Heavenly Honeymoons--Advice and Tips for That Perfect Getaway!
Getting married is one of the most anticipated and exciting
times of your life. And your honeymoon can be the most exciting
and romantic trip you will ever take, since it represents a
celebration of your love, your new marriage, and the lifetime
commitment you have made. How do you get that "perfect"
honeymoon? As with everything else that involves marriage, it is
vitally important that you talk with your future spouse.
Communication between partners is absolutely essential in a
strong and enduring marriage--whether it be about financial
decisions, the in-laws, or raising the kids. That communication
channel can begin with the planning of the wedding ceremony and
certainly with the decisions concerning the honeymoon.
Finding out what your future spouse has for honeymoon
expectations and matching them with yours is a good place to
begin when planning a honeymoon. Do you want to go around the
block, or around the world? Do you want the honeymoon to be
exciting and adventurous or lazy and relaxing? Do you want to
save money, or really splurge on a big ticket vacation? Do you
want sunshine or snow? (Hawaii or the Canadian Rockies) Do you
want to marry in the same place you plan to honeymoon? Answering
these questions can help insure that your honeymoon will fulfill
your wildest dreams.
Remember, the best reason for a honeymoon is to rest, relax and
regroup after the stresses and rigors of planning and conducting
your wedding. The peace of mind which it can bring is worth
every penny. Even if you are already living together, you will
need to get away and relax after all the work you have done to
get to this point. Do not treat your honeymoon like another
vacation; it is a very special time! A time to bond, to set new
directions, lay out goals as a married couple, and to renew your
romance.
According to ancient traditions, the word "honeymoon" is based
upon the practice of newlyweds drinking mead, called bride ale,
which was produced from fermented honey. This beverage was
consumed during the first month (and therefore "moon") of
marriage. The fermented drink supposedly increased virility and
fertility and, consequently, the first month of marriage was
referred to as the honeymoon. It is only within the last 50-60
years, however, that honeymoons have gained wide popularity.
With so-called "honeymoon destinations" emerging--Cancun,
Hawaii, the Caribbean, Tahiti, Italy, Las Vegas, New
Orleans--these post-wedding trips offered ordinary citizens a
taste of what it was like to be wealthy. Chances are good that
honeymoons are here to stay.
Romance is not just roses and candles. If you are adventurous
newlyweds there a many ways to enliven your honeymoon. Scuba
diving, snowmobiling, parasailing, skydiving, or couples' bungee
jumping are a few of the ways to spice up your honeymoon and
return home with unforgettable memories of that golden getaway.
An important word of advice: don't be afraid to mention the fact
that you will be honeymooning when you're making reservations
for a restaurant, hotel, or cruise. Announce it when you arrive.
Tell everyone! You're happy and you're in love. Special
accommodations and gifts, ranging from upgraded rooms to flowers
or free champagne are often given to honeymooners.