WE
ASKED SOME of the world's top travel experts about how to get the most
from your honeymoon. Read on for their tips and advice...
by Rowena Carr-Allinson
Start looking early
"As
soon as you have theweddingdate,start looking!You can benefit from
early booking discounts; make sureyou know what youreally want to do
and read as much about the region as possible." Lynsey Devon, Inghams
Travel
Get recommendations
“Go for quirky
and original – you don’t want to be one of eight honeymoon couples on
the beach! Why not ask friends and colleagues for destination
recommendations?” Janet Simmonds, Grand Tourist
Follow the weather
"Not all destinations have
year-round good weather and timing will mean that the month you have
chosen to marry may not be the best time to visit your chosen
location." Niall Douglas, Full Circle Travel
Research online
"Visityour
chosendestination’s official tourism site, a great place to locate
objective information andto start your research. Most include hotel,
restaurant and attraction listings, as well as insider tips and even
discounts." Adeline Abdesaken, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors
Bureau
Travel off-peak
“Book outside of peak
season – the game viewing in Tanzania and Kenya is just as spectacular
in April and May for example, and you get the added bonus of avoiding
the hoards of tourists.” Tarryn Davidson, &Beyond
Talk to the local ladies
“Speak
to a female member of staff in reservations or reception. Generally,
women are just far more open to romance and we all dream of our perfect
honeymoon... Ask for any special ideas to make it a stay to remember –
from nice restaurant tips for candle-lit dinners to concerts, romantic
walks, beaches etc.” Ursula Von Platen, Kempinski Hotels
Find out what’s free
“Find
out what is included in the room rate, as it can sometimes offer more
than just breakfast!” Louise Toye, Orient-Express Hotels
Think outside the hotel box
“A
villa is deliciously private and can also work out to be more cost
effective than a hotel. Try St Barts [an island in the French West
Indies] with its high density of one-bedroom villas. You can honeymoon
during the off-season months for the best deals; (May, June, July and
September)." Stiles Bennet, Wimco Villas, www.wimco.com
Tell the world!
“Make
the reservations team aware it's your honeymoon at the time of booking
so they have it on the system. Hotels will sometimes provide a little
welcome gift.” Olivia Warne, Hilton Hotels
Go with a specialist
"By
booking with a specialist tour operator you are more likely to receive
detailed first-hand expert advice about the destination and
accommodation you are planning to visit." Gerry Copsey, Just Grenada
Go all-inclusive
“Your
honeymoon should be a chance to escape the worries of everyday life.
Booking an all-inclusive trip means you can really relax and unwind.”
Sarah Mason, Club Med
Be money-smart
“Find
out about the local currency, in some countries US dollars are used
too. Check whether you can use local ATMs – which are often cheaper
than using traveller’s cheques or converting cash –or whether you
should bring cash with you. And check the exchange rates so you know
what things are worth!" Kate Plummer, Acacia Adventure Holidays
Remember insurance
“Make
sure you take out comprehensive travel insurance and ensure it covers
you for the area you are travelling to, any activities or sports you
plan to undertake and any wedding gifts you might be taking with you.”
Jane Palikira, Ionian Weddings
Get the most out of your tickets
"Did you know that
a Eurostar return ticket to Brussels is also valid to and from other
Belgian cities? Use the tickets to visit romantic Bruges at no extra
cost!” Tom Parker, Eurostar www.eurostar.com
Get the right name
"Remember
to either use the bride's maiden name on the booking or to legally
change the paperwork for her passport to have her new name on before
travelling. Or bring a copy of the wedding licence; some companies will
ask you to prove you are really newlyweds before even considering
upgrades or gifts." Stephanie Bishop, Marry Abroad
Make dinner reservations before you go
“Pre-book
the ultimate romantic dinner in the fine dining or Michelin-starred
restaurant of your choice. Early booking is usually essential. ” Julie
Kemp, Cadogan Holidays
Family planning
“If
you are honeymooning in an exotic part of the world and planning to
start a family immediately, do ensure you take careful advice on your
anti-malarial treatment. For this reason we recommend that guests
choose malaria-free resorts in areas that are affected.” Sue Leitch,
Turquoise Holidays
Pack right
“When going to
the Maldives, don’t worry about taking endless pairs of shoes... It's
all aboutbarefoot luxury.The most you will need isa comfy kaftan anda
pair of flip flops to use when the sand gets too hot.” Steve Garley,
Tropical Sky
Got a honeymoon question? Get help from other brides-to-be at the SWD Forum... CLICK HERE!
