H O N E Y M O O N & T R A V E L
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
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1. CHOOSE A DESTINATION YOU’LL BOTH LOVE
She dreams of a “foodiemoon” in France, he wants to sail the Florida Keys. What’s the com-
promise? Sit down together with a map and look at the places you both have considered.
Say the names aloud to each other and see how it makes you feel. Happy? Excited? You will
internally know what place will nourish you the most. If that doesn’t work, take the top four
places on both your lists and name the pros and cons.
2. BE TRENDY
According to the experts, current hot honeymoon destinations include
• The Dominican Republic, with its plethora of affordable but high-end all-inclusive resorts
• Smaller European cities like Rome or Barcelona that may be less expensive than London
and Paris
• Thailand for its mix of culture and beaches, and safaris for adventurous types.
• Closer to home, a “minimoon” – think a quick jaunt to a nearby locale – is a popular wed-
ding buzzword.
3. THINK EXPERIENTIAL
People want to encompass more experiences as their honeymoon together, instead of just lay-
ing on a beach and getting a tan. Many couples request a combination of off-the-beaten path
destinations, adventure and culture with a little relaxation at the end. Mix with the locals and
get a true sense of your destination beyond the guidebook. An easy trick: Get off the tourist
grid and stay at an off-the-beaten-path bed and breakfast, where the owners will serve the
local specialty and point out favorite neighborhood haunts.
4. ENLIST HELP
The right travel planner has inside access to score a hard-to-get restaurant reservation and
troubleshoot any problems that pop up. This could include details down to when to wear
layers, cultural dress norms, and which rooms have the best views. To find the right person,
ask a potential travel pro questions like what relationships they have with hotels and resorts,
and what are some examples of honeymoons they’ve planned.
5. BOOK EARLY
Travel booked more than 100 days in advance often equals a better deal. Also, booking flights
and hotel at the same time can save on average about $540, but up to $1,500 in larger mar-
kets like the Caribbean and Hawaii. Monday and Tuesday are the days when many fare sales
launch, so travelers should look to book early in the week to snatch up a good deal.
6. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR BUDGET
Traveling in low season, for example to Mexico or the Caribbean in fall (typically known as
hurricane season), could yield a 50-percent lower cost. Research and consider the risks – check
the area’s weather patterns over the past few years, inquire whether restaurants remain open –
and weigh against potential perks such as fewer crowds and more access to exclusive venues.
Another idea gaining momentum is to invite the wedding party for part of the trip and
book a private villa for the group, where you can cook together and save on hotel costs.
7. BEFRIEND THE CONCIERGE
When booking your hotel room, let the agent know it’s your honeymoon so the staff can make
your stay extra special. A honeymooner’s best friend is often the hotel concierge. Reach out
even before your arrival to discuss any desires like concert tickets or restaurant reservations
(for truly top-notch service look out for the coveted Clefs d’Or status, which many of the
Palace’s concierges hold). “he more notice they have the better able they are to make dreams
come true.
8. PLAN A SURPRISE
The romance didn’t end at “I do,” so incorporate a few extras into your trip to make it extra
memorable. Instead of the typical fancy dinner for two on the beach, maybe an early morning
hot-air balloon ride followed by a champagne breakfast. Need inspiration? Top this: Hon-
an says one groom at The New York Palace booked a special suite for a private dinner on
its rooftop terrace, complete with a serenade by a Spanish guitarist followed by a rose-petal
turndown.
Copyright © CTW Features
Follow these travel and budget tips
for the trip of a lifetime
By Brooke Showell, CTW Features
8 Ways to Have
the Best Honeymoon Ever
