Honeymoon planning
Budget planning can often be delicate subject but one that is vitally important to discuss both with your partner and your travel agent. It is one of the first things I ask my honeymoon clients so I can not only tailor my suggestions to suit, but to avoid making suggestions that don't fit as this can lead to disappointment. A great benefit of booking with a Travel Counsellor is the option to take advantage of our Honeymoon Gift Registry. This is a scheme where if you already have everything you need, (who needs more plates?) you can ask your guests to contribute towards your honeymoon as a wedding gift. If this would be of interest, please do ask for further information - it's a great idea and works well!
Honeymoon Perks Who doesn’t love a perk? Booking your honeymoon with me, I will take advantage of every single perk on offer to make your trip extra special. It’s not uncommon for Hotels and Tour Operators to offer perks to honeymoon couples, such as: Complimentary room upgrades Bride stays free offers Complimentary excursions Complimentary spa treatments Beach dining I will always liaise with the hotels before your arrival and I can also offer a personal consultation so you can both be involved in the planning from day 1. This can be arranged at a time to suit you both, at evenings and weekends if that's more convenient.
Now down to some of my favourite recommendations:
The Maldives These islands are an iconic honeymoon destination, so they seemed like the obvious place to start as they are the perfect place to relax, unwind and get away from it all. Prices and styles vary massively and can be endless so before you start to get lost in the many images of stunning turquoise water and white sugar sand beaches, I would recommend speaking to someone who can match something to your requirements before falling in love! It's also possible to twin the Maldives with other destinations so if you are worried 2 weeks on a desert island will be too quiet for you, we can add something else to the mix such as a stopover in the Middle East or even Sri Lanka. This is a great way to experience some culture and then chill out on the beach at the end of your trip - the perfect combination.
Safari Have you dreamt of seeing the 'Big 5' as part of your honeymoon? If so, this could be the one for you. Safaris vary massively in terms of what you can see, where you can travel and when to go, so it's worth talking to an expert to ensure you get the right safari for you. Africa tends to offer sightings of the main Big 5 animals, but you can also vary things a bit and even safari in Sri Lanka to see more birds, elephants, sloth bears and leopard. Enjoying breakfast in the bush surrounded by zebra and buffalo and hearing lions from your tent at night really are amazing experiences I would highly recommend.
Italy I absolutely love everything about Italy, the culture, food and people, and it’s probably one of the most romantic countries in the world so the perfect place to start your married life together! From romantic city breaks to the rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria, or the stunning Lakes to the Neapolitan Riviera, it really does have it all. Easily reached from the UK it's the perfect place for a shorter stay so definitely worth considering.
Caribbean There really is so much more to the Caribbean than just beach, and it's so important to match the right island to your requirements as they vary massively in what they offer. As a Caribbean specialist I've been lucky enough to visit many times and highlights for me have been Segway trips, catamarans, mountain climbing, jeep adventures and snorkelling to mention just a few. There's something about the charming locals, and the music too. Hearing a steel pan with a cocktail in hand on the beach is something everyone should experience once in their life.
Mauritius For this relatively small tropical island located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius certainly has so much to offer. Honeymooners are initially drawn to the island by the stunning beaches, but there’s a whole lot more to keep you busy for sure. The descendants of Europe, Africa, India and China make up the majority of the population and each group has made their mark on the island, which makes for amazing cuisine - it's a real melting pot of cultures and the locals are incredibly friendly. In terms of accommodation hotels offer excellent standards, but at the same time offer great value for money. Some of the hotels offer private pool options or swim up rooms for that ultimate honeymoon vibe, and they are very used to ensuring your stay is memorable with lots of additional honeymoon benefits too.
Bali I've saved this one until the end as it was where I honeymooned myself, many years ago! With so much culture on offer and amazing scenery, I would certainly recommend either hiring a car, or a car and driver (this is what we did) to really get out and explore the many temples, lakes, emerald rice terraces and other beaches that are on offer. Accommodation varies significantly from treehouse style resorts to contemporary and minimalist beachfront properties. Again, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets so it's easy to please most honeymoon couples!
Summing up To sum up, there is so much choice when it comes to honeymoon planning and whilst we might be a bit limited at the moment, I hope I've shown you there really is something to suit all tastes, budgets, and dreams. Working with someone who knows the ins and outs of planning and has the experience to take your honeymoon to another level really is the best way to ensure this truly once in a lifetime trip is remembered forever. So if I've inspired you, then what are you waiting for - get in touch to arrange a consultation to start the planning and we can work together to ensure you get the honeymoon you've always dreamed of!