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Honeymoons

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They say that money can’t buy everything (and certainly not love), but often when wedding plan talks are in the works, it’s easy to get caught up in the tale that “expensive is better.”

But is it, actually?

Recently, Reddit users decided to weigh in on the topic.

u/11sam111 kicked off the conversation with the concept that expanding one’s budget to focus money beyond the big day (ie: on honeymoons!) is a better way to go than cashing it all in for a day where “you miss everything because it’s so busy.”

Other Reddit users were quick to share their responses and shed light on what actually makes the day memorable that more often than not, doesn’t come with a price tag.

Here’s what people’s thoughts were: 

Stick to what you can afford

“We had a $300 wedding and spent the $20k that would have gone to a bit wedding on a house down payment and medical bills for having our kid. On the other hand my friend had a $35k wedding that was two full days of having a blast with all of her loved ones and that’s okay too! No shame either way as long you stick to what you can afford and don’t hurt anyone.” – ThrowRA_SILspilled

There might be better uses for the budget

“I’ve talked with several people that did a similar thing, they all regret nothing. One took all the wedding money he was gonna spend and used it on a down payment for a house, and another used it to take a month off with his husband to travel.” – Jan_Itor_Md_

If you spend it, don’t regret it

“I have no regrets about spending money for an event that was meaningful to the people I love.” – the_lemon_lobster

Don’t let your wedding put you in debt

“One of my friends spent 30k on his wedding. Then was upset because he and his new wife couldn’t afford to get [an] apartment together because they were in debt for 25k cus they took a loan to pay for it. Just insanity” – keyboardstatic

It’s your money

“I mean honestly, it’s your money and people waste the majority of their money on frivolous stuff anyway so if that’s what you chose to spend your money on and it made you happy, then kudos to you. I’m not really knocking the people who do per se, I just don’t understand it. But I totally don’t need to.” –SonOfSet1

A little first-class travel couldn’t hurt

“I eloped with my now husband in feb of 2020 (pre lockdown) we used the money we save to fly to Thailand first class and spent two weeks travelling for only 8grand total! Waaaay better use of our time.” – MidnaMarbles

What are your thoughts? Are you team “as expensive as possible” or team “save it for something else meaningful”?

Picture: Netflix

One thing that we love the most about honeymooning in Africa is that there are so many incredible options to choose from. However, there’s nothing more idyllic than soaking up the glorious African sun, drinking cocktails poolside, and enjoying the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. 

As travel restrictions continue to ease, more and more newlyweds are looking across the waters to book their honeymoons. The Seychelles has continuously made the list of the top places to visit on your honeymoon, and with good reason. 

 It’s a breath-taking paradise just off the east coast of Africa and home to incredible culture, activities and sights. With its Insta-perfect beaches, luxurious accommodations and jam-packed itinerary, it’s not difficult to see why South African bridal couples are obsessed.

There’s no visa requirement

For South African citizens, travelling to the gorgeous islands of The Seychelles is a breeze. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 3 months, making it the perfect spot for a honeymoon – with a valid passport of course.

It’s nearby

Just off the coast of East Africa, roughly 1 600 km from Kenya, there won’t be any long and unbearable flights involved when travelling to The Seychelles, making it a quick and easy option. It will take you about 5 hours to get there, and flights leave regularly from Johannesburg or Durban through Air Seychelles.

They have a similar climate

Warm tropical weather covers the island year round, with temperatures rarely hitting extremely hot or cold levels. Being used to our own Mediterranean climate, South Africans migrate towards the warm and sunny island tropics for fun days in the sun and exciting water activities.

It’s a gorgeous island escape 

Perhaps one of the most obvious attractions of The Seychelles is its absolute luxury. White sandy beaches and crystal blue waters create a breath-taking backdrop, while the weather conditions are perfectly suited for all sorts of activities. Besides the beaches, The Seychelles also has its own gorgeous mountainous terrains and tropical forests filled with beautiful wildlife to explore.

There’s plenty to do

With perfect day weather and a range of landscapes, there’s no shortage of creativity when it comes to activites and adventure. You can experience the incredible roaming creatures on wildlife tours, go bird-watching, snorkelling, or take part in adventurous endeavours with island hopping, skiing and kayaking.

Feature Image: johan_drone_adventures

You’re about to say your “I dos,” an event that will undoubtedly sweep you up into a love bubble of bliss as you learn to adjust to your new life as Mr and Mrs. But after 18 months of living in close proximately (at least for some of us) with your other half, spending some quality time with the most important person in your life – you – is crucial to stepping into this life of partnership on the right foot.

Indulging in a solomoon is a great way to get some much-needed “me time” before standing at the altar. Whether you choose to enjoy a week-long solo trip or a weekend under the stars, experts are adamant that prioritising some alone time is a must before embarking on your new journey. 

What is a Solomoon?

Think of it as a honeymoon, but solo. Basically, it’s an independent trip that’s taken before your wedding day. Marriage is about finding that sweet spot between independence and dependence, learning to build a life with someone while staying authentically you. Taking time out to enjoy your company – alone – is the perfect way to get reacquainted with yourself before getting married.

Sky Villa Boutique Hotel – Plettenberg 

Sky Villa Boutique Hotel

Perched on a hilltop, Sky Villa offers incredible views of Plettenberg Bay that will definitely make your soon-to-be-husband a little jealous. It’s only a five-minute drive from the beach, but trust us, you won’t want to leave this sprawling property. They offer a range of accommodation options, but it’s the Sky Villa cottage that you have to take advantage of. The cottage provides comfort and luxury, with a touch of independence if you’re not keen on spending your time in a hotel during your getaway. A gym, restaurant, fynbos garden, swimming pool and their famous Sky bar are all on-site, so you’ll never have to leave (or lift a finger).

Leobo Private Reserve – Vaalwater

Solomoon - Leobo Private Reserve
Lebo Private Game Reserve

The key to an incredible solomoon is peace and quiet, and Leobo Private Reserve is paradise. Nestled within the Waterberg mountains, it’s a three hours drive from Johannesburg and offers everything you can possibly imagine for the nature-loving bride-to-be. Spend your day exploring this 20 000 acre reserve, with bird-watching, safaris, kayaking, game viewing and sky diving all on offer. Or enjoy a quiet time out by relaxing alongside the swimming pool or enjoying the mesmerising views. There’s literally something for everyone

Woodsong Cottage – Dargle, KwaZulu-Natal 

Solomoon - Woodsong
Woodsong Cottage Airbnb

Resorts aren’t the only place you can enjoy a solo vacation. If you love spending time on your own, blasting some R&B while cooking up a storm, then self-catering is a great option. Whether you’re exploring the lush landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal or looking for something a little closer to home, Woodsong Cottage is a steal. Nestled in the Dargle Valley and overlooking the Umngeni River, it provides some amazing views for the ideal time alone. Each bedroom leads out onto the deck, where views, views, and more views are on offer. A feast for your eyes for sure, but it’s the minimalist interior design and sense of escape from the bustle of wedding planning that will really leave you screaming with delight. 

A Treehouse Stay – Port Elizabeth 

Port Elizabeth Treehouse
Port Elizabeth Treehouse Airbnb

Allow your inner child to live vicariously through you before committing yourself to a life of forever with your person by booking a stay at this incredible Port Elizabeth Treehouse. You know it’s great when it’s ranked one of the top treehouse stays in South Africa, with endless views of the valley and sea in the distance right outside your window. Don’t forget to take your Lush bath bomb as you unwind in a bathtub that offers some incredible views of the forest – a nature lover’s dream! Grab a book and enjoy the incredible bird calls, soaking in the magical yet simple architectural design and interior. If it’s not on your solomoon list, then make sure to add it to your travel bucket list.

Picture: Spirited Pursuit

Over the last year, director and head designer George Stander has dedicated much headspace to his brand, his business and what the future holds. It was during this time that he became very nostalgic about his younger days; a time when he spent most of his days surrounded by his family.

This got George thinking about how important a role his family played in his life, who he is today and, by extension, what his business has become. As an ode to his family, George decided to do something calculated but drastic: he decided to rebrand his business. Geo by George is now Leocé Luxury Couture.

A culmination of names in George’s family, Leocé is truly a brand for women of every age, producing garments that can be dressed up for formal occasions or that all-important business meeting but can also be dressed down for a casual dinner with loved ones.

“My roots are the essence of my whole being. As a family, we may be different in many ways, but we have one thing in common – love,” says George.

“With this big change comes one big promise: I will continue to design and produce luxury garments of the highest quality. This is something that will never change.”

Visit www.leocecouture.com for further information, or to shop the brand’s collection of formal dresses, wedding dresses, sleepwear and dressing gowns, kimonos and more.

The honeymoon is one of the things that newlyweds look forward to after the wedding, where they will relax and escape from everyone.

Finding the perfect place for your honeymoon can be stressful, but luckily Pinterest has made this process easier. Most couples use this App for planning, and create boards for the places they like and want to visit in the future.

Researchers analysed Pinterest trends to find the most loved destinations when it comes to post-wedding getaways. They looked up honeymoon boards on Pinterest as part of their research, then calculated the most loved and pinned boards by tracking their pins.

Their research showed that exotic places with beaches are the most popular destinations. Bali tops the list, followed by Italy and Hawaii. Europe is the most popular continent, with six destinations to appear in the top 20. Alongside Italy, the research findings revealed that Ireland, Greece, France, Iceland, and Spain are also most loved.

Here is a compilation of top honeymoon destinations in their order, according to Pinterest.

– Bali – 998 boards

-Italy – 997 boards

-Hawaii – 992 boards

-The Maldives – 981 boards

-Ireland – 980 boards

-Thailand – 980 boards

-Mexico – 949 boards

-Greece – 757 boards

-India – 734 boards

-Costa Rica – 729 boards

-Japan – 717 boards

-Jamaica – 699 boards

-New Zealand – 601 boards

-France – 500 boards

-Iceland – 499 boards

-St Lucia – 477 boards

-Aruba – 442 boards

-Bahamas – 417 boards

-Spain – 415 boards

-Fiji – 408 boards

Picture: Unsplash

If you’re an LGBTQIA+ couple, there are certain destinations in the world that are beautiful and would make dreamy honeymoon destinations, but are not safe to express your queer love in, as homosexuality is still illegal.

Dreamy destinations such as Zanzibar and Jamaica are among the places where same-sex couples are barred from entering unless their love is kept under wraps, but fret not – here is a list of perfect honeymoon destinations where same-sex couples can enjoy their time together and express their love publically.

Parts of the Caribbean

 

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Island getaways are one of the most popular honeymoon types, and the Caribbean Islands fit this perfectly with their crystal-blue waters, pure white sand and endless cocktails. While the Caribbean is a tempting destination, queer and same-sex couples should be aware that not all islands are LGBTQIA+ friendly, and these include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Vincent, Dominica, the Grenadines, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Cayman Islands.

The islands of Puerto Rico, Saint Barts, Sint Maarten, the US Virgin Islands and Saint-Martin are suitable destinations for LGBTQIA+ couples to enjoy in peace and fresh matrimony.

Las Vegas, The United States

Sin City is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples who are fun-loving, and love a bit of wilder time than a simple island getaway. There are countless activities to choose from, including gambling, clubbing and spending the daytime by the pool. There is a particular area of Vegas that has been called the ‘Fruit Loop’, where there are a number of venues and clubs aimed towards the queer community, and this can be found on Paradise Road near the Hard Rock Hotel.

Napa and Sonoma, the United States

A winelands honeymoon is the perfect way for some couples to bask in the wonders of being newly married. This part of northern California is known for its stunning views, and is also a wildly popular wedding venue. Stunning wineries are sprinkled throughout the valley, and the Mediterranean climate makes every day the perfect day for visiting wine farms and tasting award-winning wines.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Mexican cities that stand out to LGBTQIA+ honeymooners are Puerto Vallarta and Cancún. Puerto Vallarta is known for its old Spanish feel and lively gay scene. There are also countless hotels geared towards those of the community exclusively, so couples have the comfort of knowing they are in a safe space even away from home.

Costa Rica, Central America

Known for its rain forests, volcanos, and wildlife, this beautiful gem makes for the perfect honeymoon destination. From tree houses to coastal casas, gay and lesbian travelers flock to Costa Rica to experience the simple and laid-back lifestyle. There are tons of LGBTQIA+ properties to choose from across the country. Eco tours, nature hikes, the flora and fauna, and activities will keep you busy for days.

Vancouver, Canada

 

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Canada is a huge hit with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Its friendly citizens and an overall clean atmosphere is a big attraction for those wanting to reset before going into married life properly. Two cities that are most popular include Toronto and Vancouver. Canadian liberal laws protect queer couples, and is hailed as one of the most progressive, gay-friendly tourist bureaus on the planet.

Image: Unsplash

If you want to experience a different life from your everyday, immerse yourself and learn about other cultures, then these are the honeymoon destinations for you.

Singapore

Where East meets West – Singapore is a fusion of Asian, European and Middle Eastern cultures. With many different religions existing harmoniously, Singapore sees its diversity as a strength, and you will see it too.

Sri Mariamman Temple

Cambodia

Filled with ancient temples, rice paddies and a surprisingly sophisticated urban scene, Cambodia is where ancient and modern worlds collide.

Angkor Wat

Brazil

Brazil has a colourful culture with countless festivals across the country that celebrate its diversity, the most famous being the Carnaval. Music is a large part of Brazilian culture as it allows the people to express their joy of life.

Carnival of Brazil

Greece

Known as the birthplace of Western culture and democracy as Greek beliefs in democratic governments and equality influenced our modern democracies. Besides that, Greece is flush with ancient ruins, festivals and holidays.

Meteora

Turkey

Thanks to the multi-ethnic and religious Ottoman empire, traditions of Mediterranean and Central Asian cultures were brought together. Turkey is also home to world-famous ruins and monuments.

Ephesus

Morocco 

Having ties to Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Morocco has done very well in taking the best traditions and making them new. You will be able to see the cultural diversity in the many different architectural wonders.

Hassan II Mosque

Images: Pixabay

 

For those that can ski or want to learn, a ski trip is arguably one of the best holidays one can take. Your days are filled with fun activity and at night you can do as you please – go for a nice meal, relax and get cosy.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in to do on your honeymoon, take a look at these great ski destinations:

Canada

If you’re looking for spectacular terrain, wide and quiet slopes and knee deep powder, then Canada is the place for you.

USA

The US is known for world class skiing as the large variety of resorts means you can find whatever you’re looking for, as well as pistes for every level of skiing.

France

France is the most popular skiing destination in Europe due to its high altitudes and, as a result, reliable conditions.

Switzerland

Filled with classic ski towns, high altitudes and great snow records. The only downside is the cost as Switzerland is the most expensive skiing destination in Europe.

Austria

Home of Après-ski: a fun and cheaper European ski holiday, as well as tree-lined slopes and the best ski lift systems. The lower altitudes mean less snow but this is combatted with snowmaking.

Japan

With consistent light powdered snow, uncrowded slopes and beautiful mountain vistas, it’s understandable that Japan has some of the best ski resorts in the world.

Images: Pixabay