Honeymoons
Wherever you happen to be spending your honeymoon one thing is for sure, it pays to get it right. Traditionally, honeymoons are one time in your life where you can splurge with immunity, for couples to spoil themselves as they begin their journey into the next phase of their life.
At the “Save the Date” Wedding Expo I had the opportunity to speak to many prospective brides about their honeymoon wish list. The top destination I was asked about was the Maldives closely followed by the perennial Thailand and growing interest in the Philippines with Boracay being the favourite. Luckily for us, there are easy connections out of Cairns to all of these wondrous places.
Maldives offer a range of accommodations from fully inclusive resorts, hotels and beautiful overwater bungalows where you can literally dive off your porch into the crystal blue waters. Great connections via Singapore offer the opportunity for a bit of stop and shop enroute as well.
Everyone loves Thailand with Phuket and Koh Samui leading the way. Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phi Phi and a host of lesser known destinations offer honeymooners the chance to get away without the crowds.
The Philippines are now at our doorstep with direct flights to Manila and offer a wonderland for divers and beach loving couples. Boracay is a popular favourite along with Cebu and Palawan, offering something a little different and less touristy.
Destination weddings are always popular, especially with “second time around” nuptials. Fiji, Vanuatu and Thailand are among the most popular, with a growing trend for couples looking to tie the knot whilst on a cruise.
A cruise-ship wedding is the perfect way to unite family and friends together on a holiday whilst celebrating at the same time. Often easier than a single destination wedding, they offer an all-inclusive option that really does cater to all needs. That is if you can cope holidaying with the family and in-laws.
Here are some tips to bear in mind when organising your honeymoon. Firstly I would say employ the assistance of a reliable travel agent. They will know all the perks to find you best inclusions, will know the best places to stay for the most romantic sunsets, best shopping and nicest restaurants. You can’t beat that expertise, advice regarding visas, medical requirements and other travel tips.
Secondly, book early especially if you are getting married in a school holiday period or other peak times. Getting the hotel and room of choice is so much easier when you book months in advance and airfares generally are cheaper if you can lock in a good deal. Plus there is the benefit of being to pay the trip off over time, helping to spread the cost that a wedding entails.
It is a good idea to set up a “Honeymoon register” with your travel agent and advise your wedding guests so they can help to pay off your romantic getaway. This is growing trend and a great idea these days where we tend to live with our intended for a period prior to tying the knot. Most couples already have all the necessities and really don’t need or want another toaster.
At the end of the day, a honeymoon is all about spending time with that special person in your life. Whether it is a local getaway, extended break or trip of a lifetime, it is who you are with that really matters.