Tipping might be a hazy topic in your mind — you've done it before, but you aren't sure how tipping works when it comes to planning your honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort. In addition to that, how do you know if tipping is appropriate in certain situations or not welcome at all? So, to help you figure all this out, I have prepared this quick post for your benefit Do You Have Tip? Before we dive into the specifics, allow me to answer one of the most frequently asked questions: Do I have to tip at an all-inclusive resort, or are the gratuities included at an all-inclusive resort? The rate at an all-inclusive resort includes gratuities. So, the resort will divvy up a certain portion of your per-night rate amongst the team members. While resorts don’t tell you how much, many of the team members are there for 12 hours or more per day every day. It is a pretty grueling schedule where they could potentially work nine days in a row and then have two days off. What the resort gives them isn’t equivalent to the amount of work they put in. With that said, I highly encourage tipping where you feel led. The resort you travel to and the level of service you have paid for (concierge or butler for example) will affect what you should prepare for regarding gratuities. Determining gratuity expectations is something I assist my clients with as they prepare to travel. Let’s get down to some specifics regarding tipping for your all-inclusive honeymoon vacation. The airport porter An airport porter is someone who will assist you with your luggage once you are in destination. While this could be a bit annoying, a porter at the airport may swoop in and can sometimes aggressively start helping you with your luggage. You can certainly decline their assistance, but if you decide to let them help, please give them a tip. $3-$5 is reasonable depending on how much luggage you have. Porters are generally independent and are not employed by the airport, so they work for tips. My theory is to support those who are willing to show up and do something to make a living for their families. Airport shuttle driver The driver that takes you to and from your all-inclusive resort is not employed by the resort. Please be prepared to tip this person for the ride each way. Something that most people don’t factor in is the time involved. Please consider the distance that the driver has to go to get you to your resort and then turn around and head back to the airport for their next assignment. For short distances $5 is sufficient, for longer drives (1.5 hours or more), consider giving at least $20. If it takes them 1.5 hours to get you to your resort, that is a 3 hour roundtrip investment of their time. The Bellhop Hooray! Welcome to the resort. As you step out of the transportation vehicle, the first resort team member who will assist you is the bellhop. He or she will check your luggage and give you luggage tags while you head to the lobby to check into the resort. Once you are checked in, your bellhop will escort you to your room and will likely share some details about the resort and where things are located, as well as share a few features with you regarding your room. Depending on the time invested with you, a $5-$10 tip is recommended. Concierge or Butler Service If you’ve opted in for a higher level of service at your all-inclusive resort, come prepared to tip. If your concierge sets up your dinner reservations or helps you with an issue your room is having, don’t feel compelled to dish out cash. However, if the concierge sets up a special dinner with some surprise touches or goes out of their way to get you something to make your stay special, be sure to tip according to their time invested. Butler service is a bit more hands on generally, but some resorts will have butlers that are really more like concierge. In the case that you have a hands-on butler that is available to you via a cellphone and he or she is in charge of everything your suite needs (managing and communicating with other staff members), setting up your dinner/spa/golf/ reservations, serving you any meal in-suite, saving you chairs at the pool or beach, then this personal level of service should be a per day tip. I suggest a minimum of $20 per day depending on how much you utilize your butler. Again, keep in mind any situations where the butler has gone above and beyond to make your stay and experience special. So overall, anticipate having $10 for small one-off experiences from a concierge, and a minimum $150 for a week of butler service. Waitstaff Imagine you are sitting at the beach enjoying a book or good conversation, and a beach waiter asks what you’d like to drink. You order your beverage of choice, receive it in a few minutes, and quickly realize you have $0 on you. This is pretty typical as most of us head to the beach or pool with only the essentials, especially since we often leave our beach bags unattended from time to time. First, don’t feel compelled to have cash on you when you are enjoying the resort. If you don’t feel comfortable with that, it is okay. Like I said at the beginning, the gratuities are technically included in your all-inclusive rate. If possible, always have a few dollars on you for tips like this. A bartender, pool, or beach waiter will keep the drinks coming for $10 but will also happily accept $1 or $2 per drink. At a restaurant where you are served buffet style, again, don’t stress if you don’t have cash. Since they likely assisted with beverages, you can leave $2-$3 if you want. If you are being served at an a la carte restaurant, consider tipping more. Again, base this on the level of service and the quality of the dining experience. If it was a several-course meal and white-glove service, dish out a bit more. Maybe $20 in this situation. If it is a burger joint, maybe leave $5. Housekeeping As we wrap this up, we can’t forget about housekeeping. Simply said, these resort team members work diligently every day and generally are paid the least.
It’s so nice to come back to a freshly cleaned room, isn’t it? I suggest leaving $5-$10 per day for your housekeeper at an all-inclusive resort. Quick caveat If you are planning an all-inclusive honeymoon to Sandals Resorts, gratuities are not accepted except for butler service. So, a Sandals honeymoon will not have the same gratuity guidelines at the resort as I’ve mentioned above, but you can still tip the porter and shuttle driver as they are not Sandals employees. The best thing to do, is to budget tipping into your overall honeymoon budget. Ultimately, the decision to tip is yours to make, but I've offered a few facts about tipping during your honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort that I hope you have found useful in your decision & budgeting. I hope it helps you have a safe and happy honeymoon! If you want to learn how much a honeymoon can cost you, click here to read my blog about it! If you’re tired of googling every question you have regarding your honeymoon planning, I’d be delighted to chat with you. Below you will find a link to schedule a complimentary discovery session - no strings attached!
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When people think of a tropical honeymoon, they most likely picture the sunny beach flanked by the crystal blue Caribbean sea. This gets most people want to start planning a trip to the Caribbean or Mexico's Riviera Maya. The waters are warm and inviting, the white sand is soft and welcoming — there's no better way to spend your honeymoon! But what type of weather should you expect? What are the climate patterns? And when is the best time of year to go? These questions and more will be answered in this article. Let's take a closer look at what you can expect for weather in the Caribbean and Mexico based on the seasons. Winter (December to February) The winter months in the Caribbean and Mexico are characterized by warm and pleasant temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. This is the peak tourist season, and you can expect crowded beaches, busy resorts, and higher prices. While the risk of hurricanes is low during this time, there's still a chance of rain. However, it's usually short-lived and shouldn't affect your plans too much. The water temperature in the Caribbean is cooler during the winter months, making it less ideal for swimming. For example, the Bahamas and surrounding islands will have colder water during this time of the year. Also, certain areas in the Caribbean & Mexico can still have cooler temperatures, so it is best to talk to an expert to get the weather you are desiring. Spring (March to May) Spring is a great time to honeymoon in the Caribbean and Mexico as temperatures rise slightly, and crowds start to thin out. The average temperatures range from mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring. While the chances of rain and humidity increase, it's still not enough to affect your plans significantly. The water temperature starts to warm up, making it more inviting for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The best value for your money is booking your honeymoon towards the end of April through May, as prices begin to dip as high travel season is coming to a close. Summer (June to August) Summer is the hottest season in the Caribbean and Mexico, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit. It's also the beginning of the rainy season, with tropical storms and hurricanes more likely to occur. However, the risk is relatively low in June and July but increases in August. Despite the rain, summer is a popular time for honeymooners looking for budget-friendly options and less crowded destinations. The water temperature is warm and perfect for water sports. Fall (September to November) Fall can be an ideal time to travel to the Caribbean and Mexico as the crowds dwindle, and prices begin to drop. Temperatures remain warm, ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, but the chances of hurricanes in September into October are usually the highest. So your best value for the money is in the fall, but your chance of having some less than ideal weather is higher. While fall is considered the low season, you can still enjoy a sunny and beautiful honeymoon if you plan accordingly. The water temperatures are still great for swimming, and water sports as well. Where to travel during hurricane season: If your honeymoon travel dates are during hurricane season, especially August - October, there are destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico that are located outside the “typical path” of a hurricane. You may want to consider speaking with a honeymoon consultant like myself who specializes in honeymoons to the Caribbean and Mexico to help you pick the right location for you. The best locations in The Caribbean to travel to during hurricane season are Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao. The best location in Mexico to travel to in hurricane season is Los Cabos. Hurricanes can still occur in these locations but it is very rare. Just Because It’s Hurricane Season Doesn’t Mean One Will Happen: As we wrap this up, it is normal to be concerned about a hurricane ruining your honeymoon, but I always tell my honeymoon couples that just because it is hurricane season doesn’t mean that a hurricane will develop. The beauty of today’s technology is that you can know well in advance if a tropical storm or hurricane is on a path to “hit” your destination. Getting quality travel insurance is advised to protect your investment in case you have to postpone, or even leave your destination early. My personal advice is to manage your expectations and decide that you won’t let anything ruin your honeymoon experience as you have control over how you respond. In conclusion, the Caribbean and Mexico offer a variety of weather conditions throughout the year, from hot and sunny to warm and rainy. Regardless of when you choose to visit, there's always something to see and do. So, plan your trip accordingly, manage your expectations, have some fun games and conversation starters on the ready for when you’re hanging out at the lobby bar, and make the most of your honeymoon vacation...rain or shine!
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to ensure you cover all your bases with your honeymoon planning, I’d be delighted to chat with you. Below is a link to schedule a complimentary consultation - no strings attached! 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: 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: 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: 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: 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. 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. 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! 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: 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: 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: 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! 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: 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: 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 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! 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” 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 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 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 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 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! 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 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 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 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. With beautiful resorts, oceanside views, colorful culture, and attentive service, it is no wonder that Mexico has the reputation of being one of the most romantic getaways in the world for planning an amazing honeymoon. Here are 6 reasons why I believe Mexico could be the perfect location for your honeymoon! 1: Easy to Get to from U. S. gateways With several nonstop flight options, same-day arrivals, and departures, plus multiple flights per day, a romantic beach honeymoon is at your fingertips. And with multiple flights, it gives you plenty of backup options in case of delays or cancellations. 2. Romantic Resorts For Every Couple’s Style and Taste: When it comes to the accommodations, you’ll have your pick of the best. From lavish mega resorts to hacienda-style boutique hotels and everything in between! Plus, if you’re looking for an adult-only escape, there are multiple resort properties that offer the ideal atmosphere for couples who want a romantic honeymoon void of screaming children! 3. The Best Bang For your buck is in Mexico! Honestly, the level of luxury provided for the price is quite remarkable. From world-class spas to beach butlers taking care of your every need while you relax on the beach, you can’t go wrong with a luxury resort in Mexico. 4. Incredible Service If you are looking for incredible service for the money, Mexico will get you the most bang for your buck when it comes to the level of luxury and service you receive for the price. Part of the reason is that Mexico is just miles ahead of other destinations when it comes to hospitality & tourism. A quote I once heard from a travel insider pretty much sums it up like this.“ In (the location I was at) if your drink spills, a waiter will come right away to clean it up. In Mexico, the wait staff will see the glass at the edge of the table and come to push it back.” 5. Tons of Amazing Activities: One of the best parts of planning a honeymoon to Mexico is the incredible amount of activities and sites you and your new spouse can experience and make new memories together. ● If you are celebrating your honeymoon from December – April? Head to Cabo or Puerto Vallarta to do some whale watching! ● Interested in UNESCO World Heritage sites? Visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World – Chichen Itza while on your honeymoon in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. ●Want to have shopping and nightlife at your fingertips? Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue, the hotel zone of Cancun, the Malecon Blvd in Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas are sure to please! Looking for adventure, golf, or fishing? Take your pick! There’s so much to experience when you visit Mexico! 6. Two Unique Areas of Mexico too choose from: Mexico has two completely different, but equally romantic & beautiful areas to enjoy an amazing honeymoon! (A) Caribbean Side (B) Pacific Side The Caribbean Side The Caribbean side of Mexico is located on the Yucatan Peninsula along the Caribbean sea, and is the most popular area of Mexico for any type of travel. This is where Cancun, Riviera Maya, and many of the other popular destination wedding spots are located. Everything mentioned above will be available to you on the Caribbean side of Mexico, including white sand beaches and the ability to enjoy the Caribbean Sea if you love getting in the water. The Pacific Side:
The Pacific Side of Mexico is of course located along the Pacific Ocean and was originally best known for travel spots such as Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco, but now the hottest new spots to travel or honeymoon in Mexico is in either Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta! Located at the end of the Baja Coast, Cabo is home to luxury resorts, amazing foodie experiences, championship golf, yoga retreats, movie star getaways, and authentic cultural experiences. The beaches are wide and beautiful here as well, but darker sand than the Caribbean side, and are not usually swimmable due to the ocean currents and rip tides. Known for its charming towns and people, the stunning landscape of sea and mountain, plus colorful culture and marine life, it’s easy to see why Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular vacation destinations for honeymoons! Which Part of Mexico is Best For Your Honeymoon? The hardest decision you’ll have to make when planning a honeymoon to Mexico is which part of Mexico is best for your needs and which resort or hotel will give you the atmosphere you are looking for. That’s where having the assistance of a honeymoon designer can come in handy. As you can see, Mexico is full of great options for your honeymoon. from beautiful beaches to historical cities and gorgeous eco-tourism adventures, there's something for every couple. If you’re looking for an idyllic beach escape, head for the Pacific Coast or the Riviera Maya. If you want a more active honeymoon, you can choose from hiking, cycling, swimming in a cenote, or scuba diving. And if you’re looking for more luxury, Mexico has world-class resorts that put your five-star dreams to shame. Whatever you choose, your honeymoon will be one you’ll remember forever. If you would like some help planning your honeymoon, or just need a little advice, schedule a free 1-hour destination wedding strategy session with me today! Let’s get you unstuck and moving forward in your planning. Congratulations! You're engaged! This is one of the happiest moments in your life and you want nothing more than to have a much-needed time of relaxing, pampering, & romance after all of the stress & time of planning your wedding! Now it’s time to celebrate your new life together in a luxurious, & pampering location that will take your breath away! If you’re curious about what you should set for your honeymoon budget, then I have the answer. Read on to see how much you can expect to spend on your honeymoon. 1. YOUR HONEYMOON DESTINATION A romantic & luxurious honeymoon starts with a great location! Maybe you choose locations that are closer to the continental U.S, such as Mexico & the Caribbean, or you may be looking for a more exotic honeymoon local, such as Hawaii, Fiji, Bora Bora, or even Europe. Usually, the more exotic and less populated a honeymoon destination is, the more expensive it can be. Average Airfare Prices: Obviously, airfare can take up a chunk of your honeymoon budget. Also generally speaking if you are flying to a tropical island during “high season” (Dec-April), Flights are going to be more expensive than low Season, (May- Nov). With that being said, here are some current averages based on May 2023 honeymoon travel: ● Depart From Midwest or East coast to the Caribbean or Mexico: $450-$1000 per person, round trip, depending on flight itinerary & destination. ● Depart From Midwest or East coast to Hawaii: $600-$1600 per person, round trip, depending on flight itinerary & destination. ● Depart From Midwest or East coast to the South Pacific: $2000-$2500 per person, round trip, depending on flight itinerary & destination. ● Departing From West Coast to the Caribbean or Mexico: $500-$1000 per person, round trip, depending on flight itinerary & destination. ● Depart From West Coast to Hawaii: $600-$1600 per person, round trip, depending on flight itinerary & destination. ● Depart From West Coast to the South Pacific: $2000-$2500 per person, round trip, depending on flight itinerary & destination. PRO TIP: There will always be fluctuations in price based on the time of year and even the day of the week. If you find an unbelievable air deal, double-check the type of seat it is and the air schedule. Many really cheap tickets have incredibly harsh restrictions as well as horrible air itineraries that could get you to your resort so late at night that you miss all of your first day at your resort, therefore ultimately wasting money and delaying the start of your honeymoon bliss! 2. HONEYMOON RESORT CHOICE The resort you choose for your honeymoon will take up the majority of your honeymoon costs. Every resort offers different honeymoon amenities, room options, restaurants, activities as well as food and beverage plans. AI (All-inclusive) resorts include all of your food and beverages with your package price. EP (European Plan) resorts offer an a-la carte menu where you pay for each meal or beverage just as you would going out to dinner or bar stateside. You definitely need to take your time looking through all the available options so that you can make sure you get the best resort for your unique honeymoon wishes and wants. 3. THE HONEYMOON ROOM YOU CHOOSE: Remember that the room or suite you choose will impact the overall cost for your honeymoon stay. For example, you could love resort (A) with a base price of $3700 that includes a “standard room.” But you choose a swim-up suite for your room option. The price for your honeymoon package at the resort (A) will now be $5,550, because of the room you choose. PRO TIP: Never go with a standard room for your honeymoon! Start Deluxe and go up as you can afford it because it will make a difference in your honeymoon experience. I know I say it a lot in my articles, but it is TRUE! This is your honeymoon, not just another trip or vacation! If you can bring some WOW to your honeymoon, do it! Below is an average cost you can expect to pay for different luxury honeymoon resort stays for 7 nights based on current rates: Because I won’t send anyone to a resort that is average or below quality, you can assume that all of these prices are going to be 4 stars and higher in quality. Luxury Resort: Adult Only AVERAGE RATES based on 7-night stay: Deluxe Room: $4,500-$5,500 Suite: $6.000-$8,000 Butler: $8,000-$11,000 Highest Room Category: Think over the water bungalows or Four Seasons type quality & experience: $16,000-$25,000 4. THE HONEYMOON PACKAGE & AMENITIES YOU CHOOSE: Most high-quality resorts will have some type of honeymoon package that will be included in your stay, such as a special honeymoon welcome package, candlelight dinner, breakfast in bed, couple’s massage, etc. NOTE: Most of these honeymoon packages have requirements received such as a minimum night stay, or that you indicate it is for your honeymoon when you book your resort, so make sure you read the fine print. 5. ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS: Most of your honeymoon is going to be all about relaxing, romancing, and getting pampered at the resort you are staying at. But depending on you and your new spouse’s personality, you may want to get off the resort and explore a little. Maybe doing an ATV tour, visiting a waterfall, bathing in hot mud baths, shopping in a local village, zip lining, rum tasting, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins, etc. You get the idea! NOTE: There are MANY tour companies out there, but only so many reputable companies. Usually the lower the price the more sketch the company. Only go with companies that are licensed and insured, and have great testimonies. One of the best names in the industry is Island Routes. They have licensed and insured tours that you can trust. They aren’t the cheapest, but they are one of the best! For a good quality tour, you can expect to pay around $120 per person and up, depending on the type of tour, and all the different activities that are included. ULTIMATELY IT IS UP TO YOU!
There really isn’t a better way to celebrate your new life together than with a romantic and memory-filled honeymoon, where you can just unplug and unwind from all the stress of planning your wedding! Whether this is your first trip together or your fifth, your honeymoon needs to be as special as you can afford to make it, because this isn’t just any other trip... This is the START of your new life Together! If you’ve been struggling or frustrated trying to get this honeymoon thing all figured out, and you’re ready for a little help, schedule a free honeymoon consultation with me today, so that you can get unstuck and get the “dreamy honeymoon” checked off your list! A honeymoon is not only one of the most romantic expeditions of a lifetime but also a badly needed respite after months and months of your wedding prep. Sounds heavenly, doesn't it? Unfortunately, and as much as we hate to say it, planning a getaway can be stressful as well – unless we take a few key steps, that is. All you need is a good plan, a positive mindset, and perhaps some expert guidance. Here are five tips for stress-free honeymoon planning to help newlyweds eliminate any issues from the get-go. 1. Fix a budget. For a good, worry-free honeymoon itinerary, you ought to plan a personal budget. It is only after you set a budget that you can start planning your honeymoon trip. Having a budget in place will not only point you in the right direction in terms of choosing the destination and booking the accommodations, but also prevent overspending down the line. After you've come up with an overall amount of what you can afford to spend, start breaking that down into daily expenses. Ensure you account for airfare and travel insurance, accommodation, meals, sightseeing, baggage fees, taxis, etc. Finally, back this up with some extra cash for shopping and other miscellaneous expenses, as well as any other predictable expenditures. That makes a great starting point, but there's still room for flexibility. For a more elaborate getaway, you can shorten the trip and upgrade the accommodations. This works vice versa as well. 2. Start early Wondering how early you should start planning your honeymoon? It mostly depends on you as a couple. For instance, some people can't wait to be sitting on that beach, sipping on cocktails, and soaking in the sights with their spouse. On the other hand, others get so caught up in their wedding planning that booking hotels and flights becomes secondary. The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle - about 10 months before travel. The main problem with booking too soon is that the pricing may drop right before you're ready to depart. Still, you don't want to wait too long until all the best rates are gone or until you're already too deep in your venue walk-throughs, meetings, band rehearsals, dress fittings, etc. Deciding on a destination, booking a hotel, and researching things to do is something you might want to get out of the way before starting your wedding preparations. Knowing you did may be the only thing to restore your sanity after the wedding mayhem. 3. Think about using a travel agent That last phrase – the wedding mayhem – brings us to our next point and one that may be key to stress-free honeymoon planning. Weddings are nerve-wracking. Truthfully, you cannot nitpick every single detail, and things will go out of control. Odds are, then, that you're already feeling overwhelmed as it is, and you don't want the added stress of planning your honeymoon, especially if you waited too long to book it. Plus, a honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime getaway and one of the most romantic trips you will ever take – so, why leave anything to chance? Why not leave it to someone who has the training and experience to craft your custom honeymoon itinerary instead? 4. Consider taking a buffer day Weddings.They're fun, but they also take a lot of your time and energy. So, while it may be tempting to float straight from the reception en route to your honeymoon (yes, like in the movies), make no mistake - after the frenzy of a wedding, you'll be flat-out exhausted. You will need sleep, even though you may not realize it right now. Therefore, instead of leaving for your honeymoon straight away, consider catching a breath between the ceremony and the trip. You can sleep in, watch movies all day, eat your wedding cake in bed… Doesn't exactly sound like a bad day now, does it? This way, you'll be able to enjoy the whole thing a little bit longer because, before you know it, you'll be back to your routine. Even new milestones, such as moving to a bigger house to start a family, will require your energy, especially if you're moving to another country. While it may be an exciting time, moving overseas will exhaust you. You're looking at more planning, budgeting, and packing. Also, unless you plan on selling everything you own, you'll need someone to handle the transport of super bulky pieces of furniture along with your other belongings, which calls for in-debt research of moving companies. So, take your time to enjoy your honeymoon as much as you can. 5. Blend adventure and relaxation
Some newlyweds prefer an action-packed adventure, whereas others would rather spend 90% of their honeymoon in bed. While neither is wrong, pros advise couples to make a fine blend of the two. It's great if you can both plan a handful of activities and establish some relaxation time. Keeping your schedule flexible will allow you to experience something new and make memories, as well as give your body and mind some space to breathe and a chance to unplug. Finally, for any stress-free honeymoon planning, remembering to pack that go-with-the-flow attitude is what matters the most. You and your S.O. should try to keep your cool and carry on in the face of unexpected events. Have a drink or two, laugh about whatever is going sideways, and revel in the fact that you now have someone for all of life's highs and lows. This article was written by Sophia Perry. Author’s bio: Sophia Perry has been engaged in creating content for Transparent International and other moving companies for the last 8 years. In her spare time, Sophia enjoys running, reading books and spending time with her dogs Loo and Sill. As a great lover of life, she finds something practical and useful in every experience, which contributes to her portfolio as well. Sophia Perry Outreach coordinator Phoenix, AZ Arizona Moving Professionals 202 807 7658 904 406 8157 sophia@azmovingpros.com www.azmovingpros.com La Costa Verde´s Beach Circuit “La Costa Verde, as it is known popularly, has about 20 beaches that cover the capital districts of Miraflores, Chorrillos, Barranco, San Miguel, Magdalena Del Mar and San Isidro. Lima is one of the few capitals in the world with access to sea and beautiful cliffs, which are an important tourist attraction. These beaches have activity all year, although it has a greater number of bathers during the summer months. In ”la costa verde” there are many recreational activities for tourist, such as: surfing, paragliding, soccer, volleyball, concert areas, restaurants, social clubs, as well as areas for fishing. The beaches of the South Asia Boulevard The Asia Boulevard is the most exclusive one of Lima. This complex has branches of the most important businesses in Lima, such as restaurants, bars, lounges, nightclubs, department stores, cinemas, supermarkets, hairdressers, shoe stores, jewelry, decoration and fashion, but the beaches have rough surf, so you need to be cautious. Here on the picture is Cantuarias Beach. Silencio Beach A postcard cove. This beach has thick white sand, and it’s surrounded by restaurants and nightclubs. It’s located a little over half an hour away from the capital. Señoritas Beach It’s similar to El Silencio beach. This beach has a semicircular coast with a calm sea and thick white sand. Caballeros Beach It’s ideal for surfers! The surfer community knows it as Pico Alto. It is located at Km 40 of the Highway called Panamericana Sur. Pulpos Beach This beach is modern and its residences fill the seascape with color. The beach is curved and long and its sea is rough. It is at Km 40 of the Panamericana Sur Punta Hermosa Beach This beach is traditional, and has several pleasant beaches, with mostly soft waves. Punta Rocas stands out with its beaches being ideal for surfers. On this beach a surfing championship takes place annually and usually ends in a youth music concert. San Bartolo Beach It's the biggest beach in the south of Lima. It's beaches are perfect to practice sports, such as: fishing, surfboarding and sea kayaking. On December 8th, the Immaculate Conception festival is celebrated here. It is located at Km 51 of Panamericana Sur Here a picture of the sunset on this beach. Santa Maria Beach It is an exclusive family beach. It has luxurious residences and modern apartments. There are beaches like El Cangrejito and Embajadores, nice and small quiet beaches shaped like a half moon. You can also find here the Yacht Club and the Club La Esmeralda. Northern Beaches Ancon Beach Although, we must recognize that the most famous beaches of Lima are undoubtedly in south of city, we can not fail to mention one of the most emblematic beaches of Lima;Ancon, which has historical value and tourist potential. Few decades ago this beautiful beach was considered one of the most exclusive in South America. One can not fail to mention its historical value for all Peruvians, because it was where the famous treaty of Ancón was signed, which put end to the bloody war of the nineteenth century between Chile, Peru and Bolivia. If we go further back, we see that in pre-Columbian times different cultures have converged here, one of the most outstanding is the Chancay culture. So when you visit Ancón you must visit its museum. This area has several beaches with a calm sea as well as some with many waves. Santa Rosa Beach This is the most exclusive beach in Northern Lima. It has beautiful summer residences and restaurants that are full during summer season; the beaches are generally calm. References http://www.guiadelima.com.pe/turismo/guia-de-playas-del-sur https://erasmusu.com/es/erasmus-lima/blog-erasmus/ancon-el-balneario-por-excelencia-de-lima-norte-431652 |
Rossana TaylorBilingual English -Spanish Travel Agent Archives
May 2023
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