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.

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.

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.

Are you looking for a honeymoon experience that’s romantic, unusual and highly adventurous without skipping in the luxury department? Then take a cue from that catchy song and head on down to the Love Shack!

What’s a love shack?

Nope, they’re not tin-roofed joints that are hopping every night of the week with music, libations and get-togethers. That, however, doesn’t mean you won’t find happening night spots near to the love shacks we’re suggesting for your honeymoon though.

In this case, the love shacks we have in mind are on-the-water or over-water bungalows. Think Robinson Crusoe meets your favorite 5-star resort and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect. The best love shacks in the world for honeymooners combine that intimate privacy that Crusoe enjoyed with the romance of a tropical destination and the impeccable service honeymooners deserve.

So where are the best destinations for finding utterly romantic love shacks? Believe it or not; you’ll find them all over the world! Our favorite huts on the beach though are found in Tulum, Mexico, and Belize.

While each destination is very distinct, they both have a few things in common that make their love shacks top our list. They are:

The beaches – Tulum and Belize are both famed for their stunning beaches and miles of coastline. In both destinations you can enjoy the surf, sand, sunshine and topnotch water sports that you’d expect from a tropical vacation.

The privacy – The love shacks found in both Belize and Tulum are designed to provide honeymoons – and other couples in love – with the privacy they crave. Guests at resorts throughout these two locations will find the very best in service when it’s wanted and the utmost privacy when they desire it. The accommodations in both locations, by the way, are simple stunning. While we’re calling them “love shacks,” luxury is truly found in every room detail.

The other possibilities – Honeymooners don’t always want to stay locked up in their rooms for days on end. When it’s time to get out explore and have some fun, both Tulum and Belize deliver. In both locations, you’ll find wonderful dining, eco-tourism opportunities, historic sites, shopping, nightclubs and more all waiting for you to explore.

If you’re looking for something tropical, yet highly distinct for your honeymoon, you can’t go wrong with a love shack. To find out more about booking a bungalow for two, just consult with our honeymoon travel advisors. Our pros will be more than happy to help you find just the right accommodations in the perfect destination for your romantic adventure.

When you’re planning a honeymoon, there’s one thing you’re likely to discover quickly: there’s no shortage of places to pick for the destination. If you’re thinking warm, tropical and romantic, however, Belize just might be the choice worth making.

Why Belize? This Central American country offers a number of perks that honeymooners don’t often consider. Not only is its climate and geography perfect for sundrenched, beach-combing romance, but the language barrier often present when visiting Central America is gone. The official language in this country is not Spanish – it’s English. Keep in mind, however, that many locals may prefer to speak in Spanish or Kriol.

So, what can you expect from a honeymoon in Belize? Here are just a few things that make this destination stand out:

The unbelievable landscape: Look at a map and you’ll find that Belize is on Central America’s Caribbean coast. It also borders Mexico. As a result, this country has an extensive coastline that’s just perfect for those who love beach vacations. Belize, however, isn’t just about the beaches. The country boasts lush tropical forests and stunning mountain ranges that can make a honeymoon here a real adventure – if you want it to be.

The kind climate: Yes, Belize has a tropical climate, which means warm days most of the year and chances for rain in the right season. Even so, the climate here tends to be rather nice most of the time. With an average temperature of 80 in the winter months, it’s an outstanding destination for those who want to be outside no matter the season.

The things to do: Of course, the first thing most couples think about when the select Belize for their honeymoons are the beaches. Even so, there’s a whole lot more to do here than just get a tan and watch the sunset from a lounge chair. Visitors here can also enjoy some outstanding scuba diving, thanks to the Belize Barrier Reef. There’s also fishing, white-river rafting, jungle and wildlife tours, hiking, bird watching, shopping, dancing – you get the idea! It doesn’t matter if you want an action-packed adventure or a romantically lazy stay, Belize has you covered.

The resorts – Like most Caribbean destinations, Belize is home to a number of fantastic resorts just waiting to cater to your every whim. Here you will find beachfront hotels that offer high-end appeal, small, boutiques that enable you to enjoy the ultimate in privacy and even over-the-water bungalows for a unique experience.

To find out more about honeymooning in Belize, just check with our honeymoon planners. A honeymoon expert can give you the best advice on where to stay, what to do and how to make a trip to Belize fit into your budget.

When most people think of honeymooning in Costa Rica, they picture themselves sunning on a tropical beach while sipping a fruity drink from a glass. While this is most certainly possible in this Central American paradise, there’s a whole lot more to Costa Rica than meets the eye.

For those who want to do more than just get a tan on their honeymoon, this particular country offers some amazing high-adventure activities. Here are just three of the possibilities that go beyond swimming, sunning and soaking it up when Costa Rica is your honeymoon destination:

1. Checking out the Rain Forest – From the Sky!

Ever wonder what a bird feels like flying just above the treetops in a lush, tropical forest? You and your honey can find out first-hand if you visit Costa Rica. One of the most popular high-action sports here happens to be zip-lining. That’s right; you’ll find yourself propelled through a forest, above the trees, from a line that gives you a bird’s eye view of what’s below. Costa Rica has a number of “canopy tours” and the country is famed for its spectacular views.

2. Climbing a Volcano

If mountain climbing is your thing, why not climb some of the most beautiful in the world. Costa Rica happens to be in the Ring of Fire, which means it’s home to a number of volcanos. Here you can climb, drive up or even take a tour to see inside a giant volcanic crater. You can even ride a horse to the top in some locations. Keep in mind some of Costa Rica’s volcanoes are considered “active,” which means climbing to the top isn’t always the best idea. Check with your honeymoon travel advisor for the best destinations for a climb, hike or drive.

3. Riding the White Rapids

Many people consider Costa Rica the best place in the world to go white water rafting. The country’s rivers offer varying levels of challenge. The Corobici, for example, is a great place for a leisurely trip. The Reventazon River, however, is the place to go for some serious rafting.

If Costa Rica sounds like it offers your level of adventure for a honeymoon, just check with your travel advisor for more details. Our experienced honeymoon pros can help you select the best places to stay and things to do any time of the year.

While the summer months always get the attention for their famed weddings, there’s just something spectacular about the winter season. Weddings staged this time of year can be just as spectacular – and oftentimes even more so. As beautiful as wintertime ceremonies can be, it’s the honeymoons that can really shine though.

If you’re exploring the possibilities that winter honeymoons deliver, here are four tips you need to consider:

• Consider the weather that appeals very carefully – Winter honeymoons can present with a world of options when it comes to weather. If you love the idea of skiing the slopes by day and snuggling up by a warm fire in the evenings, winter is the perfect time of year for many American and European destinations. Should you cherish the idea of warming up on the beach by day and relaxing in a pool at night, there are plenty of locales that can make that dream come true, as well.
• Stake out your country of choice early – Planning a winter honeymoon is a whole lot like scheduling a getaway any other time of year. Deciding on the country you want to vacation in, however, is always an important consideration. If you want balmy weather in January, most American destinations might be off limits (with a few exceptions). With this in mind, you’ll want to make this determination early to ensure you have a passport lined up should out-of-country travel be on your agenda.
• Budget and book early – Many of the world’s best loved and most visited honeymoon destinations are hot commodities when the temperatures dip. Warmer locations, for example, are loved by tourists all over the world as snow begins to fall. Ski resorts, of course, start booking overtime when the slopes are just right. With this in mind, it’s important for you and your sweetie to budget for and book your winter honeymoon as early as possible. This just will help you be certain accommodations in your dream destination are reserved without question.
• Work with a planner – No matter when and where you want to go on your honeymoon, it’s always a good idea to work directly with a travel advisor. An expert in this field can help you pick the perfect location for wintertime romance.

Winter weddings are stunning, but the honeymoons are often even more spectacular. Start planning early to make sure you have the trip of your dreams. And don’t forget to consult our experts to make booking your getaway even easier.