Honeymoons blurb picHot Tips for Romantic Honeymoons

While it’s taken as read that weddings need careful and detailed planning, there’s a tendency to book the honeymoon and then let it take care of itself. But a honeymoon should be much more than a holiday – and a little extra care will ensure it has all the romance you could wish for.

1 Set your budget and tell your travel agent it’s for your honeymoon. Hotels often offer special packages for honeymooners which can include anything from champagne and flowers on arrival to an upgraded room

2 Remember it’s all in the detail, so check the fine points of your booking. You might expect to have to confirm that you want a room with a view, but sometimes you even have to spell out that you want a double bed. If possible, get the details confirmed in writing.

Photo courtesy of Select World Travel

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3 While you don’t want to skimp, spend your budget wisely on what’s important to you. If you’re the sort of couple who like finding interesting local places to eat, make sure you don’t book full board. If a four-poster bed isn’t one of your must-haves, you could have more budget to spend on exotic cocktails, water sports or wonderful day trips.

4 Remember no trip is trouble-free, and sometimes luggage goes astray. Pack a few clothes of yours in his suitcase and a few of his in yours just in case one goes missing. And take some essentials, like underwear, toiletries and any valuables, in your hand luggage.

5 Don’t forget the suntan oil if you’re heading for the hot spots. And never run the risk of getting burned. Nothing is more guaranteed to kill romance than skin that can’t be touched!

6 Even if you’re going somewhere hot –or you don’t usually wear nigh clothes – invest in some sensuous lingerie. You’ll love the feel of it on your suntanned skin – and so will he.

7 Be a little careful over what you eat and drink. Make sure you get sealed bottles of water – and beware of ice cubes, which may have been made with tap water. Don’t wash fruit or salads in tap water either. Peel it,or wash it in pre-boiled water.

8 Pack some romantic scented candles in your luggage or ask your hotel to provide some in your bedroom and bathroom.

9 All the world loves a lover, so don’t be shy about telling people you’re on honeymoon. In hotels, restaurants – even on aeroplanes – you’ll get special service and you may even get a free gift or complimentary glass of champagne.

10 Remember you don’t have to spend every minute of your honeymoon together. If your new husband wants to play golf, take the opportunity to head off to the shops or indulge in some beauty treatments.

And finally, don’t expect everything to be perfect. Sometimes it’s the things that go wrong that will give you memories to cherish in the years to come.

So where will you go? According to American Express, the top ten wedding and honeymoon destinations are:

Barbados – a romantic location with plenty to see and do, yet still retaining its essential island character. Perfect from November to May.

Mauritius – five star luxury, powder white beaches and clear azure seas. Go from April to June or September to November.

Antigua – for beautiful beaches and Caribbean flava. Combine it with nearby St Kitts for a two-centred honeymoon between November and May.

Italy – for the romance and elegance of its ancient cities, stunning lakes, lush countryside and great shopping. Go between April and October.

The Seychelles – sheer island escapism for true romantics who want to unwind and get away from it all, ideal between May and November.

USA – for everything from sunshine to fantastic sights, Las Vegas to New York, the Grand Canyon to Disneyland, this is a year-round destination.Thailand – Beaches, sightseeing, adventure and vibrant cities, there are few better options than the ‘land of smiles’. Ideal dates vary depending on your destination

France – for fine wine and chic boutiques, choose a short break in Paris, a gite in Provence or a swanky Riviera hotel, ideally between April and October

Jamaica – the all-inclusive experience, home to Blue Mountain coffee, Bob Marley and Dunhns River Falls. Go between November and May.

Bali – an exotic setting that’s great value for money, intriguing culture, coral seas and artistic community, best April to mid-November.

NEWELL’S TRAVEL

Cornwall-based
Tel: 0800 008 7411
Email:

Website: www.newellstravel.co.uk

Destination wedddings and bespoke honeymoons: Newell’s Travel, with offices in Bodmin, Falmouth, Helston, Liskeard, Newquay, Saltash, St Austell, Tavistock and Truro will help you turn your dream wedding into a reality.

No holiday is too big or too small, no destination is too near or too far for this award-winning independent company. Not only do they specialise in cruises sailing from Falmouth and holidays and flights from Newquay and Exeter airports, their hugely experienced and knowledgeable staff organise holidays and travel arrangements to the four corners of the world by plane, train or coach.

 

NOT JUST TRAVEL

Cornwall-based
Tel: 07843 414589
Email: [email protected]

Website: www.notjusttravel.com

As your personal travel consultant, Helen Searle from Not Just Travel will work with you to find out exactly what you want from your wedding abroad and/or your honeymoon, with the aim of making planning your trip stress-free and easy.

Whether you know exactly what you want or need some travel inspiration, she’ll use her knowledge and expertise to create a bespoke holiday you’ll love. From the whole package to those finishing touches such as car hire and travel insurance, Bude-based Helen has you covered!

Helen can also organise stag and hen parties – and her wedding gift list scheme allows you to invite guests to contribute money directly to your honeymoon.

Not Just Travel is a member of ABTA and your holidays are ATOL protected, meaning you can book your travel risk-free.

RACHEL FOX – TRAVEL COUNSELLOR

Exeter-based
Tel: 01392 770000
Email: [email protected]

Website: www.travelcounsellors.com/RachelFoxTC

Travel Counsellors is a global network of friendly and professional travel experts providing personalised travel arrangements – and it’s perfect for the very special holiday that is your honeymoon.
Local representative Rachel Fox believes that travel is about fulfilling dreams and creating special memories. From accommodation and flights to attractions and car hire, weddings and honeymoons to cruises and adventure, she is a one-stop-shop for personalised travel.