 Honeymoon couple enjoying their swim-up suite There's no denying that planning a honeymoon can be a daunting task. Where do you go? Who do you trust? What if it isn't as good as what's shown on the website? These are just some of the questions couples will ask themselves when they try to find the perfect location for their honeymoon. These are just some of the reasons you should work with a honeymoon travel specialist to plan & book your honeymoon. Let’s uncover five reasons to use a travel agent for your honeymoon. 1. Knowledge of a variety of honeymoon properties:  Photo courtesy of Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Honeymoon travel specialists have knowledge of a variety of destinations & resort brands that are a cut above other types of resorts & properties for an amazing honeymoon. Resorts that will offer you... a. Privacy b. Romantic extras like candlelight dinners and a couple’s massage c. Perks/amenities d. Romantic & pampering suites e. Amazing spa experiences All of these details are vitally important when it comes to having a great honeymoon experience 2. The Best Honeymoon Packages:  Honeymooners enjoying a couples massage A honeymoon travel consultant knows the best honeymoon packages that will enhance your honeymoon and the requirements to qualify for them! I invite you to read my blog about 4 Insider Tips for picking the perfect honeymoon destination Too often, couples think that they can show up and receive the honeymoon amenities without understanding the qualifications or how to set it up in advance. Unfortunately, they are highly disappointed when they don’t get any of the perks and that is a sour way to start your happily ever after. 3. Setting Up Special Experiences:  Romantic candlelight dinner for you and your husband A honeymoon travel consultant not only can do all of the above, but also will recommend, design, & set up unique and special experiences for your honeymoon. Note: If you are working with a “honeymoon specialist” who doesn’t guide you or recommend special experiences for you to enjoy on your honeymoon, then you are working with the wrong person. Here are a just a few of the special experiences a honeymoon specialist can design and set up to take your honeymoon from good to AMAZING! ● Set up a private upgraded transfer with VIP service. ● Schedule a couple’s massage/breakfast in bed/picnic on the beach. ● Set up off-site excursions, like a cultural tour, ziplining, swimming with dolphins, rum tasting, and so much more ● As well as many other recommend must-do activities, & sites to see, or places to eat that you can only experience in your area. 4.Giving You VIP Status:  Romantic breakfast in your room Your honeymoon consultant can make sure you and your new spouse are wowed upon arrival from the minute you step foot on your resort by... a. Personally contacting the resort concierge and sales team to notify them that they have VIP honeymooners arriving. b. Sharing any special requests that you may have with the appropriate team member to make sure they are implemented! (It’s not just a comment on a booking that we hope gets seen). c. Following up on the honeymoon amenities to ensure you receive them. 5. Skipping the 1-800-wait-on-hold and crossing your fingers that you get the help you need.  Avoid long hours waiting on the phone Let’s face it, we’ve all experienced the 1-800 “call center” with the random agent who doesn’t know you or your honeymoon from Adam! You’re just a number to these types call centers, and the last thing you want is for an error to happen during your honeymoon planning. A true honeymoon consultant will be with you from start to finish and care about you and every detail of your honeymoon. They will listen to what you want in a honeymoon experience so that they can recommend a destination and resort that is the perfect fit for you, Every question. Any special requests? Even needs you may have while in your destination or after your honeymoon is complete. Let’s face it, no online booking engine is going to do that.  Happy honeymooners that plan their special trip with a travel agent Planning your honeymoon is one of the most exciting parts of your wedding planning process; however, it can also be extremely stressful. There are many options available to you and many decisions to be made. But don't worry, using a honeymoon travel specialist to help you along the way will make this process seamless and stress-free!
If you’re in the midst of planning your honeymoon and feel like you’re stuck and not getting very far, I encourage you to use the link below, to schedule a free 60-minute discovery session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for an amazing honeymoon! Remember this isn’t just any vacation, this is the start of your new life together!
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 A happy couple in their Destination Wedding -Photo Jonathan Borba When considering your destination wedding – planning a destination wedding is more than just deciding where you'll hold the ceremony. You also need to consider whether you'll have a legal or symbolic wedding. Knowing the difference between what a legal and symbolic wedding ceremony are can make a big impact on your travel plans, and ultimately on your wedding day. So, let's explore this subject and see what the differences are – and if you have any questions about this topic, don't hesitate to reach out! Destination Weddings Are More Popular Than Ever In the past couple of years, destination weddings have experienced a surge in popularity. So much so that the trend is making its way across to those who would otherwise not have considered it. If you're planning to get married in a different country, you will probably be faced with the decision between a legal and symbolic wedding and may be wondering, “what the heck is a symbolic wedding?” or, “is a symbolic wedding legal”, or “what’s the difference between a symbolic ceremony and a civil ceremony?” This article is going to give you the deets on both a legal (civil) destination wedding ceremony and a symbolic destination wedding ceremony so that you can decide which is best for you. What is Required For a Legal Ceremony Away?  Photo: Katarina Dragon - Couple signing their legal wedding document Documents You May Need Just like you would experience in your State, there will be documents and proof of identity required, along with any licensing fees. Some countries require notarized copies of your passport, divorce decree, or legal name change. Others will require translation of the documents into their language.
same day.
A Legal Ceremony is Nothing to Worry About: Don’t let this scare you! Some countries are super easy to get legally married in. It all varies, so I generally advise my clients to do what is best for them based on the country they decide to get married in.
The moment you say “I Do” in front of your friends and family is the real deal. You won’t have to decide which day to celebrate your anniversary. In my book, it’s kind of cool to say you were legally married in “Mexico” A Symbolic Ceremony:  Symbolic Destination Wedding-photo Jonathan Borba Second, let’s discuss the mystery of the symbolic wedding and what you need to know. Essentially, a symbolic wedding looks and sounds just like a civil wedding, it just isn’t legally binding. It is like a commitment ceremony or a renewal of vows.
2. Not as much paperwork 3. No residency requirements 4. No translation of documents 5. Ceremony can be officiated by a family member or friend  Dominican Republic Destination Wedding - Photo Junior Cruz In the end, each couple should do what it feels is right for them. Unless you absolutely need to have a legal ceremony for your destination wedding, such as in some Catholic weddings, there is no wrong answer here. The most important thing to remember about your destination wedding ceremony, is to do what will make you and your soon to be spouse most happy. A destination wedding is supposed to be a celebration of your love, so make it as hassle free & wonderful as possible.
If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you’re stuckand not getting very far, I encourage you to schedule a free 60-minute discovery session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for an amazing destination wedding! (Legal or Symbolic) It's no secret, that for many people the honeymoon is the most exciting part of their wedding. If you're planning your wedding in the near future, you'll want to check out this list of the top 7 honeymoon trends for 2023. These top trends will give you a good idea of what the future of “honeymooning” will look like in 2023 and beyond! 1. Planning earlier than before:  Make sure you plan your honeymoon earlier Before the pandemic, it was customary for a couple to book their honeymoon around 6 months out, but as the world has opened up again, many couples are doing what I call “revenge travel!” for all of the lost and postponed trips couples have had to deal with these last two years. In 2023 there will be higher demand and lower inventory, which also drives up prices. BOTTOM LINE: The sooner you can discover the destination & resort you want for your honeymoon, and book it, the better! 2. Premium on Service:  Choose a romantic candle light dinner In 2023, couples will be putting a premium on pampering, luxury, and service. They are looking for great value. Not a low price, but a honeymoon that includes extra touches of service, [link to June 2022 Content Hero Post on top honeymoon packages or similar post on honeymoon packages] such as a private airport shuttle, having a butler welcome you with a refreshing drink and moist towel, and then entering your honeymoon suite to see a chilled bottle of champagne, with gourmet snacks waiting for you as you enter your honeymoon suite. 3. Bucket List Stays & Experiences:  Sandals Royal Barbados front beach suite In 2023 couples are looking to do a “bucket list” experience for their honeymoon. More and more couples are expecting their honeymoon to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, (you can check my previous blog about how much it actually cost to go on a luxury honeymoon), including staying in an over-the-water bungalow, a luxury honeymoon suite, or even renting a private yacht. Many couples now want their honeymoon to include some type of archaeological tour or visit to historical landmarks or cities. PRO TIP: If you don’t quite have the budget for a full 7 or 14-night stay in an over-the-water bungalow, then I always suggest to my clients doing a split stay. Maybe start your honeymoon off with a bang at the more expensive “WOW” factor room, and then finish your honeymoon in a room that allows your whole honeymoon to fit your budget. 4. Group Moons!  Have fun with your friends in your honeymoon No, this isn’t a honeymoon for swingers, but many couples who had to postpone their weddings or honeymoons during the pandemic want to make up for the missed opportunities to travel, as well as now being new parents. They still want a big fun celebration, and therefore they are now bringing their closest family and friends to join them to celebrate with them on their honeymoon. 5. Focus on Health & Wellness:  Enjoy farm to table meals Many couples will be planning their honeymoon with a focus on rejuvenating both mind & body. These honeymoons will include an itinerary of farm-to-table food experiences, eating at local fresh food restaurants & markets, as well as pampering spa treatments, sunrise yoga sessions, meditations, and activities that promote all-around health and vitality. 6. Honeymoon Registries:  Let your family and friends contribute to your honeymoon With rising inflation, and couples looking to have an above-average honeymoon experience, many couples will create a honeymoon registry or fund that their family and friends can give as a wedding gift to help them pay for their dream honeymoon. 7. Consulting with a Honeymoon Consultant  Couple in a Zoom call with their Honeymoon Specialist In 2023, couples will consult and hire a honeymoon specialist to help them make sure they are getting everything they want and the maximum value out of their honeymoon. Couples are busier than ever before as they work, start their family, buy a new home, and try to fit in time for each other, all while trying to plan their wedding. It’s worth the investment to spend a little extra to get their honeymoon planned right, and take the stress & frustration of planning the perfect honeymoon off of their plate!
Clearly, in 2023, you will have more honeymoon options at your fingertips than ever before. A suggestion to future wedding couples everywhere is to consider some of these trends without sacrificing what’s ultimately important to you for a romantic and pampering honeymoon. These may be 2023 trends, but old-fashioned romance never goes out of style! If you are in the midst of planning your honeymoon and feel like you’re stuck and not getting very far, I encourage you to use this link, to schedule a free 60-minute discovery session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for a relaxing & trendy honeymoon! A beautiful destination wedding will be one of the highlights of your marriage celebration! But every year, there are new trends and shifts in destination wedding travel. After compiling and analyzing data across various sources, and seeing the new requests that have come from my own destination wedding couples, I have predicted that these are going to be the top seven destination wedding trends of 2023. 1. Plan EXTRA EARLY:  Couple planning early their Destination Wedding Before the pandemic, it was customary for a couple to reserve their wedding resort venue and room block around 12 months out, but as the world has opened up again, many couples are finding resort and venue space filled up for the dates they originally want. In 2023 and beyond, expect higher demand and lower inventory, which also drive up prices. Check my blog about Destination Wedding Costs Couples are now looking at least 15 months out in order to get the room inventory & pricing that they need. BOTTOM LINE: The sooner you can discover the destination, wedding venue, & resort you want for your destination wedding, and reserve your date, the better! 2. Toes NOT in The Sand  Photo: Amar Preciado| Wedding at a chapel In 2023, brides are looking to get married in an Instagram-worthy location, with a breathtaking backdrop, but they DON’T want their feet in the sand. Many destination wedding venues now are putting in beautiful above-the-sand platforms, sky weddings, garden gazebos, and over-the-water gazebos which are growing in popularity. 3. Exclusive Private Experiences:  Fire dancers In 2023 couples are looking to do private, exclusive experiences with their wedding groups, such as private receptions to welcome their guests complete with a mixologist who creates a special cocktail for just your group. Couples are also scheduling their own private events such as fire shows, beach parties, tequila or rum tasting, and even a private tour or excursion for just your wedding group. 4. Over The Water Ceremonies!  Photo credit: Sandals South Coast Wedding Chapel As I mentioned above, more and more wedding couples don’t want their feet in the sand, but they still want the breathtaking backdrop. One way to achieve this is to have an over-the-water ceremony. Many resorts now contain wedding venues that are built over the water. This not only gives the normal amazing view but also adds a 3-dimensional beauty to the ceremony. 5. Focus on Incorporating Cultural Traditions:  Mayan wedding ceremony Photo: Amar Preciado Many couples will be incorporating local & cultural traditions into their destination wedding experience for both them and their guests! Today’s couples want to do more than just have a “wedcation” they want to give their entire wedding group an authentic experience with the location they have chosen for their destination wedding! 6. Including Local Cuisine & Cocktails:  Preparing Mezcal - traditional Mexican drink Along with my previous trend of including cultural traditions in their wedding, many couples also include local cuisine and cocktails in their wedding events. For example, in Mexico, there is a special liquor called Mezcal. Couples will hire a mixologist to use a liquor like that in creating a cocktail native to the location they are getting married in. In addition to a cocktail, they may also include some type of authentic delicacy on their menu.
7. Consulting with a Destination Wedding Expert: In 2023, couples are choosing to consult with a destination wedding specialist to help them make sure they are getting everything they want and the maximum value out of their destination wedding. The reason is that wedding couples are busier than ever. as they work, finish school, start their family, and possibly move to a new home, all while trying to find some time for each other. Today's couples believe it is worth the investment to spend a little extra to get their destination wedding planned right and take the stress & frustration of planning their destination wedding off of their plate! What will these destination wedding trends mean for you? Well, I hope they will help you to make the Destination Wedding of your dreams today. These 7 trends are only going to get more popular, as couples continue to push the envelope for a more unique experience for both them and their guests. And hopefully, it will at least give you a few ideas that you didn’t even know you wanted! If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you’re stuck and not getting very far, I encourage you to use the link below, to schedule a free 1-hour strategy session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for an amazing & trendy destination wedding! Congratulations! You found The One, got engaged, and are in the midst of planning your wedding & honeymoon. YAY! After all of the stress & time of planning your big day, having a much-needed pampering & romantic vacation sounds fabulous right? It will be assuming you have these 8 essentials in place! This honeymoon planning guide is exactly what you need to have a honeymoon that will truly be fabulous! Ok, so let’s jump into these six destination wedding essentials! 1. Create a “Honeymoon Wish List”  Just engaged couple! Before you do any honeymoon planning, you and your future spouse need to take some time to make a list together of what you both are hoping to get out of your honeymoon. I call it a “honeymoon Wishlist” Is gourmet food important to you, do you prefer ala cart vs. buffet restaurants? Do you care more about having a stunning honeymoon suite, or are you ok with the standard room? Are you both wanting a beautiful long stretch of swimmable beach, or are pools more important to you? What type of excursions would you like to enjoy? You will want to have at least some of these settled before you start researching destinations and resorts. 2. Don’t Base Your Decisions Soley on Recommendations! Recommendations are great, but you have to remember that you are a completely different couple than they are. What is great for one couple, may not be great for you! Your honeymoon is pretty important, you don’t want to take a chance on having an underwhelming or poor experience. It’s fine to take a recommendation, but use it as a starting point, not your end point. And PLEASE, don’t go to Trip Advisor until you’ve narrowed your selection of honeymoon resorts down to two or three options! 3. Do this instead  Couple planning their honeymoon Remember that list I told you to create in point number 1? Once you have that list made, you’ll want to start thinking about past travel experiences, both good and bad... What did you like or love about a trip you took, or what did you dislike or hate, about a past vacation or getaway? Add these to your “honeymoon wishlist”. Now you will be ready to move on to point number 4. 4. Make a List of Potential Honeymoon destinations  Choose where to go on your honeymoon Now it’s time to start making a list of potential honeymoon destinations! Use your honeymoon wish list to help you narrow down destinations that offer what is on your list, then make a list of potential honeymoon resorts. You may enjoy reading my article on How much does it cost to go on a luxury honeymoon. 5. Research Possible Honeymoon Resorts in Your Targeted Destinations  Antalya, Turkey Once you have a couple of honeymoon locations chosen, then it’s time to figure out which resort or location fits you the best . Here is very important to take in count your "must have" for your honeymoon. A honeymoon specialist would be a great help on this step. 6. Get a New Email For Only Wedding Related Conversions  This is a great way to stay organized and not miss any type of important communication about your honeymoon. I always suggest that you create a special email address exclusively for your wedding & honeymoon. This way all of your wedding correspondence & conversations will be in one spot! Believe me, this will save you so much time and probably money in the end. The last thing you want is to miss a confirmation email that your honeymoon resort suite is almost sold out, booking because it was sandwiched between emails from Beach Body & your Grandmother’s cataract surgery! 7. Consider Getting a New Credit Card That Earns Miles As long as you are going to be charging your wedding expenses, you mind as well earn some reward miles to help you pay for your honeymoon, or at least pay you back for booking your honeymoon. This is a great time to open a new credit card that will earn you miles or points for future or even current travel. You could actually get a discount on your airfare if you play your credit cards right! 8. Consider working with a Honeymoon Specialist  Me at a local Bridal Show If you want to ensure that your honeymoon won’t be a disappointment, as well as, reduce the stress and frustration you may feel when trying to plan this all on your own, it may be worth it to invest in hiring a honeymoon specialist. A properly trained honeymoon specialist or designer knows how to take your honeymoon wishlist, and quickly narrow down destinations & honeymoon resorts, that will be perfect for both of you! They will also make sure that you receive ALL the honeymoon amenities & perks you will qualify for as well.
At the end of the day, you want your honeymoon to be your reward after all of the stress, and time you spent planning your wedding. By taking this honeymoon planning guide to the heart and putting these 8 steps in place, you can ensure that your honeymoon experience will be everything you hoped for, as well as one of your fondest new memories as a couple. If you feel like you need a little help planning your honeymoon or just want this lifted off of your shoulders, then I encourage you to use this link, to schedule a free 60-minute discovery session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for your honeymoon dreams to come true! Congratulations on your engagement! This will be one of the happiest times of your life, as you start planning your destination wedding! But thinking of everything you need to pull together to host a destination wedding can be overwhelming. There areso many different things that you will have to manage for everything to run smoothly. How do you make the choice of location, venue, transportation, and all the other things that you need to concern yourself with? This destination wedding survival guide is just what the doctor ordered to help you fit all of the pieces together perfectly for a smooth and wonderful destination wedding in paradise. Let me share with you these six destination wedding essentials! 1. Get Started Right Away  Happy couple planning their destination wedding In today’s post-COVID environment, dates & availability are booking up faster than ever before! Many couples are eager to finally say “I DO!” in an amazing location, just as they had hoped before the pandemic! Now dates are booking up fast, so don’t procrastinate, start researching resort wedding venues & availability now! 2. You Don’t Have To Know It All You may think you have to know everything about planning a destination wedding before you begin, but that’s simply not true! You don’t need to have it all figured out to get started. The two most important things you need to start working on is making a list of potential destinations you would like to get married, and then, a list of potential resort wedding venues to hold your wedding & wedding group at. You may enjoy reading my article on Considering a Destination Wedding in Mexico?. 3. Consider doing a Pre-wedding planning trip  Couple going to try their selected hotel Hey, Who doesn’t like the samples at Costco, before you buy a 12-pack of hot chocolate bombs? Right? Once you have a destination wedding location chosen, then it’s time to figure out which wedding venue & resort to have your ceremony and host your group. One of the most effective ways to choose a wedding resort & venue is to visit it first before you decide. In fact, many resorts offer special “wedding visit” packages to encourage you to visit their resort, hoping you will choose them for your destination wedding. 4. Get a New Email For Only Wedding Related Conversions  Create your exclusive wedding email In order to have a successful destination wedding, you have to be organized. I always suggest that you create a special email address exclusively for your wedding & honeymoon. This way all of your wedding correspondence & conversations will be in one spot! Believe me, this will save you so much time and probably money in the end. The last thing you want is a confirmation email requesting you to verify your wedding date & time at the resort, and you miss it in a crowded inbox sandwiched between emails from Peloton & your uncle’s gallbladder surgery! 5. Consider Getting a New Credit Card That Earns Miles  Get a credit card that gives you miles As long as you are going to be charging your wedding expenses, you might as well earn some reward miles to help you pay for your travel. This is a great time to open a new credit card that will earn you miles or points for future or even current travel. You could actually get your airfare paid for if you play your credit cards right! 6. Consider Working With a Destination Designer or Specialist  Me helping couples with their destination wedding If you want to ensure that your destination wedding will be planned correctly, and reduce the stress and frustration you may feel when trying to plan this all on your own, it may be worth it to invest in a destination wedding designer or planner. A destination wedding planner or designer knows the ins and outs of a destination wedding and has plenty of experience setting up wedding groups, negotiating contracts, and managing all of the logistics for you and your guests.
They will also make sure that you receive ALL the amenities & perks you will qualify for as well. Things that many resorts won’t tell you unless you ask. At the end of the day, you want your destination wedding to be a celebration that everyone will remember! (In a good way) By taking this survival guide to the heart and putting these 6 steps in place, you can ensure that your destination wedding experience will be everything you hoped for, as well as one of your fondest memories as a couple. If you feel like you need a little help planning your destination wedding lifted off of your shoulders, then I encourage you to use the link below to schedule a free 1-hour discovery session with me! I would be honored to help you figure out everything you need for your dream wedding to come true!  Congratulations! You made it! You're getting married and now need to start planning your honeymoon. While this is a fun and exciting time, it can also be extremely overwhelming. There are so many things to consider when choosing a location for your honeymoon. If you are here reading this article, that means you're in research mode. Whether you want an outdoor adventure, want to relax at an all-inclusive resort, or want a multi-country journey — the first thing you will need to do is decide where you want to go. Below is a list of four steps you can take to help narrow down where you will spend your precious time as newlyweds. Are you ready? Let’s do this! Here are my 4 simple steps to uncover the best location for your honeymoon vacation. 1.Create a Vision  Enjoying a nice excursion in your honeymoon While this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how many couples turn to the internet first, when they really need to create a vision first. Allow me to help you better define what you are envisioning for your honeymoon and break it down in a more realistic way so that you can get clarity on your vision. Are you ready? Here we go! Do you want... · Modern rooms with 24-hour room service · Authentic and unique accommodations · Adult or couples only setting · Top shelf liquor · Restaurants worthy of a foodie · Onsite water sports · Nightly entertainment · Large and active · Boutique and low-key · Mountains and waterfalls · Oceans and beaches · History and culture Go ahead and use the above list to get started creating your vision for your honeymoon. 2. Decide on your non-negotiables  Honeymoon in Florence for cultural sightseeing I encourage you both to write down your must-haves and priorities, the things that are most important for you to have the honeymoon of your dreams. For example a swanky suite, high-end service, a world-class spa, the best beach, kick-a**dining, a downtown location with easy access to everything, beautiful sites, specific experiences like swimming with sea turtles or zip-lining, etc. Once you decide on your non-negotiables, the two of you can work together to create an experience that will give you both what you want. 3. Define the type of experience you want  Rooms at Sandals Halcyon in St Lucia, courtesy of Sandals Resorts Now that you know the most important things that each of you wants, it is time to work together to decide on the overall experience you both feel you will need. Some couples really want to be pampered and relax, other couples want to explore and have an adventure, and some couples want a good blend of both. The location you choose for your honeymoon will directly impact the type of experience you will have and without defining what type of experience you want; your honeymoon could be mediocre. Here’s something I like to ask couples during a consultation: “Finish this sentence with the first word that comes to your mind: in order for my honeymoon to be perfect, it must be _________" 4. Agree on a budget  And the final step is to agree on a budget. Once you have an idea of what you both want, then the budget conversation will be easier to have, as well as, help you both decide on something realistic.
It is best to consider your vision and your non-negotiables and fit those into your budget. You’d be surprised at how far your funds will go when celebrating a honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort. I recently wrote an article about how much a honeymoon costs I encourage you to check it out as I believe it will give you a good baseline. When you honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort, you can earn honeymoon amenities & perks that will enhance your romantic vacation. I love helping my honeymoon couples get the best honeymoon packages so that they can create the most memorable experiences possible! Once you have all these details, you’ll be able to have more clarity on what you are looking for in a honeymoon destination & resort so that you aren’t wasting your time on places that aren’t a good fit for you. If you feel like you still need a little more inspiration, check out my post on Romance in Italy Ultimately, the best honeymoon location for you and your partner will be one that excites and energizes you both. After all, this is a time to celebrate the culmination of a lifetime together and to enjoy being in love—not just another excuse to spend money. When it comes down to it, go somewhere that gives you instant sensory pleasure: watch the sunset from a tropical beach, book a room with a view that makes you immediately unplug and relax, or enjoy dinner by candlelight on the beach or at an upscale restaurant. The choices are all up to you! I think this is one of the reasons why I love specializing in honeymoons. No two couples are alike, and I take great pride in finding the best location for them. If that sounds good to you, let’s connect! Below is a link to schedule a consultation with me.  Dominican Republic Destination Wedding - courtesy of Junior Cruz Whether you're looking to have a destination wedding, or just thinking about the possibility of a wedding away, you've come to the right place. My latest article will help you get started with 4 practical steps on how to select the best destination wedding location for YOU! There’s an immense amount of information to sift through when researching wedding locations, and it may seem overwhelming at first, but don't let it make you want to give up! It's easy to find out where the best places are for your destination wedding using these 4 steps. 1. Create a vision  Courtesy of Hilton Playa del Carmen - Infinity deck While this may seem obvious, you’d be surpr ised that many couples turn to the internet first, and they really need to create a vision first. Allow me to help you better define what you are envisioning for your wedding day. First, think about an overall theme or style that you want. This can be a color scheme or look. For example, romantic, whimsical, boho-chic, edgy, glamorous, etc. Second, what is your vision for the setting when you say, “I do?” Is it at sunset on the beach, or is it in a garden, are you on solid ground with the water as a backdrop, maybe in a gazebo or on a rooftop? Third, what is your vision for your reception also regarding the setting? Maybe a terrace overlooking the ocean, on the beach, poolside, in a garden, in a ballroom, etc. Fourth, what is the overall vibe that you envision? For example, intimate, energetic, casual, extravagant, fun, etc. Ensuring that it reflects you as a couple. 2.Decide on your non-negotiables  Courtesy of Sandals Resorts Weddings - reception table I encourage you both to write down your must-haves and priorities, the things that are most important to you. For example photography, a high-end look, privacy or exclusivity for the wedding and reception, a kick-butt party or even an after-party, an amazing resort that will wow your friends and family, an upgraded suite, an unforgettable honeymoon, etc. Maybe you want to host a welcome cocktail reception for guests to get to know one another, maybe a morning after brunch, or maybe a night out on the town with your wedding party. Go ahead and think about what you want the most in your destination wedding so that the two of you can work together to create an experience that will give you both what you want. 3.Define the type of experience you want you and your guests to have  Photography: @janellekappephoto Courtesy of Sandals Resorts Speaking of experience, let’s talk about what you are looking for and what you need for your guests. It is easy to think about just the wedding side of this celebration, but the vacation side of it is a pretty big deal. After all, your guests will spend more time having a mini-vacay than they will be celebrating your big day. Spend some time considering the needs of your guests as well as the overall experience you want them to have. They are taking time and spending their money to be there, so it needs to be memorable, not miserable. Let’s get them excited to attend your destination wedding! Whether it is an awesome resort with great restaurants, nightlife, pools, and activities, or you plan a group catamaran cruise, a golf day for the guys, and a spa day for the girls, write out what is important in the vacation experience for your guests. For example: · Modern rooms with 24-hour room service · Kids club so parents can get a break · Top shelf liquor · Restaurants worthy of a foodie · Fun activities You get the point. 4. Agree on a budget  The final step is to agree on a budget. Once you have an idea of what you both want, I think the budget conversation will be easier to have and help you both decide on something realistic.
It is best to consider your vision and your non-negotiables and fit those into your budget. You’d be surprised at how far your funds will go when hosting a destination wedding at a resort. I wrote an article about how much a destination wedding costs. I encourage you to check it out as I believe it will give you a good baseline. Like any other wedding, the number of guests will be a factor in your wedding cost, but don’t allow that to keep your guest list small! When you host your destination wedding at a resort, you can earn so many freebies that will really expand your budget! I love helping my destination wedding couples save thousands of dollars! It’s so fun! Once you have all these details, you’ll be able to have more clarity on what you are looking for in a destination wedding location so that you aren’t wasting your time on places that aren’t a good fit for you. Ultimately, picking the ideal location is all about how you want to celebrate this beautiful new chapter in your life. You and your fiancé may have a place or a country in mind, but once you have narrowed down your options to a particular region of the world, it's time to look at all of your choices so that you can make an informed decision. Your choice of location will affect every part of the wedding, so doing some research now could help you make sure that everything—from the venue and clothing to photography and transportation—measures up to what you really want for this wedding! Short on time to do research and still feeling a bit overwhelmed clarifying your vision? You may want to read my blog post on Considering a Destination Wedding in Mexico That’s my specialty! I’d love to connect with you via a complimentary consultation. I look forward to helping you!  Honeymoon couple at El Dorado Casitas - Photo by Alejandro Veliz With so many resort options across Mexico & the Caribbean, it's hard to tell which one will be best for your honeymoon. Karisma is an all-inclusive resort brand that has properties all over Mexico & The Caribbean. While each resort has its own characteristics and differences, all their resorts offer great amenities, romantic suites, beautiful views, and delicious food. Here are the top 5 reasons why Karisma resorts will make for a great romantic honeymoon location: 1. Culinary Heaven!  Pork belly scallops- Photo courtesy of Karisma Resorts I don’t know about you, but when I go to an all-inclusive resort, the food is one of the most important things. Karisma is a brand that I recommend to couples who are foodies or who have high expectations of the food quality and experience. Karisma is known for being Gourmet Inclusive. ® which means you will experience... Fresh ingredients, master chefs, culinary entertainment, expertly prepared meals every-time, plus plenty of dining options to suit every palate. Plus, an extensive wine cellar with a sommelier, mixology, tequila tastings, and even themed bars like Mojito bars, Sling bars, and Martini bars. Cheers! If you are a foodie couple, you will not be disappointed with the restaurants & menu choices at a Karisma resort. 2. Something For Every Couple!  Couple dancing at Azul Beach Resort Negril- Courtesy of Karisma Resorts Whether you want more relaxation and pampering or your spouse wants more activities and social interaction, you’ll have the best of both worlds when you celebrate your honeymoon at a Karisma resort. Karisma resorts offer a multitude of onsite activities and entertainment, including fun daily games at the main pool, to great nightly shows such as acrobats, fire dancers, and concerts. You will also find many beach palapas, pool beds, and quiet areas where you can just relax, read, get pampered, and enjoy downtime with each other. 3. Luxurious and Romantic Suites  Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma, courtesy of Karisma Resorts Karisma resorts offer a wide variety of luxurious & romantic suites, perfect for your honeymoon! This is something that I truly believe sets Karisma apart. They have overwater bungalows, casitas, villas, swim-up suites, infinity pool suites, outdoor showers, and more. If you want to splurge on your honeymoon but also want those authentic touches that reflect Mexico,you won’t be disappointed! My personal favorites are the casita suites and the over-water bungalows for the best honeymoon suites. 4. Amazing service!  Impeccable service at El Dorado Maroma, photo by Melissa Barnes Imagine sitting on your own beach bed (no extra fee required) and being served drinks and bite-sized treats all day long. Head to the concierge to schedule your dinner reservations or spa treatments. Maybe you want to surprise your new spouse and set up a romantic picnic or candlelight dinner, or have your suite romantically decorated, simply reach out to the Romance Maitre D as your personal assistant during your stay. 5. A Great Honeymoon & Anniversary Packages!  Hot tub decor for honeymoon couples at Azul Beach Riviera Cancun, courtesy of Karisma Resorts Karisma offers the Memorable Moments Honeymoon & Anniversary Package which
includes... ● The Personal Service of our Romance Maître D ● Private gourmet four-course candlelit dinner on the beach ● Romantically decorated suite with rose petals and aroma therapy ● Breakfast in bed ● Beachfront sky massage 2 X 1 offer ● In-room amenities upon arrival ● 15% discount on spa services ● Floral arrangement in room ● One-night anniversary return stay voucher This amazing honeymoon package is complimentary if you meet the qualifications! Reach out to me for help if you think you may be interested to ensure you qualify to receive this for free: If you are finding this post helpful, you may want to read my post on the 6 reasons to have your Honeymoon in Mexico https://www.specialcelebrationstravel.com/blog/6-reasons-to-have-your-honeymoon-in-mexico Karisma resorts offer a romantic honeymoon setting that many couples are seeking. Karisma's emphasis on gourmet food, romantic suites, & service provides the type of intimacy that most couples seek out on their honeymoon, and I certainly hope this overview was helpful to you in your honeymoon planning! If you’re struggling with planning your honeymoon or just need some guidance, I currently have a couple of spots open for a free 60-minute honeymoon strategy session. I would love to help you move forward in your honeymoon planning!  Newly wed couple in their honeymoon in Peru Many couples' ideal honeymoon involves visiting Peru, namely the magical Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Because of its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural scenery, and delicious food, Peru is a top choice for honeymooners. The old city streets, Incan ruins, and winding mountain roads of this stunning South American nation provide a wealth of adventure opportunities. Amidst the picturesque setting, there are many chances to refuel and enjoy relaxation. Listed below are some recommendations for your honeymoon in Peru. These will take you to Peru's most popular locations for the best experience. LimaLima is the largest city in South America and a prime example of a thriving metropolis, with a population of about 10 million. Despite the city's size, Miraflores, Barranco, and the Historic Center are the three most exciting areas of Lima. This capital and cultural hub of Peru is home to a wide variety of exciting attractions. Newlyweds can begin their exploration by visiting the city's charming Historic Center. Follow that up by visiting the Larco Museum, widely considered to be the finest art institution in all of South America. Excellent cuisine complements the museum's extensive collection of pre-Columbian items from all around Peru. And if you're feeling peckish, you can have a delicious meal in the museum's vibrantly hued garden. There are even beautiful Lima beaches to visit! The couple may spend quality time together here, free from the distractions of Lima's urban environment.  Downtown Lima at night The AndesThe pleasure of discovering the world's longest mountain range with your loved one may be very spectacular. Not to mention there is an abundance of world-famous attractions in the Andes for your honeymoon in Peru. These include the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu, the culturally rich Sacred Valley, and the ancient city of Cusco. Various exquisite retreats and romantic adventures await newlyweds among these snowy peaks and lush valleys. Here's one example: you may take a break from your travels and relax at a luxurious resort on the banks of the Urubamba River, treating yourself to spa treatments and enjoying the warm sunshine. You can stay in luxurious 5-star hotels, indulge in regional specialties and artisanal drinks, and enjoy all the historical charm Cusco is famous for. Alternatively, you may climb and camp along ancient Inca pathways on the Inca Trail, one of the world's most well-known treks. The Andes is a romantic but also adventurous paradise. Ziplining, white water rafting, llama trekking, mountain biking, standup paddleboarding, and horseback riding are just a few examples of activities for the adventuresome. There are Pachamama rites, visits to local artisan workshops, and folkloric performances for anyone interested in learning about the region's rich cultural heritage.  Couple celebrating their honeymoon in Machu Picchu Luxury Amazon CruiseYour exotic Peru honeymoon can be luxurious as well. A luxury cruise down the Amazon is a great way to relax and take in the sights. Newlyweds can enjoy refurbished luxury liners with spacious staterooms and state-of-the-art amenities. Additionally, they have Michelin-starred chefs and experienced captains who are familiar with every bend in the river. On a honeymoon in Peru, we recommend sipping some traditional Peruvian beverages while drifting down the Amazon on a magnificent river cruise and watching pink dolphins play in the water. Further, a luxury boat along the Amazon River is the ideal way to experience Peru's warm summer months. Lake TiticacaReach out and touch the clouds from the highest body of water that can be crossed by ship. Lake Titicaca is considered the "Birthplace of the Incas" and the spiritual core of Andean culture. Your stay at the lake in the sky will provide you with several possibilities to engage with the local community. Puno, the gateway city to Lake Titicaca, has several cultural celebrations throughout the year, including the month-long Fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria. Furthermore, you may take a boat out on the lake from the city and enjoy the beautiful vistas and explore the many islands. Highlights include the floating, artificial Uros Islands, where you can learn about local traditions while exploring impressive homes, boats, and the islands themselves. And there's also Taquile Island, where you can hike to a viewpoint and enjoy the local plaza and market. You may check into a luxurious lakeside resort or a quaint country inn not far away. Take your special someone on a romantic getaway to the lakeside resort for a weekend of spa treatments, kayaking, and soaking in the scenery. Or meet a local family, have a hearty home-cooked supper, and see a nearby temple all in one place at the country inn. It's up to you to decide which option you prefer for your honeymoon in Peru.  Uros islands will amaze you during your honeymoon in Peru! CuscoCusco is the cultural heart of Peru due to its ancient history and colonial architecture. Start your walking tour of Santo Domingo in the city's historic plaza, Plaza de Armas, where you may visit the famous churches of Santo Domingo and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. The nearby remains of Qurikancha, also known as The House of the Sun, are fascinating because their interior walls were previously gilded. Local street sellers offer everything along the route to the large San Pedro market. And we do mean everything – from popcorn and plantains to figurines of the indigenous goddess Pachamama. It's the perfect place to get some souvenirs to remind you of your wedding! Make sure you protect all your memories and learn how to store wedding memorabilia. After the shopping, you may stuff your face with local specialties like empanadas, salchipapas (fried sausage with potatoes), rocoto rellenos (stuffed and baked peppers), fresh fruits and vegetables.  Cusco is sure to capture your heart! SacsayhuamanHopefully, you've planned your honeymoon stress-free Sadly, we are approaching the trip's end. Before climbing the short ascent to Sacsayhuaman, you may treat yourself to a dessert at the neighboring Choco Museo. The Inca built Sacsayhuaman in the 15th century. It is high above Cusco, making it a lovely place to see the sunset. In the evening, head out to one of Cusco's many bars to start your farewell to Peru in style.  Enjoy an afternoon stroll at Sacsayhuaman fortress! Final wordsYour honeymoon in Peru can be perfect. Peru is ideal for individuals who want to see the natural world, experience culture, great Cuisine and have passion for adventure. Peru has everything you need for an unforgettable honeymoon, from adventure travel to relaxation. We hope our guide has helped you plan your perfect romantic getaway. This blog is courtesy of,
Sophia Perry Outreach coordinator ,Phoenix, AZ, Arizona Moving Professionals sophia@azmovingpros.com www.azmovingpros.com |
Rossana TaylorBilingual English -Spanish Travel Agent 
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Agent is not a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. Florida Seller of Travel Reference Number ST37113. Iowa Seller of Travel Reference Number 960.
Washington Seller of Travel Reference Number UBI 602 775 122