Dreaming of escaping to a tropical paradise where your every need will be taken care of immediately after you and your sweetheart say your “I do’s?” If so, Barbados just might be the slice of heaven you’ve been looking for. This Caribbean island is famed for its beauty and even more renowned for the luxury its service industry knows how to dish up.

So, why should you consider Barbados for your honeymoon? Here are just a few reasons:

• The landscape – Consider the most beautiful postcard picture you’ve ever seen of the sand, surf and sun and Barbados just might top it. With crystal clear waters, powdery beaches and a lush, green tropical interior, Barbados paints the perfect picture for a romantic honeymoon adventure. You’ll even find there are mountains to climb. Mount Hillaby, in fact, is more than 1,200 feet above sea level.
• The things to do – Barbados has more things to see and do than any couple could possibly take in on a honeymoon. From hiking, biking and swimming to touring historic sites and beyond, you’re not going to run out of fun things to explore while you’re in Barbados. You’ll find there are activities here to match just about every taste, too. It doesn’t matter whether you just like sightseeing or you want to enjoy adrenaline pumping high adventure, you’ll find it in Barbados.
• The rum – Believe it or not, this is one of Barbados’ many claims to fame. This island paradise gets the credit as the birthplace of rum. Inasmuch, you can expect to find many libations made with this particular spirit at hotels, restaurants and beachside bars. You can also tour historic sites connected to the production of rum. There are also rum shops and rum distilleries well worth exploring.
• The House – No, this isn’t an ordinary abode with historic appeal waiting for you to explore. Instead, it’s one of the premier destinations in Barbados for couples on their honeymoon. This resort is an adults-only destination that’s famed the world over. It features top-notch service, its own Zagat-rated restaurant and plenty of on-site activities. Guests here enjoy private rooms that boast a variety of luxury appointments, such as flat-screen televisions, espresso machines, private porches and more.

Finding the right place for your honeymoon is important. If a tropical paradise is your dream, Barbados is the place to go. To find out more about this stunning escape, just consult with our honeymoon travel experts.

Selecting just the right spot for a honeymoon isn’t always as simple as it sounds. If you want a sure-fire hit, however, it’s hard to ignore the allure of Paris. This European capital has earned the name City of Love for several very good reasons. When your desire for romance is high, but you want to make sure there are plenty of other things to do, it’s nearly impossible to top the Parisian landscape for a couple’s getaway.

While some might say Paris is a “cliché” choice, here are four reasons why it’s truly a classic that is well worth considering as you plan for a honeymoon:

1. The beauty – From the Eiffel Tower to the River Seine and everything in between, Paris is a sight to behold. This city was built with splendor in mind. Its art, architecture and natural landscapes combine to present a stunning picture that is sure to make an impression no matter the season of a visit.
2. The nightlife – When it comes to fun things to do after the sun sets, Paris only has one real rival the world over – New York City. Just like its American counterpart, Paris never really goes to sleep. The city has nightclubs, spas, live theatrical venues and much more couples can explore after hours. Plus, moonlight strolls and treks to the top of the Eiffel Tower always make for memorable experiences.
3. The other things to do – Visitors to Paris never find themselves lacking for things to do. From the historic sites and world famous museums to the shopping districts and beyond, this city offers something for every taste imaginable. It doesn’t matter whether you and your sweetheart want to tour ancient ruins and stately castles or just take in some of the best restaurants and clothing stores in the world, Paris will not fail to impress.
4. The hotels – When it comes to pampering, Parisian hotels and resorts are the best. From small boutiques that provide the ultimate in privacy to large, world-class resorts, you’ll find it all in the City of Love. No matter your selection, however, you’ll find that Parisian hoteliers know how to treat guests right.

If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic adventure for your honeymoon, Paris is the city to explore. To find out more about booking a couple’s getaway in the City of Love, just consult our honeymoon travel experts.

Getting away for an anniversary calls for a destination that’s as special and your love. But, where in the world presents with perfection if you and your sweetheart happen to have a passion for gourmet cuisine, stunning scenery, history, art and culture?

While there certainly are some options that fit the bill, it’s hard to top an Italy anniversary for foodies. When you want to experience a culture through its cuisine and never tire of the flavorful choices, this country and its dishes will not disappoint. Sweetening the deal is the fact that visitors often discover the most savory epicurean delights are not just found in 5-star establishments, but also quaint cafes and corner restaurants favored by locals. This makes getting to know the culture through the food an attainable and highly enjoyable goal.

Setting Up a Foodie Tour of Italy

Foodies that want to explore the very best of Italy will discover they have a lot of choices available to them. Here are just a few ways to savor the best this country has to offer:

Sign up for a guided foodie tour – Italian cuisine is so loved by travelers from all over the world, there are tours designed specifically to make sure visitors taste the very best. These tours take travelers into some of the best-known establishments in different regions of the country and may also include sight-seeing and other adventures. This is a great way to enjoy a foodie anniversary in Italy if you don’t want to leave anything to chance.

Create your own tour – There is so much to see, do and taste in Italy, it can be hard to find a guided tour that hits all the spots you and your honey might want to take in. If you’re concerned about seeing a particular work of art, historic site or visiting a certain dining establishment, consider building your own itinerary. Working directly with an anniversary travel advisor can help you plan out a schedule that doesn’t leave a stone unturned.

Culinary tours – Want to bring home more than your memories and a few mementoes? Why not attend a regional cooking school while you’re on your anniversary trip in Italy. There are some great educational facilities that cater especially to those with a passion for great food and outstanding wine. While there you’ll not only taste some of the best cuisine in the world, you’ll learn the recipes so you can relive your trip from your own kitchen back at home.

Ready to savor the best of Italy’s cuisine? Just talk with our anniversary travel experts to begin planning the right foodie adventure for you and your sweetheart.

Saying “I do” all over again calls for a setting that’s as special as your marriage. If you happen to love romantic settings, art, architecture, history and some of the best food found anywhere in the world, Italy is the place to go.

Just picture yourself exploring the sites of Rome or wandering Venice in a gondola after reaffirming your love for one another. Even better, imagine yourself doing these things while saying “I do” for the second time. Choose Italy for your renewal ceremony and these dreams can become reality.

Here are just four of the reasons why Italy is the place to go for a vow renewal ceremony that you’ll never forget:

• The choices – Italy might be best known for the splendor of Rome and the sanctity of the Vatican, but there’s a lot more to see and do here than just visit these two top choices. While it’s true a tour of Rome could take up an entire trip, places like Venice and Florence are also stunning for vow renewals.  The countryside and mountainous regions of the country also deliver an amazing backdrop for a memorable ceremony and subsequent second honeymoon escape.
• The things to see – It doesn’t matter whether family and friends are coming along for the Italy vow renewal or you’re going alone, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do. Should you plan on having guests of all ages, Italy will not disappoint in the activity department. What’s even better is the fact it has so many romantic escapes for that post-wedding fun you’ll enjoy all alone.
• The food – Foodies and Italy go together like pasta and Chianti. Choose to travel here for your vow renewal and you’ll find your entire trip could be dominated by the regional cuisines that make this country’s culinary style loved the world over. What’s even better is the fact you can visit different areas to savor entirely different flavors. Should you want to tour the highpoints of Italian cuisine, you’ll even discover tours are available just for that. You and your second wedding guests can even take part in a cooking class so you can recreate the experience once you’re back at home.
• The service – Italian hospitality is known the world over. Whether you and your honey intend to make the trip alone or are bringing the family and friends alone to witness, you’ll discover the service here is legendary. Work directly with an anniversary travel advisor to find the best places to stay to meet your needs and desires and you won’t be disappointed.

Say “I do” all over again in Italy and you’ll find the memories made here will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a foodie, have a passion for history or just want to see some of the world’s most notable sites, you’ll fall in love with Italy.

Thinking about DIYing your honeymoon? Here’s 6 things an online site won’t tell you.

You’ll get a better deal if you wait till next week:

Have you ever clicked the confirm button on an online site only to have it tell you that you’d get a better deal if you waited a couple days to book? Of course not! Since one of the reasons people use an online site is instant gratification, an online booking site is never going to let you know that the hotel you’ve just selected is running a promo that starts next week, and that you would really be better off to wait a couple more days before you book. And here’s the rub-if you book online and a better rate comes out after you’ve booked, the online site won’t adjust your price. Here at Bliss Honeymoons, if a better rate becomes available after you’ve booked, we can obtain the new rate for you.

At that resort, “ocean view” really means “tree view”

There’s nothing better than waking up in a tropical destination and sitting on your balcony staring at the ocean while having your coffee. But not all ocean view rooms are created equal. In fact, at some resorts, ocean views are obstructed by trees or other buildings. If you’re going to pay extra for an ocean view, don’t you want to be able to see the ocean?  At Bliss Honeymoons, we visit the resorts that we sell, so we can give you the inside scoop on what the rooms are really like.

This resort is great if you want to spend the week with rednecks!

While doing a hotel tour of Jamaica last fall, one of our agents spent a couple of nights at what claimed to be an upscale resort. While this resort looks fantastic online, what you don’t see on the online site are the 50 screaming kids doing cannon balls, and the lovely couple in cut-offs who were smoking in the pool! It’s also impossible to taste or feel a hotel from a website, and there was no mention of the rock hard beds or endless supply of box wine swill on their site.

Remember, anyone can build a pretty website. It’s impossible to judge the vibe of the resort, or the crowd it attracts from their site. And there’s nothing worse than spending a week trapped at a resort with people who make you uncomfortable.

Your hotel is closed for the season. Enjoy the Super 8!

In the last year there have been two big cases of couples who booked, only to learn that the hotel was closed for the season when they arrived. (One was a Greek Island honeymoon, the other a 25^th wedding anniversary in Costa Rica) In both of these cases, the online site refused to assist them until they could confirm that the hotel was actually closed. But how can you confirm a hotel is closed when there’s no one there to confirm it? Exactly!

In both of these instances, the travelers were left to fend for themselves. Each had to find and pay for a new hotel, and then spend months fighting with the online site to get their money back when they returned home.

You could have gotten that candlelight dinner on the beach free by booking the next room category!

There’s nothing worse than learning the  beach wedding you just paid $1500.00 for could have been free if you had just spent an extra $800.00 on the next highest room category, and stayed 7 nights instead of 6 nights.

Online sites do a great job of giving you a list of things that are available at various resorts, and making you think you’ve gotten a deal. But an experienced travel professional knows the inter-workings of the resorts promos, and can help you get more value from your trip than you can find from an online site.

Your connecting flight leaves 15 minutes before you arrive. Welcome to Duluth!

The cheapest flight is not always a flight that can actually work. Online sites are notorious for selling flights with misconnects, or failing to notify clients that their flight schedules have changed. Last year we had a destination wedding guest who insisted on booking their own flights. Imagine their surprise when they arrived at the airport with their two toddlers in tow, only to learn that Mexicana had gone bankrupt several weeks ago and was no longer flying. The walk-up fare to get to the wedding on an alternate airline was almost $2000 per person. They wound up driving home, missing the wedding, and losing everything they paid for the trip as they declined the insurance. And of course the online site they purchased the air through never notified them that Mexicana had gone under, and denied them any kind of compensation.

Italian Honeymoon for Foodies

Love great food, incredible scenery and romantic destinations? Hoping to combine the three in a honeymoon adventure your sweetheart will never forget? If so, Italy is the place spend your first post-wedding days together.

An Italian honeymoon is an outstanding choice for foodies for more reasons than anyone can count. Just a simple exploration of the cuisine is enough to show why this country is the place to go for those who love great food. And, depending on where in Italy you decide to visit, you can explore lots of different flavors along the way.

You’ll find that Italy’s different regions each have their own dishes and styles of cooking they’re famed for.  In Lombardy, for example, you can savor the taste of rice, beef, pork and maize dishes. Travel into the piedmont area and you’ll find cheese and nuts feature strongly in dishes. Tuscany brings its own flavors to the table with its cuisine that favors legumes, mushrooms, fresh fruits, cheese and bread.  Pasta, of course, is a staple in many regions, but count on it being served up with local styling no matter where you go.

How to Tour With Italian Food in Mind

Foodies will find there ways to tailor Italian honeymoons to their own personal tastes. Here are just a few options:

Go on a foodie tour – Cuisine is such a big part of Italian culture that there are tours dedicated to it alone. Check with our honeymoon travel consultants for information on tours that focus on the styles of cooking found in a particular region or several regions. You can count on some amazing meals along the way when one of these tours is booked!

Setting your own itinerary – If you have particular points of interest you want to explore while in Italy while also sampling the cuisine, it can help to work directly with our honeymoon travel advisors to map out your own adventure.

Educational tours – If you want to do more than just taste the food, you can take an educational tour that includes cooking lessons. Choose to do this for your Italian honeymoon and you’ll bring home more than incredible memories – you’ll also get to recreate the dishes you loved so much anytime you want! Check with your honeymoon travel advisor for cooking class options available in different regions of Italy.

Italian honeymoons are perfect for foodies with a penchant for romance and wonder. This country is famed not only for its amazing history and landscapes, but also the foods that set its different regions apart. Just speak with our honeymoon travel advisors to get the planning ball rolling!

Your wedding day is right around the corner and you want to plan a honeymoon that neither of you will ever forget. If someplace warm, on the beach and exotic sounds like a plan, you might want to consider a getaway to a tropical, over-the-water bungalow.

So why would you want to stay in a bungalow instead of a 5-star, high-rise beach resort? While the latter has its perks for sure, there are some compelling reasons why honeymooners love over-water bungalows. Here are just a few of the top reasons to consider a stay at a boutique resort that boasts these private, unique rooms for their guests:

1. The destinations – Over-the-water bungalows are found in some of the world’s most notable and most romantic locations. Think the coastline of Mexico, Belize, Tahiti and you’ll get the picture. These destinations are already perfect for honeymooners and the bungalow hotels just make them all the more sweet.
2. The things to do – Bungalows right on the beach or built out over the water are typically found in locales where the things to do abound. From high-action zip-lining through tropical jungles to laid back days on the beach, couples don’t run out of things to do when they choose vacations like this.
3. The landscape – There are few destinations in the world that can top the views that over-the-water bungalows deliver. Imagine waking up to a gentle tropical breeze as waves lap below your bed. Now picture yourself standing outside on a private porch watching the sunset over the water. It just doesn’t get better than that!
4. The privacy – It’s your honeymoon, and let’s face it; you want privacy. Over-the-water bungalows are typically designed with every luxury in mind and are self-contained. That means you and your honey will get the privacy you crave without having to sacrifice anything in the amenity department.
5. The memories – While escaping to a bungalow in a tropical locale isn’t quite like getting lost on a deserted island, it can come pretty close. You and your sweetie will be able to make memories to last a lifetime and just think of how stunning your vacation pictures will be!

To find out more about our Bungalow H2O Collection, just consult our honeymoon travel advisors. Our pros can help you book the best places to stay in resorts all over the world.

When it comes to dream honeymoon destinations, Europe tends to have a corner on the market. France, Italy, England, Spain and even Holland are often noted for having some of the most romantic options in the world. Sweden, however, doesn’t often make the grade.

There are some amazing reasons why this slice of Scandinavia should be on the list for honeymooners to explore with care. From its distinct culture to its awe-inspiring landscape, Sweden has a lot more going for it than many realize.

While Paris is sure to please and Rome just sounds exotic, here are three reasons why Sweden is for honeymooners:

Its landscape and climate – When it comes to awesome landscapes, Sweden delivers. From the spectacular views provided at Stora Sjöfallet National Park to Lake Hammarsjon and beyond, the rugged beauty here is undeniable. If you’re really lucky, you’ll be able to watch in awe as the Northern Lights paint the skies over Sweden, too. Quaint seaside villages and the countryside also provide visitors here with peaceful landscapes that are sure to warm the heart. Now, if more urban landscaping is to your liking, you’ll find Sweden’s bigger cities don’t disappoint. Stockholm is a wonder onto itself. While part of Sweden is in the Arctic Circle, visitors will find most of the country boasts a temperate climate. That means Sweden experiences all four seasons and the wonders that go along with them.

The activities – From high adventure excursions to romantic, peaceful strolls through some of the country’s more notable cities, the things to do and see in Sweden are impossible to list. If you’re in love with history, explore the many Viking ruins and museums dedicated to the country’s past. Should adventure be in the cards, consider skiing, sailing or mountain climbing in the rugged terrain. Shopping, dining and an unstoppable nightlife all await in places like Stockholm, as well. You can also explore the country’s many parks, seaside destinations and its lovely countryside.

The service – It doesn’t matter whether you choose to spend your honeymoon in Sweden in a big resort of you’re looking for an intimate boutique that will provide extra privacy, you can count on enjoying some incredible service. The resorts here are well known for their attention to detail and their ability to make guests feel welcome and appreciated.

Ready to spend your honeymoon exploring the wonders of Sweden? Just check with our honeymoon travel advisors to learn more about this amazing European destination.

The only thing more romantic than spending your anniversary saying your “I do’s” all over again is doing so with a tropical sunset in the background.

If you’re dreaming of a beach getaway for your upcoming anniversary vow renewal ceremony, have we got some ideas for you! Not only are these locations some of the best in the world, they are also all renowned for their incredibly hospitable resorts that have staff members who would be thrilled to help make sure your special day goes off without a hitch for you and your guests.

Here are some of our top beach vow renewal destination recommendations:

Renew your vows in Aruba – This classic Caribbean destination provides a stunning backdrop for a vow renewal ceremony. Not only are its beaches legendary, its culture is one you and your guests are sure to love. You’ll enjoy some great scenery, incredible history and service that’s second to none here.  To put a little icing on the cake, Aruba is even close enough to the United States that a trip here shouldn’t take too long.

Be dazzled by Bora Bora – Spend your anniversary in Bora Bora and you’ll soon learn what all the fuss is about when it comes to this Pacific destination. This particular island is famed for its distinct landscape, lush tropical vegetation, stunning mountains and lovely beaches. You’ll even find bungalows over the water for that extra special second honeymoon stay after you renew your vows in Bora Bora.

Find never-ending fun in Fiji – Whether you intend to have lots of friends and family join you or you and your honey just want to renew your vows in an intimate ceremony, this South Pacific destination is sure to please. Fiji is perfect for anniversary trips thanks to its pristine beaches, local flavors, friendly people and breathtaking landscapes. Romantics adore this destination not only for its beauty, but also the level of service provided at local resorts. From fun in the sun to dining in style, you won’t get bored in Fiji.

Renew your vows in Hawaii – Should you want a destination that’s still “exotic,” but doesn’t require a passport for you and your guests, pick Hawaii. This state has all the wonders of the South Pacific to offer plus it makes travel just a little more convenient. While it’s still America, the Hawaiian islands have a styling that’s all their own.

Want to explore other beach vow renewal destinations or book a trip to one of our favorite spots? Just contact one of our travel advisors to get started!

Couples that dream about European anniversary trips tend to instantly think Paris, Rome, London or even Barcelona or Amsterdam. Europe’s more exotic destinations, however, are often overlooked in the booking. If you want to celebrate your anniversary in style with a location that’s just a little more unique why not consider adding Sweden to your itinerary?

So, why would you and your honey want to anniversary in Sweden? Here are just a few reasons why this Scandinavian country is one of our favorites:

The geography and climate – Sweden might have a reputation for being ice covered and cold, but that’s not entirely true. The bulk of this country actually enjoys a temperate climate, which means all four seasons are enjoyed here. When that fact is coupled with the county’s stunning landscapes that range from snow-capped mountains to impressive lakes and seaside destinations, it becomes clear that Sweden is a great place to visit any time of the year.

The things to do – From skiing and dog sledding in the winter and mountain climbing and hiking in the spring and summer to exploring the historic cities and ancient sites any time, it’s nearly impossible to run out of things to do in Sweden. In Stockholm alone, you can explore medieval Viking sites, see the Nobel Prize Museum, go sailing, sit down for a real smorgasbord, visit art museums and more. Keep in mind, that’s just Stockholm. Sweden is a big country with lots of other destinations to explore.

Its romantic side – Sweden might not have the romantic reputation of France, but don’t count it out. The breathtaking sights found in Sweden are enough on their own to make the heart swoon, but add to them the dazzling Northern Lights this region is famed for and you just can’t go wrong. Plus, there’s just something so incredibly romantic about exploring big cities and ancient Viking ruins with the one you love that you’re both assured to have the time of your life.

The service delivered – When it comes to world-class service, it’s hard to top Swedish resorts. Here you will find some of Europe’s most impressive hotels. Whether you want to enjoy your anniversary in Sweden staying in a big resort that housed in a historic building or a more intimate boutique hotel appeals more, you’ll find plenty of options available.

Want to explore a Swedish anniversary? Just consult with one of our anniversary travel experts to begin planning a trip that’s sure to help you and your sweetheart create memories to last a lifetime.