, and your favorite Caribbean eats and drinks at the French Village pool; quiet reading and relaxing by the Dutch Village pool; or people watching, sunning & swimming in the huge signature pool with swim up bar near the Italian Village. There are Jacuzzis scattered throughout the property as well.

On the beach youll find lots of lounge chairs in the sun or shade and an excellent watersports staff to entice you with waterskiing, knee boarding, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, a glass bottom boat and scuba diving. All complimentary for Sandals guests.

As a certified scuba diver, I made two dives daily with tanks, BCD, mask, fins & snorkel at no cost. A limited number of wet suits are available for a $5 fee, but most will find the 86 degree water comfortable in a bathing suit. I sure did! The dive sites are diverse and I particularly enjoyed "The Maze" with its many swim-throughs and chimneys. "Deep Cottage" where a few dozen lobster taunted us from under a coral shelf was another of my favorites.

If you're not a diver but would like to try, the resort course is a fantastic deal. For $70 you receive 2 hours of safety and pool training then one dive daily, with equipment, for the length of your vacation. Your depth is limited to a safe 35-40 feet and divemasters provide plenty of TLC. However if you fall in love with diving, Sandals Whitehouse has a complete PADI dive center and teaches all the courses from open water to advance and specialties. So you can arrive with no dive experience and leave the resort a certified diver. How cool is that!

When you're hungry, there's everything from a beachside bar & grill or Tex-Mex to Asian, Italian and Caribbean specialties with white glove service. We asked our servers for recommendations and had a great meal every night! During the day, shorts and flip flops are fine but in the evening "casual elegance" is suggested and men will want long pants and a collared shirt (think khakis & a polo). None of the restaurants accept reservations so most guests choose a restaurant, check in, then enjoy a drink and music outdoors in the torch lit, Italian style piazza or in the air conditioned martini bar.

At night there is entertainment at the night club and piano bar but with all the scuba diving, sun and fine dining I must admit to having lights out each night before midnight. There's nothing like returning to a beautiful oceanfront room with king size bed, walk in shower and Jacuzzi tub after a long day of play. Sandals Whitehouse is another piece of paradise and definitely my kind of place!

A one week all inclusive honeymoon or vacation for two has been starting around $3700 with airfare from Seattle, accommodations, meals, drinks, watersports and entertainment. Call us when you're ready to be wowed!
We have 3 certified Sandals Specialists on staff.

Linda

Tahiti on a budget

It's easy to spend $10,000 or more for a week in Tahiti. In fact on my last trip I stayed in fabulous villas at Hotel Bora Bora and Le Taha'a Private Island and Spa that run $1000 per night. Yes, they are worth it!

But what if your budget isn't that generous? You can still enjoy Tahiti on a $4-6K budget; you just need to plan carefully.

One place to economize is by eliminating airfare to a more remote island. Moorea is a fantastic destination with wonderful beaches, fabulous views and reasonably priced overwater bungalows. And, best of all, you can get there by ferry from Tahiti! That will save most couples $6-700 right away.

Another option is to stay in a traditional hotel room rather than an overwater or beach bungalow. This will save you thousands of dollars and you'll still enjoy 4 star resort amenities without the luxury price tag. On the other hand, I don't recommend an overwater bungalow at a 2 star property. It's like buying an expensive house in a lousy neighborhood. You'll get much better value with the cheapest room at a nice resort - better beach, better pool, better service, better restaurants.

Speaking of food, food is expensive in Tahiti so your best bet is to starve... I'm kidding... a little... There are a few options that will keep body and soul together at a reasonable price. In Papeete, Les Roulottes offers inexpensive outdoor dining along the waterfront and a number of downtown restaurants are moderately priced. On Moorea you can buy cheese and fruit at a local market or have a pizza for dinner. However be forewarned, most couples spend $180 -200 dollars per day for meals. So plan accordingly!

Remember, once you've taken care of transportation, food and shelter all the really great things in Tahiti are free! Fabulous beaches, romance, turquoise water, time together, tropical breezes, unlimited sunshine, snorkeling, sunsets, more time together.... you get the picture!

Call me when it's time to make your plans - Linda, your Tahiti Tiara Specialist. 425 821-4100 or 800 321-7907

Travel agents in the world of 24/7

I admit it. I'm over 25 and no longer thrill to all things new. On the other hand, I live in a 24/7 world, can't do a days work without the internet and don't know how we survived without Google. So I'm often asked "If everything and anything can be found online, why use a travel agent?"

There are many answers, but let's start with the most important reason and one that's not understood by many -

A travel agent is on YOUR side. Our role is to find the best vacation or honeymoon for YOU!

We do not sell a single destination and do not work for a resort or visitor's bureau so have no reason to send you to Kauai in February (it rains a lot) or tell you there was no damage from the hurricane off Cancun (there was).

We do not work for a cruise line so have no reason to overcome your objections to cruises. (There are boring ships, overly long itineraries and places you will be uncomfortable if you're prone to motion sickness.) A great travel agent wants you to have a great trip. So if cruising is right for you, well great! If not, we'll recommend something else.

We do not entice customers by advertising "guaranteed lowest fares" or prices "starting from" so we have no need for fine print, a list of terms and conditions or black out dates. The prices we quote will be for the trip you will be taking.

We do not count on 60% of our clients "upgrading" upon arrival (some online agencies do) and won't suggest a room or resort unless you will be happy the moment you arrive.

We are not paid by the airlines and have absolutely no motivation to sell you an airline ticket unless it helps get you somewhere fun!

So what the heck does a travel agent do? We find the best vacation or honeymoon for you at the lowest price that will work for you. Next time you are planning a vacation or honeymoon please call us. We want YOU to be happy and OUR business depends on it!

Totem Travel
800 321-7907 or 425 821-4100
linda@totemtravel.com

Escorted tours and group tour of Europe

As the summer vacation season approaches, I thought I’d talk about escorted tours to Europe with companies such as Globus and Trafalgar. For 1st time European travelers, a group tour can be a great option combining accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, meals and many extras in one economical vacation package.

When you arrive in Europe you’ll be met by your tour director and he or she will become your buddy for the duration of your trip. Your guide will check you in and out of hotels, set up dinners, help you with different languages and customs, tell you of fabulous places for shopping and suggest optional sightseeing.

Perhaps even more important, your tour guide is a travel expert and will teach and entertain you with stories about the people and land you are exploring. They’re like history, geography and social/cultural professors all wrapped into one!

So if you’re thinking of international travel but aren’t quite sure you want to go on your own, there are lots of wonderful package tours to choose from. You can focus on one country such as France or Italy or choose a tour that includes a number of countries. Either way you'll relax and enjoy the sights knowing that an experienced guide is there to make your vacation the best ever!

I am a Europe Specialist and have been to Italy, France, Spain, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe on recent trips. Please call or email and I’ll help you choose the right escorted tour or plan the perfect independent itinerary.

Jennefer
jennefer@totemtravel.com

Important information about Passports

As of January 2007 passports are mandatory for all international travel including Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Previously, proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, was accepted for some destinations but that has changed!

As you might imagine, that means a LOT of passport applications and a HUGE BACKLOG. In fact most applications, including renewals, are taking 10 to 16 weeks. So if you are planning a vacation outside the U.S. please apply early. The link below provides all the rules and regulations to acquire a passport.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/about/agencies/agencies_901.html

This link will help you find the nearest Passport Acceptance Office

http://travel.state.gov/passport/about/agencies/agencies_913.html

If you have applied but not yet received your passport, and are traveling outside the country within 2 weeks, you can expedite your passport. The first step is to obtain a tracking number at

https://passportstatus.state.gov/opss/OPSS_Status_i.asp

You may call the passport office to make an appointment or, if unable to get through, go to the Federal Building in downtown Seattle with your “tracking number”. Once there an agent will have you complete an expedite form and pay an additional fee (approximately $60) to ensure your passport is processed in time.

Please note that all children, including infants, must have their own passport. In addition to the child’s birth certificate, passport application and photos, there are a few other requirements which apply for children under 14. The link below will take you directly to the page addressing these requirements

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html

Don’t wait! Apply today!

March 21 Honeymoon Planning Night

Costa Rica and Belize offer adventure on your honeymoon!

Central America offers a special mix of eco and adventure travel with all the creature comforts necessary for an outstanding honeymoon. Costa Rica and Belize are the most popular destinations and both are peaceful countries that welcome tourism.

In Costa Rica you’ll find rainforests, jungle, pristine beaches, exotic animals and active volcanoes. Many vacationers have too little time to see it all, but a very nice itinerary combines a few days near Arenal Volcano or the Monteverde Cloud Forest with some beach time on the Guanacaste Peninsula or near Manuel Antonio or Corcovado National Parks.

Belize is home to one of the world’s largest barrier reefs and offers active adventurers a full range of land and sea activities. The diving and deep sea fishing are world class, you can hike in the lush, dense interior, or explore nearby Mayan ruins. And, when it’s time to slow down, you can pick a lovely quiet stretch of beach and simply relax!

Jobs in tourism are highly sought in Central America so it’s not unusual to find a botanist conducting your nature walk or marine biologist leading your snorkel trip. Area guides are proud of their country and enjoy sharing their special part of the world. So take advantage, ask questions and enjoy the experience!

Accommodations range from basic to luxurious and include traditional hotels, cabanas, lodges and villas. Guided tours are offered for those wishing a bit of structure and independent travelers can choose a self drive itinerary or include ground or air transfers in a package.

The weather is warm year round but there is definitely a “green season” so contact our Central America specialist, Linda, when it’s time to plan your trip. She’ll help you plan the perfect adventure!

Turks and Caicos is a little piece of paradise!

I made my 2nd visit to Turks and Caicos in August and have lots to report! I chose this tiny little island for its fabulous beach and fantastic coral reefs. My son recently completed his certification in 40 degree Puget Sound waters (as I did many years ago) and it was a real treat to introduce him to warm water diving. We visited a new site every day for 10 days and saw hundreds of colorful fish, turtles, rays, shark and schools of dolphin.

Turks and Caicos is at the southern end of the Bahamian chain in the Caribbean Sea. Its most famous beach, Grace Bay, is routinely listed as one of the best in the world by Conde Nast with 12 miles of powder white sand along sparkling turquoise water. Water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, kayaking and scuba are a major draw as is lazing away the hours soaking in the tropical sun or being pampered at one of the fantastic spas.

Resorts cater to either a family market or romance and solitude seeking adults with few choices in between. My destination was Beaches Turks and Caicos which is an all inclusive resort and THE place for families plus an excellent choice for divers of all ages. I’ll write more about Beaches in another post -

My favorite honeymoon spot or quiet getaway on Turks is Point Grace, an intimate hideaway with spacious bungalows, oceanfront spa and gourmet restaurant. The pool and gardens are lovely and private open air porches are shaded and furnished with gorgeous carved wood chaise lounges perfect for reading or napping. Kitchens are fully equipped and can be prestocked by guest services. The photo below is taken from a villa at Point Grace…

Other great choices on Turks include Grace Bay Club, the Palms, Turks and Caicos Club and Ocean Club so if you’re planning a Caribbean honeymoon or need a new idea for a family vacation I hope you’ll call me. Turks and Caicos is a little piece of paradise! Call me if I can help plan a romontic getaway for you.

Linda
425 821-4100
800 321-7907

Destinations around the world & experience too!

As a lifetime travel junkie, some of my favorite destinations are tropical. My recent trips include Beaches Turks and Caicos for fabulous scuba diving; a wonderful trip exploring Italy with my son; 2 weeks in Tahiti on the outer islands including Bora Bora, Tikehau, Tahaa and Manihi; a couple of days at each of the Sandals resorts on St Lucia and Antigua; a Caribbean cruise on the Mariner of the Seas and a week walking all over New York City.

In April I’m headed to Washington D.C. and this summer plan to be back “Down Under” visiting Ayers Rock and the Northern Territories in Australia. On my last Aussie visit I was in Sydney, Melbourne, Kangaroo Island and Adelaide. On Christmas Eve we watched a turtle lay her eggs on Heron Island, then spent a few days sailing the Whitsunday’s and celebrated New Years Eve at Silky Oaks Lodge near Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. Australia is huge and has so much to see, it will take many more trips to see it all!

Other favorite destinations include Mexico, New Zealand, Greece, Belize, Costa Rica, Bali and Thailand. I haven’t been to Africa or Antarctica yet but I’m working on it. So if you are planning a family vacation or honeymoon and want to work with a Destination Specialist, I hope you’ll call me! Totem Travel has been in business since 1989 and we're one of the Puget Sound’s largest travel agencies.

Linda Martindell
Owner and Destination Specialist
Totem Travel
425 821-4100 or 800 321-7907

Honeymoon in Romantic Italy

A honeymoon in Italy is the new hot thing. It’s popular because Italy is such a romantic destination with so much to see and do.

In Rome you can see historic monuments, walk the cobble stone streets and visit the Vatican museums. In Tuscany you can roam the countryside, sample some chianti and explore the hilltop towns. And in ultra romantic Venice you can take a moonlight gondola cruise on the Grand Canal, dance to the orchestra in St Marks Square and shop for Ventian glass along ancient walkways near the Rialto Bridge.

Everywhere you'll find fabulous food, beautiful views, sunshine, music, art and culture! If you’d like more information on an Italian honeymoon please call Jennefer. She just returned from Italy in October with lots of new ideas to make your honeymoon one to remember. Write to jennefer@totemtravel.com or call 425-821-4100.

February 7 Sandals Night & February 15 Tahiti Night

You can save up to 50% off regular rates AND receive a $250 resort credit by attending one of Totem Travel's honeymoon planning nights. Our next Sandals Night is February 7 and we have additional events planned throughout the year.

The evening will start at 6p with registration and refreshments followed by a slide presentation on all 17 Sandals and Beaches Resorts located on five beautiful Caribbean islands. Our Sandals Specialists will answer all your questions about the all inclusive couples only concept and help you find the right island, resort and room category to ensure THE PERFECT HONEYMOON!

Please call or email to RSVP for our Wednesday February 7 Sandals Night or check our web site for a complete calendar of future events. We'll see you at the wedding shows!

Linda - Totem Travel
425 821-4100
800 321-7907
linda@totemtravel.com

P.S. Mark your calendar for our February 15 Tahiti Night!

Cabo San Lucas All Inclusive Honeymoon at the Riu Palace

Hola and Happy New Year!

We recently returned from Cabo San Lucas where we stayed at the beautiful new RIU Palace all-inclusive resort. It’s located just outside town, so you can walk down the beach or take a quick cab ride to the shops and nightlife. The weather in the early part of December was perfect, hovering in the mid 80’s during the day with cooler evenings.

The RIU Palace is a beautiful resort sitting on a spectacular beach with immaculate grounds and purple and red bougainvillea blooming everywhere. The infinity pool is oceanfront and the poolside service was wonderful, they bring the drinks right to you!

Oceanfront rooms are fully appointed with a stocked refrigerator, full wet bar and all the other amenities you’d expect at a full service resort. There are several restaurant choices in a addition to an excellent buffet, nightly entertainment, children’s program and lots of optional activities like jet skiing, snorkel trips and parasailing.

You might also consider a spa treatment when you need a break from lounging by the beautiful pools, walking on the spectacular beach, shopping in town or resting in the beautiful Baja sun.

If you’d like more info about Cabo San Lucas or the RIU resort please call or email Jennefer or Sandi. We’re offering a $100 off qualifying vacations for bookings made in January!

Weddings and Special Anniversaries

My husband and I decided to renew our wedding vows at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios in celebration of our 35th wedding anniversary. It was really easy and very romantic!

Prior to our arrival in Jamaica, we were required to complete Sandals' wedding application and send copies of our birth certificates and marriage license. Even though we had been married 35 years, we were still required to conform to various regulations including the residency requirement which requires that you be in Jamaica 48 hours prior to your wedding.

All of this helps to convey the message “You are getting married” and we were treated just like a bride and groom! Our package included a bridal bouquet, groom’s boutonnière, a minister to perform the service, a special dinner menu, photographer, music, and a marriage certificate. It was really fantastic and I felt like a bride again after 35 years.

Sandals Resorts are all inclusive resorts for couples only and even free weddings are included with a honeymoon of 7 nights or longer. You can be legally married or renew your vows (like I did) on the beach, under a gazebo or in a beautiful tropical garden. Every ceremony is customized with your choice of setting, flowers, music and more and there are lots of extras offered like videography.

Even if you are not taking a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary, everything at Sandals is included from meals to drinks to golf and scuba diving and everything is geared to couples: only king size beds in the rooms, tables for 2 at all of the restaurants, couples massages at the spa. There are no kids in the pool and no singles at the swim up bar...

I highly recommend Sandals for any couples wishing to enjoy a week or two of pampering and being together!

Sandi

Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations

As honeymoon and vacation specialists we are frequently asked our favorite destination and have often responded "favorite for what?". As a long time scuba diver and beach bum I might lean toward Tahiti or the Caribbean while Jennefer would pick a country in Europe (perhaps Italy) and Sandi loves cruises and Hawaii.

A Sandals all inclusive resort would be high on all our lists because they are for couples only (no kids, lots of romance), you can have a fantastic all inclusive honeymoon including airfare, meals, drinks, watersports and entertainment from about $3K, and it's totally stress free. Even a wedding on the beach or under a gazebo is included with a 7 night stay!

But what's really important in picking the perfect honeymoon is what will be perfect for you! In an earlier Brides Club blog, Modern Bride's "Top 10 places to honeymoon" was listed and Totem Travel has a Destination Specialist that has traveled to every one of the places mentioned.

We hope you'll call, email or attend one of our Honeymoon Planning Nights when you are ready to plan your perfect honeymoon!

Linda

Tahiti and South Pacific Honeymoons

On my most recent trip to the South Pacific I visited six of the Tahitian islands including Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Manihi, Tikehau and Taha’a. Although it was a working trip for Tahiti Specialists, I was thoroughly spoiled with luxury accommodations at some of the most popular resorts, gourmet dining, warm tropical weather and a bit of free time (too little of course) to enjoy the fabulous snorkeling, beautiful beaches, turquoise water and sunset evenings.

I have lots of resort information and pictures to share so I’ll add to Our Blog as time permits. But since it’s almost time for the Bellevue and Lynnwood wedding shows, I thought I'd start with Tahiti - the perfect honeymoon destination!

Many couples choose the summer months for their wedding and honeymoon, so what should you expect? Perfection! May through October are the driest months in the South Pacific with air and water temperatures usually in the 80's. April and November are lovely with just a bit more rain and December through March are the warm, wet months. That's when you'll find the lowest prices in paradise.

Island activities center around the beach, pool and turquoise water and you can enjoy every sport and pastime offered near, in, under and on the water. Adventurous types can scuba dive, sail, kayak, moped or bike around the island, head out for a motu picnic or try a shark & ray feeding excursion. More leisurely options include hammocks, fabulous Polynesian spa treatments and relaxing on a pristine beach.

Honeymoon evenings often begin with a spectacular sunset followed by gourmet, open air dining under the stars. After a leisurely dinner perhaps you'll enjoy music and dancing, a romantic beach walk or just more private time together.... Tahiti really is the perfect honeymoon destination!

In my next post I'll talk about the wonderful resorts like Le Taha'a Private Island and Spa, Bora Bora Lagoon Resort, the Pearl Resorts, the Intercontinental Resorts and more. In the interim please call if I can help with your travel plans and mark your calendar for our Tahiti night in February. Hope to see you at the January wedding shows!

Linda
Tahiti Tiare Specialist

Honeymoon Planning - Sandals all inclusive resorts & Tahiti honeymoons

Italy Day 1

I arrived in Italy a few days before my scheduled Globus tour and met up with my friend Liz who was to be my traveling partner. I was pretty wiped out the first day and really glad that I took the same advise that I give my clients at Totem Travel, and had scheduled a pre-arranged transfer to our hotel in Rome. Our driver took us on a mini tour between the airport and our hotel, pointing out some sites and making recommendations for shopping and where to get the best cappuccino close to our hotel.

After checking into our hotel we decided to wander around, check out the shopping and find something to eat, but instead stumbled across Trajan’s Market, with Trajan’s Column. All the intricate carving and relief is amazing. All I could say was WOW and Wow again! (I told Liz that my vocabulary would increase as I got more rest). But really we kept looking at each other and saying “I can’t believe we’re in Rome!”

We found a little ristorante that overlooked the market and had our first bite in Rome.

After some sustenance we started walking again around Piazza Venezia and saw the huge Victor Emmanuel Monument, or The Wedding Cake as the Romans jokingly call it. The monument is in honor of the first King of Italy, yes, Victor Emmanuel. It was built in to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unification of Italy that took place in 1870. There are 2 soldiers that stand guard over Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while an eternal flame burns.

As we wandered along in awe we came across the Forum, Wow again! (no, still no increase in vocabulary). All kinds of historical names were coming to life in front of my eyes; Julius Caesar, Constantine, Caligula, Tiberius, St. Peter and more, all popping into my mind from long ago history classes, movies and novels that I’ve read.

At the end we walked out and right there in front of us was the Colosseum- 2000 years old and still standing! Again, the Romans built BIG and they built to last!

By now is was almost dusk so we got some great pictures and decided to wander back, grab some dinner and head to the hotel to crash.

Jennefer- Europe Specialist
Totem Travel
425-821-4100/800-321-7907
jennefer@totemtravel.com

Jenn's back from Italy

Honeymoon Night November 9

Tropical destinations for your honeymoon

As the owner of Totem Travel, a lifetime traveler and avid scuba diver, some of my favorite destinations are tropical. I am a Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand and Sandals Specialist and return to these destinations again and again.

My most recent trips include scuba diving off Turks and Caicos, vists to all 3 Sandals resorts on St Lucia, a return to Jamaica, 1st trip to Italy, a cruise on the Mariner of the Seas and exploring New York City . Next summer I will host a small group “Down Under” with stops in Sydney, Kangaroo Island, Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef so please let me know if you’d like more details!

My other favorite destinations include Mexico, Greece, Belize, Costa Rica, Bali and Thailand and I’ve cruised dozens of times in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

Jennefer is our Europe Specialist and often makes two trips each year. She is a Scots Master, BritAgent, Spain Specialist, France Specialist and more and she's off for Italy this fall.

Sandi lived in the Hawaiian islands, loves Las Vegas and seems to have grown Mickey ears, so please ask for her if that's your idea of the perfect honeymoon!

We are all Sandals Specialists and have been to each of the 17 all inclusive resorts on five islands. Sandals is for couples only and everything from meals to drinks to scuba diving and weddings is included! Beaches resorts are for everyone and a great choice for a destination honeymoon.

We'll have a Sandals booth at the upcoming wedding shows and we host honeymoon destination nights most months at our travel agency in Kirkland. If you can join us we'll take $150 off most honeymoons.

Totem Travel has been in business since 1989 and we're one of the Puget Sound’s largest travel agencies. Our staff has visited 4 of the world’s 7 continents and more than 30 countries so if you’d like to work with a Destination Specialist, please call or visit www.totemtravel.com.

We'd love to help you plan the perfect honeymoon!

Linda Martindell
Owner and Destination Specialist
Totem Travel
425 821-4100 or 800 321-7907

More Wedding Blogs by Wedding Professionals