A Caribbean vacation isn’t complete without visiting the island’s most magnificent gems. Waterfalls in the Caribbean are typically found nestled in the hills and surrounded by lush greenery filled with exotic fauna. The crystal clear and refreshing rapids are awe-inspiring. With all the beauty in the islands it’s difficult to know which attraction to see first, but no worries, we have narrowed it down for you. Check out the 8 must-see Caribbean waterfalls.

Jamaica, Dunn’s River Falls
Probably one of the most famous in the Caribbean, these magnificent falls are 60 feet high and empty directly into the sea!  A series of pools and rocks that have become smooth from the pressure of the falls, make it a perfect natural playground! Make sure you visit the beach and test out the natural slides!

Jamaica, YS Falls
Found deep in the heart of Jamaica’s South Coast, YS Falls is a place of unique beauty and a must-see whilst on the island.  With seven waterfalls and a series of naturally formed freshwater pools, it’s a natural wonder hidden in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth. Make sure you climb the nature trails to the top of the falls, grab a rope swing and jump in! Swim in its natural pools. They also have the opportunity to zip-line through the rain-forest canopy from the top of the falls to its base below.

Saint Lucia, Errard Falls
If you’re looking for an adventure that’s off the beaten path and you’re up for a bit of a trek, this one’s for you!  After a bike ride through the forest it’s time to talk a walk through the jungle, across river (and over a few rocks!) to reach the foot of this incredible waterfall! It’s a beautiful clear pool surrounded by deep rain-forest. Make sure you observe the incredible biodiversity of the area, like the super cool land crabs that you’ll find hiding under the rocks.

Grenada, Concord Falls
If you like to hike, this is the one for you; a series of three waterfalls located on the edge of a reserve on the western side of the island, the water is crystal clear and ice cold! Make sure you take a camera!

Barbados, Harrisons Cave
Forget the beaches, discover the hidden waterfalls beneath the surface of this Caribbean paradise in a massive stream cave system that is at least 2.3 kilometres long! Visit Harrison’s Cave Barbados to see the stalactites, stalagmites, glass-like pools and hidden waterfalls! Make sure you carry water and a camera with flash and don't miss the cave and critters!

For the best experience book in advance through your travel agent, or the resort and trusted tour company onsite to visit these must-see sites!

Contact [email protected] to help you plan your Caribbean vacation! She is an all inclusive specialist and her personal professional planning services bring you added value from research through return at no extra cost.

Swimming Pigs Adventure - Enjoy a fun filled, action packed excursion aboard a 35 foot custom designed Power Cat while you  swim with the pigs, snorkel, beach comb and experience all the beauty of the Exumas in one tour. Your captain and first mate will entertain you with excellent knowledge and first class service as you cruise in and out of over 75 magnificent, little known cays with several stops along the way. Take incredible photos atop an island with 360-degree views of the Exuma cays. Visit the endangered Bahamian rock Iguana at an island, which the original natives of the Bahamas once called home. Circle past the million dollar privately owned islands of celebrities, and speed across waters only inches deep as Stingrays race across the bottom. No journey into the cays is complete without feeding the always hilarious Swimming Pigs. Afterwards snorkel and swim along a lively reef with magnificent colors while a nearby virgin sandbar awaits your exploration

​Dolphin Encounter - Enter the world of these gentle bottlenose beauties with a special kiss and caress while you get a chance to make friends, touch and have an up-close experience with the dolphins.  Also, learn some interesting facts about these wonderful creatures from a knee deep water platform. You can also view the exciting Shark Show, performed by our very own pirates of “Little Port Royal.” Interact with the colorful birds, exotic snakes and iguanas on the nature trail. Enjoy unlimited mini-boat rides, a 40ft. water slide and interactions with the gentle stingrays (with barbs clipped).

MINI-Routes To Negril - Buckle up and take the wheel of your own MINI Cooper during this first-of-its-kind journey along Jamaica’s beautiful north-west coast to the ‘capital of casual’, Negril! This exciting new experience puts you in the driver’s seat as you follow behind an expert island guide to local spots and famous landmarks. Your journey begins with a short stop at a local coconut vendor. Then hop back in your MINI and drive through the historic town of Lucea. Once you arrive in Negril it’s time for some delicious food and a relaxing break on the Seven Mile Beach. In the afternoon drive to the iconic Negril Lighthouse at the westernmost point of the island where you can see the lighthouse and take in the gorgeous view. Next, visit the legendary Ricks Café where you’ll have the opportunity to witness the daring cliff-divers, snap a few pictures and enjoy the stunning views.  On your way back to Montego Bay you’ll make a final stop at an authentic jerk shack for a quick cooking demonstration. It’s time to take your island experience into your own hands on this fully-loaded adventure, but get ready because there’s nothing ‘mini’ about it! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to benefit the local communities that we call home.

Luminous Lagoon Experience - Join in at sunset for a trip to Jamaica's famed Luminous Lagoon on a night cruise like no other! With a complimentary rum or fruit punch in hand, hop aboard to head out to the magical glistening waters. Surrounded by mangroves, at night the waters of the lagoon are home to microscopic organisms that emit a phosphorescent blue light when disturbed. Once you’ve cruised to the middle of the lagoon, you can jump in and really experience the true beauty of this unusual natural wonder. Luminous Lagoon is one of the few places in the world to have such a high concentration of these harmless organisms, this is truly something not to be missed!

Moriah Sea Park Adventure - ​Head over to the Exuma’s famous Moriah Harbor Cay National Park and become one with Mother Nature! Spanning across 10-miles of diverse land and sea, this park is home to reef fish, stingrays, turtles, dolphins and more! Basque in the Bahamian sun while keeping your eyes on the water, for you never know which ocean animal will swim by to say hello! Then, come face-to-face with these exotic sea-creatures as you cool off in the aquamarine sea and snorkel to your hearts content!

Reggae Catamaran Cruise - ​Sway to the sounds of reggae on one of the Caribbean’s most wet ’n’ wild adventures! Indulge in delectable appetizers and unlimited exotic cocktails while enjoying the best panoramic views you’ll ever set your eyes on. There’s nothing quite like this ‘club on water’ to feel the pulse of the island and see the wonders of the Caribbean. Snorkeling is included.

Contact [email protected] today to plan your customized all inclusive trip to the Caribbean! Chris is an all inclusive expert, as well as Antigua, Jamaica, St Lucia and Honeymoon specialist!! You can count on her for professional reliable recommendations. 

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) officially announced that Mexico is now the sixth most visited country in the world. The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) originally announced the news in April, but the UNWTO confirmed the country welcomed 39.3 million international visitors (a 12 percent increase), which catapulted Mexico from eighth to sixth overall.  Mexico’s growth as a tourist hotspot is incredible. Since being ranked the 15th most visited destination in 2013, the country has jumped 62 percent to its sixth-place ranking. The increase was the fastest of any large global destination.

“Mexico’s historic ascent on the list of the world’s most visited countries is a testament to the fact that Mexico is indeed a world of its own, and one that people want to discover again and again,” Mexico Secretary of Tourism Enrique de la Madrid said in a statement. “We are proud of everything Mexico, and the more than 10 million Mexicans working in this industry, have to offer visitors. I am confident that this positive momentum will continue as more people discover the incredible experiences Mexico has to offer.

There are many reasons behind the blockbuster growth of Mexico, including the development of new and existing destinations, the diversification of tourism products and improved partnerships with airlines and hotels.  To continue the nation’s growth, the Mexico Tourism Board is working with industry partners in the United States and Canada to host unique events and experiences, such as Formula 1, the NFL and the FIFA World Cup 2026

I visit Mexico at least twice per year.  It is a favorite destination for both myself and my family! Not to mention lots of my honeymoon and destination wedding clients!!

​Contact me for ideas on best ways to visit and to start planning today! [email protected]
919.589.2437 / 434.333.0837

The numbers are growing at a dizzying rate. From 2013 through 2017, the nation saw a 62 percent increase in visitor traffic, the fastest growth rate of any large global destination. “We are very proud of having reached, for the first time in our history, the sixth-most-visited country in the world,” said Mexico Tourism Secretary Enrique de la Madrid speaking to an audience of travel agents during a Mark Travel Corporation webinar.

Accordingly, infrastructure is also expanding, including welcoming 15,000 to 20,000 new hotel rooms every year. “Just last semester, 7,000 new rooms were inaugurated [in Mexico],” said de la Madrid.
He also noted that the CEOs of Marriott and Hilton hotels have committed to adding 43 new properties in Mexico in the next two to three years.

Connectivity to the nation is also increasing. In 2017, some 18.6 million international visitors arrived by air. For 2018 alone, the country has already welcomed 4,600 new flights, including new service from Chicago to Mazatlan, Denver to Cozumel, Los Angeles to Acapulco and Seattle to Mexico City.

Mexico’s transformation into global tourism star has not come without its challenges, including an ongoing concern over visitor safety.  Mexico’s tourism industry has vowed to take a harder line on people and organizations spreading mis-information about the country.The Mark Travel Corporation webinar, which also featured tourism updates from area convention and visitors bureaus, was designed to help answer travel agents concerns and questions about these issues.

“[Mexico] is a fantastic destination and [one] that has been important to our company for over 30 years,” said host Ray Snisky, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer of The Mark Travel Corporation, before introducing Secretary de la Madrid. “It is the passion, warmth and graciousness of the people of Mexico that really makes that destination unique.”
“There’s a lot of misinformation [about Mexico] right now.” Snisky said, and that having the right information would transition into clarity and energy for travel agents selling Mexico.
During the webinar, Secretary de la Madrid addressed travel agent concerns about safety.
In the last update of the U.S. State Department,” he said, “there is basically no major touristic destination [in Mexico] that has any travel advisory.”

He noted that as of last August there were two visitor destinations with warnings, which went away with the update of the State Department Advisory system in January. He also clarified that the new system has four qualification levels. “Number 1, I suppose, being paradise,” he said, “[while Number 2] is all the normal countries around the world, where they put Mexico but they also put the UK, France and Spain. Just remember France is the number one tourist destination worldwide and Spain is number two, so we have the same qualification as those two destinations.”

He also told agents to remember that while Mexico frequently appears in the media over sensationalistic stories about violence, those stories are mostly drug-related. “Tourists coming to Mexico are not the target of this violence and they are not impacted, mainly, by this violence.” He pointed out that zero homicides in Cancun last year involved tourists.

He also added a little context, pointing out that Mexico is not too different than what happens in other parts of the world, or what happens in the U.S. The general crime rates generally do not have an impact on visitors to those destinations.

Despite the relatively low impact on visitors, Mexico’s tourism industry is taking these concerns seriously. A number of safety improvements have been implemented in Baja California Sur, where Los Cabos is locatd, for example. In April, said de la Madrid, Los Cabos saw its homicide rate drop by 80 percent.
Mexico is following a similar safety model in Quintana Roo, which is home to some of the nation’s top visitor destinations, including Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Riviera Maya.

The measures, which are being spearheaded by state and local authorities as well as the tourism industry include an increased police presence at area beaches and on the roads. Also, additional metal detectors are being installed in Cozumel and Playa del Carmen and there’s also a new mobile site for visitor safety.

De la Madrid also addressed last year’s allegations of tainted alcohol being served in some of the top resort areas. “Not a single claim of tainted alcohol consumption has ever been proven true,” he said. “There was [however] evidence of a combination of excessive drinking and there was evidence of drugs.” He has also said Mexico will no longer “tolerate” any case where information being spread is false. Out of a desire to not to harm anyone’s reputation, Mexico was slow to point a finger at the accusers’ use of excessive drugs and alcohol. “But the reputation [we want to harm least] is ours,” he said.

He also recognized some media and other parties were frustrated with Mexico’s slow response, as the tourism industry tried to piece together what happened and said this was a mistake Mexico will not repeat.
Mexico will implement a management system in order to investigate situations more quickly. “We are trying to provide information soon, even if it is not yet complete,” he said. “That’s something we are working on.”

He said Mexico was keeping a careful eye on a report from the CDC that has called “binge drinking” an epidemic in the United States. This is something that obviously could affect Mexico, which welcomes more than 20 million American visitors every year. More training will also be provided to hotel personnel, teaching front line staff to stop serving alcohol to guests who are clearly inebriated. “They are not obliged to give these guests more alcohol,” he said.

De la Madrid also asked travel agents and other partners who do business in Mexico, to help set the record straight and be more proactive about sharing accurate information. He also recommended that travel agents stay educated about Mexico so they can become experts on selling the country. 

Other speakers during the Mark Travel webinar include Jorge Tellez, Promotion Director, The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau; Julio Birrueta, Director of the Mazatlán Tourism Board; Elvira Moncayo, Public Relations, Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board; Marc Murphy, Director General, Riviera Nayarit; and Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director, Los Cabos Tourism Board.

Personally, Mexico is one of my favorite destinations. As an all inclusive expert and honeymoon, destination wedding specialist, I travel there often. Contact me any time to learn more and book your Mexico vacation.  You get personal professional accessible service for the same price as doing it all yourself! [email protected]

Mexico continues to rise the ranks among the world's most-visited destinations, ranking sixth globally after hosting more than 39 million international tourists in 2017.
Nonetheless, the Mexico Tourism Board is out to set the record straight regarding recent reports linked to the U.S. State Department's updated travel advisory system, which ranked Mexico as a "level 2" country where travelers should "exercise increased caution" when it debuted earlier this year.
However, level 2 was also assigned to destinations like Germany, France and the U.K. and the board points out that the advisory exempts major international tourist destinations across the country, including those in states with higher levels in the advisory.
"While Mexico faces challenges with crime and violence like many countries around the world today, the overwhelming majority of those incidents are related to Mexican individuals," the Mexico Tourism Board said in a statement. "In the very rare recent cases where foreigners have been impacted, the majority of the cases found that those individuals were involved in suspicious or criminal activity not associated with tourism."
So far in 2018, the U.S. State Department hasn't issued a single alert recommending against travel to Mexico. "Our main concern comes from the fact that the crime, violence and other statistics used are those for a country overall, not related to the number of incidents that impact foreign visitors," the board stated in January.
In its ongoing effort to eliminate any remaining doubt about visitor safety, Mexican officials are taking a proactive approach to reducing risks and ensuring travelers return home satisfied.
Enhanced security measures already taken in Quintana Roo include 24-hour surveillance at the maritime terminals of Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, additional metal detectors and an added police presence with specially-trained canine units.
Other upgrades include investments in technology to assist in the communication of security personnel with hotels and tour operators and close coordination between the entire tourism industry with the municipal police and other authorities in order to report any suspicious activity and take appropriate actions.
"Mexico is a safe, friendly and welcoming destination and one that is growing faster than the global industry average for more than five years in a row," the board states.
As Mexico continues to draw and win over more and more visitors, safety and security will remain a top priority. The destination is also working to boost travel infrastructure through new hotel and resort openings as well as added airline routes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MEXICO AND THE BEST PLACES TO STAY, CONTACT [email protected]

Love is always in the air, especially in February when Valentine’s Day rolls around. And that is great news for you, because couples in love have always loved taking cruises.

What is more romantic than a stroll on deck under the stars? Sharing an elegant dinner with a flute of something bubbly? Or having hot coffee and breakfast brought to you in bed. How about someone else making the bed and doing the cleaning?! 

Because of all the perks, couples are turning to cruises more and more to celebrate their most romantic milestones; anniversaries, honeymoons and even the wedding itself! Increasing in popularity are vow-renewal ceremonies, in which couples celebrate a major anniversary.  More often than not, couples are bringing along their, children, friends and other family members.

They are also great for multi-generational groups and second weddings. On a cruise, the captain can marry them.  On an island, the wedding planner is already included and she'll arrange everything. Professional photographers are available to capture moments and create galleries. Cruise lines, like all inclusive resorts offer wedding packages, which can be customized to include whatever the couple wants.

As an All Inclusive Expert and Honeymoon Destination Wedding Specialist, I’ve watched business grow as more travelers and engaged couples embrace the all inclusive concept. More couples are choosing a wedding in a cruise port or aboard ship because it’s easy and much less expensive that many ceremonies at home. They prefer to use their money for a down payment on a house rather than for a blow-out bash. Wedding cruises are fun, affordable and a great way to gather friends and family in a carefree setting. Planning the perfect, stress-free cruise Wedding and Honeymoon is a breeze when done properly.

Luxury cruises are also popular for upscale clients planning to renew their vows or celebrate milestone anniversaries.  Whether it is a romantic dinner for two or your group at one of the specialty restaurants, ship staff handle all the details so the process is seamless and enjoyable for you.  With chapels and reception rooms with ocean views onboard, it’s everything you dreamed and more. 

People today are more focused on their families and their return on life. They want to do experiential things that they will remember, rather than just go on vacation. Experienced travelers know that cruises are a good value and relaxing way to go. 

I love being in the happiness business and helping clients get the best value and experience for their special trip! Contact destination wedding and cruise specialist, CHRIS RAKES to get started. 

Read anything about the island, and you’re bound to learn that Antigua has exactly 365 beaches – one for each day of the year. You’ll also read about the island’s endless days of sun and stunningly gorgeous azure water. And while these things are true, they don’t capture the heart of this friendly little island, a former English colony where cricket games are an afternoon tradition and colorful roadside restaurants beckon with cornmeal and okra dumplings and cold bottles of Wadadli, the local lager.

Barely a hundred square miles, Antigua is particularly accessible, and exploring by car is a fun and rewarding experience – just stay alert for the bearded goats who sometimes wander into the road! Here are our personal recommendations for exploring the island:
 
1. Take the Dip in Half Moon Bay
No trip to Antigua is complete without a visit to Half Moon Bay. This family friendly beach is a national park that attracts visitors and locals alike for its stunning pink sand beach and quality snorkeling. Local vendors often sell food here, such as salt fish sandwiches topped with the local hot sauce, making it the perfect spot for a snack and swim.

 2. Explore English Harbour
One of the most popular spots in Antigua, beautifully restored English Harbour has enough attractions to last an entire day. From pristine beaches and panoramic trails to restaurants, art galleries and historical monuments (this is where you’ll find Nelson’s Dockyards, the world’s only surviving Georgian dockyard), English Harbour is a must see.

3. Watch a Cricket Game
Cricket is serious business in Antigua, a passion considered more of a religion than a sport. From schoolyards to beaches, games are never hard to find, but for a truly fantastic experience, head to the impressive Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, built for the 2017 Cricket Cup, where you can join the cheering crowds for an afternoon of fun.

4. Hike Mount Obama
After Barack Obama won the presidential election in 2009, Antigua’s prime minister renamed the island’s highest peak after the U.S. president. Mount Obama, as it is now known, is an easy stroll along a lush jungle trail and offers spectacular views of the neighboring islands of Monserrat and Guadeloupe.

5. Dance the Night Away
Rum punch and live music fuel Antigua’s famous dance parties, where tourists and locals alike shake and shimmy to the rhythms of the West Indies. From rustic beach bars like Beach Limerz to the ever-popular Shirley Heights Lookout sited high above English Harbour, there is no better way to experience Antigua’s hospitality than on the dance floor.

6. Sail into the Sunset
Antigua has long been a favorite destination among the international sailing set. Join them by chartering your own classic wooden sailboat for the day or watching the sunset from the deck of a catamaran. Whichever way you chose, this is the quintessential Caribbean experience you’ll never forget.

Looking for the perfect resort recommendation? Contact ChrisRakes

Family vacations can be great, and there are special memories you can create when you take a trip with loved ones of all ages. Sometimes, though, you want to enjoy a romantic escape for some alone time just with that one special person. Or you want to celebrate good times and entertainment geared toward grownups with some of your best friends.
​
If a childfree, mature vacation environment is what you seek, UNICO 2087 Hotel Riviera Maya is your perfect choice for a tropical dream vacation destination.

A New Twist on All-Inclusive.

UNICO 2087 redefines the entire concept of what an all-inclusive vacation looks like. This goes way beyond the standard offerings and limited choices you often encounter with packages advertised under the all-inclusive label.

The hotel was created specifically with the goal of broadening the landscape and transforming the vision of what an all-inclusive destination could be.

Rather than the standard butler service, here assistance is provided by an Anfitrión who serves as your personal host. Like a magician helping you conjure up the perfect vacation, this staff member provides guests with an insider’s guide to the local scene—and can be the secret weapon that helps you score a hard-to-get table at the most popular local eateries or clues you in to the area’s hidden gems.

Your stay also includes plenty of special extra touches, like a minibar stocked according to your personal preferences and custom-scented amenities. Make free calls to the continental U.S. and Canada or enjoy delicious meals at any of the four amazing restaurants.

You can also indulge in food and drink without leaving your room thanks to 24-hour room service. Nurture your body and spirit with the holistic fitness program and luxury spa services that include locally-inspired beauty rituals. The volcanic stones massage is a guest favorite!

The Perfect Tropical Paradise Setting.

A dream vacation starts with an amazing setting in a picture-perfect locale. The location of this hotel is so incredible that it gets star billing—it is spotlighted right in the name. From the moment you arrive, you will appreciate that this place is special.

The staff ensures your experience here goes way beyond a typical hotel stay. They will provide many options for offsite excursions and activities that let you immerse yourself in the authentic local culture, soaking in the atmosphere as if you called this area home.

Explore lesser-known landmarks in the area, and discover highlights that are considered secrets reserved solely for those who are in the know. While you are on the property, indulge in authentic culinary delights as you feast on meals carefully created with locally sourced ingredients and prepared in a traditional manner.

Soak up the sun while food and drinks are delivered to your lounge chair via poolside or beachside service. The hotel also boasts three bars with a signature mixology program and a lounge offering live entertainment.

Make your dream adults-only getaway a reality at one of the most distinctive and luxurious hotel properties in all of Mexico.

To book your reservation at this wonderful resort or learn more, contact [email protected] 

There are MANY great reasons to have a destination wedding but, they aren’t for everyone. Before you decide on a destination wedding, there are some things to consider.  Some reasons a destination wedding may not be perfect for each of your guests include limited vacation time, mobility restrictions, fear of travel, budget - to name a few. 

The last thing you want to do is get off on the wrong foot as a new couple and cause a rift among your family.  First, consult with both sets of parents to make sure it works for them and then gather their thoughts about the possibility for your siblings.  Make sure you then talk it through with your siblings to make sure all can attend.  Remember, these people love you most and will want to be involved. 

Not everyone has the same lifestyle and makes the same amount of money.  I’ve never planned a destination wedding where there weren’t some budget restrictions.  Immediate family members who can’t swing the expense, are typically covered by the couples’ parents or the couple themselves. Discuss this and gain consensus from the start.

Destination wedding sizes continue to grow and more and more people are choosing destination weddings.  However, they are still likely to be smaller than a wedding at home.  The couple must be comfortable with a smaller more intimate celebration.  You can’t be offended when invited guests have to decline. Some may be just starting out, newly pregnant, etc. 

Those who can’t attend don’t have to miss it entirely.  The better resorts capture the moments by live streaming so, those back home can watch as its happening.  Many couples also offer a post wedding casual alternative celebration, for those who couldn’t attend the big party. The key here is NOT to tell your guests any of this before the wedding. You want to encourage friends and family to attend on destination as much as possible. The more the merrier and the larger the group, the bigger the benefit to the couple and group.

Talk it through, obtain a good destination wedding specialist and give guests plenty of time to plan. If you do that, you are sure to have an event you will always remember and your guests will be talking about for ages! Take it from an expert ;)

Chris Rakes - All Inclusive Vacation Expert and Honeymoon Destination Wedding Specialist

After all the hard work and emotions that go into planning a wedding, you are ready for that glass of champagne at the reception -- and a fabulous dose of R&R when it’s all over!  Whether you’re hitting the beach in the Caribbean, hiking a volcano in Costa Rica, or feasting your way through Italy, it’s time to unwind with your spouse and let the reality sink in: You’re married! Like all things “wedding,” your honeymoon comes with its share of questions.

When should we go on our honeymoon?
Traditionally, the newlyweds would depart on their honeymoon right away – the bride often changing into one of her trousseau outfits and heading to the airport straight from the reception, suitcases in tow. However, today’s couples know that having a wedding is exhausting. I recommend delaying departure 1-3 days so that you have a little time to wind down, get things organized and time to pack.

Who plans it?
The honeymoon used to be planned entirely by the groom and kept a secret from the bride until she arrived. But it’s stressful packing for a mystery trip, only to arrive and realize once at destination, there’s an outfit or two you really wish you’d brought! With today’s couples, more often than not the groom still takes the lead, but the bride is kept in the loop.  Smart grooms pull in a honeymoon specialist to help them decipher best options for their interests. It’s a collaboration with the travel pro doing the majority of the work related to the research and booking in general.  She'll also make sure their itinerary includes a little something for each of them.  Hoping to keep that surprise alive? That’s still an options but much safer bet when working with an experienced honeymoon specialist.  

I am out of vacation time, what should I do?
Take a mini-moon! And, delay your big trip until you’ve got more time off.  If you have to wait for the big honeymoon, take a long weekend immediately after your wedding to unwind from the excitement. Go somewhere completely relaxing for a night or two. Sleep in, get massages, and scroll through your hashtags to relive all those fun memories. Taking that big trip several weeks or months after the big day, will give you something exciting to look forward to once your wedding has come and gone!

What if I have a food allergy or dietary restrictions?
Even if you are going on a cruise or to an all inclusive resort, this doesn’t have to be a problem.  Your honeymoon specialist can connect you to the resorts and cruise lines that do best in accommodating your need.  Once at destination you will be connected with the head chef or dining department to discuss your  restrictions and lay out a plan to accommodate it in the most satisfying manner.  The best properties will easily be able to work with your needs, as well as recommend menu items you will truly enjoy. For a honeymoon in a major city, read restaurants’ menus and reviews, and google search, for example “gluten free in Paris.”  If traveling to a destination where they don’t speak English, be prepared to explain your restrictions in the local language.  Write it down in advance, if that helps. Wherever you go and whatever kind of cuisine you are looking for, don’t forget to ask the locals’ for some suggestions. No one knows the local cuisine and what’s best better than them!

If we can’t afford an extravagant trip, should we still go?
Of course! There are many affordable ways to totally relax and enjoy your honeymoon. All-inclusive resorts and cruises are a great place to start and offer the best value since there are few expenses beyond what you pay to book the trip. You know upfront the cost of the trip before you get there. If you are looking for culture and art, and more exploration on foot, there are options for guided tours that offer exceptional value, over do it yourself options.  Don’t forget honeymoon funds are also available and no different than a gift registry.  Already have a coffee pot? Ask for an excursion instead!  The honeymoon is a trip of a lifetime and the thing you will remember most from this time in your life – don’t skimp or forgo it.

For the best value and experience work with a travel professional and honeymoon specialist. It's the same price as you doing all the work yourself and it will give you better peace of mind and experience overall. [email protected]