At least a couple times a month someone will call me or walk into my office and ask the question that’s probably somewhere on your mind right now-why should I use a honeymoon specialist?

There are just as many myths about travel agents as there are about Jell-O. I mean, we’ve all heard that Jell-O is made from horse hooves right? And that there’s a giant wall around the Jell-O factory so no one can see in. And travel agents went out of business when the internet came out. And everyone knows that the handful of travel agents that are still around cost way more than booking it yourself online.

Well, while I am still waiting for someone at Jell-O’s customer service dept to get back to me about the horse hoofs, (hey I am a vegetarian after all!), I can clear up some of the myths about travel consultants for you.

Travel consultants aren’t what they used to be. Just like Madonna, we’ve had to constantly reinvent ourselves to stay current. We’ve packed away our bangle bracelets and paper airline tickets, and moved into the electronic world. In fact, what you may not have realized is that travel consultants are much better today than they were in the past. Thanks to the internet, there’s an unending amount of travel information available everywhere. Since there’s nothing we hate more than looking uninformed, (or even worse knowing less than you do), we spend an ungodly amount of time doing research, attending seminars, and traveling to the destinations we sell.

To the internet retailer, travel is a commodity. It’s an airline ticket and a hotel room. To us, travel is an experience. It’s a week of your life that you probably saved up for a year or two to enjoy. It’s laying in the sunshine or having a great dinner. And, if you’re working with us, it’s likely that it’s your honeymoon or destination wedding, which is probably one of the most memorable trips you’ll ever take. An online travel site will happily take your money, and a week of your life, without ever bothering to make sure that you really intended to go to a clothing optional resort, or that you clearly understand the difference between a European and all inclusive plan. However, a good travel consultant will take the time to make sure that the trip you’re about to embark upon is actually the trip that was just a dream floating around in your head for months on end.

Price vs. Value- So we’ve all heard that it costs more to use an agent than it does to book online. Sometimes that’s true. Most of the time, it’s not. We have access to the same pricing and promotions as you’ll find online. And we frequently have access to upcoming promotions that you’re not going to be able to see yet. (Think an online site will tell you to wait a couple of weeks before booking because there’s a great sale starting later?) Feeling like you got a great deal is exciting! But, it’s important to remember that price and value are not the same thing. Sure you can find a resort that looks fantastic online. Let me give you an example. Here’s a photo from a resort’s website, which was recently running a “super online special”.

Looks amazing doesn’t it? Secluded, romantic, etc. What you can’t see is that the hotel is on a busy road, with a tiny beach. And it used to be a Hilton, so all the rooms are pretty ordinary. What you also can’t see is that you’ve just dug out your passport and traveled for hours to this exotic location, only to find that the chicken nuggets and Jell-O jigglers are the highlights of the lunch buffet.

Oh they didn’t mention that on the website? Maybe you should ask a travel consultant!

People call it “The Paris of South America,” and there’s no doubt why. Buenos Aires, Argentina is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, known for its mix of European flair and South American soul. Uniquely a mix of Spanish, Italian, French and native cultures, you’ll find a confluence of flavors, cultures and attitudes in a city that’s one of the most lovely places in the southern hemisphere. It’s a mix of contemporary and traditional, vibrant and tranquil, and modern and retrospective. Truly, one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Image courtesy of www.alvearpalace.com

There’s a distinct sexy attitude that runs through the whole city. Maybe it’s the tango; maybe it’s the music that drifts out of restaurants and clubs, or the citizens who seem to move with a natural grace. Who knows, but in a coastal city that even has its own Chinatown, there’s a character that distinctly “Porteño” meaning “from the port.” It’s got a lot of flavors, and one of them is surely for you.

Travel writer Michael Luongo describes the typical evening in Buenos Aires: A wonderful night involves a romantic restaurant in the Palermo Viejo neighborhood, something like De Olivas I Lustres, Novecento, Casa Cruz. Then, walk hand-in-hand on quiet cobblestone sidestreets under enormous 100-year-old oak trees.

Follow all that in a dimly lit milonga, where locals dance the tango. Whether you can dance it or not, there’s no harm in watching from a 1940′s style club table. (http://honeymoons.about.com/od/exoticsamerica/a/buenos_aires.htm)

If that doesn’t make you want to book a flight, here’s some more info that just might:

One of the most luxurious places in the city is the Alvear Palace (http://www.alvearpalace.com). They offer different packages, but spring for the luxury suites to most enjoy your honeymoon. The Royal Suite is decorated in the style of a Parisian Apartment, replete with all of the conventional comforts of a typical suite, but with even more than you would’ve expected. Hermes de Paris provides the bath products, the sheets are Egyptian Cotton, they provide complimentary drink service – and did we mention – your very own butler? This is truly the package for the discerning guest. The hotel and restaurant scene here is as metropolitan and modern as anywhere else in the world – and we hear the Italian food is ironically some of the best in the world (Italian immigrant settled here extensively ever since WWI).

The neighborhoods in Buenos Aires are as diverse as the people.

Recoleta is the luxurious area of town. Fantastic shopping. Designer everything. High-end wares everywhere you look. This area of town most resembles Paris, with Fine Arts museums, cultural institutions, and wide thoroughfares that are reminiscent of the quintessential European experience.

Images courtesy of http://www.info-recoleta.com/ and http://blog.ajg.net/tag/buenos-aires/

Areas like Palermo cater to the artsy, bohemian set. A younger demographic, this area of town is perfect for young couples who like to visit art galleries, see shows, eat distinctive, unique, authentic food and travel the streets arm in arm, waiting for the next adventure.

Images courtesy of moblog.net  

San Telmo is the oldest area in the city, and until the late 19^th century, was home to some of the most moneyed families in town. Areas of note include the gigantic Russian Orthodox Church, La Defensa Passage (a re-creation of colonial Buenos Aires) and the all-day antiques fair every Sunday.

Images courtesy of http://photos.igougo.com/pictures-photos-p211350-Shopping_in_San_Telmo.html

Obviously, Buenos Aires offers something a little off-the-beaten path. Invariably, there’s something for everyone.

There are many places that people would argue are “the best” in California.  While we’re not ready to take a stand and declare a #1, we will say that, among the most beautiful places in the state, Sonoma and Napa Valleys are two of the most gorgeous, tranquil, lovely places you’ll find on the West Coast.

Some people go for the wine, but Sonoma and Napa offer so much more. But, when you’re world famous for your winemaking skills, they can’t be ignored.

Wine & Dine

The most important part about a trip through wine country is getting off the beaten path to discover the hidden gems that lie in and around the area. Remember, a lot of the big industry players have wineries here too. But, the best wineries are the few sprinkled throughout the region that produce in small batches, handcrafting each wine to pull out the most amazing flavors from the grapes. Often, they’ll even pair the wine with small dishes or tasting menus. Just call ahead, they can help you get the most out of your experience. Just remember: drink what you like. Don’t let anyone tell you that there are rules or intimidate you. Everyone’s palate is different, so taste everything – but drink what you like.

There are too many wineries to list, but Gloria Ferrer is typical of many – grapes grown on site, fermented on site and then served to your liking at special tastings.

In business since 1984, the Gloria Ferrer Winery specializes in sparkling wines, chardonnay and pinot noir – some of the most versatile wines in the world. They can be consumed with a range of different meals as a great pairing to pork, red sauces, creamy white sauces, beef and chicken.

They also have extensive experience with accommodating weddings, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Remember, you don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy a tasting like this. You can craft an entire honeymoon around it, or it can be just one component to the entire trip. Remember, you’re in California – a melting pot of cultures, music, food – it’s got it all!

Check back later this week for more on Wine Country!

Food. It’s simple to overlook, but it’s a serious part of everyone’s honeymoon and wedding. It’s something very few people consider before booking their flight to a faraway location with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than going on your honeymoon to find out there’s nothing to eat.

Is the bride a picky eater? Does the groom not eat vegetables? Are there any food allergies to take into consideration? Is the bride scared of seafood? Does the groom have to have steak for every meal?
While these questions may seem silly, they’re questions that every couple should take into consideration before booking a honeymoon or destination wedding. After all, your honeymoon is all about enjoying your surroundings and indulging your senses. Horseback rides on the beach aren’t any fun if you haven’t eaten for three days.

So, there are two different ways you can tackle food on a honeymoon:

1. Plan your entire trip around the gastronomy of the area.

Is lobster his favorite? Does she just love Italian food? If you’re in the market for an overseas wedding or honeymoon, why not go to the source? Places like Rome or Florence are geared toward those with the sightseeing bug. Sicily or Milan are a bit more low key. Oh, and the shopping in Milan? Some of the best in the world.

It’s always fun to eat authentic versions of your favorite meals. If you love paella, try it in Valencia, Spain. It’s likely to taste much different than any American version you’ve ever had. If you are a fish lover – vacation spots in the Greek isles will most likely offer the most delicious catch-of-the-day Mediterranean fish you’ve ever tasted.

If you’re following your taste buds, you can’t go wrong.

1. Choose a destination and work with your options.

If you’ve already chosen a destination, it’s a good idea to call ahead and start requesting menus from different resorts. For instance, if you’ve decided on Maya Riviera, Mexico, you’ll have a range of different resorts to choose from. Call or e-mail each one and request a description of the different kinds of food they offer.

Often, resorts will have different restaurants within the same hotel, serving different types of food in different atmospheres (traditional, casual, fast-food, snacks, formal, etc.) If a resort doesn’t offer the kind of noshes you like – it’s better to know in advance.

So what does this all mean?

Well, we’ve been to these places. We’ve eaten at the restaurants, and we can tell you what to look for and what to avoid. We’ve even taken cooking classes in places like Barcelona and Greece! That way, after your honeymoon, you can come back with authentic recipes that Rachael Ray couldn’t shake a spatula at.

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 and mark up the prices; for the most part the price you get from your honeymoon planner should be the same as the pricing that you find online. 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.

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 big online giant was recently issued a stop sell by Sandals because they were illegally discounting Sandals’ pricing. So if  a web site 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 $1000 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.

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 honeymoon planner should know how to put your package together in a way that offers the most value and gives you the best price.

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: If I wait till the last minute, the price will go down.

This can work with cruises, as the cruise lines would rather sail with full ships. But this rarely works for airfare. If you’re booking less than 21 days before departure, you can expect to pay a premium.

All travel agencies, both online and offline, get paid by the hotels after you have checked out. When hotels calculate pricing, they know that they will be paying someone, whether it’s an agency like us, or an online agency. So when you do all the research and book online, you’re essentially paying for a service that you’re not getting.

Any agency, whether it’s an online giant or the agent around the corner from you, can offer great pricing. But it’s important to remember that value and price are NOT the same thing.

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!

If there is one challenge that almost all engaged couples share, it’s where to come up with the funds to pay for their honeymoon. And while nine out of ten couples would love to ask for money for their honeymoon, finding a tactful way to ask for cash is hard! Fortunately this problem can now be a thing of the past, thanks to a honeymoon registry.

Let’s face it… weddings can drain your bank account faster than you can say “I do”. Many couples have considered postponing their honeymoon because they just can’t see how they can afford it. Your honeymoon registry offers tactful way for you to ask for money from your wedding guests, and its fun for the guests too!

Once you’ve nailed down the details of your dream honeymoon, your honeymoon planner can set up an account for the two of you. Your registry can be customized to your honeymoon destination with items like spa treatments, golf, zip lining, an upgraded room, etc. You’ll be provided with a link to your share with your family and friends, so they can easily jump online and make a contribution to your honeymoon registry.

Your guests will love it because they can purchase a wonderful gift with just a few clicks of the mouse with no boxes to ship and nothing to gift wrap. They can even leave you a message telling you what they’ve purchased and offering their best wishes for your fun in the sun.

The gifts in your registry are not physically purchased or set up. You’ll receive the gifts in the form of a check from the registry company. It’s secure, easy for you and your guests, and a sure-fire way to get you and your honey where you want to go.

Let’s face it-we’ve all given gifts that we suspected to end up being re-gifted. Great honeymoon memories are always a welcome gift. Your guests will be honored to be a part of the memories that you’ll have for a lifetime.

There are several ways to ensure your guest feel like a part of it all. Once you return post pictures of your trip and of the two of you enjoying some of the activities on you registry. Or, send postcard Thank You notes from your location. Unlike a gravy boat, a honeymoon gift creates memories you can share.

Now that you know how you’re going to manage you honeymoon budget, check out our top 5 sexiest honeymoon locations.

This article is meant to be read in your best Barry White voice-not that these ultra sexy honeymoon locations need any help in the hot and steamy department. So read on, and as you do imagine yourself in these exotic locales with your honey.

El Dorado Royale, Riviera Maya in the Mexican Caribbean

Muy caliente. El Dorado Royale is an adults-only spa resort tucked away in the quietest corner of the Riviera Maya.

Have a private beachside dinner for two prepared by the resort’s gourmet chef. Listen to the waves break as candle light casts gilts and glimmers across your faces. Or, indulge in a private couple’s message in a bungalow by the beach.

Ladera, St. Lucia in the West Indies

Nestled deep within the St. Lucia rainforest at the base of the Pitons mountains, this historic estate was once a cocoa plantation. Now home to an exclusive resort the small cluster of villas and suites have an “open wall” concept that leaves the west side of each unit exposed to the breathtaking views, sounds, and breezes of the Caribbean Sea.

Indulge in farm-to-table five-star menus, decadent spa treatments, and serene seaside relaxation. Love blossoms under the warm sunsets and romance is rejuvenated when wrapped in soft sand and salty sea.

Couples Resorts, Jamaica

Laid-back lovers rejoice. All-inclusive Couples Resorts in Jamaica stimulate your senses with island-inspired fine dining, beachside beverage service and romantic off-site excursions. Make a memory with a couples message followed by a private dinner served by your personal waiter, or enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride and a night of lively music and dancing.

Greek Islands, Mykonos and Santorini

A love for the ages. What better place to make memories than in a sun-soaked city filled with history? A Greek Island honeymoon offers you the best of the new world with the charm of the old world.

Relax hand-in-hand on your sunset cruise and sip world-class wines on your winery tour and tasting. Stroll the breezy nooks and crannies of the city and discover new things to love about your partner.

Paris, Hotel de Crillon

Love is in the details. You’ll find something to love around every corner on the bustling streets of Paris. This classic lovers’ locale is ideal for sophisticated couples looking for a chic, sexy experience.

Take in the galleries and a Moulin Rouge show before indulging in a French bistro dinner. Rediscover each other during a slow cruise down the Seine. And of course…shop the fabulous boutiques.

There you are lovers, our top 5 sexiest honeymoon spots. Each location has a personality all its own, just like you and your honey. But, no matter what kind of couple you are you’re sure to heat things up on one of these hot honeymoons.

Do you have a hot honeymoon destination in mind? Share it with us!

Not sure how you’re going to find the funds for these sexy destinations? Check out: Can I Register for that? Honeymoons and your gift registry.

You’re supposed to enjoy your honeymoon-not stress over it. So why do you feel so overwhelmed? What you need is a good plan, a few expert tips, and perhaps the guidance of a professional honeymoon planner.

Here are 7 tips from the pros here at Bliss Honeymoons to de-stress your honeymoon planning.

Choose a destination that suites your “couples personality”

You love to hike and be outdoors and he would rather nap under a beach cabana, but you both love food. Focus on what you both love-look for all inclusive honeymoon packages with five star dining-chances are you can find amazing food at a resort with a tropical location for him and lots of outdoor excursions for you. When you find your common ground you can define your “couples personality” and knowing that will make all the difference when deciding on your destination.

Decide what your budget is and stick to it

You may have already decided your honeymoon budget during your wedding planning. But if not, now is the time to have this discussion. Look at your frequent flyer miles, or ask family to donate theirs as a wedding gift. You can even utilize our honeymoon registry to get help with the cost.  Whatever you decide, when you land on a number make sure you’re committed to it. The last thing you want is to be thinking about credit card debt while you’re on your honeymoon.

Finding a good honeymoon planner can help keep your cost down and they can even end up paying for their fees in the savings they can get you from unpublished airfares and long-standing relationships with resorts and hotels.

Figure out how long you can stay and when you want to go

Maybe you know you want to take a tropical cruise but your wedding date is smack in the middle of hurricane season. Or, maybe you want a five-day honeymoon package but you can’t find one online for the resort you want. Decide when your want to take your honeymoon and how long you want to be away, then talk to a honeymoon planner to see what the seasonal deals are and if you can book a custom designed package for the exact days you want to travel. Flight itineraries and seasonal deals can be tricky to coordinate, but a professional will know what flights to take and what locations are offering the best deals during every season.

Get your travel documents in order

If you’re planning an exotic honeymoon you need to know exactly what travel documents, visas and passports are needed and how long it will take to acquire all necessary paperwork before you book your trip.

Find your professional honeymoon planner

You may be a do-it-yourself guru, but some things are best handled by a professional. A professional honeymoon planner knows the resorts, because they stay there. Planners know how to create the most efficient flight itineraries and have access to unpublished flight deals you can’t find on the Internet. Maybe most importantly, honeymoon planners can guarantee a stress-free honeymoon-they deal with problems before, during and after your trip so you don’t have to.

Make sure to stay healthy before your trip…and during your stay

First, check with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before your tip. It’s important to check the traveler’s vaccination requirements for travel to certain locations. The CDC Web site also has water-quality lists for all destinations that pose a water quality threat. Your professional honeymoon planner will provide all this information for you as well as information on your specific resort or hotels water filtration system.

Follow your packing checklist

Layout both his and hers clothing and bathroom items before your trip and take an inventory. This inventory will act as your packing checklist. Don’t forget basic medical needs; such as Band Aids, sun screen and sun burn relief gel, anti-bacterial gel, and anti-diarrhea pills. Make sure all prescriptions are filled before leaving for your trip.

Know that you have the pros tips for a stress-free honeymoon learn how to register for your honeymoon.

Still not sure where you want to go? Check out our Top 5 Sexiest Honeymoon Locations.