Honeymoon Vacations Birmingham
The Honeymoon
The Honeymoon
A honeymoon is an opportunity to wind down from the nervous tension and excitement of preparation and the wedding day, and is traditionally arranged by the groom. However, this custom came from the times when women would have had little or no travel experience, and nowadays the majority of couples will plan the honeymoon together.
Most honeymoons are of two or three weeks' duration, not the original 'moon', or lunar month, of earlier tradition. Even so, a change of pace and place after the adrenaline rush of the countdown to a wedding day, is generally most welcome. A honeymoon can be romantic almost anywhere, whether it is spent ten miles from home or halfway around the world.
Planning
Think about booking your honeymoon well in advance, especially if you plan to go during a busy holiday season, such as July and August, or over Christmas or Easter - particularly if the destination is popular.
The honeymoon is said to be so-called because mead, made of fermented honey, was served to newlyweds during the first month (or moon) of their married life, in the hope of promoting fertility and early conception. Of course, it's possible that the strong alcoholic content helped in that respect just as much as the magical properties of the honey.
Passports and Visas
Like any other holiday, you will need to check well in advance to see if any visas are needed for the country you are visiting.
If, as the bride, you would like to travel in your married name, you can arrange to change your name in your passport before the wedding. This can be done up to 3 months before you get married - however, as it will be post-dated to the wedding date, you will not be able to use it in the meantime. You will need to get the registrar or minister who is conducting the ceremony to complete a form to confirm the date of the wedding ceremony.
Alternatively, you can continue to use your original passport until it expires, but should keep your marriage certificate with it while travelling in order to avoid any possible confusion.
Health
If you are planning to go abroad, consult your doctor well in advance (preferably at least two months) of your departure, for advice and to arrange immunisations. Some may need more than one dose, spread out over a period of time, and some take time to become effective, so make sure you plan well in advance to guarantee that you are fully protected.
Your GP might also help you rearrange your menstrual cycle. Consult them in plenty of time, if you think it might impact badly on the honeymoon!
- Top 10 Destinations
- Can't decide where to honeymoon? Well check out our top 10 guide to romantic getaways ...
Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations
Top Ten Honeymoon Destinations
1. Barbados
Main Attractions
Water sports, beautiful scenery, boat tours, golf, tennis, excellent hotels and restaurants, friendly people, cricket, colonial plantation houses, monkeys, tropical birds and museums.
Best Time to Travel
High season is winter, from December to April. September, October, and November are the least crowded, but hotel facilities can be limited and some restaurants may be closed.
2. Italy
Main Attractions
Art centres, the large cities and the holiday resorts, historic buildings and the world's greatest art treasures. A trip to Venice is a must for any romantic.
Best Time to Travel
All seasons are good for a visit.
3. Cayman Islands
Main Attractions
The 65-acre Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and National Trust's Mastic Trail (2 mile traditional footpath through North Side).
Best Time to Travel
March and April are usually the driest months of the year. Average annual rainfall is estimated at 46 inches.
4. Fiji and Bali
Main Attractions
Snorkelling, sunset cruise, the local culture.
Best Time to Travel
April, May, September and October, when crowds are lighter.
5. Dominican Republic
Main Attractions
The mild tropical climate provides a perfect environment for this paradise's abundant land and water activities, which are abundant in this paradise. An outside reef provides a natural barrier from waves and surf creating the largest natural pool in the Caribbean.
Best Time to Travel
Mid-December to mid-April is the high season and mid-April to mid-December is considered off season.
6. Australia/New Zealand
Main Attractions
Australia's an adventurer's playground. From the Great Barrier Reef to the red sands and outback skies of the interior; offers adventures to suit every whim. New Zealand offers adventure & wilderness get-a-ways, history tours, night life, and relaxation.
Best Time to Travel
Australia's dry season April-Oct; whereas the ideal months for comfortable all around travel in New Zealand are October-April.
7. Florida
Main Attractions
Amelia Island, Disney World/ Epcot Centre, Daytona Beach, Everglades National Park, Fort Lauderdale, The Keys, Kennedy Space Centre.
Best Time to Travel
Winter is the prime season. Day temperatures range 71-77F° and 50-60F° at night.
8. Las Vegas
Main Attractions
Gambling of course!!
Best Time to Travel
Sunday through Thursday are less crowded, less expensive, and less stressful than the weekend.
9. Hawaii
Main Attractions
Explore the Hawaiian Islands' rich history and culture, hike through lush parks and botanical gardens, or take a relaxing time-out on the beach of your choice. Tour through the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Best Time to Travel
Summer months (May - October) (winter months are rainy).
10. Greece
Main Attractions
Architecture, history, art and white sand beaches.
Best Time to Travel
Late spring and early autumn. In...