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A question engaged couples planning their destination wedding often find themselves asking is, “since we’re having a destination wedding, should we also plan a honeymoon?” And the answer is really quite simple and depends on a few factors. Do you have the time to take a honeymoon? Planning a honeymoon immediately after your destination wedding is a great way to unwind and decompress after several months of wedding planning and all the hustle and bustle of spending the past few days with your friends and family who attended the festivities. If you have the time to spare another few days or even a week to vacation on your own post-wedding, you should definitely plan a honeymoon. Do you have it in your budget? With a destination wedding can come significant expense. But if you can manage to squeeze in a honeymoon, it will be well worth the costs. While you may have the time of your life with all your wedding guests, it’s nice to be able to spend at least a few days with your new spouse to truly enjoy your wedded bliss. Staying at the same resort after all the guests leave, can be a cost and time efficient way to honeymoon. And if you’ve got room in your budget, getting an upgraded room for your extended stay is a nice way to change the pace and setting. Other couples may choose to move to entirely different resort in the area and that’s a way to make it feel like an entirely different experience that sets itself apart from your destination wedding. Maybe consider spending a few days at that resort that you thought would be too costly for your guests, or perhaps it’s a property that you’ve always wanted to visit. For couples who opt for a family-friendly resort to accommodate the children in their guest list, honeymooning at an adults-only resort is a great way to change things up. Where do you want to honeymoon? If your preference is to honeymoon in the same region as your destination wedding or somewhere that is a short flight away, then it will be more cost efficient to honeymoon immediately after the wedding because you’ll save on overall travel costs since you’re already in the area. MOST IMPORTANT: Is taking a honeymoon after your destination wedding important to you? For some people, their destination celebration fulfills the need to honeymoon and extending their trip just isn’t important. And that’s totally OK. For others, a honeymoon is a must and in that case — go for it. Another thing to keep in mind is that the honeymoon doesn’t have to take place right after the wedding, many couples opt to honeymoon weeks or months after the Big Day. It really is up to you to decide. There really is no right or wrong answer on whether destination couples should take a honeymoon — it really depends on your situation, needs and preference. The bottom line is, do what makes you happy as a couple and be it on honeymoon or at home — the most important thing is to simply find a way to enjoy the start of your marriage, together. For more information about booking a group, wedding or honeymoon at any destination location, contact the official travel agency of the BestDestination.com -- Wright Travel Agency at: www.wrighttravelagency.com.

Looking to plan an adventurous honeymoon this year? Why not explore the beautiful national parks and historic spaces throughout Canada for free? In honor of Canada celebrating its 150th birthday this year, the county's park service is offering free Discovery Passes for all visitors to national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites throughout the country's 13 provinces in 2017. Passes typically cost about $7 USD per person. To obtain the pass, you have to register online -- those interested only need to order one pass for your group or family if you plan to travel together. A 2017 Discovery Pass is valid for everyone arriving in the same vehicle at a national park, or arriving together at a marine conservation area or historic site. Do note, the Discovery Pass is only accepted at national historic sites which are operated by Parks Canada. The passes, which do not cover camping fees or tours with park rangers, are valid from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. If you have questions on the free Discovery Pass for 2017, contact Canada's National Information Service at 1-888-773-8888 or send an email to [email protected] . For assistance in booking accomodations for a destination wedding wedding or honeymoon, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! or visit the website at www.wrighttravelagency.com - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

With so many great destination location options throughout the world, choosing the perfect location for your wedding festivities can be a tough task. But the agents of Wright Travel Agency -- the official agency of the Best Destination Wedding Forum -- are experts on the most popular destination regions and they are happy to share their insight when it comes to choosing the best destination area for your dream wedding celebration. Here are five reason why getting married in Costa Rica is the right choice for you. 1. You Love the Eco-Friendly Environment: When it comes to Costa Rica, being a nature lover is key because this country has it all. From beautiful beaches to epic mountains, thrilling rivers and incredible waterfalls amid the gorgeous rainforest backdrop -- Costa Rica is a haven for those who thrive in the great outdoors. And if you're a lover of sunsets, this country has some of the most lovely and dramatically colored skies at the end of each day. 2. You Thrive on Excitement and Adventure: If you're the outdoorsy type, then you'll love all the excitement and adventure that comes with it. Costa Rica is king when it comes to adventurous excursions. Hiking, river rafting, ziplining, diving, fishing, snorkeling, swimming and repelling are just a few of the exciting activities that will keep you busy in this country, So if you and your sweetheart and your wedding guests are looking to get the adrenaline pumping, this is the place to be. 3. You Love Delicious Cuisine: If you enjoy a meal that almost always includes plantains, beans and rice then this country is for you. Costa Rica has amazingly fresh seafood (the fried red snapper is a dish you'll want to try!), delicious meats and an abundance of incredibly fresh fruits and produce. Costa Rica is filled with a plethora of restaurants of varied price ranges -- head to small towns for some of the most delicious meals priced just right! 4. You Love Animals and Wildlife: They don't call this the most eco-friendly country for nothing. It's truly paradise here for animals lovers. From monkeys, sloths, birds in a rainbow of colors, insects, lizards, reptiles and butterflies galore, Costa Rica is swarming with wildlife, so make sure to always have your camera ready because you never know when you'll come across an unexpected visitor. 5. You Appreciate Warm and Friendly People: Pura Vida! It means pure life and the people of Costa Rica truly believe in this mantra. The Ticos and Ticas -- men and women of Costa Rica -- are warm, friendly and beautiful people and you'll quickly notice their zest and appreciation for life and its beauty the moment you step into this country. To book or inquire about a location for a destination wedding elopement or wedding, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! or visit the website at www.wrighttravelagency.com - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding photographer and writer/blogger.

The minute you step onto the Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya Resort and Spa, you instantly feel like you’ve been whisked away to a special place. Located a little more than hour away from the Cancun airport, Secrets, which opened its doors in late 2015, is located in the town of Akumal — the Quintana Roo’s best kept secret, where warm clear ocean water flows in abundance along the powdery Akumal shores. It’s definitely for those looking to get away from the busy city-feel of Cancun or the festive nightlife that thrives in Playa del Carmen. Rather, Akumal is a place for those wanting to completely unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings. From its lush landscaping to the feeling of total serenity, this all-inclusive resort offers its adults-only guests a space to enjoy delicious cuisine at one of the six gourmet á la carte restaurants, a grill, a buffet and a café where reservations are never required, lounge by one of the more than 10 pool areas, rejuvenate your body and mind at the world-class spa or simply bask in the sun all day long on Akumal’s Bay’s incredible beaches. With 434 suites spread throughout the grounds’ lush and picturesque landscaping, everything is conveniently located so you never feel too far away from anything. But even when the property is at full capacity, the amenities and rooms are spaciously spread out enough that it never feels like the resort is overcrowded or too busy. You can experience true relaxation here with the perfect dose of peace and quiet. While the pools offer a great way to soak in the sun, Secrets Akumal is also located on one of the best beaches in the area. Akumal Bay is a local favorite, where you’ll enjoy the warm clear azure waters and if you’re lucky you may also happen to run across a turtle or two during your ocean swim -- after all, Akumal means "place of the turtle." The pristine beach is great for swimming, snorkeling and for those seeking more adventure, diving is also offered. If you opt for preferred club access, you’ll also receive daily access to Secret’s incredible hydrotherapy pools located at the resort's Secrets Spa by Pevonia. Aside from hydrotherapy, the spa also offers other services such as body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, a full service beauty salon and the fish foot treatment — something everyone should try at least once! When it comes to weddings, Secrets expansive grounds offer plenty of picturesque locations for couples to share their I Do’s. From gorgeous garden settings, incredible indoor options to a magnificent beach setting — this resort has it all. And of course, the delicious food at this property is something the entire wedding party can enjoy! Aside from the amenities and entertainment options onsite, this resort is also conveniently located close to the Tulum ruins as well as the thriving nightlife in Playa del Carmen — so you’re never too far from nearby adventures. Secrets Akumal is the perfect place for a luxurious and relaxing getaway for friends, lovers or family! To find out more information about booking your honeymoon or destination wedding at Secrets Akumal or the resort of your choice, contact Wright Travel Agency at:www.wrighttravelagency.com or you can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

Hoping to plan the perfect honeymoon trip to top off your wedding experience? We've already given you 5 tips to guide you as you plan the ideal honeymoon, but here are 5 more suggestions to ensure that your honeymoon overflows with wedded bliss. (See Tips #1 thru #5 here) 6. Fly during off-peak days and times. Opt for traveling on non-peak days and times, for example, traveling on a Tuesday or Wednesday often yields cheaper flight prices, which can be reduced even further if you're open to taking a red-eye or late night flight. That's not to say, book the flight that leaves you with 2-4 layovers, because extending your travel time can be exhausting and may require you a few days to recuperate, but definitely consider an off-peak travel schedule because it could save you big bucks in the end. Consult with a travel specialist like Wright Travel Agency -- the official travel agency of the Best Destination Wedding Forum -- for the best deals and to ensure that your accommodations are arranged to fit in with your travel schedule. 7. Sleep late and sleep in. Once you arrive to your destination, make it a point to sleep late and sleep in. Don't let alarm clocks wake you, this is your time to completely clock off from the rest of the world and enjoy the love of your life. So say yes to taking that late night walk along the beach to hear the waves crashing or catching that late night movie that happens to pop up on your television. And if you miss breakfast because you decided to sleep in, that's OK too. The key here is to RELAX and enjoy every minute. 8. Plan to do something new and exciting. As you plan your honeymoon, look into an activity or excursion that will bring you and your spouse's heart rate to another level. Do something new together that you'll never forget -- be it something as adventurous as a zipline tour, an amazing but challenging hike or maybe swim with the whale sharks or perhaps something as simple as taking a cooking class together or opting for a salsa dancing lesson. Create memories by doing something out of the norm and don't forget to take pictures! 9. Bring a camera and take lots of photos and video. DON'T forget, I repeat, DON't forget to bring your camera. Snap away at every wonderful moment big or small during this time away with your honey and capture the feelings, sights and sounds of your experience. Smartphones these days are perfectly capable to taking great photos and video, but if you've got an actual camera, bring that too! You will cherish these photos/video years into your marriage. 10. Stay within your budget -- remember you have to live "real life" when you get back. It's easy to go "buck wild" with the wallet when it comes to your honeymoon, but make sure you stay within your budget. If you feel inclined to purchase a fancy dinner, fun excursion or lovely trinket during your time away -- do it. But think twice before you push the button on any big purchase(s) that might break the bank, remember, when the trip is over it's back to real life and you still gotta live and pay the bills! For assistance on booking a honeymoon or destination wedding, contact Wright Travel Agency -- the official travel agency of the Best Destination Wedding Forum -- at: www.wrighttravelagency.com or you can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

Hoping to plan the perfect honeymoon trip to top off your wedding experience? Here are 5 tips to ensure that your honeymoon overflows with wedded bliss. 1. Create a honeymoon fund early. Do not hesitate to start putting money aside for your honeymoon as soon as your sweetheart pops the big question. Keep the wedding and honeymoon funds separate and stick to your budget. 2. Consult in a Travel Agent. A travel specialist can give you advice on the best time/dates to travel as well as provide you with the best rates. Travel agents are also a great resource of information on things to do in your destination location. But most importantly, travel agents are there to assist you should you have to deal with any changes to your travel plans or run into any problems. They are there to help you along the way, which doesn't happen when you opt to book through a travel discount site on your own. Take the time to consult and use the services of a travel specialist like Wright Travel Agency -- the official travel agency of the Best Destination Wedding Forum -- it can make a world of difference! 3. Don't leave for your trip too quickly after the wedding. Some couples are under the impression that honeymoons should begin immediately after the wedding, but that is not always the case. In fact, you should give yourself some time after the wedding to unwind and relax before you part for your honeymoon trip. The weeks and days leading up to the Wedding Day are stressful enough, and when you have to make sure to pack your bags and get things in order at home before you take more time off, it can be even more overwhelming. Give yourself at least 2 to 3 days after the wedding to unwind and spend time with friends and relatives who may have traveled into town to attend your wedding. Some couples will even opt to plan their honeymoon weeks or months after the wedding -- there is no true timetable. Plus it will also give you additional time to save up for your travels! 4. Plan a honeymoon itinerary but make it flexible. While planning your honeymoon, draft up a general schedule for what you plan to do together during your time away. But don't feel pressured to stick to that schedule -- let your mood dictate timing. If there are certain sites or locations you want to make sure to visit, then set some days aside to do those things -- and spread the itinerary out. But be flexible enough to where you can switch some activities around if need be. Again, the assistance of a travel specialist can be of great help when it comes to planning your activities. 5. Give yourself time to adjust to reality before heading back to work. Much like after the wedding, you should give yourself at least 2 days to readjust to home life before returning to work. So plan to come home from your honeymoon with a few days to spare before you go back to reality AKA work. Your body and mind will thank you! Make sure to check back for additional tips in Part Two of Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon Trip! To find out more information about booking an all-inclusive vacation for your honeymoon or destination wedding, contact Wright Travel Agency at: www.wrighttravelagency.com or you can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

If you've always wanted to spend vacation bliss in an overwater bungalow, that memorable experience can now be yours in Riviera Maya, Mexico at the El Dorado Maroma Palafitos, which officially opened to vacationers in early September 2016. The luxurious overwater suites -- the first of its kind in Mexico -- are situated off the soft white sands of the Maroma Beach, considered by many as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. But besides the breathtaking views, these spacious 600-sq. ft. suites for two also offer a private infinity pool and an oversized deck with lounge chairs, glass bottom floors where you can watch the sea life move beneath your bungalow, and a ladder providing easy access to the clear turquoise ocean water. Each bungalow also features a private outdoor shower and a romantic indoor jacuzzi for two. Every bungalow is also equipped with: - King size bed - Air conditioning & ceiling fan - Smart TV - Telephone - Aromatherapy shower - Make-up mirror - High end toiletries - 100% cotton & thousand-thread-count sheets - Radio/alarm clock - Safety deposit box - Espresso Coffee maker and tea brewing station - Premium stocked minibar - The outdoor terrace is also equipped with luxurious wooden furniture, reading material and blankets Those staying at the all-inclusive suites will also have exclusive beach bed access, 24-hour room service and customized beach picnics. But the spoils do not end there, during your stay you'll also have your own butler, who can take care of all your unique vacation needs, including handling any pre-arrival requests and reservations to the delivery of reading materials, beverages and gourmet bites at the pool. The multilingual butlers will also provide services such as the unpacking of luggage, serving sunrise coffee experience and in-suite full breakfasts. Your personal butler will also ensure the suite is kept in perfect condition and arranged according to guests preferences. Palafitos guests can also exclusively indulge in rest, relaxation and rejuvenation with spa treatments at the overwater Náay Spa. And once your mind and body are at ease, you can dine on exquisite gourmet meals at The Haute Cuisine -- the overwater grill and wine bar serving only those staying at the bungalows. The eatery, which boasts spectacular ocean views and fresh tropical breezes, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner from the open kitchen grill. I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek of the Palafitos this past spring and I can without a doubt say, it's a slice of heaven perfect for couples looking to spend some much needed time in a paradise all their own. With the bungalow set-up and convenient butler service, you'll feel like you've traveled to your own oasis where luxury and comfort are in abundance. It's the perfect spot for a honeymoon or anniversary trip or simply those wanting to get away and be pampered. Reservations for the Palafitos can only be made through a select group of luxury vacation consultants, like Wright Travel Agency -- the official travel agent group of the Best Destination Wedding Forum. For more information and assistance on booking your stay at the incredible overwater bungalow suites, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.