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Packing Tips for your Honeymoon – Bliss or Bust?

There are some people who are simply natural born packers, and know how to make the most of their closets on wheels. We look at some tips to help you make the most of the space which you have available to you.

1. Do your laundry a few days before you go so everything will be clean and ready for action. It is a good idea to have button-down shirts professionally laundered, pressed, and bagged at the dry cleaner so you can just pop them into your suitcase.
2. Start making your packing list a week before you leave. By starting early this gives you time to add items and take items off as you lead up to when you are going to leave.
3. When selecting items from your wardrobe, you should think coordinating solids, wrinkle-resistant micro fibers, such as Lycra, nylon, spandex and Tencel. Pack shoes which are versatile. Also remember that light-colored fabrics show stains, but they are cooler than dark clothes.
4. One of the ways of avoiding wrinkles is simply to roll or wrap your clothes in tissue paper. You can also lay clothes in the suitcase on their hangers and in plastic dry cleaner bags.
5. Don’t even bother taking shoes or clothes you’ve never worn before.
6. Stuff your socks and underwear into your shoes or purses. This will help these items keep their shapes.
7. If you have a luggage set, pack everything inside your second-largest bag, then put that bag inside the largest bag. This gives you the extra space for all sorts of goodies you buy while you are on honeymoon.
8. A good idea is to pack items which can have more than one use. Such as: a hair dryer with a curling iron attachment, an alarm clock and radio, a calculator and translation guide.
9. When you’ve stuffed your bag to the max, zip it up and tap it on the floor a few times to make extra room.
10. The golden rule of packing: don’t overstuff your bags! Over stuffing usually leads to exceeding airline weights and extra fees.
11. Unfold belts and wrap them around the inside of your suitcase.
12. Share bathroom basics like toothpaste, shampoo, etc.
13. Place any liquids, such as shampoos in an extra plastic bag. The altitude can cause these items to leak, and you don’t need to arrive to find everything coated in a layer of shampoo.
14. Pack your suitcase with heavier items on bottom, lighter ones on top.
15. Pack all your valuables, one change of clothes, non-perishable snacks, a small bottle of water, and your minimum toiletry needs in your carry-on incase your luggage gets delayed.
16. As soon as you arrive at your destination, unpack and hang up your clothes.

Photo courtesy of Scott Hagar Photography

An old-fashioned trend still holds value in 2010

We agree that having the ability to research and find beautiful honeymoon options online is a great resource. Yet, by thinking we have everything at our fingertips, we have forgotten the benefits that a travel agent offers, especially when you’re planning a “big event” such as your honeymoon.

With a good travel agent, you have someone who is privy to all the latest offers and deals, plus you can let them do all the hard work while you’re focused on all those other wedding details. A travel agent can be a wonderful money-saving resource. They work in the industry, and not only get amazing deals to pass along to you, but they can easily customize a romantic trip, no matter what your budget. Choose an agent that specializes in the area you want to go, and of course, specializes in honeymoons.

BTW…budgeting for your honeymoon is something you need to work into your overall wedding plan from the very beginning. Meeting with a travel agent can help you generate a realistic budget of what you can afford as well as an idea of what it affords you.!

A honeymoon registry is great for those looking to save. Some travel agencies and websites offer a registry service where guests can contribute to a honeymoon fund and travel expenses in lieu of wedding gifts. Guests can also pick a specific perk to give, like a spa treatment or romantic dinner away so they don’t just feel like they are giving you money.

It’s also not a bad idea to set up a honeymoon savings account that is debted from your paycheck (if your employer has auto-deposit). Try setting aside at least $100 or more from each paycheck and deposit into this special honeymoon account. (Have your groom do it as well, then you have double the money saved). This way you’re assured that the money is put aside (we always have such good intentions to do it ourselves!) and you have a nice little nest egg to help pay for that honeymoon when the big event finally occurs.

Pictured here are several destinations that you can read more about under our Wedding Destinations and Honeymoon categories.

From top to bottom: Jade Mountain, St. Lucia; Auberge du Soleil, and St. Regis Bali Resort

Honeymoon Hot Spots – Croatia

Croatia has been added to the list of one of the World’s most romantic destinations for lovers. Here you will find hidden treasures of untouched nature, three thousand years of history waiting to be discovered and Croatia’s stunning coastline is on the Adriatic Sea, one of the cleanest, most crystal clear seas in the Mediterranean and wonderfully warm. Browse marble paved streets, and explore monasteries and cathedrals which began in the 7th century. Dine in the fine restaurants or just stop for a drink in one of the many café-lined squares.

The best way to experience all of Croatia’s rich culture is to embark on your new life as Mr. & Mrs. by taking a voyage on an extraordinary SeaDream yacht voyage, which was ranked in 2008 as “Exclusive – Above Luxury Award” by Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships. What could be more romantic than sailing the Mediterranean from the Southern coast of Croatia to Venice, Italy on an intimate cruise ship that is “yachting, not cruising.”

Perhaps you would prefer to explore Croatia on land. If so, indulge at Novi Spa Hotel & Resort, where luxury meets nature. This five star resort located only 20 minutes from the nearest International airport, Rijeka, offers a plethora of first class amenities, dining and entertainment, and is perched along the Adriatic Sea. Now that Croatia is being rediscovered, more airlines are flying from major US airports at inexpensive rates if booked a couple of months in advance. Discover history. Discover Croatia.

Click on the image for a larger view.

Source: Signature Travel (StrictlyWeddings.com’s Travel Partner)

Honeymoon Helper – Great Locations Nearby

As budgets get tighter, where do you cut back? In some cases, many of your purchases have already been made – the dress, the location. So maybe it’s time to take a second look at your honeymoon if it’s still in the planning stages.

Most of us have wonderful places either within our state or surrounding states that could make a wonderful, romantic setting. In Texas, we have many gems (the hill country, the Davis Mountains, Jefferson – pictured here), but even better is the diversity of the states around us – the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico, the history of Louisiana, the lakes and cabins in Oklahoma and Arkansas. Maybe it’s not as exotic or sexy, but let’s be honest, the honeymoon is as much about connecting with each other then going to far away places. My honeymoon consisted of 4 days at a friend’s home in Sante Fe, another 3 days at a friend’s condo in Creste Butte, Colorado, camping (3 days max for my husband’s benefit) and the final night at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs before returning. We drove! But the memories have lasted us 30 years, especially the one where we took the motorcycle over the Loveland pass not thinking about how cold it would be on the return. No coats … I was one frozen bride!

The Dallas Morning News wrote a great piece on “18 romantic getaways in Texas and neighboring states.” We think it’s worth a read.

Honeymoon Ideas in 2009

Looking forward to your wedding day in 2009?  While all of the planning and leading up to the big day may be a bit stressful, at least you can rest assured that when it’s all said and done, you can head off to a relaxing honeymoon with your special someone.

Picking the right honeymoon can be a difficult choice, so to help you start your search, we offer the top 3 honeymoon destinations in Playa Del Carmen, St. Barths, & Punta Mita on our Dallas wedding site.

A honeymoon is supposed to be a stress-free romantic vacation, and the last thing you need is to deal with cumbersome luggage to and from the airport.  We recommend this great luggage site, which allows you to ship your luggage in advance to any destination, so that it’s waiting for you safe and sound at your dream destination!

Four Seasons Hotels

I get mail about The Four Seasons Hotels from around the world, and I must say there has never been a time, that they have ever disappointed me. The service, service, service is always the very best! Every time, I can stay at a Four Seasons, I do and it is where I find peace and can always be assured that the staff at the Four Seasons, will treat you like a King.

Check them all out. Start with the beautiful one in Maui! Then go to their home page and enjoy the wonderful adventure, as you try to choose the one that suits you best … for your honeymoon or a special vacation.

Private Places

Raffles Resort Canouan Island, The Grenadines St. Vincent & The Grenadines, West Indies

The rhythmic sounds of the ocean sliding on the sand, the cool breezes sweeping across the landscape, the lush green of the tropical forests and the melodious sounds coming from every shop, restaurant and home—that move anyone to dance—mark the allure and sumptuous appeal of the Caribbean. Couples are drawn to these beautiful and varied islands year after year choosing between locales known for intimate spaces, stunning views and an air of romance that is real.

Drive into the mountains of St. Lucia, outside Soufrière in the southwestern part of the island and you will find a hidden resort: Ladera. Perched on the side of the mountain, each retreat has a beautifully designed plunge pool and some even offer a waterfall. In each of the rooms, there is no exterior wall—what the resort has come to call an “open wall”— affording couples the opportunity to bask in full views of the sea, island and sky. Ladera is uniquely designed so that its guests may become part of the surroundings, while maintaining the luxury of a protected environment.

Canouan Island is located in the heart of The Grenadines. One of the best kept secrets of the rich and famous, it offers both privacy and spectacular beaches. Raffles Resort Canouan Island, The Grenadines, has all the amenities a couple might desire. Luxuriate in one of its 156 villas, which include some of the largest balconies in the Caribbean. Each villa offers a golf cart allowing guests to explore the resort. Indulge in the Amrita Spa, dine at the lovely La Varenne and maybe catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two at the European-style Casino: Trump Club Privee.

La Samanna is located on the French side of St. Martin, just a short drive from the Dutch side. Beautifully designed suites—each with its own balcony or terrace and some with Jacuzzis—allow for an ideal location to have a romantic dinner prepared by one of the resort’s signature chefs. La Samanna offers a myriad of wonderful activities for just the two of you: try a day sail or a private visit to the butterfly farm.

The Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies is a hidden treasure on the Leeward Island of Nevis allowing couples to escape to a location of utter beauty and still enjoy all that comes with the expectations of the Four Seasons name. Each of the well-appointed suites has ocean, golf course or mountain views. This is a resort that offers horseback riding on the beach, a round of golf on one of the most scenic courses in the Caribbean and open-air dining at the renowned Mango.

Long considered the quiet and more authentic part of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands offer a distinctly Caribbean flavor with a British flare. Little Dix Bay, A Rosewood Resort—familiar to the discerning traveler—is known as an idyllic honeymoon location. Upon arriving at the resort the feeling of tranquility is immediate. Each villa has a breathtaking view from your choice of a balcony or terrace that spans the forest and beach.

The experience of the Caribbean through any of these unique resorts will certainly assure that a dream of a majestic honeymoon does not just stay a dream, but transcends into the realms of tangible reality.

Planning the Honeymoon

Making your honeymoon the trip of a lifetime may require nearly as much advanced planning as your wedding itself. Two-career couples wanting several weeks of vacation time will find their employers more sympathetic if they know your plans early.

Prices may also be lower if you plan ahead. The earlier cruises are booked, for instance, the better the price. As cabins fill up, prices rise. Trips involving airfare and accommodations can usually be guaranteed up to 331 days in advance. Many desirable accommodations have limited space.
While cruises of the Caribbean may be abundant, cruises down the Amazon or aboard a tall ship are not; likewise, booking a seat on the Orient Express is not like making reservations on Amtrak. Rooms at Spanish castles, Irish farmhouses or Scottish bed & breakfasts fill up quickly.

Cultural and sporting events-such as Carnival in Brazil, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Wimbledon and the Olympics-attract huge crowds that can make finding a room impossible unless you plan well in advance. Even environmental events can pose lodging and transportation problems. The arrival of the Monarch butterflies or a solar eclipse attract large crowds competing for limited space. If your travel plans includes Thanksgiving, Christmas or school vacations, here or abroad, planning is crucial.

Couples often find that their work and family obligations only grow in the first few years of marriage, so it may not be wise to scrimp on your honeymoon in hopes of making up for it with a bigger trip down the road. If your dreams exceed your budget, travel agencies can “register” your trip, allowing guests to finance pieces of your honeymoon as engagement, shower or wedding gifts.

Finally, don’t underestimate the value of pacing yourself. For the first week of your honeymoon, consider taking a relaxing cruise, a train trip, or a relaxing resort getaway so you and your spouse can enjoy some recovery time. Extensive sightseeing and excursions that involve a lot of physical activity may be best left for a second or third week.

Whatever you decide, planning will ensure that your honeymoon will be the trip of a lifetime and it can stoke the fires of anticipation and imagination as you set out on your first grand adventure as husband and wife.