| Michael Cottam, one of the founders of | | | | resorts will have very good American and |
| TheBigDay, offers advice on how to go about | | | | European menus, but for authentic local cuisine |
| choosing where to go on your honeymoon. | | | | you'll have to venture outside the resort. |
| So you're engaged...congratulations! One of the | | | | All-inclusives and cruises often make fabulous food |
| most fun parts about getting married is planning | | | | very affordable; if you're not at an all-inclusive |
| that honeymoon trip of a lifetime. And if you | | | | resort, the on-property restaurants are often |
| haven't even narrowed it down to a country, | | | | pretty pricey compared to outside restaurants, |
| much less an island or a resort, don't worry-many | | | | and tend to be less authentic with respect to local |
| (if not most!) honeymoon couples are in the same | | | | native cuisine. If your chosen resort is in or near a |
| boat. | | | | reasonably large town or tourist area, you may |
| Some couples start by leafing through travel or | | | | have lots of choice for dinner; if you're secluded |
| bridal magazines and looking for pictures that are | | | | and isolated, it's possible that you have no choice |
| appealing and romantic-you can do this, but you're | | | | but to dine at the resort (and pay their prices, if |
| more likely to settle on the best-MARKETED | | | | it's not included!). |
| destination rather than the best destination for | | | | In areas like Fiji and Tahiti, you'll often find that |
| your wants, needs, and style. | | | | while the resort isn't officially all-inclusive, they do |
| The following are questions you should ask | | | | have a "meal plan" which covers food and |
| yourself-it'll help you figure out what your options | | | | sometimes drinks. Sometimes these plans cover |
| are, and help you ask better questions of your | | | | just breakfast and dinner, which leaves you the |
| travel agent...which will help you plan that perfect | | | | option of trying the local cuisine and eating |
| honeymoon. | | | | relatively inexpensively for lunch. |
| When are you going? | | | | Adventure! |
| Every destination has its high and low seasons-and | | | | How about a safari in Kenya or Botswana? Or |
| this is typically a combination of weather and the | | | | hiking in the Andes...maybe a trip to Macchu Pichu? |
| times of the year that their tourists typically take | | | | Or a week on a rented sailboat in the Caribbean? |
| vacations. Some destinations, such as Hawaii, have | | | | How about touring Australia on a Harley? Maybe |
| very little variance in their weather year-round; | | | | trek through the jungles of Costa Rica, observing |
| others, like the Caribbean have a definite hurricane | | | | monkeys and exotic birds? If these appeal to |
| season. Yet it's important to know that the | | | | you, first thing you need to do is make sure they |
| Caribbean is a very big place-and different parts | | | | also appeal to your spouse! These kinds of trips |
| have different hurricane seasons, and some parts | | | | create memories of a lifetime, and can be very |
| of the western Caribbean really aren't hurricane | | | | affordable as well. Often, couples will want to |
| prone at all. Other destinations--such as Central | | | | combine an "adventure" trip with a few days |
| America and Southeast Asia-have rainy or | | | | relaxing at a beach resort-these kinds of |
| monsoon seasons. You really need to know the | | | | combination packages can be put together for |
| specific destination in order to have a feel for | | | | you by a knowledgeable travel agent, and give |
| whether or not their "green" season is too "green" | | | | you the best of both worlds. |
| (rainy!) for you. | | | | Watersports |
| Also, ask yourself if you're willing to delay the | | | | Do you and your fiancé scuba dive (or do |
| start of your honeymoon a couple of weeks or | | | | you want to learn)? You'll find that pretty much |
| months. Summer months are very popular for | | | | every tropical destination has diving and snorkeling |
| weddings, as it tends to be easier for family and | | | | available. Some will have scuba courses offered |
| friends to get to the wedding; plus, if you're | | | | by the resorts, while other resorts will have |
| having an outdoor wedding, the odds of good | | | | partnered with local dive companies. If you love |
| weather are more in your favor. However, this | | | | to snorkel, make sure your travel agent knows, |
| also tends to be the expensive (and sometimes | | | | so they can recommend resorts where the wave |
| more crowded) season for many honeymoon | | | | conditions tend to be good and there are good |
| destinations. Giving yourself a month off after the | | | | snorkeling reefs nearby so that there's something |
| wedding before leaving on your honeymoon can | | | | besides just sand to look at. In general, a great |
| give you time to relax and wind down from the | | | | surfing beach won't be a great snorkeling beach! |
| wedding, write your thank-you notes, and take | | | | Are you interested in going deep-sea fishing? It's |
| advantage of the lower prices of what's known | | | | important to know what the fishing is like where |
| as the "shoulder season" (between high and low | | | | you're going. For instance, while you can take a |
| season). | | | | guided fishing trip from any one of the Hawaiian |
| Travel time/vacation time | | | | islands, your chances of actually doing some |
| How much time off work are you going to take? | | | | CATCHING as well as fishing are substantially |
| And how much of it are you willing to spend on | | | | better on the Big Island! |
| an airplane? | | | | Additionally, it's important to talk to your travel |
| If you're going on an African safari, you're going | | | | agent about what kinds of watersports you want |
| to consume about a day and a half traveling each | | | | to enjoy. If you're interested in jetskiing and |
| way from the U.S. This is fine if you're going to | | | | parasailing, you'll want to be in one place; if you |
| be there a couple of weeks, but if those days | | | | want to kayak with the turtles, snorkel around |
| are coming off your total of 7 days on vacation, | | | | the reef, you'll want to be elsewhere. It's also |
| you might consider someplace closer. And | | | | useful to know how far it is from your hotel to |
| distance isn't the only factor: how many | | | | the best spots for your activities-you won't want |
| stopovers is it going to take to get where you're | | | | to spend two hours a day roundtripping from |
| going? If you've got to land on a main island, then | | | | your hotel to your activities. |
| wait around for 4 to 6 hours for the "island | | | | The destinations |
| hopper" flight to take you out to your remote | | | | Here's a quick look at some of the more popular |
| private island retreat, that's going to consume | | | | destinations, and what they're known for. |
| your vacation time too. | | | | Fiji- great scuba and snorkeling, very friendly |
| A great option, if it's available, is a red-eye flight, | | | | people, mostly villa-style beach bungalow |
| where you sleep on the plane and wake up at | | | | accommodations in widely-separated resorts. |
| your destination, saving a day of vacation time. | | | | Moderately expensive to very expensive. About 9 |
| Language | | | | hours flying time from Los Angeles. |
| This is less of a problem than you might think. | | | | Hawaii- beautiful weather all year round, close to |
| Unless you're backpacking around some exotic | | | | mainland U.S., amazing array of watersports and |
| country, you're going to find people in restaurants, | | | | adventure activities. Not as much of a cultural |
| hotels, and the activity vendors all speak English. | | | | transition for mainland Americans as many other |
| One bit of advice: try to learn a few words and | | | | destinations. Most hotels have 200-400 rooms; |
| phrases in the local language, as you'll find you're | | | | hotel density along beaches can be high. Excellent |
| treated differently if you begin conversations with | | | | choice for a destination wedding, as prices are |
| "hello" in their language, and show you're willing to | | | | very reasonable for high quality and service. |
| make the effort to get along in their country. | | | | Inexpensive to moderately expensive. |
| Cost | | | | Tahiti- great scuba and snorkeling, famous for |
| The big question! First, some statistics: the | | | | overwater bungalows and phenomenal views. |
| average U.S. couple spends about $3700 for their | | | | Resorts tend to be fairly far apart; very secluded |
| honeymoon package...and this doesn't included | | | | and private. Expensive to very expensive; food, |
| expenditures once they're at their destination. | | | | drinks, and activities can be very expensive as |
| When considering a resort that's NOT all-inclusive, | | | | well. About 8 hours flying time from Los Angeles. |
| take some time to research the area and find out | | | | Mexico- Cancun/Cozumel nearly fully recovered |
| what meals cost, what a snorkel trip costs, what | | | | from the past summer's hurricanes, and much |
| taxis cost, etc. Tourist bureau sites are a good | | | | rebuilding has resulted in many upgraded resorts. |
| place to start. | | | | High density of resorts on beaches in places like |
| Costs of excursions and meals can easily add up | | | | Cancun and Cabo. Great diving, watersports; |
| to much more than your airfare and hotel, and | | | | some areas close to Mayan ruins. Recently, |
| you need to be realistic and prepared for this. | | | | all-inclusive resorts have become common, and |
| Consider staying at multiple hotels on your | | | | there are some terrific bargains to be had, |
| honeymoon-perhaps one or two nights at | | | | especially at the moderate to more expensive |
| someplace really nice to start, then a more | | | | resorts. A new trend we're seeing is combining |
| moderate property with perhaps less of a view | | | | the traditional beach vacation with a few days |
| for the remainder. | | | | inland at one of Mexico's colonial cities, exploring |
| People, people, people | | | | the history and culture of old Mexico. Easy access |
| There are a number of important considerations | | | | from the U.S. Inexpensive to moderately |
| here. First off, who else is going to be at your | | | | expensive. |
| resort? Are most of the guests at the resort in | | | | Caribbean- known for prevalence of all-inclusive |
| your age group? Are they young and | | | | resorts, especially in Jamaica. Huge range of |
| adventurous, or older and mostly interested in | | | | cultures, styles, food, music. Great watersports |
| golf? Does the resort market to families-are you | | | | and scenery, and not too long in the air from |
| going to find a ton of kids splashing around in the | | | | major U.S. cities. Cruises are a very popular way |
| pool when you're trying to have a romantic, | | | | to explore multiple islands and countries in the |
| relaxing time? Is the bar going to be lively, with | | | | Caribbean at a modest cost. Inexpensive to very |
| your kind of music? Are you going to feel right at | | | | expensive. |
| home, or a bit out of place? | | | | Europe - history, architecture, and great food and |
| Next, let's talk about density: do you prefer to be | | | | wine are big draws here. Airfare is less than you |
| in the middle of the action, with lots of other | | | | might expect, often sub-$500 per person |
| happy honeymooners all around, or quieter and | | | | roundtrip. Less of a beach resort destination, |
| more secluded? Think about whether you want to | | | | although areas of Italy, France, and Greece on |
| be in a hotel with 400 rooms, or a resort with 40 | | | | the Mediterranean can provide the sun & surf |
| private villas...the experience will be very different. | | | | element. Castles in Ireland and self-drive B&B |
| And do you want to be waited on hand and foot, | | | | vacations throughout the UK are popular, as are |
| or left alone to explore by yourselves? Do you | | | | villa stays in France and Italy. In Greece, the |
| want to shop, maybe pick up souvenirs or local | | | | Cyclades islands are very popular: Santorini with |
| style clothes, or maybe some artwork? Maybe | | | | its submerged volcano, black sandy beach, and |
| you want a mix: in Hawaii, popular combinations | | | | breathtaking sunsets...Mykonos with its blue-domed |
| would include a few nights in the heart of Waikiki | | | | churches, whitewashed houses and beaches...and |
| combined with a few nights on the North | | | | Naxos, the largest island with golden sandy |
| Shore...on Maui, perhaps a split between the | | | | beaches, clear turquoise waters, and the medieval |
| Lahaina/Kaanapali area and the secluded Hana | | | | capital of Hora. Honeymooners often combine |
| coast. | | | | stays on these islands with a visit to Athens. |
| Finally, how much do you want to learn about the | | | | Many cruise options are available, allowing easy |
| locals, their language, food, and culture? Generally, | | | | exploration of a number of Mediterranean ports in |
| at the all-inclusive resorts, you'll find yourselves | | | | one vacation. Moderately expensive to very |
| with other tourists, separated from the local style. | | | | expensive. |
| If you want to immerse yourselves in the local | | | | Costa Rica & Belize - becoming very popular as |
| environment, perhaps consider a smaller hotel, | | | | eco-tourism destinations, these countries offer |
| farther from the main tourist areas. | | | | terrific beach resorts, watersports, diving and |
| History and culture | | | | snorkeling, combined with jungle exploration and |
| Do you enjoy visiting ancient ruins...centuries-old | | | | eco-adventures. Treetop resorts becoming |
| cathedrals...seeing native villages? The beauty of | | | | popular here as well; and like Mexico, there are a |
| the art, architecture, and history of Greece, Italy, | | | | number of Mayan ruins accessible in Belize. Belize |
| Scotland and Ireland, or Mayan civilizations can | | | | also is famous for its barrier reef, and the scuba |
| make for a fabulous honeymoon experience. | | | | diving hotspot known as The Blue Hole. Relatively |
| Europe is an obvious destination, but think also | | | | short flight from mainland U.S., combined with |
| about the Mayans and Aztecs in Latin | | | | great value for the dollar at many resorts makes |
| America...Buddhist temples in Bali and Thailand... | | | | these two countries very hot for honeymooners. |
| Angkor Wat in Cambodia...Buddhist and Hindu | | | | Australia & New Zealand - enormous variety of |
| temples in India. China is becoming a much more | | | | things to do for the adventurous types, from |
| popular destination as well: consider visiting the | | | | Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier reef, Sydney |
| Great Wall and seeing the Terracotta Warriors. | | | | and its renowned Opera House, Surfers Paradise. |
| Accommodations | | | | New Zealand has everything from geysers in |
| How sensitive are you to humidity and | | | | Rotorua to jet-boating; hiking and skiing amongst |
| temperature? This can determine not only the | | | | tremendous scenery, and of course the famous |
| destination, but also the choice of resort, as not all | | | | Maori hospitality. We often suggest combining a |
| A/C systems are created equal. How close do | | | | trip to either of these countries with a stopover |
| you want to be to nature? I've stayed at | | | | in Fiji or Tahiti as well. Long flight times (15 hours+ |
| fabulous safari lodges in Africa that didn't even | | | | from Los Angeles) mean you'll probably want to |
| have complete walls...just mosquito nets to | | | | stay 2 weeks at the very least. Moderately |
| protect you at night. For some, this is a dream | | | | expensive to expensive. |
| come true-for others it might be a nightmare. | | | | The Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius are all |
| How important is your living space in your hotel | | | | fabulous honeymoon destinations, although |
| room? Do you feel claustrophobic easily? Do you | | | | because of the flying time from the U.S. (around |
| like to lounge around in the morning, have | | | | 30 hours), they're more commonly visited by |
| breakfast in bed, or do you like to get up and out | | | | Europeans. Truly spectacular diving and scenery, |
| there exploring the island? Is a spa on-property | | | | great food and culture, and very friendly people. |
| important to you? Is a view of the ocean from | | | | Hotels are much more spread out than Hawaii or |
| your room important to you...enough to justify | | | | Mexico-more like Fiji or Tahiti. Private island |
| the higher price? | | | | resorts are common, as in Fiji and Tahiti. |
| Also think about how you typically spend your | | | | Seychelles and Mauritius trips are commonly |
| day on vacation. If you go back and forth from | | | | combined with a week or so in Africa on safari. |
| the room to the beach, the pool, the restaurant, | | | | Expensive to very expensive, even without the |
| you might want a place with ground-level villas | | | | airfare (roughly $1500 to $2000 per person |
| rather than have to get on and off elevators all | | | | roundtrip from the U.S.). |
| the time. If you're going to spend most of your | | | | Southeast Asia - combines terrific beach resorts |
| days out exploring the island, this might not | | | | with extraordinary culture and historical sites to |
| matter so much. | | | | explore. A relatively long flight from the U.S. (up |
| Nightlife | | | | to 20 hours depending on routing), but a |
| Are you going to want to go out dancing | | | | tremendous value once you're there. Thailand, Bali, |
| clubbing? Or maybe see some native dances or | | | | China, Vietnam and Cambodia are all becoming |
| performances? If you're going to Hawaii, and you | | | | very popular. Very inexpensive without the |
| ARE looking for nightlife, you'll probably want to | | | | airfare; inexpensive to moderate with airfare. |
| think about Oahu or maybe Maui. | | | | Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Chile are becoming |
| For Mexico, you should be thinking about Cancun | | | | more popular, and offer a great opportunity to |
| or Cabo, rather than some of the more isolated | | | | experience culture, wilderness and traditional beach |
| resort areas. If you're considering the Caribbean, | | | | resorts all in one vacation. The Amazon is a huge |
| the answer to this question might affect the | | | | draw, of course, but also the culture and |
| island or region you choose as well. Music: what do | | | | experiences to be had in Rio and Buenos Aires |
| you want to hear on your honeymoon? Mariachi | | | | make for a very memorable and exotic |
| bands, steel drums, reggae, or Hawaiian hula...what | | | | honeymoon. The Inca city of Machu Picchu is |
| appeals to you? | | | | certainly one of the most beautiful and enigmatic |
| Food! | | | | ancient sites in the world, perched in the Andes at |
| How adventurous of an eater are you? How | | | | over 9,000 feet in elevantion. Moderately |
| about your fiancé? Do you like to try the | | | | expensive to very expensive. |
| local food, try many different restaurants? Often | | | | |