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Honeymoon destinations for: Island Hopping

November 4, 2019 No Comments

Who doesn’t love an island getaway? The sea, the sand and a delicious beverage is sometimes all you need to relax and unwind. An island-based honeymoon is especially perfect after the stress of planning a wedding.

If you’re a beach lover, island hopping is an excellent honeymoon option. Rather than settling in one place, island hopping allows you to experience many different locations in one trip. You’ll definitely want to check out these destinations to live out your island fantasy.

Greece:

Live your Mamma Mia life to the fullest in Greece. With 6000 islands to choose from within the Greek archipelego, you’ll definitely need to do your research.

There are a number of Greek Island groups, including: the Ionian islands, the Argo-saronic Islands, the Cyclades, Crete, and the Dodocanese Islands. Within each grouping there are a multitude of islands to sail between.

Some of the most romantic islands are Santorini, Milos, and Hydra.

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Croatia:

Besides offering beautiful old-town culture, Croatia is home to over 1000 islands and close to 6,000 kilometres of coastline fronting the Adriatic sea. Honeymooners can simply hop on a boat to explore the country via water.

A must see is Hvar, one of the country’s most popular islands. It reminds one of a beautiful seaside village, with much to see and do. The city of Dubrovnik’s beaches are a sparkling blue. When there, make sure to take a ferry to Locrum island for a private day in the sun.

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Fiji:

Fiji has over 330 breathtaking islands for you to experience. The Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are the most popular, and honeymooners can easily purchase a Bula pass to hop between them.

Viti Levu is the largest island, and offers sea and city life. Savusavu is just a few hours away, and offers quiet contemplation and relaxation. Lose track of time while admiring the little shops in the quaint city centre.

For a private island experience, take a trip to Savasi Island. The island is made up of lava rock, and honeymooners can enjoy an array of activities such as hiking, kayaking and snorkeling.

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Thailand:

Thailand has quickly become a popular honeymoon destination for its affordability and beautiful beaches. Take your pick from its over 1000 islands. Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lipe are the most popular destinations.

Honeymooners often favour Koh Yao Noi for its idyllic setting and stunning scenery. Most accommodation on this island is quite luxurious. Scuba divers will love the Similan Islands, where you can visit Richelieu Rock and Elephant Head Rock.

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Philippines:

The Philippine archipelago comprises of over 7000 islands clustered into the three major groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Palawan, the largest island in the Phillipines, has been voted best island in the world for many years, and we can see why. With jungles, mountains and white beaches, honeymooners will love the variety of experiences from just this one island. The Twin Lagoons in Coron, Palawan are incredibly popular with tourists for its towering cliffs and crystal clear water.

For something more remote, Palaui Island is perfect for nature lovers wanting a break from fast-paced city life. Hike through the vibrant green rice fields one day, explore caves and waterfalls the next.

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The Bahamas:

With over 700 islands, The Bahamas is an ecological paradise boasting some of the clearest water on the planet.

The country’s capital, Nassau, is the perfect mix of city and island life. From here, take a trip to Paradise Island. The Abacos island is popular with tourists for its swimming pigs attraction. While here, enjoy one of the four national parks on the island. Andros is the largest island in The Bahamas, and is home to the second largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. Divers will particularly enjoy this island.

Honeymooners will love Harbour Island’s rose tinted sand and its peaceful atmosphere.

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10 Ways to save money on your honeymoon

September 25, 2019 No Comments

You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools.

Just like the wedding and everything that surrounds it, your honeymoon will be yet another expensive weight on your shoulders. However, with some careful planning, lots of research and a bit of consideration, it is possible to save some money. Here’s how:

1. Include it in your registry

Instead of opting for the traditional registry, ask guests for a contribution towards your honeymoon in general, or specific excursions, tickets or bookings. It’s no longer frowned upon to ask for a donation instead of a gift, as more and more couples already have everything they need for their home before even getting married.

2. Who needs souvenirs?

Instead of spending unnecessary money on souvenirs (which, let’s face it, you’ll never look at again), rather spend it on experiences – such as special dinners, excursions or tours. These experiences are much more valuable than physical things. However, if you love doing outdoorsy stuff, such as hiking, it might even cost you less!

3. Use public transport instead of Ubers

Do some research and gather information on how the public transport system works in the areas you’ll be in. Ubers and taxis are often much more expensive than the public systems, so this way you’ll be able to save quite a bit. Your hotel or accommodation staff will also be able to assist you with recommendations and guides.

4. Be clever with your travel dates

You don’t need to leave for your honeymoon the moment you get married. Because most couples still need to take personal matters, such as work, into consideration before being able to leave, you can plan your honeymoon around ‘cheaper’ seasons, flights and destinations. Consider off-season options, as this will not only be cheaper all round, but also less crowded.

5. Score some points

On your credit card, that is. Lots of credit card services offer rewards that you can use for travel, including discounts on flights, accommodation, restaurants etc. Although you’d have to start planning this one quite a bit in advance, it will definitely be worth it.

6. DIY

Instead of booking everything through a travel agency, do your research, plan carefully, and book everything yourself to avoid paying any additional fees. Also make sure to check the direct websites of hotels, lodges or resorts, as they often have slightly lower rates than when it’s booked elsewhere. If you do, however, prefer to use an agent, make sure they book package deals for you, so that you can get the most bang for your buck.

7. Take a chance

It might be a little forward, but when booking a room, a restaurant or whatever it may be, casually mention that it’s your honeymoon. People love romance, so they might just give you a freebie, an upgrade or a warm(er) welcome.

8. Get travel insurance

Just in case.

9. Consider when you eat out

You don’t have to eat at a restaurant for every single meal. Go to local markets or grocery stores and gather a few bits and pieces to take on a picnic, to have in your room or to make a meal yourself. This way you’ll also experience more of your surroundings and of the culture than you would sitting down at a restaurant three times a day.

10. Go on the hunt

Again, you’ll need to take some time and do your research with this one, but make an effort to hunt for some deals. Many hotels, destinations, cruises and airlines have regular deals – whether it’s for honeymooners, seasonal or simply because. Make use of them and be sure to make some calls to figure out if they don’t offer any additional deals. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know.

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What to do when disaster strikes before your honeymoon

September 19, 2019 No Comments

When it comes to booking holidays, it’s always best to plan in advance. The earlier you book, the higher the chance is of scoring a great deal. Incentives aside, being well organized is never a bad thing. Unfortunately, things don’t always go according to plan so what do you do when disaster strikes before your honeymoon?

Check the weather

Even though you may not be able to predict the weather, you can always research and see when certain natural disasters are more likely to occur. For example, hurricanes are more likely to occur between June to November in Florida, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. If you are already there and disaster strikes, there should be specific procedures in place and safety precautions. Many places will have shelters to take cover in.

Insurance

Depending on how much money you’ve invested in your honeymoon, taking travel insurance is a great option. If disaster strikes before you leave for your romantic getaway and you need to cancel, the extensive travel insurance should cover it.

What do the experts say?

Travel agent, Melissa Geldenhuys from Sure Travel says travel insurance is imperative. This means that you will be covered in the event of your holiday being disrupted by any unforeseen situations.

“Should there be a natural disaster or terrorist attack that occurs before or during the client’s travel, the airlines and tour operators would put an advisory in place on how to proceed with the travel arrangements.”

If disaster strikes before you leave, the airline/tour operator would advise alternative travel dates that the holiday can be moved to at no cost to the client. If the client is not able to change their travel dates, a cancellation procedure would be offered. Any penalty fees not waived, could be reimbursed by the travel insurance company.

If an incident occurs while you’re already on honeymoon, then the airlines/tour operator would advise alternative travel arrangements. This could mean moving accommodation, changing flights and evacuation procedures put in place to return clients to their home country.

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Honeymoon destinations for: Art & History lovers

August 29, 2019 No Comments

If both you and your partner are art and history lovers, then a honeymoon destination filled with museums is perfect for you. Museums are actually quite romantic places and a great way for the newlywed couple to spend quality time together – you’ll end up learning a lot more about your partner through your discussions of the art that you see.

These are the best places to visit if you’d like to spend your days trawling through museums:

USA

Filled with museums all over the country, the most famous American museums being in New York City. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is currently voted as the world’s top museum and contains more than 2 million works of art and pieces by some renowned artists. The Museum of Modern Art has an incredibly influential collection of modern art as well as performance art, architecture and design. The Guggenheim is famous for its shape alone and also has impressionist, modern and contemporary art. The National Gallery of Art in Washington features artists such as Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso.

Spain

Spain has one of the best collections of art in Europe. It is also the birthplace of famous artists such as Picasso, Dalí and Velázquez. The Museo Nacional del Prado (Prado museum) in Madrid is the most famous museum in Spain and contains works by El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, Van Dyck and Rembrandt. The Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid has Picasso’s Guernica and works by Dalí. The Picasso museum in Barcelona has a broad collection of work by the artist after whom it was named, Pablo Picasso, with over 4000 pieces. The museum itself is located within adjoining medieval palaces and the gothic architecture is also a sight to see.

France

The beauty of France alone is a pull-factor but the quality of museums should be too. The French are known for their romance which is another reason France is a great honeymoon destination. The Louvre, that houses the famous Mona Lisa, is the most famous museum in France but there are many other noteworthy galleries to visit, as well as street art and famous landmarks. The Musée Marmottan-Claude Monet has the world’s largest collection of works by Monet. The Orangerie Museum boasts Monet’s Waterlillies. The Musée d’Orsay is filled with impressionist and post-impressionist art and holds pieces by Monet, Van Gogh and Munch. The Pompidou Centre houses paintings by Dalí, Munch, Picasso and Matisse.

England

The National Gallery has over 2000 paintings including works by Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Monet. The Tate Modern has great contemporary art featuring Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych as well as pieces by Lichtenstein, Dalí and Picasso. The British Museum has the largest collection of artefacts in the world and works by Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Van Gogh can be found here as well. The Natural History Museum consists of dinosaur skeletons and fossils as well as a mind-blowing skeleton of a blue whale.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has a wide range of museums making the country a world leader in terms of art and culture. The Van Gogh Museum is appropriately named due to the fact that it has the largest collection of works by Van Gogh. The Rijksmuseum has masterpieces by Vermeer and Rembrandt. The Anne Frank museum, located in the actual house where she and her family hid during the Nazi occupation, serves to educate visitors about her story.

South Africa

South Africa is a beautiful country and popular honeymoon destination on its own but it made this list thanks to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCCA). The building itself was made from a converted grain silo and serves to celebrate the structure’s industrial heritage. The Zeitz is the biggest contemporary art museum in Africa and the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world.

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Honeymoon destinations for: Hiking

August 26, 2019 No Comments

After the stress and excitement of the wedding, we can’t think of a better way to give your soul some therapy than to get into nature. Hiking is a great way to explore, reconnect with and appreciate the beauty of nature.

These are some of the best places to go hiking around the world, thanks to the variety and diversity within them.

Canada

With sky-high mountains and an endless number of different landscapes, Canada provides an exceptional hiking experience. Within the landscapes you will find lakes, mountains, forests and lots of wildlife. Due to the vast land area, there are hiking opportunities that range from easy to difficult.

USA

Consists of hundreds of thousands of hiking trails and is extremely diverse in terms of landscapes. There are deserts, mountains, rainforests etc. Hiking in the U.S. is protected by the National Park Service and they ensure the preservation of the trails and scenery. You’ll be able to experience ample views, mighty trees, rocky ledges and endless canyons.

Norway

Norway has a reputation for being one of the best hiking destinations in the world, and it is well deserved. There is no better way to experience and see all of Norway’s beauty than by foot. It has jagged mountains and a large scenic variety that is so beautiful it will take your breath away.

South Africa

Known for its diverse landscapes and stunning views, South Africa has hiking trails that suit every fitness level. There is no better way to explore the terrain and discover indigenous flora and fauna than by trekking through it.

Nepal

A famous hiking destination thanks to Mount Everest with people travelling from all over the world to get a glimpse of the world’s highest mountain. But hiking in Nepal is not only limited to Mount Everest. In fact, Nepal is home to 8 of the top 10 highest mountains in the world. Hiking in Nepal is a truly unique experience as many of the beautiful landscapes are only accessible by foot.

New Zealand

Home to the ‘Great Walks’ – amazing trails that allow one to experience the diverse and breathtaking scenery. There are walking and hiking options for all levels. Discover the range of scenery from snowcapped mountains to lush forests.

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Honeymoon destinations for: Safari

August 20, 2019 No Comments

Going on safari for your honeymoon will be one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences. It is the perfect trip to take after a wedding as it is a chance for the newlyweds to really relax and escape from the city life. A real safari is of course only accessible within Africa and while there are so many places one can visit, these safari spots have the most to offer. And of course, there’s nothing quite like an African sunset.

Uganda

Although you might not be able to see the big 5, there is plenty to see on a Ugandan safari. Uganda’s volcanic past is visible in the landscape and there are over 600 species of bird, tree climbing lions, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and many primate species – after all, Uganda is best known for its gorilla trekking.

Kenya

It’s very possible that you will see the big 5 as well as the rare black rhino and, if you’re lucky, lions on the hunt during the wildebeest migration from August to November. Kenya is also famous for its big cat populations and is extremely focused on ecotourism. All in all, a great safari option.

Tanzania

While there are not many elephants and rhinos, the large open grasslands provide a grazing spot for zebras and wildebeest, as well as allow for easier predator sightings and the lack of trees makes leopard spotting much easier. It’s also likely that you will see a lion kill between the months of November to July, during the migration.

Zimbabwe

A Zimbabwean safari is not very well known which makes for uncrowded parks. You can expect to see plenty of elephants, the black rhino, African wild dogs and bat-eared foxes. Other animals that are also often spotted are lions and large herds of buffalo. It’s also a lovely place for bird watching with over 400 species of bird.

Botswana

Having one of the highest quantities of wildlife, Botswana is a pretty safe safari option. With the reintroduction of the white and black rhino, it is possible to see the big 5. It’s home to the largest elephant herds in Africa and a great deal of lion, buffalo, leopard and wild dogs. You also might be fortunate enough to see some interactions between the lions and buffalos. Another perk is that it is just a day’s trip away from Victoria falls.

South Africa

The most reliable safari destination for sightings of the big 5 thanks to having more mammals than all other African game reserves. There are also over 500 bird species. Other notable animals include cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, and many more. South Africa is the best option for first timers.

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Honeymoon destinations for: Culture

August 16, 2019 No Comments

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.

Cambodia

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Honeymoon destinations for: Skiing

August 14, 2019 No Comments

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.

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Honeymoon destinations for: Food and Wine

August 8, 2019 No Comments

Some couples want to relax on the beach, others want an adventure-filled honeymoon and some want the food and wine experience. If that’s you, take a look at these places known for their excellent food and wine.

France

With gastronomy and champagne originating in France as well as being one of the largest wine producing countries in the world, it is an obvious choice for a honeymoon destination.

Italy

You’ll find Italian food all over the world, but no-one does it quite like the locals. Italy also has a large variety of unique wines and of course, prosecco.

Spain

Food and wine is a part of the Spanish culture and with its mixture of traditional and experimental recipes, its easy to see why.

Argentina

Argentina is famous for its grilling, new-world cuisine and wine production with Spanish roots making for a great honeymoon destination.

South Africa

Although not necessarily known for its food and wine, South Africa boasts world class cuisine and is filled with wine farms and reasonable pricing.

Tunisia

With French and African influenced food combinations, fully flavoured and spiced dishes, and a full history of wine production, Tunisia is an overlooked destination for foodies and wine lovers.

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Pros and cons of a destination wedding

July 31, 2019 No Comments

Destination weddings are quickly becoming a popular option, but as with any wedding choice, they come with their own pros and cons.

Guests

The biggest appeal of having a destination wedding is being able to get married in a beautiful setting and potentially having a much smaller guest list as not everyone will have the time or money to make the trip. However, this also means that some people that you would have wanted to be there might not be able to make it.

Before settling on the idea of a destination wedding, chat to the people that you absolutely have to have at your wedding and see if they are able to make it. You can also consider covering a portion of their costs if your budget allows. For example, you could pay for their accommodation and then they are just responsible for their flights.

Costs

While your guest list may be smaller, meaning your ceremony and reception will cost less, you will have to spend more money on events surrounding the wedding to thank your guests for attending and making their trip worthwhile, and again, if you decide to cover their accommodation or some other costs, you will be spending even more.

Gifts

The biggest gift you will receive from your guests is their presence; if you are having a destination wedding, that should be enough. Since most of your guests’ budgets will go towards flights and possibly accommodation, you need to be okay with receiving smaller or fewer gifts.

Planning

Some resorts at popular destination wedding locations offer all-inclusive packages which means that most of the planning and execution will be done for you, which takes a lot of the stress off. But leaving the fate of your wedding day in the hands of others, especially when you are not able to be there to oversee planning and preparations, can also be very stressful. One way to combat this is to be flexible and to find reputable vendors.

Legality

Do your research on marriage laws in the location of your wedding and find out if the marriage licence you obtain is also legal in your home country. A way to get around this potential hassle is to get legally married in your home country and use your destination wedding as your celebration. You can decide whether or not to tell your guests about your legal marriage before the wedding, but since your destination wedding will be the main event and look exactly like any other wedding it might not be necessary.

Honeymoon

A big pro that comes with having a destination wedding is that you will save on your honeymoon as you will already be in the setting of your dreams. Although, this also means that your wedding guests will potentially be on your honeymoon with you as they have already travelled quite a way. You can consider travelling a short distance from your wedding location for a more private honeymoon. For example, if you decide to host your wedding in Santorini, you and your partner can travel to one of the other Greek islands for your honeymoon.

Things to consider:

– Whether the location of your destination wedding is easily accessible
– Sending out save the dates way before the recommended time to give your guests enough time to look at flights and book at cheaper rates
– Whether you are able to contribute towards any of the costs that come with a destination wedding like flights, accommodation or food
– The fact that not everyone will be able to make it… and that some people you were hoping wouldn’t come will think this is a great excuse to take a little vacation.

At the end of the day, it is your wedding and you decide where you get married, so you just need to see if the pros outweigh the cons based on your personal preferences.

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