Brainstorming for places that might serve a double purpose for your big day and the honeymoon to follow? Why not consider the Big Easy?

Destination weddings in New Orleans deliver in the excitement department and you’re going to find they also provide a number of perks you might not have considered. Even if you intend to have guests of all ages along for the ceremony, New Orleans is well worth careful consideration. Yes, it’s famed for its lively adult atmosphere, but there’s more to this town than often meets the eye.

So, why should you consider hosting your destination wedding in New Orleans? Here are just a few of the many reasons why this city can really jazz up pre, during and post-wedding fun:

• The attractions for your guests – When brides and grooms plan destination weddings they often torture themselves making sure their location will fit the tastes of most of the guests on their lists. New Orleans works beautifully on this score. The French Quarter’s nighttime party atmosphere is awesome for adult guests to enjoy. By day, however, it takes on a whole new feel that’s more than family friendly. Plus, there’s the world-famous zoo to explore, the Garden District, bayou tours, shopping, musical attractions, museums and much more that guests of any age can enjoy. All the top spots, by the way, are great for honeymoon adventures after the big ceremony.
• The convenience – Destination weddings can be tough on guests’ wallets and difficult to get to. If you need a stateside location, New Orleans more that fits the bill. It’s fairly easy to get to by car from just about anywhere in the Continental United States. Plus, it’s major airport makes it quite convenient for those who don’t wish to drive. Top that off with a wide variety of hotels and resorts set to fit almost any budget, and this particular destination is likely to be music to guests’ ears.
• The resorts – Speaking of those resorts, New Orleans is famous for its Southern Hospitality. If you choose to have a destination wedding here, you can count on royal treatment from resorts that know how to handle all the little details leading up to the big day and beyond. Speak with your wedding and honeymoon travel advisory for some of the top picks on resorts to work with.
• The food, music and fun – New Orleans is famed for its cuisine that practically defies description. From its crawfish boils to its incredible beignets, you and your guests will delight in what’s on the menu. New Orleans is also famed for its live music – especially jazz, which makes it a treat for those who desire entertainment.

To find out more about New Orleans destination weddings, just check with our destination wedding experts!

Hoping to sink your toes in the sand and soak up some rays on your honeymoon? Looking for a location that also provides all the necessary ingredients for a memorable destination wedding?

If you’re looking for something exotic, beautiful and sure to please your intended and maybe those wedding guests, too, we have some ideas for you! Here are just a few of our favorite beach wedding destinations and some of the top reasons why we love them so:

Honeymoon in Bora Bora – This Pacific Ocean paradise practically defies description. This amazing island is famed for its unusual natural beauty, practically perfect weather and outstanding resorts. Plus, you and your honey will be hard-pressed to find a more romantic destination that also offers plenty of things for wedding guests to enjoy. For your honeymoon in Bora Bora, you can even choose to stay in a highly romantic over-the water bungalow. Just imagine waking to the sounds of gentle waves lapping the beach!

Vacation in Fiji – This tropical wonder is considered one of the South Pacific’s best destinations for good reason. The volcanic islands here make for an incredible landscape, plus there’s so much to see and do. Tourists here find the beaches are practically perfect, the locals friendly and the scenery is to die for. From scuba diving to see the coral reefs to strolling local shops, it’s impossible to get bored in Fiji. Add to that the fact Fiji is famed for its resorts that have staff ready to cater to your every whim and it’s hard to go wrong with a destination wedding in Fiji.

Tie the knot in Tahiti – This South Pacific jewel is a favorite destination for couples in love. Its crystal clear waters are famed the world over. The island is famed for its stunning waterfalls, picturesque mountains and splendid beaches. Choose to honeymoon in Tahiti and you’ll discover this paradise also offers lots to see and do. From its world-renowned resorts to its amazing water activities, Tahiti always makes an awesome choice.

Host your wedding in Aruba – If you’d like your wedding to take place a little closer to home, Aruba might be the ideal choice. This Caribbean island has all the ingredients you need for an amazing adventure. Its beaches, landscape, culture and historical flavor are all major draws. Plus, you’ll find the resorts here are world class and more than ready to help you make your dream of an Aruba destination wedding become reality.

Are you ready to research a beach destination wedding more closely? Just consult with our honeymoon travel advisors for information on destinations at home and abroad.

Are the crisp blue waters of the Aegean Sea calling to you as you plan your honeymoon adventure? If so, Santorini is the place to explore for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you and your sweetheart will never forget.

This island is a stone’s throw from the Greek mainland and delivers all the charm, ambiance and wonder you’d expect from Greece and then some. It’s famed not only for its quaint villages and rocky beaches that are postcard perfect, but also its highly romantic honeymoon hotels that dazzle guests with infinity pools that are so beautiful they make the eyes pop.

The Grace Santorini, for example, is a destination worth writing home about. This private, four-star resort boasts some of the most spectacular views in all of Greece. It features whitewashed terraces set into cliffs and an elegant infinity pool that overlooks the Aegean. The pool’s design makes it hard to tell where the sea and sky start and the pool waters stop.

While the Grace is one of the island’s best-known honeymoon resorts, it’s far from the only one. The Mystique offers a slightly different pace for honeymooners. In addition to an infinity pool that offers an amazing view of Santorini’s rugged landscape, the hotel also features its own spa, private suites and much more. The pool, by the way, sits atop a volcanic cliff.

Santorini is also home to a number of other resorts that are perfect for couples in love. The island, however, offers much more than top-notch accommodations. Visitors here can enjoy such pleasures as:

Touring historic sites – Santorini is home to a number of ancient and historic destinations. The Fira Catholic Cathedral, for example, stuns with its whitewashed beauty. The island is also home to a number of ruins from the Bronze Age.

Seeing natural wonders – Santorini’s landscape is one that doesn’t cease to amaze. Here visitors will find Caldera, which is a huge depression created through volcanic activity. Some believe this could be the site of the infamous Lost City of Atlantis.

Dining and shopping – Santorini is also home to some of Greece’s best shopping and dining destinations. Visitors here can five-star cuisine in their hotels or they can partake in local eateries found within the island’s villages.

If you picture yourself soaking in an infinity pool while taking in some of the world’s most beautiful natural scenery, Santorini just might be the place for your honeymoon. To find out more, consult with our honeymoon travel experts.

Don’t Overlook New England for Your Honeymoon

Honeymooners looking for destinations that are romantic and unique without requiring a passport don’t have to look farther than America’s own New England. The states that make up this region of the country have a lot more to offer than meets the eye. In fact, the unusual combination of options makes this region the perfect choice for many.

So what makes New England worth a close look for your honeymoon adventure? Here are a few reasons why these states – combined or on their own – have what it takes to make for a trip of a lifetime:

• The natural beauty – From Connecticut and Maine to New Hampshire and Vermont, the natural splendor of New England is breathtaking. While many of New England’s states have major metro areas, they all have quaint countryside locations, breathtaking mountains and extensive forested areas to explore. With only the exception of Vermont, each state in the region also boasts seaside landscapes that are perfect for romantic moonlit strolls. It doesn’t matter what season you visit either – New England always offers sights that are sure to please.
• The history – New England has a treasure trove of historic sites. From the countless destinations in Boston to lesser known destinations in Connecticut and other states, travelers can fill more than one vacation just visiting the cool places that have made their way into America’s history books.
• The culture – The New England states have a long and storied history that has developed into a unique culture that’s all this area’s own. This is evident in the art, cuisine and even the dialects found in these states. Just get to know New England and you’re going to love it.
• The high adventure – While most people think of quaint seaside villages or the hustle and bustle of Boston when New England is mentioned, these states are also perfect for those who enjoy high adventure. From skiing and mountain climbing to white water rafting, adventure lovers will find something to love about this region.
• The romance – New England is home to some of the country’s very best resorts and bed and breakfasts. If first-class service designed for couples in love is desired, these states can deliver.
• The shopping – New England might not have the fame of New York City when it comes to shopping, but it doesn’t slouch in this department. The reality is New England is home to a bevy of shopping destinations from the very high end to more frugal factory outlets.

Honeymooning closer to home doesn’t have to mean settling for less than the best. New England offers plenty of reasons to pay its states a visit. Just check with our honeymoon travel advisors for advice on where to go, where to stay and how to get there!

Why You Shouldn’t Do a Destination Wedding

It’s a lovely thought: Have 50 of your closest friends and relatives meet you in an exotic locale so they can witness the biggest day of your life. After all, there’s just something special about having those you love around you to witness the big occasion. There’s something even more memorable about tying the knot in a beautiful location far from home.

Just picture yourself saying “I do” in a picturesque European town or on a beach in the middle of the Caribbean. Once the ceremony is over, you can enjoy the fun, adventure and romantic scenery of your destination of choice – just you, your sweetheart … and those 50 guests.

If that’s not enough of a mental picture to help you see why destination weddings just aren’t for everyone, there’s more. While a destination wedding can be a beautiful experience, the fact is this often immense undertaking just doesn’t fit the needs of many brides and grooms.

Should you and your sweetheart be considering a destination wedding followed by a honeymoon in that location, take pause. Consider these things:

• You will have to give up a lot of control – Want to plan out every single little detail for your big day? If you do, a destination wedding just might not be in the cards for you. In order to plan things out miles from home and even across a sea, you’ll have to give up some control. The reality is destination wedding coordinators as some of the world’s best resorts take time to reply. They just won’t be available to cater to your every need.
• You could lose the privacy you want for your honeymoon – Chances are if you’re spending a lot of money on the wedding and getting to the destination that you’ll have to honeymoon on site. Guess what? Your guests will probably stay, too. This means that quiet, alone time many couples enjoy on their honeymoons just might not be in the cards for you.
• You may have to shrink your guest list – The fact of the matter is not everyone can afford to attend a destination wedding. If you have your heart set on your best friends, closest relatives and Great Aunt Sue showing up for a European jaunt, you might be greatly disappointed.

While destination weddings can be amazing, many couples find they’re more trouble than they’re worth. If you’re considering this route, take a step back. Talk with our wedding travel experts, consult your soon-to-be-spouse and make sure this option really fits your needs before you dive in. After all, you can still have your cake and eat it too by getting married a little closer to home and enjoying a honeymoon in whatever destination sounds like paradise to you!

Getting married on the beach with the surf at your back and sand in your toes is a dream come. Picking the ideal location, however, can be a little trickier than most couples realize.

If you’ve been dreaming of getting married with a beautiful sunset as your biggest decoration and an exotic location to dazzle your guests, there are some spectacular locations to choose at home and abroad. Here are a few recommendations of coastal areas that are known for providing brides and grooms with the perfect backdrops for their ceremonies:

• Key West, Florida – The only thing better than taking in the sunset on Key West is getting married while doing so. Although located in the United States, this destination is one of the most popular in the world. Its beautiful beaches, distinct history and stunning, natural views make it a great choice for a destination wedding. Plus, the nightlife is second to none!
• St. Tropez, France – If a destination with a European flair is desired, it’s hard to top this particular location. St. Tropez is famed the world over as one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. While this destination might be prohibitive for a large affair, it provides the perfect backdrop for a more intimate wedding with a few close friends and family.
• Riviera Maya, Mexico – This is an ideal destination for a beach wedding. Although out of the country and “exotic,” Mexico is close enough to home to make the trip realistic for a slightly larger crowd. This particular destination is ideal because it boasts spectacular views, stunning beaches and resorts that know how to treat wedding parties right.
• Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda – With its legendary pink-sand beaches and world-class resorts, Bermuda is an unforgettable place for a wedding. The attractions here will easily appeal to wedding guests of all ages and the beach will most certainly take your breath away.
• Las Vegas, Nevada – OK, this isn’t a beach in the strictest sense of the word. Still, Las Vegas is an ideal location for a wedding. Not only is the entire town set up to accommodate nuptials, but the city is very friendly for visitors of all ages. There is more to this desert location than just gambling and club acts.

A destination wedding can be one of the most intimate, breathtaking affairs. If your heart is set on this type of wedding, you’ll find locations throughout the world that can easily serve the occasion.

A couple of days ago I had a bride come into my office for a honeymoon consultation. I sensed some hesitation on her part, so I decided to dig a little deeper into what some of her concerns were about the honeymoon planning process.

This particular bride had recently attended a bridal show. And following the bridal show, she was bombarded with telephone calls from companies who claimed that she had won a free honeymoon. While a free honeymoon may sound exciting, the sad truth is that these companies that claim to give away honeymoons, are really just

There's nothing worse than realizing the honeymoon you thought you were getting isn't what you wanted

trying to sell you china or fancy cookware. In exchange for purchasing several thousands of dollars with of kitchen items, they’ll send you off to a mediocre resort where you can endure countless timeshare presentations on what you thought was going to be your honeymoon.

Over the years, we’ve complained to many a bridal show organizer about these organizations. Rather than offering brides a valuable service, they’ve racked up countless BBB complaints, and duped more than one couple into believing they were get something that they weren’t . And, much to our frustration, they’ve made many couples who attend a bridal show suspicious of anyone offering honeymoons.

So, if you’re looking for someone to help you plan your honeymoon, but don’t want to get duped, here’s some questions to ask of a potential travel services provider:

1.       How long have they been in business?

2.       What professional certifications do they carry?

3.       What professional organizations do they belong to?

4.       Did they ask a lot of questions about what you’re interested before making a recommendation, or did they just throw a resort at you based solely on price?

5.       Have they been to the resort or destination that they’re recommending within the last 3 years?

6.       Is your package complete, with airfare, hotel, transfers, and insurance?

7.       What is their specialization? Do they usually plan fishing charters, or do they have a lot of experience with the romance travel market?

8.       Will they be available to you while you are traveling should something come up?

9.       Will they manage flight schedule changes for you?

10.   Do they offer a “no walk” policy, so you’re not at risk of getting bumped to another hotel upon arrival?

Here are some big ole red flags!

1.       If they ask you to pay in cash for your trip, run!! Your credit or debit card offers the most protection. Never pay a travel agent in cash for your trip. In some states, it’s even illegal for a travel agent to take cash for your travel package.

2.       If they ask you to purchase something in order to get a free trip, run! A legitimate travel company will not try to sell you household items in exchange for a “free trip”.

3.       If they only recommend one resort chain, and don’t seem to know about anything else-again, this is a big red flag. If an agent is only offering one resort chain, they’re working in their best interests, not yours.

For more great tips, check out our Top 10 Booking Blunders!

It’s hard to believe that the New Year is here already. And for many people, that means the beginning of a new you! If you’re looking for a way to kick off your New Year’s resolution, or a great place to get into shape before the big day, we’ve got a couple of places that just may do the trick.

El Dorado Royale: In 2010 El Dorado introduced a new wellness package, available in a 3 or 6 night package. Both the three day and 6 day package include everything you need to get started down the path to better health, included unlimited access during your stay to specialized wellness classes, a wellness concierge coordinates all aspects of your plan, including several one-on-one personalized training sessions with a certified personal trainer, a nutrition consultation, your choice of spa treatments and more. And to keep you moving in the right direction once you get home, you’ll have online access to your program as well as an entire wellness community.

Rancho La Puerta: This award winning resort has been helping people improve their bodies and minds for years. With a fantastic combination of fitness, spa, and cuisine, Rancho La Puerta covers every aspect of health and well being. La Cocina Que Canta gives you the cooking skills and recipes you need to continue the ranch experience at home. They’re now offering an I-phone app. so you can take the ranch with you wherever you go. Rancho La Puerta would make a great anniversary trip for a couple who wants to get fit together, or a girlfriend get-away.

Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort*: Do your New Year’s resolutions include promises to exercise more, eat right, reduce stress and, in general, lead a healthier lifestyle? Motivate yourself to keep those healthy living resolutions with a getaway to the holistic and aromatherapy spa at Ceiba del Mar Beach and Spa Resort, a luxury retreat nestled on the white, powder-sand beaches in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. With the new Wellness Spa Getaway package, you’ll be able to focus on finding and walking the path to a new, healthy you all the while basking in the warm, tropical sun, relaxing ambience, and upscale accommodations at this award-winning resort.

As part of the Wellness Spa Getaway package, you can relish unlimited spa treatments at the Ceiba Spa, choosing from more than 30 heavenly treatments that are available on the newly re-designed and updated Indulgence and Spa Menu.

*content from SpaFinder

Exotic locations like Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, and the Caps of New England may sound expensive but when pitted against a hometown wedding with a bloated guest list you’ll find they can save you a bundle.

Aside from saving you time and hassle, here are the 4 ways a destination wedding can save you big bucks:

Destination weddings have smaller guest lists and smaller invoices

This is simple math. How many friends of friends of friends will be willing to travel to attend your wedding? While a hometown wedding naturally lends itself to a more inflated guest list, a destination wedding is a great way to keep your guest list intimate and focused on close friends and family. If you host a hometown wedding and reception you have to find room in your budget for dozens of acquaintances that you may not include in a destination wedding guest list. This saves money on everything from the venue to the food and drink to the chair and linen rentals and guest favors.

Destination weddings give you get the best of both worlds

You get an exotic honeymoon in an amazing location bundled with the memories of a traditional ceremony-but you don’t pay for both. For not much more than you would spend on an exotic honeymoon trip you can include your wedding at the destination. More than just dollars saved, this aspect of a destination wedding saves you the hassle of planning a wedding and a honeymoon as well as saving time by combining the two.

Destination wedding packages save big bucks

Most resorts offer special all-inclusive destination wedding packages that not only include your stay and amenities but also cover the cost of the wedding ceremony, cake, and photographs. Unlike a hometown wedding where you pay for each vendor separately as well as the venue, a destination-wedding package saves you money by bundling all your wedding day and honeymoon services into one competitive price.

Destination wedding planners take the strain off your finances

A dedicated destination wedding travel planner is the best way to squeeze the most out of your budget. Often, because of all their professional connections, tools and tricks they can save couples the cost of their fee and then some. Destination and honeymoon specialists have close relationships with the resorts, visit them in person frequently throughout the year, and have access to special pricing not available to the public. Destination wedding planners have tools and tricks to whisk you to your far away locale with insider knowledge of flight itineraries and unpublished airfare deals.

Using a destination wedding planner ensures you will spend your far away wedding day enjoying the details-not managing them.

What’s your idea of a dream destination wedding? Leave us your comments!