Finding your perfect destination to celebrate marriage
There's no reason to feel obligated to honeymoon in one of those top billed "most romantic" of places around the world because you create the romance. It does not really matter if you are in a log cabin in the Great Smokies, a beachside suite at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, a ski lodge in Colorado or pristine beach in Bora Bora. Two recently married, starry-eyed lovers, have all the romance in place.
While there are many theories to the etymology of "honeymoon," most agree that the "moon" refers to the approximately 30 days between full moons. A "honey" mead kind of drink was consumed at wedding ceremonies, and the new couple was often given a 30-day supply. The purpose is more important than the word, as it's a very special time of bonding, relaxing and sharing intimate privacy in a comfortable environment.
It is also possible that the honeymoon is the only (or one of a few) vacation for Mr. & Mrs. before children come along. It's an extraordinary opportunity to create a lifetime memory of quiet togetherness. Choosing the best place to go for a honeymoon is contingent on many factors like:
- budget
- time
- distance
- method of travel
- idea of fun
There are honeymoon options for every budget and a week flanked by weekends on either side is a perfect time duration to feel rested from your first week married. Distance depends on both budget and time, and method of travel is totally your preference. Just because everyone you know flew to the islands, doesn't mean you can't drive to DisneyWorld or New England or take a train to the Grand Canyon. Some folks love lolling on the beach with drinks that sport little paper umbrellas, and others want to:
- hike the Appalachian Trail (or a part of it)
- bicycle on rails-to-trails
- paddle down some river in a tandem kayak
- round up cattle at a dude ranch
- tour wineries
- experience new cultures (which can be done many places stateside)
- explore historical sites
- go glamping (glamour camping)
- scuba dive off the Florida Keys
- and many more possibilities, limited only by your wallet and imagination.
The first question Kay Hicks of Dream Vacations (www.khicks.dreamvacations.com) asks is: Do you want a honeymoon where you can veg out or be active. Based in Palm Beach Gardens, Kay has been arranging honeymoons all over the world for years. She is well-versed in the all-inclusive, single price destinations or the European Plan, where she'll arrange all your travel and lodging, and you can choose where to dine, walk, catch a play, tour a museum or take a cooking class. She'll get you there, and you determine your activity levels. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you bring the romance. You are the romance.