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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
W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M64
8
Ways to Have An Epic Honeymoon
Follow these travel and budget tips for the trip of a lifetime
By Brooke Showell, CTW Features
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 compromise? 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 wedding buzzword.
3. THINK EXPERIENTIAL
Some couples want to encompass more experiences as their
honeymoon together, instead of just laying on a beach and
getting a tan. Many want a combination of off-the-beaten
path destinations, adventure and culture with a little relax-
ation 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.