Secrets of the Caribbean Honeymoon

Where in the Caribbean can you get the most for your money?

David Seeberger: Some people have the mistaken impression that the Caribbean is only for the luxury traveler. There are nice moderate accommodations on almost every island in the Caribbean basin. The Dominican Republic has several all-inclusive properties that are a good value. The Caribbean has lots of all-inclusive resorts (and not just the heavily-marketed resort chains), which for the budget traveler often provides more bang for the buck.

Jamaica and Puerto Rico are known as having good values for the budget traveler. The Caribbean is a very complex market compared to many other destinations, and while it’s easy for any agent to book resorts in the Caribbean, you’ll usually find that a specialist with a thorough background in the Caribbean can find you a better and more memorable experience for your money.

When is the best time to go to the Caribbean?

David: The Caribbean has become a year round vacation destination. The peak travel season is December to March. This time frame has the highest prices and coincides with the worst weather back here in the mainland US.

The official Caribbean hurricane season is June 1 to November 30. Many resorts offer hurricane rebate guarantees and many tour operators require travel insurance purchase during this time. The travel insurance will insure refund in the rare reality of a hurricane hitting your destination during that time. Your travel agent will have the most up to dated travel protection ideas for your vacation. Many travelers don’t realize how massive the Caribbean region is, and it is highly unlikely that a single hurricane will affect devastatingly a large area of the Caribbean. If a hurricane is headed to your vacation island, the airlines will generally suspend additional travel to the area and evacuate as many vacationers as possible before the hurricane arrives.

If you’re going to be honeymooning during hurricane season, and can’t take the chance of being visited by a hurricane on your vacation, there are some wonderful islands like Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao which lay beneath the traditional hurricane belt, and are rarely if ever touched by hurricanes.

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Best rates for travel generally occur during the low season, but some properties close some of their facilities during that season. Working with an agent who specializes in the Caribbean will help you pick accommodations that will provide the best experience for your holiday. Legend has it that “once you visit the Caribbean, you will return again and again.”

Do you have any favorite “hidden gems” in the Caribbean?

David: Hidden gems exist all through the Caribbean. Some of my moderate favorites include the Bucuti Beach hotel in Aruba. Below the hurricane belt in Aruba, this hidden boutique hotel jewel is family run and has the widest sand beach in Aruba.

Another moderate hotel that helps you get much value for the dollar, is booking the Comfort Suites in Paradise Island. If you stay at this hotel adjacent to Atlantis Resort and Casino, you get to use the facilities of the amazing Atlantis.

Anguilla is one of the most popular islands for celebrity watching now. One of my favorite moderate hotels is on that island. At only 35 rooms The Anguilla Great House Beach Resort is a good value. All the rooms have a nice view of the Caribbean Sea and it’s a great spot for romance.

My current favorite world-class property in the Caribbean is the Four Seasons Resort on Nevis. Although it is a little bigger at 196 rooms, it is still a low-rise resort, and is small enough to still feel intimate and pampered. It has one of the Caribbean’s largest sports facilities and one of its best golf courses.

If you want to splurge a little, two of my favorites for romance are both intimate properties. The Horned Dorset Primavera in Puerto Rico is considered to be the most elegant, romantic inn in Puerto Rico, with private plunge pools and tubs for two. I also love the small Anse Chastanet on St. Lucia. Some of the plantation villa style rooms have one wall missing, opening to a freshwater pool, helping the lucky guest become closer to nature.

What makes the Caribbean a special destination when compared to Mexico or Hawaii?

David: The most important difference is air distance. Clients just don’t want to fly as far as they used to. The natural travel market for the Caribbean region is the midwest and east coast of the U.S. The southern states’ natural travel market is Mexico, while the west coast loves to visit Hawaii.

Like Mexico and Hawaii, the Caribbean is predominately known as a sun and sand destination. The Caribbean provides a close-by destination to experience different cultures, history, countries, and sometimes even different languages–although in most destinations English speakers are easy to find. The Caribbean has a wider selection of accommodations to choose from, compared to Hawaii or Mexico. They range from small guesthouses, to moderate and world-class all-inclusive resorts, to world-class best-of-the-best luxury villas. The Caribbean also provides more gaming and duty free shopping opportunities then Hawaii or Mexico.

Where do celebrities like to stay?

David: Celebrities flock to the Caribbean for the same reasons we all do- SUN, SAND, RELAXATION AND RENEWAL. Many celebrities have homes in the Caribbean. Some of the more recent celebrity hangouts include St. John where Kenny Chesney makes his home. Another popular celebrity hangout is at Paradise Island in the Bahamas where Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods and many other celebrities have homes.

Anguilla contains the Cap Juluca resort, a 179-acre celebrity favorite. It is a dramatic, white Moorish-style resort totally devoted to romance and luxury. Sandy Lane in Barbados is also known for its celebrity clientele. Tiger Woods rented the entire hotel in 2004 for his wedding.

Current hot celebrity island destinations include St. Barts, often referred by Hollywood as St. Tropez in the Caribbean. David Letterman, Uma Thurman and many others favor St. Barts.

David has been with TheBigDay Travel since March 2005. He brings a wealth of experience on the wholesale as well as the retail side of travel. His main passion is helping arrange wonderful sun & sand vacations to areas such as Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. Be sure to ask him about his recent European journeys as well.
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Best Honeymoon Locations for a Romantic Getaway

So you and your beloved are planning on tying the knot. The plans for your dream wedding have been made, the location booked, the reception with food and music is ready to go, and all the invitations have been sent out. What about the honeymoon? Sometimes planning this little detail gets lost in the wedding wash and before you know it the wedding is upon you and you haven’t even started looking for that romantic getaway destination.

Fortunately the best honeymoon locations are easier to find then you may think. From places close to home to far off exotic destinations where you decide to go will depend what you and your spouse want out of your post wedding vacation. If you are still in the early decision stage here are some ideas for consideration.

5 Start Hotels:

Most large cities have 5 start hotels that will be more than happy to cater to any newlywed couple. With larger rooms then the average hotel the staff at a 5 star hotel will provide the type of service honeymooners are expecting. They will accommodate your every whim quickly and efficiently. Romantic room service dinners, concierge services for a night on the town, it can all be had at a 5 star hotel.

The Beach:

Beach honeymoons are probably the most popular choice for most newlyweds. Whether it’s a beach close to home or an exotic tropical island it’s hard to go wrong when planning a honeymoon at the beach.

Romantic Cruise:

This is another popular choice with many couples and can be a combination beach and 5 star traveling hotel honeymoon. Traveling by cruise ship gives you the opportunity to see several ports of call and participate in a variety of different excursions at each stop. Or you can just stay on board and enjoy the peace of a nearly empty ship and all it has to offer.

Winter Honeymoon:

While a little different then more traditional choices a winter honeymoon can be a most memorable experience. Spending your time in the beauty of the snow covered mountains, skiing, snowboarding by day, snuggling up next to a roaring fire at night, it can be a truly romantic destination.

Honeymoon in Europe:

It is really hard to beat the romance of a trip to the “old country”. The history, culture and charm of a trip to Europe will provide a level of romantic enchantment that cannot be found anywhere else. The romance of France, the magnificence of Italy, the pomp of England, or the passion of Spain spending your honeymoon in Europe is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Honeymoon Weekend:

Maybe you don’t have a lot time or budget for your post wedding plans. You can still plan a quick weekend getaway to a nearby city or place that you and your spouse have always loved going to.

The best honeymoon locations are the ones that allow newlyweds the opportunity to spend time alone together after the stress of the wedding. Whatever destination you choose you are sure to have a trip filled with memories.

Honeymoon Destinations is here to help make your honeymoon a lasting romantic rendezvous you and yours will remember for a lifetime. To enter Honeymoon Destinations please click here.
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How to Make Your Honeymoon Unforgettable in Kerala

Also well-known as God’s Own Country, Kerala, a fascinating state of India, has emerged as a widely applauded destination for honeymoon vacation in India. It attracts honeymooners not only from India but also from overseas. It is a nightmare destination for honeymooners with its lush greenery, picturesque locations, deserving destinations and complete romantic ambiance. For honeymooners, it is a paradise. Newly wed couples from every corner of the world visit this beautiful land to celebrate their most awaited honeymooning vacations. The state offers couples wonderful opportunity to indulge in several activities which will help to covert vacation into a memorable experience. Beautiful beaches, breathtaking backwaters, picturesque hill stations, rich flora & fauna, classical art forms, houseboat cruises, etc. all are to make honeymooning holiday an unforgettable experience.

Most of couples have a preference to celebrate their vacations into a beach destination or a hill stations. And Kerala has both to offer newly wed couples for their vacation. In addition, the state also offers opportunity to stay luxury houseboat with chance to cruising across the placid stretches of nature blessed backwaters networked by lakes, canals, rivers, inlets, lagoons, etc. There are many beaches in the state which are very popular among honeymooning couples. Beaches are amazingly beauty and blessed with numerous natures. Palm-fringed beaches with golden & silvery white sands form sheer romantic mood for romantic vacation.

Houseboats in Kerala are also attractions of honeymooners. Conventionally called Kettuvallams, houseboats are today luxury accommodation floating over mild-mannered water of scenic backwaters. They are known for backwater cruising. A well-organized houseboat cruise from Alleppey to Fort Kochi is truly a romantic and memorable experience. Your spouse will surely be proud of you and your choice you have choose Kerala as your honeymoon tours in India. Honeymoon in Kerala also provides couples break to enjoy the brilliant charm of lush hill stations which are home to spice plantations and exotic wildlife. The refreshing air, fragrance of spices, and lovely spots are as if they were created only for honeymoon couples. Munnar, Ponmudi, Wayanad, Palakkad, Echo Point, Rajamalai, etc are some of popular hill stations in God’s Own Country.

Couples can enjoy beach activities, water fun, sunbathing, swimming, basking, sand castle building, sunrise & sunset watching, etc. on their beach honeymoon vacations in Kerala, God’s Own Country. Comforting under palm-groves or colorful beach umbrellas are just memorable & passionate feelings. Kovalam, Varkala, Bekal Fort Beach, Fort Kochi Beach, Mararikulam, Cherai, Alleppey, Kappad, Beypore, etc. are popular beach destinations in the state which are very popular among vacationers and honeymooners as well.

Forts & monuments, museums, beautiful fairs & festivals, typical art forms, Chinese fishing nets, picnic spots, wildlife sanctuaries & national parks, Ayurvedic body massage, etc are other attractions of Kerala tourism. These will surely add special & memorable chapters to your honeymoon in Kerala, God’s Own Country. Your Kerala honeymoon tour is incomplete without enjoying some shopping in typical bazaars of the state. Shopping attractions in the state are handicrafts, spices (cardamom, pepper, cloves, tea, coffee, etc), sandal wood Figurines, Coir products, Bronze wares, gold jewelry, Kathakali showpieces, Cashew nuts, Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings, Fibrecrafts, Banana chips, sMural paintings, etc. Certainly, you will have an unforgettable honeymoon tour by enjoying attractions & ideas mentioned in this piece of writing.

This article is written by Michael Hussy an eminent professional writer of travel and tourism related topics. Know more about Kerala Honeymoon spots, honeymoon Kerala packages and many more enthralling honeymoon destinations in Kerala.
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Top Ten Honeymoon Destinations to Choose From

If you are about to get married and are having a hard time deciding where to go on your honeymoon then you are not alone. A wedding adds plenty of stress to your life and trying to plan your honeymoon around all the other things you have going on can be difficult. If you are currently unsure of where you and your future spouse would like to go here are the top ten honeymoon destinations for those living in the United States.

1. Hawaii – A Hawaiian honeymoon is one of the most desired and romantic destinations for those who are newly wed. Maui is normally the island of choice with its lush tropical hillsides, long white sand beaches, cloud covered mountains, and world class accommodations that cater to newlyweds. It is truly a honeymoon that will create a lifetime of memories.

2. Mexico – A Mexican honeymoon is a great choice as a destination. There are a number of world class resorts to choose from with a large majority of them being all inclusive. The people are warm and friendly and if you’re on a budget you can’t beat the prices. Plus it is easy to get there with many daily flights to choose from.

3. The Caribbean – A trip to a Caribbean island, or multiple islands if you choose a honeymoon cruise, is a truly romantic experience. The great thing about a Caribbean honeymoon is the sheer number of islands you can choose from, each with its own distinct cultural attractions.

4. Florida – The sunshine state has a little something for everyone. From long stretches of sandy beaches, to the night life of big cities and everything in between a Florida honeymoon is a truly memorable experience. Even Walt Disney World in Orlando has packages for the more adventurous honeymooners.

5. Key West – Technically this secluded little island is in the state of Florida but it deserves a mention all its own. With Anti-bellum homes that have been turned into cozy bed and breakfasts and its New Orleans atmosphere Key West is a well kept honeymoon destination secret.

6. Las Vegas – There is nothing quite like a honeymoon in Sin City. With many world class hotels to choose from your every want and whim will be catered to. And no matter the time of day or night there is always something to do, whether it’s eating at a five star restaurant, seeing a show on the strip, dancing the night away, or relaxing pool side.

7. California – The golden state offers many honeymoon choices. There are large cities such as San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles that have first rate hotels and restaurants. You can spend time at the beach or in rustic mountain towns. And for a truly romantic experience the Napa Valley with its vineyards and small town atmosphere.

8. The U.S. Virgin Islands – With beautiful white sand beaches and warm tropical waters these three islands are true romantic paradise. And since they are a U.S. territory you don’t need a passport. In fact any of the three islands, St. Thomas, St. Croix, or St. John is the perfect destination for a white sand wedding and honeymoon.

9. Puerto Rico – Another US territory in the Caribbean Puerto Rico offers all manner of amenities to the honeymooning couple. Scuba diving, snorkeling, marling fishing, and many other activities for water enthusiasts abound. Then there is Rincon Beach and Resort, a 4 star resort known for its honeymoon packages.

10. New York City and Niagara Falls – The city that never sleeps and the great falls 500 miles to its north are both known as great honeymoon destinations. The city itself offers every amenity you can imagine with 5 star hotels and dining, Broadway shows, and shopping. A honeymoon in the Big Apple is hard to beat.

While you don’t have to go to one of these top ten honeymoon destinations be assured that you can’t go wrong if you do decide to visit anyone one of these destinations. In the end wherever you go with your loved one you will create a memory that will last for the rest of your lives together.

Honeymoon Destinations is here to help make your honeymoon a lasting romantic rendezvous you and yours will remember for a lifetime. To enter Honeymoon Destinations please click here.
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Choosing an Ideal Honeymoon Destination

Choosing an ideal honeymoon destination is not a matter of joke. Honeymoon is one of the most precious time of a couple’s life and it is much awaited also. It is always advisable to the newly wed couple to decide their honeymoon destinations based on the preference of both of them. It is preferable to choose the destination on the basis of the spouse’s choice. If a couple prefers to indulge themselves in to recreational activities while honeymooning they should choose a beach resort to spent their honeymoon. Again nature lovers who prefer to spent their honeymoon in peaceful serenity should opt for a mountain resort. Top honeymoon destinations generally include mind blowing hill stations, sandy cool beaches, secluded islands, picturesque valleys. Making a decision about choosing the honeymoon destination is really tough. Some popular locations which find place among the top honeymoon destinations in the world include Maldives, New York, Bahamas, Switzerland, Seychelles, Las Vegas, Alaska, Florida, Australia, Mexico, Greece, Bermuda, Thailand, Jamaica, India, Chile, Austria, Singapore, US Virgin Islands etc.

Honeymoon Destinations in Asia:

Asia is the home for many popular and world famous honeymoon destinations. Thailand, Maldives, Goa, Kerala, Singapore, Malaysia are some of the most sought after honeymoon spots in Asia. Tourists and honeymooners from across the world come to spent their most precious post marriage days in the beaches of Goa. Again the cool and serene beaches of Maldives offer excellent  opportunities to relax and enjoy during Honeymoon. Shop at the world’s best shopping arcades at Singapore and make your honeymoon memorable.

Honeymoon Destinations in India:

India is a perfect choice for spending the honeymoon and making the event a lifelong memorable experience. Beach lovers have an array of options to choose from for their honeymoon in India. There are some popular beach resorts in Goa, Kerala, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Orissa. Goa has been  attracting international travelers specially honeymooners since years. Honeymooners who are looking for a fascinating hill station as their honeymoon destinations can choose from Shimla, Lonavala, Mount Abu, Darjeeling, Pelling, Srinagar, Mahabaleshwar, Coorg, Nainital, Dharamsala etc. All these Honeymoon locations have abundance of luxury hotels specially keeping in ming the honeymooners.

Honeymoon Destinations in USA:

Some of the best honeymoon destinations in USA include exotic beaches like Hawaii on one hand and mind blowing beauty of Niagara Falls on the other hand. Miami beach in Florida is another popular honeymoon destination which serves the best way to relax and enjoy under the sun on a beautiful beach. Las Vegas, the entertainment capital in Nevada in USA is another Honeymoon destination that offers all sorts of entertainment that a honeymoon couple look for.

Rohan Arora is travel based writer. I like traveling & exploring new destinations. For more info on Top honeymoon destinations visit http://www.travour.com/top-honeymoon-destinations/honeymoon-in-usa/honeymoon-in-florida
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