Honeymoon Blog

Luggage limits are key to your honeymoon packing strategy

Almost every couple for whom we've planned a honeymoon has asked us "how much luggage can we check?"  This is indeed important - clearly on your honeymoon you want to look good for your new spouse, which often means a new honeymoon wardrobe and a desire to take all of your favorite personal care products.  But the practicalities of travel require some hard choices and some compromises.

Fortunately, there is now a website that gives you the low-down on most major airlines and their policies so you can strategize in advance, making packing a little easier.  Luggage Limits allows you to search by airline and route (it's especially important to check those short hops when in other countries since they are often more restrictive), and gives you information on free luggage amounts, bag dimensions, and even overage charges, if you just can't make everything fit into a 44 lb bag! 

We think the site is super-useful and hope you will too.

Ah, the good old days of air travel

Being devoted to honeymoons, almost all of which involves being on an airplane at some point, we really enjoyed this photographic retrospective on air travel in the 1960s, from Life magazine.  We had to share!

When Flying Was Fun

While most people taking a honeymoon these days are too young to have experienced what these photos show, we can still be nostalgic, can't we?  Be sure not to miss the photo of the honeymoon couple at the airport - she's still in her big white dress!

Elephant Whispers

We were reminded today (by way of this unique photo!) of a very special activity our clients can include if they choose a South African safari for their honeymoon.  While a safari is definitely all about observing animals in their natural habitat, the opportunity to interact with these amazing creatures is not typically possible.  They are "wild" after all, and one has to maintain healthy respect (and distance) in this environment.

There are, however, a select few experiences that offer a more personal and meaningful encounter with the animals of the bush.  One of these is Elephant Whispers (www.elephantwhispers.co.za), located just outside the renowned Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.  As such, couples can easily take half a day to visit the six majestic African elephants here, all of whom are accustomed to humans.

Honeymooners may particularly enjoy a late afternoon elephant interaction, followed by a ride and then sundowners in the bush.  In the quest to distinguish a honeymoon from a typical vacation, we feel experiences such as these can make a difference.  Imagine the memories, and your photos will be fantastic!  If you are heading to South Africa or thinking about it, we are happy to provide more information about Elephant Whisperers and other unique opportunities.

Special fare on Air Tahiti Nui - if you book before Nov 4

Would you rather devote your honeymoon budget to an overwater bungalow or an airline seat?

Our friends in French Polynesia have just shared some exciting news that honeymooners heading to this island paradise can use.  Air Tahiti Nui, the main airline carrier from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti, has reduced rates for US travelers at select times over the next 6 months.

If you can book by November 4, a round-trip fare of $738/person (economy), including tax, is available between LA and Papeete for the following date ranges:

• November 13 - December 14, 2009
• January 12 - March 31, 2010

This is about $500 - 800 off regular rates vs. other times of year, and is subject to availability.  Please also keep in mind that this time period is French Polynesia's "low" season, largely because it can be rainy.  But if you are going, and you'd rather dine at Villa Mahana in Bora Bora than Les Roulettes (mobile food vans), consider this possibility!

Honeymooning over the holidays?

Are you hoping to honeymoon over the December holidays?  Some couples have chosen this festive time of year to be married, and love the idea of celebrating both the New Year and their nuptials.  Others with strict professional schedules (e.g. teachers) find the 2-week break an ideal time to take a delayed honeymoon. 

No matter your reason for a honeymoon at this time of year, the reality is actually quite challenging.  Why?  Because newlyweds aren't the only ones who love to travel in December; it happens to be the single-busiest time of year in the travel business.  Hotels up their prices by a factor of 2-3 times in many cases, and can require 7-14 night minimum stays, or may offer their rooms on an invitation-only basis.  Flights fill up quickly and prices are high; frequent flyer seats are non-existent.  Rental car companies sell out well in advance.  And people still clamour for the limited options that are available, even with the hefty price tag.

Many honeymooners are not aware of this, and quickly find themselves frustrated with the lack of options.  So, what are you supposed to do if you find yourselves in this situation?  Here is our advice:

• Start *now*.  No matter when you realize you are going on a holiday honeymoon, start planning ASAP.  It is never too early.
• Be flexible.  Choose 3-4 destinations you'd be happy with and pursue all of them.  Hopefully one of them will work out!
• Consider departing on January 3rd, just after the rush has died down. Also consider being gone over Christmas rather than New Years if you can; New Years is the more popular week so there may be more/better options over Christmas.
• If your hotels/resorts of interest say they don't have availability on line, write or call them directly.  Most do not show real time inventory on the web for the holiday period.  Wholesalers may also hold rooms on "block", and can sell them to you even when the resort itself has nothing to offer.
• Most properties have 60 to 90 day cancellation policies.  If you contact them at those points, they may have just received a cancellation and can squeek you in as a result.
• Think about cooler climates, e.g. Europe.  Most people flock to warm weather destinations, but if you love cities and are fine with a bit of snow, you'll have an easier time.
• Be prepared for sticker shock; there really aren't many deals to be had. 
• Take a "shotgun" approach - make enough inquiries (it can take dozens or more) and something is likely to work.
• Consider buying more expensive but refundable airline tickets while you try to sort out accommodations; flights sell out at this time of year also, so it's better to have a "bird in the hand" rather than no transporation at all.  

It's a great time of year to be away for many people.  Good luck with your plans!

 

Italy from New York - great fares on Eurofly

For New Yorkers planning an Italian honeymoon (or even just a getaway) this fall, an airline called Eurofly is offering some very appealing fares for travel to this gorgeous country. 

Eurofly flies non-stop from New York JFK to Rome, Naples and Palermo (Sicily).  In September and October, roundtrip fares to Rome are right around $540 in Economy class and $1740 in Business class!  If you'd prefer to fly into Naples, gateway to the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, September fares are running between $640 and $815 in Economy class, $1740 in Business class.  Eurofly is the only airline flying non-stop to Naples from the US, so for those those dreaming of Positano or Capri, this is an efficient way to go.

A couple caveats about the airline itself.  While it is part of the Meridiana Group (one of Italy's larger carriers), it is considered a "charter" airline, so it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the major carriers.  For example, they are rather laissez-faire about schedules; you could leave on time, you could leave four hours late.  You may be slated to fly non-stop home from Naples, but they could consolidate with the Rome flight and decide stop coming back to pick up passengers.  On-board service is also sparse - bring some snacks and beverages for long gaps between offerings (including business class.)  Economy class has pretty tight seating; business class is roomy but don't expect flat-bed seats or major pampering.  Seats are not pre-assigned, and no, they don't partner with any frequent flyer programs.

But for those hoping to spend their travel dollars on charming hotels, great meals and fabulous wine, perhaps the tradeoffs are worth it!  Enjoy if you go!