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By Loving Hands > Plans for the big day - your Wedding > All Of The Extra Events:
Mrs Liz
This is your time together, to get away from work, friends, and family. Some couples are unable to take a honeymoon right after getting married, this could be because of work, vacation time, money or other reasons. But this should not stop you from finding time to get away together. It could be for just a weekend get away, or maybe plan that honeymoon for your first anniversary. bear_thumb.gif

When you are ready to plan that honeymoon, consult a travel agent. It is always a good idea, and the agent may give you more information to think about. In doing so, tell the agent you will be newlyweds, and you may receive discounts and other unique benefits or travel packages.

Find out about all the amenities and attractions, and events that will be available to you at that time. The more options you have when you get there, the better. So even if it is raining outside, or something changes your plans, you will have some back-up plans to enjoy. It is all about making good memories together.

Be fair to each other, make a list of three must-haves, three dream destinations and three activities you want to do or try on your honeymoon. Then work around these ideas and your ideal budget to plan a honeymoon for two. Keep an open mind on what it takes to make your dream destination a reality.

Remember - don't spend all your money on a hotel someplace, just to get there and not have enough money to do anything while your there.

Set your budget and stick to it. For example, in the evening it might be more fun to check out different places. Stop at one place for your dinner, then a different place for your desert, and then still another place for coffee or drinks, or music and dancing. Even when you go out you do not need to order the most expensive items on the menu to try new things and enjoy your evening together.

The bottom line of a honeymoon is to relax, and enjoy holding hands, long walks, and just talking. It is the quality of the time spent together that counts. Some couples will even wait a few days after the wedding to relax before jetting off on their honeymoon. So relax, have fun, and make some memorable memories together.
Mrs Liz
An Overseas Honeymoon!

Jetting to exotic, post-wedding locales requires more thorough planning today than ever before.

Safety concerns and security measures are at an all-time high, and you might need to pack a few things once unfathomable.

Here are some tips from the U.S. Department of State to ensure your honeymoon is nothing but bliss.

1. Make use you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport.

2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.

3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, YOU ARE subject to its laws.

4. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with a friend or relative. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. (it might even be helpful to have a third copy - this one the spouse can hang onto should you two ever get seperated - you each have one).

5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

6. DO NOT leave your luggage unattended in public areas, or with someone else you just meet. DO NOT accept packages from strangers.

7. Prior to your departure, you should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consultate through the State Department's travel registration web site. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released with out your express authorization. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.

8. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and DO NOT carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards. Others maybe watching you when you make payments for things.

9. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.

10. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy. (You may want to keep the phone number on you).

You'll more than likely need to head to the bank to aquire some cash, but while your there, you should exchange some currency for that of your destination country - it's a time-saver and costs less than doing it in an airport. If you haven't made a run to the bank prior to leaving, use your ATM card to get cash when you arrive. The exchange rate will be more favorable through your bank than if you visit a currency exchange abroad.

Remember to take one or two credit cards, traveler's checks, helath insurance cards, driver's license, passport and any relevant numbers for the hotels, airlines, car-rental agencies and travel offices. Make extra copies for you, and the hotel safe, incase of an emergency.
Mrs Liz
Get the details on your destination!

When buying the honeymoon package, don't overlook the fine print that spells out how much the hotel is charging you for your honeymoon hiatus. Never assume anything. Before you get there, you should know if it charges a rate per person/night/package and what is include in the quoted costs, and what is extra.
Ask about hotel packages to see what perks are abailable for honeymooners (theater tickets or spa services). Make sure you bring proof with you that you just got married too. Sometimes it could lead to free upgrades or amenities.

All-inclusive resorts offer one price to cover the cost of your room, food and drinks. But do not book an all-inclusive if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing. You'll be less inclined to get out and explore if you're missing all the food, drink, and activities back at the hotel.
Mrs Liz
The honeymoon is for a weekend, a week or two of uninterrupted togetherness that can be bliss or misery - depending on how well it's planned.

Time to sit down and relate to each other. Honeymoons are a major expense, too, and fraught with expectations. Couples look forward to the honeymoon as the romantic adventure of a lifetime. For many couples, this is their first major trip ever!

Traditionally, the groom still plans and pays for the honeymoon, but both partners should have a say in how it shapes up. And don't be surprised if each has a very different idea of what contitues the ideal honeymoon. With that in mind, here are six tips to plan a getaway that pleases both of you.

1. Start planning early. Six months ahead isn't too soon to start. In fact, as son as you set a wedding date, you can start saving money and considering where to go. Some cruise lines and resorts offer attractive early booking discounts. Leaving the country? Remember to apply early for passports and visas, if necessary.

2. Share your expectations. Allow time to dream, collect brochures, clip magazine and newspaper articles, and share ideas. Once each knows what the other wants, you can start looking for a compromise. If you have your hearts set on a particular type of trip but can not afford it, consider alternatives. For example, if two weks touring the French wine country is out of the question, consider a week in California's Napa Valley.

3. Create a realistic budget. Because so many honeymooners are novice travelers, they get sticker shock when they find out how much it really costs to travel to exotic destinations. Check out popular destinations or high end resorts during their low season.

4. Splurge on special extras. If you're not working with a shoestring budget, consider spending a little more to make your trip that much more special. Ungrade your flight, or a suite at your hotel, or paying extra for a spectacular view. After all, these are places you'll spend a lot of time together.

5. Respect each other's travel style. He loves to rough it in the wilds, but she'd prefer more civilized surrondings. Both would probable be happy at an eco-lodge in the wilderness. Divide your time between different settings. A few nights at a luxurious all-inclusive resort and then head to a small inn tucked away for a few nights.

6. It is OK to spend some time apart. You don't have to spend every minute gazing into each other's eyes. In fact, you'll probably want a break from each other's company. He can spend a morning on the golf course, or afternoon watching a football game in the lounge. While she can spend sometime shopping or relax in a spa. Then meet up for dinner and share your time apart.

Finally, don't fret too much over the trip. The key is to plan a pleasant adventure to relax, a get awy from family, friends, and work to spend with your new spouce. This adventure is just the start of your new life together. So just enjoy it!
Mrs Liz
Honeymoon = A traditional holiday taken by newlyweds (or between two people in an early harmonious period in a relationship).

So there are no rules to when you take a honeymoon, and since the wedding is taking up a lot of your time and money, it might be nice to hold off. In fact some couples will plan their honeymoon on their first year anniversary to recap on thier special day and wedding vows they made.

A cruise can be an idea for a magical place, and such a relaxing, worry free way to go. You've got the ocean sunsets, or sunrise for a romantic setting, dancing, and some of the best foods to try.

Great service in an all-inclusive price tag is just one reason to go. The other things like: swiming, games, shopping and a spa, there is so much for a venturesome couple to do on board. Plus the fun of letting the Captain of the ship do all the driving! You can explore the different ports as you like - or stay in your cabin together.
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