Honeymoon
From Condos to All-Inclusive Resorts, Honeymoon Accommodation Choices Abound
For a frazzled bride-to-be, honeymoon planning can be yet another frustrating task to tackle before the big day arrives. Since where you spend your first vacation as Mr. and Mrs. can be just as important as the dinner you serve at your wedding, an understanding of accommodation choices is important. Below is an in-depth look at several options, along with a list of pros and cons for each.
Condominiums
Condominiums are owned by private individuals and rented out on a weekly or monthly basis. They are a great alternative to hotel rooms because they are often better cared for, usually include full kitchens and separate living and bedroom spaces, and come with luxuries like fireplaces and full-sized refrigerators. For the budget-conscious traveler, the kitchen offers a money saving alternative. By eating in for breakfast and lunch, you can then enjoy a romantic dinner out each night without breaking your wallet. Condos often have pools and hot tubs on site and many are located near popular destinations such as ski slopes, mountains, and beaches.
The downside? Renting a condominium require some planning. If you are eating in, you’ll need to create a grocery list and find a store once you arrive. Activities are not included in the price, so if you’re interested in getting out and seeing the sights, you’ll need to do all of the research and book any tours you wish to take. While some couples enjoy this part of a vacation, others might find the additional research taxing after spending so much time planning and preparing for the wedding.
Resorts
Do you enjoy horseback riding? Will your honeymoon include a trip to a theme park? Do you have dreams of racing down the slopes with your Mr.? If so, a resort type setting might be best for you. Resorts are based around a theme, such as golf, spa, or seaside, and can range from small, intimate lodges to large settings that include a variety of activities. Higher-end resorts have everything a vacationer needs within easy reach, so once you arrive, you’ll have no need to leave the grounds. Resort rooms range from cozy spaces to large suites and are generally higher quality than a typical hotel room. Resorts are generally located around a site of interest, such as a ski slope, beach, state park, golf course, or theme park, which means that there will be a handful of activities available for you to explore during your trip. Many have large pools, fitness centers, and attached restaurants.
Because resorts offer all of the amenities a guest might need, they are a more expensive option than a condominium. If food is not included in the price, it can be much higher in a resort restaurant than what you might find if staying in an area that offers a variety of dining choices.
Spas
Would you like to spend your vacation being pampered, not only by great food and good drinks, but with facials, massages, manicures, and daily rounds of golf? A spa vacation might be for you. Spas, much like resorts, are based around a theme, but their theme is the same from place to place: Let the guest relax. Most spas offer wedding and honeymoon packages that include champagne or wine, dinner for two, and some type of spa service. Some spas include the services in the package while others allow you to build a package that is right for you.
While these vacations are relaxing and rejuvenating, they can also be quite costly. However the perks, such as wine baskets in the room upon arrival, are well worth the extra money.
All Inclusive Resorts
The idea behind an all-inclusive resort is that once you arrive at your destination, everything is taken care of for you. Meals, drinks, snacks, and tips are part of the package, so you don’t have to worry about carrying around your wallet as you go from the pool to the bar to the restaurant. Your job? Get there. The rest is up to them. All-inclusive resorts also include in the price a list of activities, from sailing to horseback riding and jet skiing. They also offer nightly entertainment. Different resorts cater to different groups of people: some to couples, some to the young, partying crowd. Research various resorts to find the type that offers the setting you would most like to enjoy during your honeymoon.
One disadvantage is that some all-inclusive resorts are located in areas that are not as nice as other destinations. Because everything you need is located inside the resort, this might not matter, but if your idea is to explore the scenery outside of the resort, you’ll need to do a little research before planning your trip.
Cruises
Do you have dreams of having a cocktail while watching the sunset from the back of a ship? Then set sail on a cruise ship. Cruises are a great way to travel if you want to explore several islands during the course of one vacation. Once on the ship you’ll receive a list of activities that are available at the ports for an additional cost. You can choose to do these activities or explore the islands on your own. Food is included on the ship and can range from a quick bite to eat at the pizza parlor or a sit down, lobster dinner. You can even order two if you’d like. Cruise ships offer a variety of entertainment venues each evening, including shows, dances, live music, bingo, gambling, and comediennes. Cruises also have spa treatments, fitness rooms, pools, and hot tubs on board. Different cruise lines offer different amenities, and they also cater to different crowds. So if you aren’t interested in setting sail with a large number of families or partying college students, do some research to find the line that fits your needs.
While cruising is a great way to travel, there can be some drawbacks. First, once you depart, you might not see land for twelve hours or more. Seas can get rough, so take along medication just in case. Rooms with balconies and windows are great, but interior rooms are small and claustrophobic; so if you decide on a cruise, splurge for a room with a view. While activities are available through the ship, they are often expensive. Consider exploring the island on your own. Cab fares are generally cheap in the islands and a good driver knows the best sites. Drinks are not included in the price of the cruise and can add up quickly, so take extra money if you want to enjoy a few cocktails by the pool.
A few parting tips:
- Ask yourself what you want out of the honeymoon and then research accommodations with that in mind.
- If cost is a factor, create a spreadsheet. Remember, though an all-inclusive package may seem the most expensive way to go, everything is included.
- Relax. This is the best time of your life. You deserve a great vacation. Enjoy it.
Type |
Food |
Drink |
Activities |
Entertainment |
Comments |
| Condo | No | No | No | No | You will plan and budget everything |
| Resorts | Some | No | Yes | Some | Theme based |
| Spa | Yes | No | Some | No | Check packages |
| All Inclusive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Research individual resports |
| Cruises | Yes | No | Yes, but you must pay for them | Yes | Research diffedrent cruise lines; plan own activities; pay for room upgrade with window or balcony |
By Kathy Murdock
Reprinted with permission by WeddingPearl.com