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.

Imagine waking up in a place where crystalline waters are so blue it’s hard to tell where they end and the sky begins. Now picture yourself stepping outside your private bungalow to find those waters right at your doorstep – only a short staircase away.

Those are the images that dreams are made of for most. They’re reality for couples that choose to honeymoon in one of the world’s most romantic destinations – Tahiti. This South Pacific island is legendary for lovers for more than a few reasons. Here are just three:

• The splendor – It’s hard to imagine a warm, tropical destination that’s more postcard perfect that Tahiti. With its stunning blue waters, striking black sand beaches and mountainous terrain, the island doesn’t fail to impress. Its landscape is so perfect it’s almost hard to believe that it wasn’t constructed on a Hollywood movie set. The climate here is tropical, which means it’s warm and sunny practically year round. While rain is always a possibility, the stunning beauty of the island more than makes up for a few showers here and there.
• The adventure – The South Pacific has long called to the world as one of the most exotic, alluring places on earth. Vacationers here can explore volcanic mountains, enjoy water sports, bask in the sun, soak up the local culture and much more. No matter how adrenaline-packed or relaxing you want your honeymoon to be, Tahiti can deliver. Here you can sleep in an overwater bungalow, feed sharks, picnic on a volcanic mountainside, dine in quaint, waterside restaurants or just enjoy a sunset with a cool drink. The possibilities are as nearly endless as the deep blue waters Tahiti is so famous for.
• The service – Tahiti was made with romance in mind. Here you will find large hotels that know how to cater to every whim and smaller, boutique destinations that put privacy and romance as their top priorities. No matter what type of lodging you prefer, you’ll find that Tahitian resorts understand what it means to deliver top-notch service. Guests to the island are treated like royalty and leave for their home shores hoping to return as soon as possible.

When a honeymoon is meant to be adventurous, romantic and legendary, Tahiti is the place to explore. This South Pacific destination delivers natural beauty at every turn and a setting that other “romantic” locations are envious of. To find out more about vacationing in Tahiti, just check with our honeymoon travel experts.

It’s a common story told the world over on a regular basis. The bride and groom say “I do,” enjoy a grand celebration with friends and family and then they take off for some much-needed time alone as a newlywed couple.

But, what happens if the honeymoon budget is smaller than desired? Do you have to settle for a quick weekend away to mark your first days together as husband and wife?

The answer is: It’s totally up to you. There are some great weekend adventures that many couples enjoy immensely. If that’s not what you want to do, however, there are ways to stretch the money you have – or can access – to ensure you can enjoy your time together doing the things you want. Here are four ways you can save on, or save up for, the trip you desire:

1. Plan as far ahead as possible – The earlier you select your honeymoon destination, the more likely it is you will be able to find ways to afford the trip within your budget. Booking airfare, for example, often comes with a discount if you do so ahead of time. Hotels, cruise lines and other venues may also offer specials that you can shop around for given the time.
2. Use our honeymoon registry – This is a great way to get friends and family members to help kick in for the honeymoon you have been dreaming about. Create a registry and your family and friends can purchase items toward your trip, such as meals, hotel night stays and so on. This is often appreciated by gift-buyers and it sure beats getting three toasters!
3. Shorten your stay – OK, no matter what you do you can’t come up with enough money to spend three weeks in Spain for your dream vacation. It’s not really the end of the world – it’s really not! Consider shortening your trip to two weeks, or even one, instead. Doing this could save you a bundle and you will still have a great time. You may not get to see everything, but you’ll still get to see a lot.
4. Work with our honeymoon travel planners– You really can get the best deals by working with our honeymoon experts!  Not only will our honeymoon gurus help you make your budget work, she or he can also help you plan an itinerary that best fits your needs.

Budgeting for a honeymoon can be tough, but it’s often possible to enjoy the time of your life on less money than you thought. Just get started early and call on our right pros for assistance.

Giant, high-end hotels with lots of hustle and bustle are fine for some trips, but they don’t necessarily jive with romantic, intimate honeymoon getaways. If you’re heading to the Bahamas to celebrate your union, there are some incredible boutique hotels that are likely to fit your mood a whole lot better.

Just because a hotel is smaller, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your attention either. Smaller, boutique hotels tend to cater to those who want privacy and impeccable service rolled into one. While they might only have a handful of rooms, the best boutique hotels make sure their staff members are trained to deliver only the best in service.

Since you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon adventure, privacy and service likely matter a great deal. If so, here are some smaller hotels in the Bahamas that are well worth the stay:

• Pink Sands – Located on Harbour Island, this getaway destination features 18 private acres surrounded by, of course, pink sand. Guests here have their pick of one of 25 secluded, private cottages that are loaded with modern amenities. The resort has its own onsite dining, a swimming pool, laundry service and more. It’s the perfect destination for honeymooning couples who want the best in service with a lot of privacy mixed in.
• Kamalame Cay – Found in Andros, this 96-acre, private resort offers guests the very best in everything. The resort is only accessible by a private ferry and features lots of beach front property, tennis, a swimming pool and onsite dining. There’s even a tiki bar for those who want to enjoy drinks as the sun sets over the beach.
• Rock House – This small resort was originally built in the 1940s and has been a hit with travelers ever since. It features nine rooms in total, so privacy shouldn’t be a concern. Although it’s small, the Rock House is huge when it comes to amenities. The hotel features its own private beach, a swimming pool, onsite restaurant and much more. Guests here can even enjoy wireless Internet access and a full gym.

When it’s time to honeymoon, it’s nice to enjoy a little privacy. While large resorts are always a great choice, sometimes the smaller boutique destinations just fit the mood a whole lot better. After all, what could be more romantic than relaxing on a secluded beach in the Bahamas without a big crowd to get in the way?

To find out more about honeymoon getaways at private boutique hotels in the Bahamas and elsewhere, just contact our honeymoon travel specialists.

While it’s certainly true that anywhere you and your sweetheart select for your honeymoon will be special, some places are just more memorable than others. When it comes to unusual, alluring and even highly exotic destinations, it’s simply hard to top Australia.

This beautiful country is famed for its romantic destinations, upscale hotels, all-inclusive resorts, amazing scenery and diverse climates. From the world famous Sydney Opera House to the wilds of the legendary Outback, there is no other place like Australia in the world.

Honeymooners here will find – depending on the time of the year – they can do everything from enjoying a high-end night on the town to skiing, surfing, beachcombing and more. Plus, Australia is home to many quaint towns well worth exploring and has some of the world’s most famous wines made within its boundaries.

Here are three things, however, that most honeymooners don’t know they can do in the land down under:

• Explore a rainforest – If spending a few days like “Crocodile Dundee” sounds romantic for you and your honey, Australia is for you. Visitors here can go on a four-wheel drive tour of the legendary Daintree rainforest. Here you can check out a diversity of plants and animals. You might even spot a real croc or two.
• Gamble – If you love flirting with Lady Luck, Vegas doesn’t have to be your only choice for a honeymoon. Melbourne has its own share of casinos that are well worth the visit. The Crown Casino, for example, is open around the clock – just like those in Las Vegas – and it boasts a whopping 25 restaurants and 11 bars on site. Couple this with all the romantic destinations Australia offers honeymooners and it’s hard to imagine rolling the dice on any other trip.
• Swim with dolphins – Visit Australia’s Monkey Mia – a small town about a day’s drive from Perth – and you can swim with bottle nose dolphins in a natural setting. Yes, that’s right. There’s no reason to pay for the adventure when you can just hit the beach in the morning hours and wait for the friendly group of mammals to make their appearance. It’s said the dolphins here show up beachside just about every single day.

There are great honeymoon destinations all over the world. If going off the beaten path and experiencing something completely unique is desired, the land down under might be the place to go. Australia offers something for every kind of honeymooner. From romance and wild treks to high rolling, this country truly has it all.

It’s your honeymoon and you want it to be special! With that in mind, chances are pretty strong you don’t just want to book a room in any old place. If you and your sweetheart have something “exotic,” and amazing in mind, Greece just might be the place to visit.

A Greek island honeymoon has all of the ingredients that make a trip of a lifetime: beautiful beaches, outstanding weather, spectacular resorts and plenty of memorable sites to tour. This country is famed for its cuisine, history and romantic backdrops. From the beauty of the coastline to the majesty of the Parthenon, there is no other place like it in all the world.

If you’re not sure why Greece would be right for a romantic honeymoon adventure, here are three reasons to consider this destination:

• It’s unusual – Beachside honeymoons are not at all out of the ordinary. Beachside honeymoons along the legendary Aegean Sea, however, are not quite so common. If you’re looking for a place that’s distinct and still has all the major ingredients for a romantic time you’ll never forget, this is a destination well worth considering. You can almost bet your friends won’t have olive trees, ancient ruins and the turquoise waters of Greece in the backgrounds of their honeymoon photos.
• The weather – Greece enjoys an incredible Mediterranean climate. This means you can visit just about any time of year and expect to enjoy some pretty great weather. Summers are warm and dry and winters tend to be pretty mild. You might catch a little rain in the winter months, but that just gives more of a reason to stay indoors and enjoy some private time at the resort you select.
• It’s accommodating to many tastes – It doesn’t matter whether you intend to soak up some rays and get sand between your toes or you want to visit some of the world’s oldest historic sites, you’ll find something to do in Greece. The Greek islands are famed for their world-class, all-inclusive resorts, stunning waterscapes, outstanding service, quaint villages and more. It’s almost impossible to not find something to love about Greece. If staying in is your desire, you’ll even discover that the best all-inclusive resorts in Greece make this a very easy option to pursue.

Your love is legendary; why not celebrate it in the “birthplace of the gods?” A Greek island honeymoon has everything you require to create a romantic trip you will never forget.

Here at Bliss Honeymoons we know that it’s the little details that really make your trip memorable. So we’ve uncovered some amazing amenities that are sure to make a lasting impression.

Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

Guppy Love provides guests at most Kimpton hotels with the option to request a live goldfish to stay overnight in their guest room. Guests never have to worry about caring for their fishyfriends with hotel staff on-hand for daily feedings and care, allowing travelers the opportunity to enjoy stress-free bonding throughout their stay.

Mirage Hotel, Tattoo bar

Now you can wear your vacations memories forever by making a stop at the Tattoo Bar at the Mirage hotel. Great for those wanting to permanently commemorate their big win or Vegas wedding, the Tattoo bar offers expert tattoo service and a fun experience for those that just like to watch.

Technology butler, Ritz Carlton

There’s nothing more aggravating than arriving at your destination only to discover that you’ve forgotten your cell phone charger, or that your trusty laptop refuses to connect to the internet. Part geek, part super hero, the Technology butlers at Ritz Carlton will ease your techno-stress, track down parts; fix broken connections and more, getting you back to the beach in record time!

Arrive in style. Bond style.

At the Six Senses resort in Zighy Bay, they could transfer you from the airport to the resort by car. Or limo. But instead, they have you paraglide into the resort from a 962 foot ledge from Zighy Mountain. Nothing says “ I have arrived” like paragliding into your resort!

Have you experienced a unique travel amenity that really made an impression? Post away!

One of the most popular requests we get here at Bliss Honeymoons sounds a little like this.

“We want a little hut on the beach with no one else around. We would like it to have a ton of activities and restaurants, and have everything included in the price. We would like it to be close enough so that we could wander into town and check out the locals.”

Sounds great doesn’t it? Unfortunately, there’s no way that a resort could offer a lot of activities and multiple dining options if it only accommodates two guests at a time.

In our endless search for this elusive fantasy island, we’ve uncovered some great resorts that come pretty darn close! Each of these resorts would be perfect for a honeymoon, destination wedding, or romantic get-away.

1.       Kamalame Cay- Located in the Andros Islands, Kamalame Cay offers a variety of activities and water sports, classic Bahamian cuisine, and the option to stay in your own villa within their 96 acre complex. Take a seaplane and enjoy a picnic lunch created just for the two of you on an idyllic deserted islet. Or spend some time at their amazing spa before you head off to the tiki bar. You’ll find only a handful of other guests around, all seeking a similar experience to your own.

2.       Necker Island-you’ve undoubtedly heard about Richard Branson’s amazing private island located in the British Virgin Islands. This 74 acre fantasy is typically only available to those fortunate enough to be able to rent the entire island for a week at a time. However Necker sets aside select weeks of the year as “Celebration Weeks” to give individuals the opportunity to stay in one of their amazing suites while their staff of 60 cater to your every need. Necker Island hosts a maximum of 28 guests at a time, so you have the island almost all to yourself.

3.       Fowl Cay-A unique private island resort located in the Exumas, Fowl Cay offers 6 unique villas spread across their 50 acre retreat. Fowl Cay offers endless activities including boating, fishing, and watersports, along with great dining options and your own personal butler. For a truly unique experience, spend some time feeding the pigs that will swim right up to your villa.

Ready to book your private island escape? Contact the Romance Travel Experts at Bliss today!

If you’ve spent any time at all trying to plan a trip online, you probably know how confusing travel pricing can be. There are hundreds of websites all claiming to have some special offer or lower price than you can get anywhere else. And there are literally as many myths about travel pricing as there are people selling travel. So today what I would like to do is dispel some of the myths, and give you the scoop on how travel pricing really works.

Myth#1-Using a travel agent means I am going to pay more than I would if I booked it myself:

Fact- While it may be true that some travel agents do charge fees or mark up the prices; for the most part the price you get from your travel agent should be the same as the pricing that you find online on the hotel’s or airline’s site. Agencies also have relationships with preferred suppliers which may give them access to specials and promotions that you may not be able to find on online sites. Just last week we saved a client over $800.00 just by being able to give him a free upgrade certificate we received from a hotel’s sales rep.

Good to know-most hotels guarantee they won’t offer a lower price on their site than an agency is able to secure.

Myth #2: I can get discounts online that I can’t get from an agent:

Fact: Many hotels and cruise lines have a very strict no discounting policy because they want all agencies, both online and offline, to compete on service rather than price. One online giant was recently issued a stop sell by Sandals because they were illegally discounting Sandals’ pricing. So if an agency offers you a price that sounds too good to be true, it may very well be. And the hotel may not honor that deeply discounted price upon arrival, as one couple learned upon check-in for their wedding in St Thomas. They had to cough up over $1200 to cover what they thought was a travel deal they had purchased online. Again special pricing is offered to agencies and suppliers based on relationships, and in some cases, sales volume.

Myth #3-If I shop around, I can get a bunch of agents to compete for my business.

Fact: Your trip has four parts to it-airfare, hotel, transfers and insurance. Your travel agent doesn’t own any of those four companies, or set their pricing. However, your agent should know how to put your package together in a way that offers the most value and the best price.

Good to know-I actually had a guy yell at me once because he called the hotel and got the same price I had given him. The hotel shouldn’t cost more from a travel agent that it does from the hotel. But again, be concerned if it’s significantly less.

Myth #4-You can find everything you need to plan your trip from Trip Advisor and an online site.

Fact: While there is a lot of good info online, there’s also a lot of misinformation online. Online review sites in theory are a great idea. But unfortunately they’ve fall prey to all kinds of abuse; such as favorable reviews written by staff members, to unscrupulous shoppers who didn’t get a discount they thought they deserved. Here’s the thing to remember-no online reviewer is basing their professional reputation on the outcome of your trip. Your local travel consultant is. Who are you going to trust?

Ok, so now that we’ve cleared up the pricing misconceptions, why wouldn’t you use an agent?!

Fact #1: the average couple spends 30 hours doing research for their trip.

That’s like having a part time job! Do you have that kind of time? Probably not! Using an experienced travel consultant can save you a lot of time and stress!

Fact #2: agents can see red flags that most consumers miss.

Here’s a great example. Last week Bernie had a couple call her about a “great deal” they found online.

This “fantastic” deal would have had the clients staying at 3 different mediocre hotels in a 7-day period! The other thing the “incredible” deal didn’t reveal was that the clients would have to overnight in Rome on the way back from Naples.  So that would add another hotel stay, bringing the total hotel number up to 4.  Due to the flight schedule they would not arrive home until the day they were supposed to have returned to work.  Another “perk” of the package was the rental car that was included.  Navigating the cliffside hairpin turns on the Amalfi Coast is not for the faint of heart, especially when one isn’t used to driving a manual transmission car or driving in a foreign country.  After realizing there was more to the “fabulous” online deal than she’d anticipated, the client had us take the reins to plan their dream trip.  Now they are scheduled on a relaxing trip where they have private transfers, a single 4-star hotel with amazing sea views for the entire time, and sightseeing excursions in which they will not have to do any driving.

So while a “cheap” trip may look like a good idea initially, there are almost always other factors to consider.  We’re confident that Gretchen and Bill will return home with many fond memories of the time they got to experience “la dolce vita” for themselves rather than all the time they had to spend checking in and out of hotels for that “great deal” they found online!

Fact 3: A travel consultant’s role is to advise and create a great experience.

There are two different business models in the travel industry-those who sell travel as a commodity based on price, where you do all the research and hope for the best; and those who regard your trip as an investment, and treat it as such. Here at Bliss, our belief has always been that being cheap is easy-anyone can come up with a lower price if they’re willing to spend countless hours doing it. Consistently creating honeymoons and anniversary trips that people are still raving about six months after they get home is much more challenging. We’d rather be known for the latter.

“What Happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

That’s the official tagline of the playground for grownups – a mantra that’s probably said every thirty seconds by one of the millions of tourists that visit the city on a constant basis.

There’s one thing that doesn’t stay in Vegas though – wedding vows.

As one of the most popular destinations for weddings and honeymoons, it’s a place we just couldn’t ignore.

First, a quick outline of the requirements for marriage in Las Vegas, Nevada (under the jurisdiction of Clark County).

Application: A man and woman who are both at least 18 years old may be issued a marriage license in Clark County. Proof of age may be required. Both must appear at the Marriage License Bureau in the County Courthouse, at 200 S. 3rd Street, 1st floor.

Blood test, waiting periods: In Clark County, blood tests are not required and there is no waiting period.

Fees: $55.00 for a license.

Requirements for divorced people marrying: To obtain a marriage license and have a legal marriage divorces must be final in the state where granted. The date of the final decree and city and state where granted are required.

International marriage information: Couples from outside the United States can be married in Las Vegas. Most countries will want a certified copy of your marriage certificate and an Apostille from the Nevada Secretary of State. The marriage certificate costs $10 and the Apostille costs $20. The Nevada Secretary of State can send the Apostille and certified marriage certificate copy directly to your government for you.

All marriage certificates issued in the state of Nevada must be used within this state. Source: www.vegas.com

As far as the ceremony itself goes, there’s everything from the Drive-Thru wedding chapel to helicopter weddings to marriages on a Pirate Ship or a recreation of the Eiffel Tower. If you’re really into Elvis, an impersonator can officiate your wedding, sure. But full service, grandiose, luxury venues that cater to every wish of the bride and groom to be are just as common. Since we’re not so much in the business of Drive-Thru services, we’ll talk about just a few of the options that Vegas has to offer for classic, tour-de-force weddings.

As far as opulence goes, resorts like Caesar’s Palace offer something that is almost unheard of in the United States – the opportunity to get married in a palace.

Not only is the backdrop of marble statues of Greek gods and goddesses one of the most fantastical ways to get married, the services that Caesar’s provides are top notch. Prices range from $850 to $4300. Services range from DVD video recording, personal photographers, musicians, web casts, make up and hair, food and beverage and accommodations.

This is actually fairly standard for weddings in Las Vegas. Each resort offers its own range of packages – so it’s basically up to you to choose your environment. The palatial grandeur of Caesar’s, the Tuscan splendor of the Venetian, the classic elegance of the Four Seasons, New York, Paris, the Palms – each offers a distinct ambience. It’s just up to you to decide which is right for your tastes.

If you’re looking for something a bit less resort-y, Chapel of the Flowers was recently named the best of Vegas 2010 by the Las Vegas Review Journal poll, and has been featured in People Magazine, TLC, VH1, CNN, Fox, NBC and more. Packages range from “intimate” on the low end, to “Legendary,” on the high end, costing from $195 to $10,000. They offer everything from a standard service to a wedding on the yacht La Contessa, a Grand Canyon ceremony and even a ceremony at the Valley of Fire. Truly, these destination weddings, and the traditional weddings, are custom-tailored to your needs.

Like everyone knows, Las Vegas is one of the foremost destinations for weddings and honeymoons. Just ask us and we’ll point you in the right direction. In a place like Vegas, your options are basically limitless. We can help.