sunset outside hotel room. very romantic.
Good morning, Jamaica!
sun is gone, tanning time is over =(
from left to right: cousin, me (Tina), sister
The Greek Islands are an amazing spot to relax. The over 6,000 islands very in size, activities, landscape, pretty much anything you are looking for you can find in these beautiful Mediterranean isles. Crete is the largest and most well known of the islands. It is over 3,000 square feet of bliss. You will most likely fly into the largest city, Herakloin. This is a place to go is you love luxury. The islands are rich in history if you want to do some educational tours as well. If you would like a less traveled island, try any of the Northern Aegean islands ( Chios, Ikaria, Limnos, Lesvos, Samos, Samothraki, and Thassos). These islands have the Greek culture that you are thinking about in your head right now. They are gorgeous, like all the islands, but have a quieter feel. Karpathos is also a quieter island that keeps the traditional Greek atmosphere without being too indulged in tourism. You can still find luxury hotels on the beach here, but it’s not a party town.
But we know what you really want to hear about, how intoxicating the Greek sun and sand combo can be! Some activities that you outdoorsy types will enjoy: scuba diving, snorkeling, sunbathing (of course), shopping, hiking, walks on the many Oceanside trails, trying new cuisine at the diverse cafes and restaurants, donkey rides, walking through old volcanic grounds, visit historical sites (each island offers ruins from Greece’s past). You may also find it interesting to invest some time in checking out local pubs!! Your experiences will be ones which constantly call you back to the islands.
There are approximately 30 islands for you to enjoy in the Caribbean from Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Aruba, Bahamas, British and American Virgin Islands, Dominican republic, Grenada, Puerto Rico, we think you get the idea. And one of the most appealing attribute for Americans is the location!! These islands are right next door (if you live in Florida), yet the culture takes you a million miles away from the busy cities and quick dinners between errands. If they made that big of an impact on the Beach Boys, imagine what they can do for a honeymoon. Visit our honeymoon site to see some spectacular deals going on now.
The Caribbean’s warm water is a dream come true for those of you who like boating and water sports like water skiing and jet skiing. For you more romantic types, may we suggest a destination wedding in Grenada? The beautiful beach in the background of all your romance will make all your friends and family well up with tears as they flip through photos years down the road. Laluna (Grenada) and Hermitage Bay (Antigua) are my personal favorites for capturing the ultimate wedding ecstasy.
When traveling to Jamacia we suggest the northern cities like Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. But no matter where you stay on the island, you must go visit Dunns River Falls. The sound of tons of water crashing down a 600 feet clif is just the kind of awe every honeymoon hopes to acquire. You can hike up the waterfalls, or take boats or helicopters if you prefer luxury to an up close attachment with nature.
Or you can visit the Santo Domingo Ruins in the Dominican Republic. There is also a great appreciation for the arts; you can choose from glamorous art galleries and street venders full of culture, or try both! Try to make it to El Conde Street and Plaza Criolla.
No matter which Island or islands you choose to stay on, you will be inspired by Caribbean cuisine, art, architecture, and of course the music and dance! Nothing says celebration like the bright clolors and festive music that can only be found in the Caribbean..
Venice:
July and August are perfect times for you warm weather lovers to travel!! (June and September are a bit cooler, but low 70s are perfect if you don’t like to sweat!) If your wedding plans are for late winder/ early spring, we suggest Venice. Enjoying Mardis Gras in Venetian style is an amazing way to celebrate your new vows! Day trips are an amazing way to take a vacation from your vacation. Head over to Lido Island for a relaxing day of golf; Visit Veneto to avoid the busy Venice weekends and taste some amazing wines; or you could stay local and just take a trip to the different world of the streets ad gondolas!! Or if you like to make friends take a water bus (Vaporetto); I promise you, you will not regret going down the Grand Canal in one of these!
Once-in-a-lifetime finds can be seen all over the Rialto Market!! Find precious jewelry and silks, breathtaking Venetian glass and masks (perfect for you Mardi Gras lovers), and crafts of all kinds. You can spend an entire afternoon browsing if you’d like! It’s near the gorgeously constructed Rialto Bridge. We suggest going down the Grand Canal to get to the market!
Go to Kauai and climb through the Kukui, Kalalau, or Kuilau Ridge trails and enjoy the view. You may even want to hop in a kayak and see the secret falls. Or if you prefer the less sweaty method, take an intimate helicopter tour on any of the Islands for a view larger than life. Your hearts will be pounding and you will never forget the sights of the trip. This is a smaller Island so you can see all of it in a one week stay! Oh and don’t be alarmed if you see chickens roaming outside of the airport, or on the mountain tops, even in beach parking lots!
For those of you who connect on the dance floor, Maui is a night owl’s dream!! Some of the best places to go, rated by travelers like you are: Kimo’s (845 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761), Pacific’o (505 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761), , Kahale’s Beach Club (36 Keala Pl, Kalama Village, Kihei, HI 96753), The Cellar 744 (744 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761), and Longhi’s (888 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761). But not only is there a long list of clubs and bars for you to enjoy, the dining experience on this island is one in which to indulge yourselves. You have just about every type of experience from mom and pop type shops to swanky dinners out in your favorite little black dress.
Oahu is the third largest Ise in the chain, but with Honolulu as the capital, it is the most populated. However, if you want a Hawaian beach get away, the possibilities are numberous. Try Sunset Beach located on the North coast of the island great for surfing, or just watching the surfers for hours. Or Hanauma Bay (one of the most popular beaches on the island) on the Southeast coast. If you would like to see gold sand between your toes and wade in calmer seas, travel to Ala Moana beach Park. It’s perfect for those city lovers because it’s between both Honolulu and Waikiki.
At the Hilton Papgayo, there is a three level pool. On the top level you can swim or do some water aerobics. After getting your exercise in, wind down at the Fuenete de Vida Bar. It’s located right inside the pool! So you can just swim right over. INSIDER TIP: In Costa Rica, locals don’t order a “cerveza” they ask for “una bierra.” If you want to try the local beer, ask for an Imperial. Of course the other mixed drinks are tasty too. Nothing beats a margarita or a whisky sour in your bathing suit.
Afterwards, you might want to check out the lower level. There is a volleyball court set up and there’s usually always a game going on. At the lower level they have the best snack bar in the place. The El Bocadillo Snack Bar offers a variety of salads, wraps, and Mexican snacks: nachos, tacos, enchiladas, burritos. Our recommendation: the chicken tacos. The tortillas are made fresh and the veggies are newly harvested. There is also pizza, hamburgers, and a variety of sandwiches for “bocadillo” is Spanish for “sandwich.”
The best way to see the youngest volcano in Costa Rica (as well as one of the top 10 most active in the world!!) is from the view of a secluded bungalow in the Arenal Nayara Hotel. Relax in your patio’s outdoor Jacuzzi and take in the sights and sounds of Costa Rica. You’ll have the best sleep of your life, if you crack the patio door open and allow the sounds of rain, frogs, and crickets to lull you to sleep.
