Waking up at 5:15 AM is not my idea of a vacation, but the sights that are experienced on this Trilogy snorkeling catamaran are unbelievable. You board the boat while it is still dark and enjoy cinnamon rolls and coffee to wake up.  One great part of Trilogy specifically is that you are on a sailboat with less than 40 people and it feels intimate.  You are able to see everyone’s faces and interact as a group.  Many of the other snorkeling boats seem a bit like they are herding cattle with 100 plus people trying to move around a double-decker boat.  The small staff of 3 sailing the boat are very entertaining and fun to sail the seas with.

You begin by heading over to Lanai or Molokini to snorkel, if you are traveling during the winter months, November – January, you sail right through a large area for whales.  Whales pop up everywhere around your boat.  The law is you must stay 100 feet away from the whales, apparently the whales aren’t aware so they will pop up a few feet away and all we can do on the boat is kill the motor, watch and wait. After a relaxing sail across the water, you come to the island of Molokini and jump into the blue water to see some of the most unbelievable tropical fish you can ever imagine. After swimming for an hour with the unique fish of Hawaii, you are whisked off to Turtle Town where you swim with turtles as big as you.  These turtles will swim right up to you and say hello.

The trip home is relaxing and exciting all at the same time.  Soak up the sun, enjoy the whales and the calming sounds of the water while eating a delicious BBQ lunch on the boat.

Ready…..Set…. FLY!

Flyin’ Hawaiian Zipline is a brand new course offering eight different lines to zip on, including the longest and most amazing ride in Hawaii.  The final line on your trip is 3600 feet in length, which ends up leaving you nowhere near land for about a minute! This course starts at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu and ends in Maalaea… two completely different towns!

When you first arrive, your guides for the trip get you set up in the equipment and give you the standard safety rundown.  You learn the two moves that will help you glide gracefully and stop when necessary. After a very rocky and rugged 4-wheel drive up a hill, you begin a short hike to the first practice line.  Once you have perfected the moves – they send you on the second longest line right away.  The guide lifts you up and lets you fly – your first thought is ‘I can’t believe I am doing this,’ followed by a tremendous appreciation for the untouched scenery around you. You are able to sit back, enjoy the ride and take a moment to savor the greenery.

While on the tour you learn a bit of history about the land.  In order to make money off of the land the owner was looking to sell it, and in an act to save it from being developed a friend of the owners came up with this zipline adventure.  To help reduce their mark on the land the guides take with them a new state flower plant on each trip to add to the land.  Once you get to the side of the mountain they have designated for planting, you plant and water your team’s new flower and than you use water bottles and help water the flowers planted on past trips.

This is not a scary, adrenaline pumping ride, you will be surprised how relaxing and almost peaceful this trip is.  You are able to sit and glide through untouched beauty and look over views that not a lot of tourists or locals get to see. ** This is a must do when you visit Maui!**

Research costs.

Plan for a Long Trip.

Pack Lightly.

Expect to be tired.

These are the few flying laws of going to Hawaii.  Start early and sign up for the travel deal websites such as Airfare Watchdog, Priceline and Travel Zoo.  They will send you weekly updates and help you find the right time to book.  Once you get a feel for the general prices, when you see a good deal JUMP ON IT!  If you want a good price on your ticket, I would expect a layover in LA or Seattle.  If you want to spend the money and not deal with the travel hassle, than you can get a direct flight (but it will cost you!).  From Chicago the flight takes about 9 – 10 hours typically with an hour layover.

My favorite way to get to and from Hawaii is to fly the red eye.  Leave Hawaii at 11 PM and fly overnight to your destination.  This is only best if you can sleep on a plane.  Expect a long trip!  No one enjoys sitting on an airplane for 6+ hours (especially if you are the lucky one with the middle seat), bring books – update your iPod – or take sleeping pills!  One of the three will get you through the flight.  I encourage you to take advantage of the layover to stretch your legs.  Walk around and get some food because the airlines no longer offer you a bite to eat more than some peanuts or pretzels on the flight.

Above all – pack light!  If you are hopping islands from Oahu to Maui and Kauai, you will be going through security numerous times and the chance of something happening to your luggage only increases!  What more do you need in Hawaii than a few dresses, flip flops and 2 or 3 bathing suits.  Wear anything bulky such as a sweater or tennis shoes on the plane with you to save more room in the carry on. Especially on your honeymoon you won’t be thinking about the stilettos  in your closet, when you are spending quality time  in the sunshine.

Expect for the both of you to be tired after traveling 10+ hours.  Be careful, although you will be still on a high on your honeymoon, I personally get cranky after not sleeping and having to sit in a small seat for a long period of time.  Even though I don’t want to take things personally, every comment and movement is heightened – so be patient with one another.  Especially focus on each other’s needs, and every now and then give your new wife/husband a kiss to make sure they are still smiling.

Spend the month of February traveling the islands with me as I discover new and exciting adventures for the two of you in Hawaii. Good Luck and Happy Travels!!

Named by Modern Bride Magazine as the 2001-2006 “Ultimate Fantasy Suite in an Over-Water Bungalow,” 2002-2004 “Best Hotel for Seclusion,” 2005 “Sexiest In-Room Extras,” and 2003 “Most Scenic Honeymoon Spot,” I don’t think there are any questions if Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa and a dream location for honeymooners!

Your honeymoon will be romantic whether you are in the middle of a hut in Bora Bora, or in a random hotel in the middle of nowhere. The point is to get away, relax and enjoy the first moments of being married in pure bliss!

I have always loved the breathtaking pictures and thought of Bora Bora but have yet to make the trip out there! I want to hear from brides that choose to spend the week in a hut over the water in a romantic heaven!  Stories are welcome!

Check out their special Honeymoon Package:

Most couples today are already established with deluxe pots and pans and have bought their favorite china, so when the time comes to register for gifts—they have to ask themselves, what is left to buy?  I suggest treating yourselves to an unforgettable honeymoon, not missing out on anything due to cost.  Have your friends and family give money towards your vacation—assisting in spa treatments and romantic dinners.

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has launched the Hyatt Gift Registry, where couples can register online for a variety of amenities, services and accommodations at Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide!  Imagine dinners on the beach, scuba diving or an anniversary stay at a favorite hotel on a gift registry?  It’s an ideal option for the couple who has everything!

Guests make a contribution towards Hyatt Gift Cards (redeemable at Hyatts in the U.S., Canada and Caribbean) or Hyatt Check Certificates™ (redeemable at Hyatts worldwide). Just like traditional registries, couples are notified as gifts arrive and they can make revisions with just a few easy clicks. Best of all, there are no expiration dates or blackout dates so any extra honeymoon credits can go towards future vacations, spa treatments, etc.
And if you’re planning a destination wedding, couples who wed at a participating Hyatt property (in the U.S., Canada, Cancun, Mexico or Aruba) by June 30, 2010 will receive up to five complimentary nights towards their honeymoon.  (YES, I said 5 Nights!)  You earned yourself a relaxing honeymoon, so take the time off to truly enjoy it!

Have you had a destination wedding at a Hyatt?  What exotic location did you choose?

Today, honeymooners are not only looking for an escape, but now they are looking for a unique experience on their first vacation together as a married couple.  They don’t want just palm trees and beaches, they are looking for an adventure to reflect on for years to come.

The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is one of the top honeymoon destinations for newlyweds full of beautiful scenery and activities for all types!

After all of the flying through the tree tops and kayaking, always remember to relax and enjoy every minute of your time spent together…you earned it!

Source: The Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

I am the queen of over-packing…I like to have a lot of choices at all times.  Which usually means way too many shoes and luggage bags…and clothes!  But for my honeymoon my mind set was to bring as little as possible.  I suggest making sure your packing list is limited to what will fit in a carry-on.  Yes, I mean a small carry-on.  I understand that depending where you go you might need to pack more…but if you are able to minimize it will make your trip so much easier!

I knew I needed a bathing suit…everything else I could do without.   Check out these few suggestions and leave me comments on what you wouldn’t leave without!

Chic Luggage

Betsey Johnson Luggage

Sexy Bathing Suits

Victoria Secret

Stylish Sun Dress

Victoria Secret

Summer Shoes

Kate Spade

Lingerie

Other Items You Don’t Want to Forget:

• A good camera
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Passports & Visas if you are heading out of the country
• Clothes/Pajamas/Toiletries – (I think you can take care of the basics…but don’t over pack!)
• Extra Cash (Even if you are on going to an all-inclusive resort you might need cash for the airport)
• **Don’t forget your AIRPLANE TICKETS! **

What was on the top of your packing list for your Honeymoon?

I want to know where you went on your honeymoon!

My personal destination of choice was a villa in the hills in St. Maarten!

It had our own infinity pool and the most amazing view that will be forever stuck in my mind! We went grocery shopping early in the week and made delicious (but simple) lunches and dinners together at night!  We got dressed up and went out to nice dinners in the city for a couple of the evenings.  We were able to truly relax with no hussle and bussle around us.  If we wanted an adventure we had rented a car and could go anywhere on the island, but if we wanted peace and quiet we had that too!  My experience at Vista Royale was fabulous…I will return sooner than later! Highly Recommended!

I want to hear where you all went for your honeymoons!  Let’s give all of the brides out there suggestions on where to go and what to plan!

Top Ten Reasons to Celebrate your Honeymoon at an All-Inclusive Resort

1. Since you pay for everything up front, you are able to set a budget and stick to it.

2. Included in the price is a slew of activities—pre-planned and paid for!

3. Other couples are also on their honeymoon—you’ll get to meet and celebrate with them.

4. There is always food available, usually offering a variety of restaurants from formal sit-down places to room service.

5. You don’t have to worry about leaving your wallet at home.

6. Each resort offers a variety of packages, allowing you to choose how many amenities and activities you plan on experiencing.

7. You have a whole staff at the resort waiting to serve you and make your honeymoon as memorable as possible.

8. Every aspect of the resort is geared towards making the atmosphere as romantic as possible, from the adults-only requirement to the candlelit dinners.

9. The resort’s expansive grounds allows you freedom, with numerous hideaways for you and your new husband.

10. There is always exciting nightlife—dance clubs, karaoke bars and special shows for you to let loose and enjoy!

Did you feel more relaxed because of your all-inclusive resort on your honeymoon?

Sources:  St Lucia, Turtle Fiji, Thala Beach

If you are planning your honeymoon, you are probably struggling with the very typical question: do you want to spend it alone in a romantic getaway or in a happening, all-inclusive resort for couples?  I am going to spend the week discussing the always-needed getaway after the planning.

Top 10 Reasons for Choosing a Secluded Destination for your Honeymoon:

1.  You don’t have to worry about anyone but you and your new marriage.

2.  You won’t have noisy neighbors keeping you up ’til all hours of the night.

3.  You don’t have to wait in lines for the elevator, restaurants or check-in lines.

4.  You have your personal pool & jacuzzi where you can privately celebrate being newlyweds.

5.  You can enjoy the outdoors at your secluded getaway in all your, um, “natural glory” without freaking out other vacationers.

6.  Shopping at the beginning of the week and cooking dinners together in your kitchenette can save money AND be romantic!

7. You don’t have to worry about clogged beaches or noisy hotels. No other visitors are enjoying this spot but the two of you.

8.  Most villas have “guestbooks” that you can read past guests recommendations on what the hot spots are in the area.

9.  You are able to experience much more of the local culture when you are outside of the tourist resorts.

10.  Because the secluded honeymoon is often less expensive than the all-inclusive option, you two can feel free to relax, rather than running around trying to “get your money’s worth”!

**Tomorrow we will cover the top ten reasons to go with an all-inclusive honeymoon – Stay Tuned!!

Where did you spend your secluded honeymoon?