Romance

4 Honeymoon Mistakes to Avoid

There’s tremendous pressure for a honeymoon to deliver a flawless experience—after all, this trip sets the tone for your life together. As a Romance Travel Specialist, I’ve planned honeymoons for two decades and I can help you avoid all-too-common honeymoon-planning mistakes like these:

Putting Off Your Planning

Waiting to make arrangements narrows down availability and choice, for everything from your seat on the plane to your treatments at the spa. This is one time when it doesn’t pay to be spontaneous. Instead, make all your arrangements six to nine months in advance to enjoy for the greatest options in elements like room type that can really make or break your honeymoon. I also recommend booking this far ahead because it opens up the possibility for you to pay for your honeymoon in installments.

Not Being True To You

The best honeymoon is like looking into a mirror: It reflects the two of you. Don’t be influenced by a friend’s fabulous honeymoon or a super-trendy destination you keep reading about. The whole point of a honeymoon is to enjoy being where you are, together, and you won’t do that in a place that doesn’t reflect your travel style and interests. While it’s certainly wise to talk with friends and get inspiration from all around you, it’s most important to be honest with what you both want, and tailor the trip from there. After I get to know you, I might recommend a honeymoon experience you’d never considered (or never even heard of!) based on your shared preferences and interests. Be open to anywhere in the world—from a European city to a Caribbean island to a cruise around Alaska—and be open to surprises.

Being Vague

The level of detail in planning the perfect honeymoon is staggering—there is literally a world of options at your fingertips. From destination to activity level, you two have a lot of decisions to make. Speak up and be specific about what’s important to you. And define what you mean: “Relaxing” for you might mean cliff-diving and not lounging in a hammock, as one would assume. I know just which questions to ask to help you narrow down the choices to your one perfect experience.

Pretending To Be A Travel Agent

The Internet has turned many people into (frustrated) travel agents. But just because you have access to lots of information doesn’t mean you have access to good information, or any genuine insight. Yes, a travel agent does make her or his living by booking trips for others, but you’re not necessarily going to pay more for your honeymoon by using a travel agent; in fact, you might even save money… and you’ll certainly save time and energy, while enjoying a much more personal, customized experience, utilizing their first-hand knowledge and their contacts around the world. As a Romance Travel Specialist, my job, my passion, is matching couples with their just-right trips. (See how this process works, and the many benefits of using a travel agent.)

You have a lot of decisions ahead of you as you plan your honeymoon, and I hope you see that one of your best decisions is to work with me. I will be your invaluable asset—my job, my passion, is making travel dreams come true.

To get started, complete my Honeymoon Questionnaire, call 603-418-8698 or send an email to me at info@travelbydarcy.wpcomstaging.com. I look forward to working with you!

Top Honeymoon Tips

As a Romance Travel Specialist, I believe your honeymoon is just as important as your wedding—maybe even more so!—and, to help you plan and enjoy the honeymoon that best reflects the two of you, I’d like to share a few of my top honeymoon-planning tips:

Know Where To Go

A honeymoon is all about the two of you. So don’t pick a destination because it’s known to be romantic or because it’s trendy or because it’s a good deal; pick a place that best reflects you. Be open to anywhere in the world—from a European city to a Caribbean island to a cruise around Alaska—and be open to surprises. After I get to know you, I might recommend a honeymoon experience you’d never considered (or never even heard of!) based on your shared preferences and interests.

Know Where To Stay

Once you’ve selected a destination, you then have to find accommodations. With a world of options, from high-end resorts to private vacation homes for rent, this can be daunting. The secret is to focus most on your shared vacation preferences, including type of accommodations (like a mountain retreat or beach resort) and style (like independent or all-inclusive). I know just which questions to ask to help you narrow down your list, helping you arrive at that one perfect experience.

Know When To Book

Spontaneity has no place in honeymoon planning. This is one time when all the arrangements should be made well ahead of time, after plenty of thought and consideration. Making arrangements six to nine months in advance allows for the greatest options in elements (like room type) that can really make or break your honeymoon. I also recommend booking this far ahead because it opens up the possibility for you to pay for your honeymoon in installments.

Know What To Spend

Just like you set a budget for your wedding, set a budget for your honeymoon. By doing so, you’ll avoid cutting corners and compromising on the trip that sets the tone for your married life. Working together, I’ll see that you get the best experience while you get the most out of every dollar.

You have a lot of decisions ahead of you as you plan your honeymoon, and I hope you see that one of your best decisions is to work with me. With 20 years as a Romance Travel Specialist, I will be your invaluable asset. My job, my passion, is making travel dreams come true. (See how this process works, and the many benefits of using a travel agent.)

To get started, complete my Honeymoon Questionnaire, call 603-418-8698 or send an email to me at info@travelbydarcy.wpcomstaging.com. I look forward to working with you!

6 of the Most Romantic Places in Italy

Italy is unquestionably a place where art, architecture, history, tradition and nature all combine to create an unforgettable romantic experience. Whether you are travelling with your significant other or travelling to find one, take a journey through this country of romance and live like a local. In no particular order, here are 6 of the most romantic places to visit in Italy.

Warning: these images are very captivating and if you do visit these fascinating places you may not want to come home.

Positano

This town is located on a steep hill and is one of the many gems of the Amalfi Coast. The walk from the top of this scenic town to the bottom is filled with charming boutiques and restaurants. It is almost impossible to visit one town on the Amalfi Coast without visiting all of them. The drive on the Amalfi Coast is perhaps one of the most beautiful in the world.

Venice

Of course, the Floating City had to be on this list. Venice is unique and always awe-inspiring. The colourful reflections off the water will simply leave you speechless. When in Venice, make sure to visit the nearby islands like Murano and Burano (seen in the picture above) which are easily reachable by the frequently passing boats.

Cinque Terre

Located in the North of Italy, Cinque Terre literally translates to “five lands”. These five seaside villages add a splash of colour and life to the steep coastline. Walking through this area is like living in a real-life fairytale. Cinque Terre is a romantic, picturesque and traffic-free place with a characteristic Mediterranean seafood cuisine.

Rome

The Eternal City has always been a place of plenty honeymoons. Filled with fountains, piazzas and inspiring buildings, Rome is the capital of Italy and romance. The hills of Rome offer bird-eye views of the many basilicas and villas of the city. If you feel like Rome gets too crowded, you can visit the delightful quiet parks like Villa Borghese, Villa Pamphili and many others.

Capri

If you are looking to relax and enjoy some fresh air, Capri is your ideal destination. This island is filled with fascinating views and friendly locals. Experience the slow way of life by wandering to exquisite restaurants immersed in the picture-perfect nature. While on the island, make sure to hop on a boat and visit the Grotta Azzurra – a remarkable sea cave.

Lake Como

George Clooney has a home here – so this lake must be quite a romantic place. Filled with resorts and gardens, the magical Lake Como is surrounded by Italy’s Alps. Small towns like Bellagio, Menaggio and Como add some history to this peaceful area. In these towns you can visit the stunning lakeside villas and palaces, many of which are there since Roman times.

Ready to go? Contact me for a customized itinerary or group quote today.

Destination Weddings – Jamaica

Most people’s fantasy of an ultra romantic destination setting looks a lot like Jamaica.

Most couples are drawn to the fantastic all inclusive resorts with upgraded amenities such as swim-out suites, outdoor showers, private pools or hot tubs and butler service, while others are drawn to more intimate properties as well as free-standing villas with butler, chef and chauffer services. Again Jamaica offers so many different options it’s easy to see why so many choose Jamaica for that special life experience such as a honeymoon, destination wedding or just a special getaway with their beloved.
Here, couples can exchange their vows on a palm-fringed beach as the sun slips into the sea in a blaze of color, or say “I do” in a luxuriant tropical garden under a bower of flowers. And usually, they do this right at their own resort, with no worries because an on-site wedding planner is managing every detail.

Exotic settings: Jamaica’s wedding planners are also adept at arranging weddings at exotic settings around the island such as romantic jungle waterfalls, secluded cliffside villas, elegant plantation great houses and intimate churches. Couples have been known to exchange their vows underwater or beside a waterfall.

Adventurous clients can wed while gliding down the river past plantations and remote villages on a bamboo raft or make a grand entrance to their wedding by helicopter or on horseback. This can be pre-arranged easily.

Free weddings and more: Jamaican all inclusive hotels pioneered and perfected the free wedding, which generally includes the services of a wedding planner, an officiant, flowers, champagne, wedding cake, and more. Nevertheless, the trend has been toward more elaborate celebrations with larger guest lists.

Making it legal: The legal requirements are simple and couples (with proper ID, divorce papers, etc) can wed after 24 hours on island by filing paperwork in advance. Allow four to eight months after the wedding for couples to receive a certified copy of the marriage certificate, or with a $50 express fee, in four to eight weeks.

Our suggestions for ultra romantic couples-only options are too many to list in Jamaica. Our top picks include:

Sandals Luxury Included^® Vacations and their 7 Jamaica resorts

AND

Couples^® All Inclusive Resorts with world-class amenities at their 4 Jamaica resorts

Contact us today to find out about special offers that may be available for your dates!

EAT, PRAY, LOVE… IN BALI

Relaxing pool villa at Kupu Kupu in Ubud

Escape to Bali from $2999USD per person with round trip air from Los Angeles to Denpasar on Eva Airway, 7 nts hotel, some meals, transfers, guided excursions.

Its lush beauty and scenery makes Ubud the ultimate location for amour, yoga, meditation and relaxation. Stemming from this best-selling memoir based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s experiences in Asia, this one week itinerary offers the cultural highlights of Ubud: Balinese healing, a cycling tour, local cooking class and a romantic dinner on Jimbaran Beach.

Day 1. Arrive Bali.
Upon arrival at Denpasar Airport, your Goway representative will be waiting for you at the main gate, holding the a sign board with your name on it. After a warm welcome the guide will take you to Ubud and brief you about your itinerary. Located in the cool mountains, Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart, and the center of Balinese arts and crafts.

Day 2. Ubud.
Today you will have the opportunity to participate in an early Meditation class and Hatha or Asthanga Yoga program, held in the hotel’s outdoor yoga space, which overlooks a rice field. After breakfast, the remainder of the day is free to explore Ubud, a short 25 minute walk or a quick taxi ride away. Enjoy some of the other activities offered by the hotel, such as painting or wood carving lessons. (B)

Day 3. Ubud Touring.
You can enjoy a full day touring Bali. First visit the Tampak Siring, the holy fountain of youth located in Tampak Siring Village. The temple and its bathing spots have been used by the Balinese for over a thousand years promoting good health and prosperity. Regular purification ceremonies also take place here. You will also visit the Elephant Cave (known as Goa Gajah), nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to the 9th Century. Then pass through the Tegallalang Rice terraces to capture a picturesque green rice terrace. Arrive back to your hotel at 5pm and the rest of your day is free at leisure. (B)

Day 4. Ubud Healing.
No visit to Bali would be complete without an exploration of its insightful healers. Today you will experience traditional Balinese faith healing with a visit to one of the most noted healers in Bali, Pak Cok. You will meet with him in a private session for a consultation, where you have the opportunity to discuss anything you would like to know, let him check you and offer recommendations covering all aspects of life, health, career and family. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the Lotus Restaurant in Ubud. Spend time strolling through the many shops and galleries before returning to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at your leisure. (BL)

Day 5. Cycling around Ubud.
After breakfast, you will be picked up for a relaxed cycling trip around Ubud’s villages to see the local Balinese rural life and a village temple. Cycling along small roads, the tour will take about 2 hours and you will see many friend locals along with way. Arrive back at your hotel around 3pm and the balance of your day is free. (BL)

Day 6. Ubud Cooking Class.
Once again you can start the day with an early morning 7am Yoga Session and meditation. Enjoy a healthy breakfast and leisurely morning and at noon, you will be taken to a traditional family home near Ubud to learn the secrets of Balinese cooking. Embark on a culinary adventure in this afternoon cooking class, utilizing traditional ingredients and preparation methods, in a fully equipped community village kitchen. This experience involves a trip to the local market, a guided explanation of the local ingreidients and then the class. Enjoy your efforts for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore town or relax at your hotel. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner at Café Wayan. (BLD)

Day 7. Ubud – Benoa.
Rise and shine and start the day with a one hour yoga session with meditation. At noon, prepare to be transferred to your beachfront hotel in Benoa. This evening, enjoy a candle lit dinner on Jimbaran Beach.(BD)

Day 8. Depart Bali.
The day is free at your leisure until your transfer to the airport or your extension to other parts of Bali or Indonesia. (B)

“Starting From” PRICE INCLUDES:

6 nights accommodation in Ubud and 1 night in Benoa/Nusa Dua, meals shown as BLD, return airport transfers (Denpasar Airport), all touring & as stated in the program including a full day Ubud tour, Indonesian cooking class, cycle tour, and a consultation with a Balinese faith healer.

This program can be completely customized to your interests! Ready to plan your next romantic escape or girls getaway? Contact me to get started.