Honeymoons – How To Choose Your Honeymoon Travel Accommodations

July 15, 2010 by  
Filed under Honeymoon Ideas

Before you start packing your bags, you will need to determine what accommodation style best suits your honeymoon desires.

Would you rather be in the company of other newlyweds, joined by families and other groups of vacationers, or shut off from the rest of society? Read on and discover the types of honeymoon accommodations that are out there…

All-Inclusive Honeymoon Resorts

As the term implies, an all-inclusive rate covers it all-from your overnight accommodations, meals, unlimited drinks, and entertainment, to tips, taxes, airport transfers, and a mile-long list of activities for one flat fee. Once a phrase that carried negative connotations, more and more resorts are beginning to offer all-inclusive packages. While resorts vary on what exactly is included, you will likely only need to carry cash if you plan to indulge in gift shop paraphernalia, off-site excursions, a rental car, or spa treatments. But aside from booking a flight to your destination, all of the essentials are included. Sounds good, huh? Make sure you consider all aspects before hopping on board:

Pros

* All-inclusive packages can save you up to 25% off the cost of a vacation-just be sure to scout out the best deals and consider the cost of airfare to get to your destination. (our honeymoon travel for less guide offers more budget-friendly advice)
* Knowing exactly what your trip will cost you before you leave-no surprise costs or charges to deplete your funds.
* No need to carry a wallet-the ultimate stress reliever.
* Having the luxury of choosing a destination that offers activities to your liking.
* If your travel plans include a destination wedding, most all-inclusive resorts offer packages that include on-site ceremonies and receptions with the assistance of an on-site planner.

Cons

* Because all of the inclusive costs are for on-site activities, you may be less likely to venture outside of the property and discover all that your destination has to offer.
* A restricted number of activities and places to dine has the makings of monotony.
* If seclusion and spontaneity are what you crave, then you might want to consider another option that gives you the freedom to interact at your own leisure.

Couples-Only Resorts

What better way to start your new life together than with other starry-eyed lovers? Couples-only resorts are limited to just that-exclusively twosomes. These love nests are havens for fine dining, dancing and live entertainment, and all things romantic to ignite your libido. Before marching two-by-two to the next adult getaway, be sure to take the good and the bad into consideration:

Pros

* No scathing singles scene or screaming kids to distract you from spending some one-on-one time with your lover.
* Most couples-only resorts also fall under the all-inclusive category, where the flat rate includes a number of perks to make your stay as stress-free as possible.
* All of the amenities are crafted with romance in mind, from the intimate tables for two at dinner to the plus-size beds in the rooms.

Cons

* If you roll your eyes every time you see a revolting display of PDA, then a lovers-only getaway shouldn’t be in your itinerary.

Honeymoon Cruises

Cruises have come a long way since the mainstream “mandatory-fun” voyages. Cruises now range from weekend excursions to week-long journeys with tropical stopovers. Before climbing aboard, be sure and understand all that comes along with the price of setting sail-otherwise you might find yourself in a scene from Boat Trip!

Pros

* Because of their nature, most cruises are all-inclusive, incorporating the cost of your cabin, meals, on-board activities, and entertainment.
* Endless amounts of action abound, from buffets galore to on-board sports and dances.
* Cruise types range according to length, destination, and type so you are certain to find one that tickles your fancy.

Cons

* The phrase “cabin fever” comes to mind when thinking of being stuck out at sea.
* If you are not happy with your honeymoon selection, you are as good as stuck with your choice until the boat docks.
* Moments of privacy are few and far between.

Adventure Excursions

If rapid rivers and Gatorade run through your veins, you might want to consider an adventurous expedition for your honeymoon. Whether you yearn for a safari, multi-sport adventure, or a week away at a dude ranch, the options are boundless.

Pros

* While most vacationers come home lethargic and a few pounds heavier, you will come home lean and lively.
* Most exploits include the cost of meals, accommodations, sightseeing trips, and instructors to guide you on your tumultuous expedition.
* Form camaraderie with your new husband as well as others in search of a little excitement and solidarity.

Cons

* While exercise is known to fuel the libido, you may be too exhausted at the end of the day to do anything about it.
* No matter how restless you and your hubby are, after months of tireless planning and a whirlwind wedding weekend, you might find yourself craving a little R&R.
* If your adventure plans include activities that you and your husband don’t normally engage in, you might have to spend more than anticipated on buying or renting equipment.

Now that you’ve chosen your honeymoon accommodations, this complete Honeymoon guide will help you plan the rest of your vacation, offering everything from money saving tips, to optimal weather conditions in various destinations, and a honeymoon packing checklist.

Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete Weddings and Wedding Planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, photo galleries, checklists, and expert advice to walk brides through every step of the wedding planning process.

View the complete sitemap to find everything you need to plan your wedding.
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Affordable Michigan Honeymoon Ideas

June 9, 2010 by  
Filed under Honeymoon Ideas

The honeymoon is a tradition that many couples have been skipping lately due to the cost associated with it. There was a time when honeymoons were the second most anticipated part of the wedding. Brides and grooms would frequently sneak out of their own receptions to get a head start on their honeymoons. However, in todays down economy many couples have chosen to fore go the honeymoon due to cost. Those first crucial days will be the cornerstone of which the foundation of your married life builds from. Why let numbers and money force you to miss out on this beautiful time of your life. With these tips planning your honeymoon should become less stressful and more affordable. With beaches, lakes, wilderness getaways, resorts and casinos, Michigan is a perfect affordable honeymoon location for anyone.

Michigan Honeymoon Ideas

Camping is an often overlooked, but considered an affordable honeymoon option in Michigan. Fifty years ago the Great Lakes of Michigan was one of the top camping destinations in the U.S. and still to this day has some of the top hunting locales year round. The intimacy of camping will help you and your spouse to further strengthen your bond and reconnect with the things that first drew you together. Bringing pillows and blankets can make it feel as if you are sleeping in your own bed. If camping in a tent does not appeal to you there are hundreds of cabins to choose from. Some are located lake side on the beach, while others are in the middle of the woods. No matter what you prefer, there is a location for you. The cost of renting a site at a state or national park will be about ten to twenty dollars a night. You can save further by packing and preparing your own meals but it is not a requirement. You can still go out to a fancy restaurant for a romantic dinner with a little bit of planning, also.

The lodging is an easy way to save some money on your honeymoon. If you plan on mainly visiting attractions on your honeymoon then a less fancy room will do the job. Hotels that are outside of the major cities are also more reasonably priced than the hotels in the city. Most establishments offer shuttles into the city or have transportation nearby.

Bed and breakfasts also make economically friendly honeymoon locales. You will get the homey feel vibe by staying in a bed and breakfast over a large hotel chain. The owners of the bed and breakfast can also offer insight into the local attractions and things to do nearby.

A road trip can also be an affordable bonding experience with you and your new spouse. You can save money both on cab and airfare, if you travel somewhere near your home. In Michigan there are more than seventy wineries located on very scenic vineyards. On a Michigan wine trail you can attend wine tasting at breathtaking locations. Some places also offer transportation from one winery to the next. You can even attend a wine tour of multiple vineyards. Besides wine, they will also have an executive chef to pair the course with your glass.

Traveling in the off season can also help you to save money in the long run. If you travel to your destination at a time when the majority of tourist do not travel then it is considered off-peak season. Discounts are offered to persuade travelers to travel at certain times of the year. Prices are slashed by twenty five percent or more in comparison to the peak travel season. Using one or more of these tips should allow you to still have a memorable honeymoon in Michigan without breaking the bank.

Robert is the entrepreneurial spirit for Encore Event Group. His Michigan DJ company provides lighting design and photo booth rentals that also serve Mackinac Island. Visit the following link for more information about Michigan Honeymoon Ideas.
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