The astounding beauty of the Maldives is mainly attributed to a bounty of natural wonders. The Indian Ocean that surrounds the islands acts as a surreal provision and protection. Not only does the ocean hold and dispense tropical heat, it offers fresh breezes to balance warmth and humidity; giving the Maldives a perfect tropical temperature of 75°F to 91°F all year long.

Also working to make the Maldives an amazing location to honeymoon is its surrounding coral reefs. While these reefs act as a protective barrier against high waves, they also allow for the Maldives’ most sought after waters. Openings in the coral reefs make it possible for ocean water to pool inside the barriers and form lagoons. These calm, blue waters are incredibly desirable among newlyweds in search of a perfect island oasis.

A view of the Maldives from above inspires romance and relaxation upon first sight. Incredibly positioned, the atolls of the islands are representative of a large Palm tree lying atop the water. There are 1,190 separate islands that make up the atolls and only 280 of the islands contain inhabitants or resorts.

If the Maldives sounds like a dream come true for your honeymoon, here are a few items of information that will help to ensure a honeymoon that will never be forgotten.

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET THERE

With all travel overseas, there are often rules and regulations regarding entrance to a foreign country. To guarantee entry into the Maldives, follow this checklist of important documents:

• A valid passport for each individual.
• An already purchased ticket to return home.
• Proof of funds for at least $25.00 per day for the length of stay.
• An international certificate of inoculation if traveling from an area known to have Yellow Fever.

WHAT TO PACK

Now that the necessary legalese has been addressed, it’s time to start packing your bags for the honeymoon of your dreams. Here is a sample inventory of articles you might want to bring along:

• *Cotton tanks, tees, shorts, and dresses.
• *Sandals and tennis shoes.
• *Basic toiletries needed for personal hygiene.
• *Swim suit (of course)

WHERE TO STAY

The Maldives offer a wide variety of accommodations for newlyweds that range from luxurious to primitive. Depending on where and how you want to stay, here are some of the country’s greatest lodgings:

5 Star Hotels:

• KANUHURA RESORT, Neeloafaru Magu, Male
• ANANTARA RESORT DHIQU MALDIVES, Male

Bungalows:

• BAROS RESORT, North Male Atoll
• COCOA ISLAND RESORT, South Male Atoll

Tree House Villages:

• SHANGRI LA’S VILLINGILI RESORT AND SPA, Addu Atoll
• SONEVA FUSHI JUNGLE RESERVE by SIX SENSES

WHAT TO DO

Now that you and your luggage have arrived safely at your destination, there are countless ways to make this honeymoon a memory to last a lifetime. Here is just a portion of the many activities that the two of you can enjoy together:

• Sample some local flavor at a Maldivian café.
• Get a breathtaking view of what’s under the ocean with a snorkeling or scuba tour.
• Take a romantic luxury sailing cruise around the island.
• Get a bird’s eye view of the islands on a parasail run.
• Take a safari cruise where you and your new spouse can enjoy the exhilaration of exploring uninhabited islands.

A honeymoon in the Maldives will leave newly married couples breathless as they encounter the country’s natural beauty and atmosphere. Basking in the sun on a white, sandy beach or sailing away under the Maldivian sun does have its downside, though; couples may never want to leave!

As with most destinations, the city of Paris offers four distinct seasons of travel. Choosing when to visit can make a huge difference in affordability and activity.

• WINTER: Visiting during Paris’s coldest and least visited season presents lower costs to newlyweds and offers the opportunity to participate in some of the city’s unique winter activities. Whether ice skating at the Eiffel Tower or attending a famed Parisian winter festival, the city maintains its romance this time of year despite the cold and rain.
• SPRINGTIME: Paris in the springtime is the ideal time to visit. Spring offers full bloomed romance as newlyweds can stroll through Paris’s Jardin des Tuileries or sip a cup of coffee at one of the city’s famous sidewalk cafes. Unfortunately, with great weather and beautiful scenery during the season, costs for honeymooners rise dramatically.
• SUMMER: In the heat of summertime, Paris residents head for the hills and tourists rush in. A summer honeymoon in the city gives newlyweds an increased opportunity to enjoy seasonal favorites such as a boat tour down the Seine River or watching the sun set behind the Eiffel Tower. Summer vacation here may mean higher costs and longer lines, but the atmosphere is priceless.
• FALL: Early Autumn ushers in gorgeous colors and crisp nights perfect for snuggling. Couples find fall as a great time to visit Paris’s many legendary museums or take in a little nightlife action at one of the city’s casinos. Costs are lowered in the fall, making it a good time to travel.

WHERE TO STAY

With so many fabulous accommodations to choose from during a honeymoon stay in Paris, here are top notch lodgings sure to satisfy desire and budget:

• BED AND BREAKFASTS

1. The Dessous Des Berges
2. La Villa Paris
3. Alcove and Agapes

• 5 STAR HOTELS

1. Hotel Plaza Athenee
2. Montalembert Hotel Paris
3. Hotel de Crillion

• BUDGET HOTELS

1. Hotel De Banville
2. Chateau de Montvillargenne
3. Hotel Langlois

WHAT TO SEE

The perfect honeymoon in Paris would not be complete without visiting some of the city’s most widely recognized landmarks, institutions and parks. Couples honeymooning in the City of Lights will find that these attractions inspire romance and beauty in all.

LANDMARKS AND HISTORICAL BUILDINGS

• Eiffel Tower
• Pantheon
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Opera de la Bastille
• Arc de Triomphe
• The Louvre Museum
• Pont Neuf Bridge

STREETS AND PARKS

• Luxembourge Palace and Gardens
• Champ de Mars
• Champs-Champs-Elysée
• Jardin des Plantes
• Parc Montsouris

With a plan in mind and checklist in hand, honeymooning in Paris can prove to be the most significant memory two people can share as man and wife. Filled with the hopes and dreams of poets, architects, and saints, Paris offers all the elegance and beauty needed to create a picture perfect honeymoon escape.

With so much anticipation centered on this pivotal occasion, there is little doubt that the honeymoon must be unrivaled by any other vacation experience. When mediocrity is unacceptable, and only the exceptional will suffice, a Costa Rican honeymoon is sure to deliver an encounter that will never be forgotten.

Just below Nicaragua’s southern border lies the jewel of Central America; Costa Rica. Suitably named “The Country of Eternal Spring”, Costa Rica is renowned for its natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere. To Costa Rica’s east, the famed Caribbean Sea stretches majestically, ending only with the horizon, and to its south is Panama.

Costa Rica’s loveliness stems from its much desired climate and terrain, as well as its inhabitants. The country’s landscape is nothing short of spectacular. Never lacking in desirables, Costa Rica offers tropical breezes, mountainous regions, volcanic formations, and coastal plains. Its people, the Tico’s, are celebrated for their superior warmth. Known to greet tourists as one of their own, the Tico’s provide many services for visitors with genuine kindness.

As newlyweds in a Costa Rican paradise, there are numerous places and activities that can make a honeymoon amazing. Here are just a few highlights:

• Take a hike in the Monteverde rain forest for an awe inspiring look at Costa Rica’s native animals.
• Witness the eruption of the Arenal volcano, one of 6 active volcanoes in Costa Rica.
• Lounge seaside at the 5 star JW Marriott or grab some scuba gear at the Ocotal and see what thrives beneath the waters.
• Shop at the Mercado Central to find the perfect honeymoon souvenir.
• Relax in one of Costa Rica’s many hot springs.
• The list endeavors is unending and romantic adventure is limited only by the imagination. A Costa Rican honeymoon is the perfect getaway for any couple. Whether just wanting to unwind, or looking for a rugged outdoor adventure, Costa Rica does not disappoint.
• While the honeymoon of a lifetime lies ahead, there are few things to consider before packing up and booking the flight:
• The best time to visit Costa Rica is from December to April, as this is their dry season.
• Bring a valid passport, or you’ll be left out in the cold.
• When you visit, they want to know you will leave. A pre-purchased ticket home must be presented to authorities before they let you in.
• As with any foreign travel, be sure to explicitly follow any laws and regulations of the country. Failure to do so might find you in an unfortunate predicament.
• Be up to date on all routine vaccinations. Also, consult your physician beforehand concerning any preventative measures or medicines that might be needed to fight:
  • Malaria
  • Dengue Fever
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus
  • Yellow Fever

Flanked on three sides by sapphire waters of the Mediterranean, Italy’s rugged mountains and coastal lowlands hold treasures of beauty renowned by the world. Olive trees and fruit groves offer majestic scenery throughout the region and over 5,000 miles of coastline offer up a never-ending resource of splendor.

When honeymooning in Italy, there is no shortage of romantic and adventuresome activity. Each of the country’s 20 regions represents its own unique environment and attractions. Each distinctive region then reduces down into magnificent provinces and cities.

Sicily, Tuscany, Rome, and Venice are cities positioned highly for their exquisiteness within Italy. Any one of these honeymoon destinations is certain to inspire memories that will last forever.

Sicily

As the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, the region holds steady as a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Steeped in family unity, Sicily is most recognized for its role in the roots of organized crime. Among the regions famed attractions, Mount Etna draws attention as an active volcano on which the Earth’s oldest living Chestnut tree resides. The sweet Chestnut tree measures 190 feet around and is estimated to be between 2,000 to 4,000 years old.

Other interests in Sicily include a visit to the Orto Botanico Gardens in Palermo, exploring ancient ruins in Agrigento at the Valley of the Temples, or visit the Morgana Bar in Taormina for a fun night out.

Tuscany

Boasting of its pivotal role in transforming Italy, Tuscany is proclaimed by many to be the origin of the Italian Renaissance. Tuscany is made famous by artists, poets, and architects such as Leonardo DaVinci, Michelangelo, and Sandro Botticelli. Monumental in wine production, the Tuscan region features several vineyards sprinkled across the land where newlyweds can tour and sample many of the products.

Many couples find that the Tuscan hillsides make for magnificent sight seeing on foot or by bike and often take the day together to peruse palaces and museums of the Renaissance period. Romantic bed and breakfasts or villas provide the perfect accommodations for evenings well spent.

Rome

It is here that gladiators fought for love and life inside the coliseum walls and where the Catholic Church took its seat as the worlds leading religion. Rome’s history is as rich as its landscape, offering the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and many other historically significant sites scattered throughout the region.

Couples can discover Rome’s magnificence in many ways. Newlyweds can Travel by limousine to one of city’s high society events or take a tandem bike tour through some of Rome’s most scenic and secluded areas. Whether it’s enjoying the sophistication of the city’s many art museums or lounging poolside from a Roman villa, honeymoon couples are in for a royal treat as they visit this spectacular city.

Venice

Revered as the city built on water, Venice is quite possibly the most romantic region of Italy. Gondola rides down the canal are an integral ingredient to Venice’s amorous ambience. These rides offer newlyweds the unique opportunity of snuggling up under serenade and getting the most famous view of the city.

Other than the Gondola ride, couples can dance the night away in a Venetian night club, shop for the perfect honeymoon souvenirs at one of Venice’s many markets, or simply spend the day feeding pigeons and drinking coffee in Venice’s main square.

With so many exceptional choices of stay for a honeymoon in Rome, one thing is certain; your first memories as husband and wife will be ones of unparalleled beauty, dignity, and culture.

This is a great resource for couples on a budget. Introduced by the travel industry to boost sales among newly married couples, honeymoon registries have become commonplace. Registries allow wedding guests to contribute financially toward the honeymoon in lieu of more traditional gifts. While some couples may have to cover any remaining balance, this is an excellent way to get the honeymoon of their dreams by the kindness of friends and family.

HONEYMOON CRUISES:

What a great and affordable way to sail off into the sunset! Many honeymoon cruises start at under $400.00 per person for a 3 night stay. Spectacular romantic amenities such as breakfast in bed and candlelight dinners are normally included within the price. The atmosphere and activities aboard and abroad are all centered on the unique desires of newlyweds. Offering several exotic ports of call, the honeymoon cruise has it all.

VRBO:

Vacation Rental By Owner offers a wide variety of beautiful homes and condominiums in local and exotic locales. Owners of these properties rent them to guests for a fee that is usually equal to or less than that of renting a cheesy hotel room. Properties listed all over the world include destinations such a Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Florida.

TIMESHARE SEMINARS:

This may sound sleazy, but it’s a great way to get the perfect getaway without the cost. In fact, you may even receive a free gift just for attending. Couples must endure a few hours of tours and sales pitches, but in the end, will get a free vacation at the property being pedaled.

STAYCATIONS:

The concept for staycations is simple; don’t stray too far from home. Oftentimes, couples can find romantic and exciting attractions right in their own back yard. Most states have a tourism site that can point newlyweds to places they’ve never gotten the chance to visit before. Tourism sites for the state in which they live also offer coupons and discounts for use at many of the most appealing places to eat, stay or visit.

SPA VACATIONS:

Slipping around the spa all day and eating fruit between treatments is one of the most romantic honeymoons a couple could ask for. Many high ranked hotels offer spa packages that include all day couples spa treatments combined with hotel accommodations for the night. There isn’t much need for travel, as larger cities have at least one spa and hotel location.

THEME PARKS:

Theme parks are a lot of fun and can have quite a bit of romance too. A two night stay at one of America’s greatest amusement parks will cost less than $400.00 for a couple. This price includes hotel accommodations and a 2 day park pass. Some extra cash will be necessary for travel, food, and souvenirs, but the whole honeymoon can be done for under $1000.00.

Admittedly, these honeymoon vacations aren’t a trip to Italy, but they are wonderful ways to experience an affordable and romantic getaway with the love of your life.

An excellent way to ensure a romantic and memorable honeymoon is to book a honeymoon cruise. These cruises are quickly becoming popular with newlyweds worldwide. Their popularity stems from the fact that they cater specifically to the amorous needs of their guests and generally cost less than traditional vacations.

Almost every viable cruise line in the world offers a honeymoon package aboard their ships. Packages for newlyweds often include romantic amenities and ambience. Souvenir wine glasses and breakfast in bed are just two of the added perks when honeymooning on the ship. Scheduled activities throughout the cruise are also geared with the newly married couple in mind.

Prices for a honeymoon cruise will vary depending on several factors:

Cruise Line

There are hundreds of cruise lines spread out across the globe. Each line offers similar, yet distinctive cruises. Most provide basic amenities, while some provide all-inclusive cruises in which food and drink are included. Here are a few top contenders in the cruise line industry:

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Celebration
• Celebrity
• Disney

Ports of Call

Ports of call are specific points of destination along the route of a cruise. For example, a Carnival cruise departing from Galveston, Texas would have ports of call at Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel before returning back to Galveston. At these ports of call, passengers of the cruise ship are encouraged to leave the ship and spend time shopping, visiting or doing other scheduled activities, such as horseback riding, wind surfing, or dinner at a local restaurant.

Length of Stay

Length of stay on a cruise ship normally ranges from 3 to 7 days. There are, however; cruises that offer a shorter or longer stay. Many cruise lines present 1 day dinner cruises for guests with limited time and the world’s longest known cruise lasts a total of 108 days.

Season of Travel

Since cruise ships often cross international waters, determining the season of travel may be difficult. Cruise lines generally base higher pricing on peak travel days from the point of departure. While most destinations are accessible year round, there are cases of cruising season being limited to warmer months due to the dangers of ice accumulation in colder climates such as Alaska.

To get accurate and up to date pricing for cruises, a personal search would have to be done through a travel site or the actual cruise line site. The search will take into account each detail discussed above, giving you complete pricing for the cruise of interest.

Choosing a honeymoon cruise for your perfect escape just makes sense. Cruises offer a great atmosphere, excellent food and music, and the chance to see many beautiful destinations all in one comfortable ride.

Thankfully, due to lagging honeymoon travel sales in the 90’s, travel agencies began to implement the use of honeymoon registries on their sites. These sites encouraged engaged couples to post wedding and honeymoon plans online and allowed wedding guests to actively participate in making the couples vacation dreams come true.

While honeymoon registration began with the travel industry, it is no longer limited to the niche. Entire websites and wedding planner services have adapted the idea, making it into a mega-millions market. Today, honeymoon registries can be found at almost every bridal site online.

In a honeymoon registry, bride and grooms may request monetary funding for their honeymoon in lieu of more traditional gifts. Often on the site, couples will add other gift ideas for guests to fund that compliment their honeymoon package. Common gifts requested by newlyweds- to- be include couples massages, romantic dinners, and other activities they would enjoy while honeymooning.

Joining a registry is generally a simple process in which the engaged couple finds an appropriate site and signs up. Often, these sites have contracts and fees that must be agreed upon before any further steps can be taken in the registration process. This insures profit for the registry sight, as well as protection for the couple’s interests.

Once basic agreements are established, engaged couples then move on to set up their personal registry. At this time, couples may post photographs of themselves and their destination, wedding plans, and any other wedding related information such as rehearsal and reception times for well wishers to view.

Honeymoon registry systems are an excellent resource for soon to be newlyweds in a variety of ways. Not only do they save time and money by letting couples mass communicate important wedding information more efficiently, they effectively allow the tracking of any gifts purchased through the site.

Once a registry has been launched, guests will have a clearer view of what the bride and groom are looking for. When a guest settles on an activity or general honeymoon fund they would like to support, the guest simply clicks on the item and enters their credit card information. The registry host will then notify engaged couples of any transactions or gifts bought in their behalf.

It is important to note, that while much of a couples honeymoon expense can be generously donated by wedding guests, there is the likelihood that a remaining balance for the trip will exist. In this case, couples will need to come up with the additional money to proceed with honeymoon plans, or alter any optional amenities or activities they had originally desired.

For couples with a limited budget and minimal time, the honeymoon registry is an ideal design for finding new means to accomplish old dreams. It’s a fantastic way to let wedding guests show their love and help create memories for the happy couple that will last a lifetime.

Time restraints before the wedding can greatly hinder the fun of planning for the honeymoon. Perusing countless pages of online travel sites and magazines in search of unadulterated vacation bliss can be stifling. Millions of advertisements, package deals, and “honeymoons of a lifetime” flashing across the computer at warp speed, can lead to confusion and frustration for couples who are unsure of what they really desire.

To make planning for your honeymoon a bit simpler, here are a few ideas that may give you more direction. Ranging from inexpensive to “you’ve got to be kidding me”, these ideas are guaranteed to make the first moments you spend together as husband and wife unforgettable.

The Amazon

For the more adventuresome couple, the Amazon offers a unique and highly exhilarating honeymoon experience. Amazing wildlife, plants, and scenery make this ideal for those who always dreamed of being like Indiana Jones. Together, you can explore remote Indian villages, visit the Incan shrines, or take an exotic cruise down the Amazon River.

The Great Outdoors

This vacation can be as exciting as you want it to be. Take a trip into the mountains and white water raft back down or explore nature’s beauty on a romantic hike into the forest. Snuggle up beneath the starry sky or cook a romantic meal in the cottage. There’s nothing quite like the smell of pine and a crackling fireplace to bring out the animal instinct in each of you.

Thrill Seeking

Remember how great it was when the carnival came to town? The thrill of freefalling hundreds of feet on the scariest rides imaginable. Bring back those long lost childhood delights by escaping with your loved one to an adult sized theme park. Together you can indulge in the simple pleasures of having your caricatures drawn and eating too much cotton candy. Holding hands in line and making out at the top of the Farris wheel are sure to bring out those feelings of teenage romance all over again. This honeymoon is for the young at heart.

Sail the Night Away

A chartered yacht in the Caribbean may be your idea of romance, or maybe just a small sail boat excursion along the Atlantic coast. Boating honeymoons offer the exhilaration of the salty wind in your hair and a carefree feeling of water beneath your feet. You and your first mate can navigate the waters of life together as you take in breathtaking scenery and wildlife or go below deck to for a secret treasure hunt made just for two.

Remember, this will be the first in many of lifelong memories that you will share. Always consider, as in all of marriage, the desires and needs of your other half. Let both of your imaginations be your ultimate guide as you embark on the journey of a lifetime.

DESTINATIONS INSIDE THE CONTINENTAL U.S.

Alabama: Orange Beach: The Island House

Arkansas: Eureka Springs: Mount Victoria Bed and Breakfast Inn

California: Santa Barbra: A White Jasmine Inn

Colorado: Manitou Springs: Red Crags Estates

Connecticut: Niantic: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina

Florida: West Palm Beach: Casa de Rosa

Georgia: Cumberland Island: The Greyfield Inn

Hawaii: Maui: Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Nevada: Las Vegas: The Venetian Hotel

New Mexico: Santa Fe: The Inn of Anasazi (Rosewood Hotel)

New York: New York: The New York Palace

South Carolina: Charleston: Battery Carriage House Inn

Texas: Galveston: Avenue O B&B

Vermont: Lyndonville: Wildflower Inn

Virginia: Irvington: The Hope and Glory Inn

Washington: Seattle: The Bellevue Club Hotel

DESTINATIONS ABROAD:

Canada: Vancouver Island: The Sooke Harbor House

China: Shanghai: JIA Boutique Hotel Shanghai

Costa Rica: Tamarindo: JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa

Egypt: Cairo: Conrad Hotel Cairo

France: Talloires: Hotel Abbaye de Talloires

Greece: Skafidia: Aldemar Royal Olympian

Italy: Sicily: Therasia Resort

Japan: Kyoto: The Kyoto Hotel Okura

Maldives: Cocoa Island: Asdu Sun Island Maldives

Mexico: Playa Del Carmen: Riu Palace Riviera Maya

Morocco: Essaouira: The Sofitel Essaouira Médina & Spa

Portugal: Oporto: Hotel Yunque Mar

Russia: St. Petersburg: The Astoria

Spain: Valencia: Acta Del Carmen

Switzerland: Verbier: King’s Parc Hotel

Thailand: Phuket Island: Banyan Tree Hotel and Resort

Virgin Islands: Tortola: Elite Island Resorts

Planning a honeymoon just got a little easier. Only the very best hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts are represented here, all in spectacular locales. Simply choose where you want to go and the honeymoon vacation you’ve always dreamed of can easily be yours.