Your Honeymoon

The First Night
You may have an extraordinary overseas trip planned, or you may be heading interstate for a few weeks.

Regardless, you will have to organize something for the night of your wedding. Begin your honeymoon period with the ultimate romantic treat.

Whatever you decide for the night, make sure you pamper yourself! This is a very special night, it is a chance for the two of you to unwind and release the built up stress of the entire event. Treat yourself; you deserve to be handled like royalty. Such treatment will help you to gain your strength for the honeymoon to come.

Planning Ahead
There is no greater delight than a honeymoon. However, it should be approached with a great deal of consideration. Start planning well before your wedding.

Turning Your Dream Into Reality
What would be your dream honeymoon location?

If you can answer this, you have a good start. Everyone has a different idea of what their dream holiday would entail. For some it’s a lazy month on a deserted island, for others, it’s a trip to one of Europe’s many romantic cities, or an adventurous trek through the wilderness. Basically, the world is your oyster.

The important factor is, however, that you and your partner agree on the destination. It may well be possible that you have different ideas as to what makes the perfect romantic vacation. If this is the case, a compromise will have to be reached.

Once you have an idea, go out and gather as much information as you can get on possible destinations. Travel agents provide a wealth of material with brochures and sound advice on what you can expect to spend on such a trip.

The travel agent will also be able to offer advice on what might be expected of you in another part of the world from local customs to health risks. While you’re there, collect information on other destinations. You may discover an ideal alternative in the process.

Your Budget
Naturally, we all have the highest aspirations for our honeymoons. Unfortunately, your budget will ultimately affect where you will go, what you will do, and how long you will be able to stay away. But don’t let go of your dream straight away.

Ask your travel agent to look out for any special offers and package deals. Your agent will also be able to track down the best airfares if you plan to go overseas. There are many that are readily available but not generally known.

Package holidays are the most popular choice for honeymooners, as they are good value and usually cover travel, accommodation, airport transfers and some or all of your meals.

It’s important to note that holiday prices can be misleading and it’s advisable to avoid basing your choice on dollars alone. For example, don’t be misled by cheap accommodation-only deals. The bill for food, drink, and any activities offered by your hotel can far outweigh the extra 100 dollar tariff charged by another deal which may include breakfast and discounted meals for the rest of the day.

Always examine the fine print of any package to be sure you know what it does and does not include. It’s best to choose those packages that include plenty of bonuses such as breakfast and free tours.

Other cost saving factors include off-peak seasons for travel. Every destination has its tourist months which dictate the prices of everything from air tickets to accommodation. Prices are naturally much higher at these times, so consider travelling in the off-season when things are less expensive and there are fewer people around to compete with for space and facilities.

However, ensure you ask your agent if this is a good idea, you don’t want to find yourself in an ice storm or monsoon!

Overseas Travel
If you are travelling overseas make sure your passport is in order.

If you don’t have one, you will need to apply to the Department of Foreign Affairs. You’ll need to supply passport photographs, a full birth certificate (extracts are no longer acceptable) and one other proof of identity. For more information, ring their central inquiries on 131 232.

If you only have six months remaining on your passport, call the passport office in your state to check if you need to update it, as some countries will not let you in if there is less than six months remaining.

Travellers cheques are still a good way of carrying your money. You can purchase them through your bank and some travel agencies. They are a much safer method of carrying funds than taking along hard cash. All reputable businesses will honour them and if they are ever lost or stolen they can be swiftly replaced.

Make sure you check your credit limit before you leave. You might even like to ask your bank to temporarily extend your credit limit just to be on the safe side. Credit cards are not only convenient but they are also good to have in case of an emergency.

You should take advantage of duty-free shopping. But remember that there are limitations on the total value or number of duty-free items. And make sure you have your ticket and passport when you go duty-free shopping.

Don’t overlook travel insurance. You can never really anticipate what can happen. Though you may be fit and well as you embark on your journey, illness or an accident can happen. Loss or damage of luggage can leave you stranded at the worst possible time. Travel insurance provides you with a comprehensive safety net that can ensure you get back in good condition.

Luggage
Good luggage is important, irrespective of your destination or whether you are an avid backpacker or a sensible suitcase carrier.

Remember to keep your luggage within your airlines weight restrictions or you’ll be charged extras. This information is on the inside of your ticket. It’s a good idea to attach strong, reliable nametags to all your bags. If you don’t already own good luggage, put it on your bridal registry.

Leave all your worries at home, and delight in each other’s company.

An Australian Honeymoon
Australia boasts some of the most striking locations in the entire world. Unfortunately many of her inhabitants will never set out to explore them. When you start researching Australian locations for your honeymoon you will be struck by the amazing places you never knew existed.

There really are so many holiday experiences to choose from: cosmopolitan cities that rival their international counterparts; life-changing adventure possibilities at some of the most spiritual and ancient locations in the world; and pristine island getaways scattered along the east coast.

Tropical Getaways
Many couples prefer to relax on their honeymoon. This is why beach locations are such tremendously popular choices for newly weds.

Queensland offers some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. From the colourful and bustling Gold Coast to the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef, there is a beach holiday to suit everyone.

It is easy to see why people refer to North Queensland as paradise. Spectacular natural phenomena abound. From unsullied beaches to protected rainforests, a trip to Port Douglas or Cairns will certainly not disappoint.

Island locations are especially popular and romantic choices for honeymoons. Again, Queensland offers some of the most breathtaking island locations in the world.

The Whitsunday’s are probably the most famous, boasting the stunning Hayman, Hamilton, and Daydream islands, as well as many, many other tropical islands. The Whitsunday’s may be the closest you will get to heaven on earth. The islands specifically cater for honeymooners, offering an excellent mix of tranquillity and night time entertainment. There are heaps of activities, from snorkelling and sailing to dancing. Or you can simply float your days away in one of the luxury resort pools! Expect nothing less than total relaxation and indulgence.

The exclusive Orpheus Island situated in the Great Barrier Reef caters specifically for honeymooners. Here you will experience nothing but total tranquillity and leisure. It’s just the two of you and beautiful secluded beaches.

Something Different
If a lazy holiday on the beach is just not your style, there are heaps of other alternatives.

Why not check out the Northern Territory. It would be fascinating to visit the Kakadu National Park and Alice Springs. You must also inspect Australia’s spiritual heart, Uluru.

New South Wales offers a honeymoon to suit all tastes. The Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley both offer some exceptional places to stay. However, if you want to stay closer to the coastline, head up north to Coffs Harbour, or even further to the ever-famous and fabulous Byron Bay.

Victoria, like South Australia, offers fantastic wine regions. Perhaps you’d prefer Melbourne’s tremendous city life, or the breathtaking Great Ocean Road.

All of Australia’s states have unique features to offer, it’s a matter of discovering what will be perfect for you.

An International Honeymoon
Your choice of international honeymoon destination will be entirely dictated by your taste in vacations.

In advance you should discuss this with your partner to ensure you’ll both be happy with the final decision. A honeymoon is usually approached differently than any other vacation or trip.

Beach locations and resorts are still the most popular destinations because most couples do want to relax and be pampered. Of course, this is entirely dependant on your personal preferences. Some couples would love the adventure of trekking across the Himalayan Mountains; others want the comfort of a five-star resort. Do you want to visit a European city, lie around a pool in the Pacific, or backpack through the areas of Asia that have always fascinated you?

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