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.

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.

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.

4 Reasons to Honeymoon in Aruba

Picking a great place to honeymoon isn’t exactly easy. After all, the world is filled with exotic, romantic and interesting destinations. Trying to decide on just one can be nearly impossible! If the idea of sipping cool drinks on a warm beach as soft waves gently lap at the sand appeals, Aruba just might be the place to go.

Located in the southern Caribbean, Aruba is a small island that packs a very big punch when it comes to fun and romance. In fact, this destination, technically a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a favorite vacation spot for people from all over the world.

Here are just a few reasons why Aruba is such a popular spot for honeymooners:

1. The climate – Aruba’s 70 or so square miles are graced with warm, dry weather most of the time. Visitors here can anticipate sunny days almost year round with little chance for severe weather. While a few bad days are to be expected anywhere, Aruba also has the distinction of being a Caribbean hotspot that’s outside the hurricane belt.
2. The culture – Considering its Caribbean location and its Dutch relations, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Aruba is a unique place to visit when the cultural scene is considered. While European flavors are heavily seen in the architecture here, visitors will find that Caribbean favorites such as Carnival are a big part of the cultural landscape.
3. The things to do – While the sun kissed beaches draw in plenty of visitors, there are more things to do and see here than many realize. Water sports, of course, are a big part of Aruba’s draw. The island, however, also has casinos, exceptional shopping, natural wonders to explore and much, much more. For those interested in sampling local cuisine, the island is famed for its Caribbean flavors. Plus, visitors here will find Dutch cuisine, Asian, European and even American burgers on the menu in many locations.
4. The service – Like the rest of the Caribbean, the folks in Aruba know how to treat visitors. Honeymooners here can choose from high-end resorts that offer every amenity imaginable. It’s also possible to find some really interesting boutique resorts that offer honeymooners all the privacy and romance they desire.

To find out more about spending a few days basking in Aruba’s sun, just consult our honeymoon travel advisors. This Caribbean destination packs all the beauty of the region into a small package with a distinctly Dutch styling.

Why Winter Weddings Call for Tropical Honeymoons

It’s hard to top the stunning beauty of a winter wedding. When the lights are sparkling and a fresh blanket of snow is on the ground, nature practically paints the backdrop for a ceremony that is sure to stun. When all is said and done, however, an escape to a tropical paradise makes a whole lot more sense than sticking around where it’s cold outside.

If you’re planning a wintertime wedding, here are just a few reasons to explore a tropical honeymoon:

It’s a great chance of pace – If you live in an area where snow is a staple during the winter months, an escape south can provide an incredible change of pace to kick off your honeymoon. There’s nothing quite like escaping a blizzard to spend a few days sipping on drinks on a beach as you work on a tan the couples back home are sure to envy.

The great things to do – Most of the world’s most sought after tropical destinations offer plenty of things for newlyweds to see and do. From climbing volcanic mountains in Costa Rica to exploring a lush tropical jungle in Grenada the possibilities are endless. If you want to explore historic sites, the tropics offer plenty of options, too. From the historic districts of Puerto Rico to the coffee plantations of Central America, there are some excellent options where the sun generally shines.

The romance – It is simply hard to top the romantic appeal of a honeymoon spent in a tropical destination where crystal blue waves wash over white sandy beaches. Some locations, such as Belize and Tahiti, are perfect for couples that want to enjoy a highly intimate escape. Just book a bungalow on the beach and your romantic dreams are sure to come true.

The affordability – A honeymoon escape to the tropics doesn’t have to be as expensive as most couples think. The fact of the matter is when couples work with honeymoon travel advisors in advance of their big days they can enjoy some great savings on destinations all over the world. Plus, these experts know how to help couples select destinations that fit their interests to the letter.

Winter weddings are simply stunning. But when the ceremony is over and the reception comes to a close, nothing tops an escape to a tropical paradise to help couples celebrate the start of their new lives together. For more information on wintertime in the topics, just contact our honeymoon travel advisors today.

Escaping to the splendor of a tropical paradise paints the perfect picture for a honeymoon that’s filled with wonder and romance. There’s just something so over-the-top romantic about falling to sleep with the gentle rolls of waves underneath a luxury bungalow that’s been designed for the ultimate in enjoyment.

Overwater bungalows are a favorite resort accommodation in destinations all over the world. This highly private design is perfect for honeymooners who want an escape from it all. To help you explore the possibilities, here are a few of our favorite resorts with overwater bungalows:

• The Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji – This amazing South Pacific destination boasts 10 private overwater bungalows and a total of 35 beach bungalows for those who aren’t so sure how they feel about sleeping over the water. Some of this resort’s rooms have their own private plunge pools, too. Visitors here will find that every room was designed with luxury in mind. The appointments are tropical chic and each bungalow boasts its own private porch for watching the sun sets in peace. The resort also has its own on-site dining and spa.
• InterContinental Tahiti Resort in Tahiti – This destination is also found in the South Pacific and boasts a total of 32 overwater bungalows. Visitors here will find this destination boasts all the comforts of home and the luxuries that honeymooners expect. The resort features its own private beach, a diving center, two pools, restaurants, bars and more. Plus, visitors here can stroll gardens, visit gift shops, luxuriate in the spa and much more.
• Hotelito Desconocido in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Offering some of the most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, this resort has a combination of traditional villas and overwater bungalows. The resort itself has wedding and banquet facilities, so it’s perfect for combination destination weddings/honeymoons. Visitors here can enjoy such activities as horseback riding, mountain biking, sailing, windsurfing and more. There’s even an on-site spa, fishing, cooking lessons and more. To make this destination even sweeter, honeymooners will discover two onsite ocean view restaurants for their dining pleasure.

When it comes to romance and privacy, it’s hard to top an escape to a tropical paradise for a honeymoon adventure. If the ultimate experience is desired, overwater bungalows deliver. There are resorts around the world that offer their guests this distinctly romantic experience. Just check with our honeymoon travel advisors to explore the possibilities even further.