Honeymoon at the Spice Island Beach Resort

If you’re looking to splurge on an all-inclusive honeymoon in paradise at a 5-Star resort, we have just the one for you. Spice Island Beach Resort is a locally owned 5-Star, AAA 6 Diamond all-inclusive luxury resort on the beautiful island of Grenada. They take your honeymoon to the next level with their hospitality, facilities, and location.

High-End Hospitality

Tracing lineage through their late founder Sir Royston Hopkin, whose own story began in Grenada, Spice Island Beach Resort’s ethos is shaped and molded by a passion to provide the level of hospitality that simply feels like family. They pride themselves on their warm hospitality and welcoming service to their guests. Anything you need is never “too much” for their staff. And don’t be surprised when you get addressed by name every time you’re around one of their staff.

All-Inclusive Resort

Inspired by Grenada’s exotic nature, the resort uncovers tropical pleasure at its best across eight acres of paradise. Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor through stylish furnishings, refined color palettes, private plunge pools, and open-air garden terraces, their suites are private havens designed with enough luxury to forget about time altogether. Their all-inclusive experience includes all-day dining, premium label drinks, in-room minibars, non-motorized water sports, and complimentary access to their fitness center.

The Location

Just 21 miles long, Grenada is an adventurous traveler’s hidden gem, from the dynamic culture in the capital of St. George’s to the mystery of lush rainforests, sprawling beaches, and underwater treasure enveloping the island. Take a stroll along two miles of the famous Grand Anse’s powdery white beaches, rated one of the world’s best beaches by Conde Nast Traveller UK. To learn more about Grenada, check out our honeymoon destination deep-dive on the island here.

Enter to win a trip for two to this resort with our Spice of Life Sweepstakes. The winning couple will enjoy a 5-night stay in a Luxury Almond Pool Suite, a Couple’s Swedish Massage, a Sunset Cruise, a Bottle of Champagne, and complimentary airport transfers. The prize is valued at $10,000.00 USD.

The post Honeymoon at the Spice Island Beach Resort appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Welcome to Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean, a hidden gem with unspoiled beauty offering the perfect destination for your romantic honeymoon. Located in the eastern Caribbean just south of Barbados, the tri-island destination of Grenada features an island of the same name – Grenada, as well as two smaller islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Famed for its aromatic spices and organic chocolate, Grenada beckons visitors to its 40 white sandy beaches including the world-famous Grand Anse Beach, 15 breathtaking waterfalls, 5 chocolate factories, 3 rum distilleries, and more than 30 unforgettable dive sites, including the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean and the World’s First Underwater Sculpture Park.

Grenada’s sustainable approach to tourism means that these islands are a true lovers’ paradise with breathtaking romantic spots readily available: from powdery white sandy beaches to gorgeous hiking views and everything in between. If you decide to honeymoon here, you won’t regret it.

Geography of Grenada

Grenada’s spectacular natural topography is complemented by breathtaking beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and sprawling forests. Grenada is more rugged and densely foliated compared to other Caribbean islands. The highest peak on Grenada is Mount St. Catherine, standing at 840 meters.

Weather and peak times to visit

Grenada’s peak season usually runs from mid-December to mid-April. If you’re looking for a more private beach experience, try to travel during low season, which is between June – November. The climate is humid and tropical with May averaging the hottest month around 81 degrees Fahrenheit (averages around 78-80 year-round). Rainy season lasts from June to December with an average of 253mm of rain.

Time Zone, Currency and Language

Grenada is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) or 4 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).

The official language of Grenada is English, so you’ll have no issue with communication during your Grenada Honeymoon.

The currency in Grenada is called East Caribbean Dollar, with $1 USD equaling about $2.70 East Caribbean Dollars (XCD). If something cost $100 XCD it’s about $37 USD.

Getting to the destination

Grenada is located South of North America in the Caribbean. You’ll be relaxing on your Grenada Honeymoon after a few hours to a day of traveling, depending on your point of departure.

Airports for your Grenada Honeymoon

You’ll likely travel to your honeymoon destination from the nearest airport and fly into MBI, Maurice Bishop International on the main island of Grenada.

Here are three sample flight paths from major metropolitan areas in the United States and associated costs for flights in January:

• NYC: $404 (5 hours of travel, non-stop)
• MIA: $521 (4 hours of travel, non-stop)
• CLT: $607 (7 hours of travel, 1 stop)

LGBTQ+ Considerations

Unfortunately, we cannot recommend Grenada for our LGBTQ+ couples. Homosexuality is illegal and punishable with up to 10 years in prison. Same-sex partnerships and marriages are also not recognized in Grenada.

Food to Try

The national dish “Oil Down” is a type of stew made with a variety of spices, vegetables, and meats. Variations can include chicken wings or thighs, salted fish, salted pigtails, pumpkin, okra, spinach, bananas, and breadfruit. Ingredients are simmered to perfection in a coconut milk-based sauce with turmeric and ginger. “Oil Down” can be found at local dives and restaurants and is a favorite for weekend menus. Price ranges from $15-25 XCD, or $5-11 USD. A few restaurant recommendations are:

• BB’s Crabback
• Andy’s Soup Kitchen
• Home Hospitality
• 360 Degrees Grill and Lounge

Things to do there and where to stay

Kayak in clear blue water

When travelers dream of escaping to white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue water, then need look no further that the unspoiled landscape of Grenada. With its 75 miles of gorgeous coastline, the destination has some of the Caribbean’s most epic stretches of sand. For the ultimate clear kayaking experience, Grenada is where you want to be: Cayaks is a unique eco-tourism product that allows customers to see the destination’s unspoiled underwater landscape, using fully transparent kayaks. Have one look at their website and see why this is the ultimate experience.

Chocolate themed activities

Grenada is known for its production of spices, including cacao beans for chocolate bars and cocoa powder. Check out these chocolate-themed spa treatments at True Blue Bay Resort:

• Chocolate Facial –Let their therapists pamper you with a classic facial that includes a spa-made chocolate face mask using Grenada’s Dark Chocolate. Excellent for nourishing, rejuvenating and hydrating the skin.
• Chocolate Body Wrap –Relax in local Grenadian Chocolate Body Wrap suitable for all skin types leaving you feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated. Perfect for moisturizing sunburnt skin and protecting it from any environmental condition.
• Mocha Body Scrub –Coffee and Grenada Chocolate body scrub rubs away dead skin leaving you glowing and smelling great! You’ll then be moisturized and massaged with Grenada Cocoa Butter.
• Cocoa Calm Bath Soak –Chocolate and cocoa butter-infused bath that smells amazing and leaves your skin with a silky-smooth complexion.
• Chocolate Manicure –A classic manicure with a subtle chocolate twist. Mocha body scrubs to replenish your hands and cocoa butter to moisturize. Add a nude color on your nails to top off the treatment (optional).
• Chocolate Pedicure –A classic pedicure with a mocha foot scrub and cocoa butter foot massage.

Grenada as a prime scuba diving destination

Grenada’s pristine blue waters and colorful corals make the destination a draw for snorkeling and scuba diving. With more than 30 dive sites available, there’s something for everyone. Most recently, Grenada’s iconic Underwater Sculpture Park (Nat Geo ranked top 25 wonders of the world) innovatively designed to act as a coral reef, was renovated, providing an even more amazing experience to view the diverse marine life. Or visit the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, the ‘Bianca C’.

Places to stay include the following:

• Calabash Grenada
• Sandals Grenada
• True Blue Bay Boutique Resort
• Coyoba Resort
• Royalton Grenada

Enter to win a $10,000 dream honeymoon to Grenada. Entries close 5/31/22.

The post Escape to the beautiful paradise of Grenada for your honeymoon appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Honeymooning is a special treat for all couples. It’s time set aside for you to celebrate your love and future as a married couple. To make it extra special, there’s an easy way to take your whole trip experience to the next level — pre-planned packages. These are perfect for couples who want an itinerary of fun things to do, but don’t want to handle the logistics. It is an extra cost to your trip, but they are so worth it (plus, this is a great item for your Honeyfund!).

Some of the best examples are the packages offered by Blue Desert Cabo for any of their luxury, private villas.

The Honeymoon Package

Start your forever in Los Cabos with this package. The cost is $1,000 per couple and includes a bottle of Dom Perignon upon arrival, VIP airport transfers, branded newlywed robes, slippers, and sandals, a private catamaran cruise with open bar and lunch, a romantic dinner at your villa by a dedicated private chef, daily couples massages, couples cooking class, daily breakfast, one-hour on-property photography tour, and a personalized floral arrangement.

The Foodie Tour

This package will feed your fanta-sea states at $750 per person and includes an immersive cooking class with a local chef at your villa, private mezcal tasting and chef’s table dinner in Acre’s Blue Room, cooking class at Acre and Flora Farms, a private meal prepared by a chef with wine pairings, reservations at Cabo’s top culinary destinations, and a fishing trip where you catch the fish that you will eat for dinner that evening.

The Wellness Retreat

Looking for a little R, R, & R (rest, relaxation, and recharging)? This package starts at $500 per person and includes daily beachside yoga, guided meditation, private facial and massage in your villa, a guided hike at Mt. Solmar, kayaking and paddleboarding excursion, and a private chef for the duration of your trip to make healthy meals for you.

If you’re looking for a luxury destination, we recommend checking out Blue Desert Cabo and their line of luxury villas. Plus, if you book with Blue Desert Cabo anytime between now and June 30, 2022, mention Honeyfund and you’ll receive an exclusive welcome refreshment on arrival, delivered right to your room.

Discover Blue Desert Cabo’s villas here.

The post How to Take Your Honeymoon to the Next Level appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

When you think of a honeymoon, you typically think of a luxury resort in a beautiful location. But most resort destinations look amazing compared to everyday travel. What truly sets a top-end resort apart from a typical travel experience?

There are five major distinctions for a resort to be categorized as luxury, so we tapped our friends at Blue Desert Cabo to explain them in detail.

Top-of-the-line service

Luxury destinations focus on one thing: you. Blue Desert Concierge is dedicated to making sure you are as happy as possible. Their team will be there every step of the way, starting with the booking process. They will help you plan your entire trip and ensure that all your needs are known and able to be met prior to arrival. Once you arrive at your destination you can expect a car service or shuttle service waiting for you at the airport. The resort will greet you warmly, often with a refreshment, handle your luggage for you, and there will never be a wait to check in. They want to make sure that your first impression is perfect.

Juan Ramon Guevara, president of the resort collection Blue Desert Cabo, shares what top-of-the-line service means to him, “Blue Desert’s main goal is to create memorable and unique experiences for our valued guests and make sure they have a blissful experience at our opulent resort. Top-of-the-line service means 24- hour butler service, private chefs, customized events and excursions, breathtaking views and villas, and all of the privacy a guest could ask for.”

Throughout your honeymoon, you’ll continue to experience this level of personal service from the entire staff. Every Blue Desert Cabo property offers butler services so you can focus on enjoying yourself. They’ll handle everything from ordering room service, to making reservations, working with the housekeeping staff to keep your room at your standard, and so much more. It’s truly an experience.

Only the best of the best

There’s a saying that “you get what you pay for” and that holds true for luxury resorts. Blue Desert’s team skimps on absolutely nothing. From the décor to the amenities, the food and beverages, the staff — everything is the best of the best. It can be more expensive to travel to these places, but you’ll never have anything but an impeccable experience during your stay.

Customization is their forte

Luxury resorts specialize in making your experience unique and unforgettable. During the booking process they will ask you what you like, and what you don’t like, to make sure that your stay is everything you’d dream of for a honeymoon. Customization is their forte and their teams are always willing and ready to uphold your expectations with experiences like yacht excursions, deep-sea fishing where a private chef will prepare the fish you caught that day for dinner, personal trainers, private dinners and tastings, water and land activities and so much more.

“Blue Desert’s concierge can arrange everything from an exceptional culinary experience made by our top-class chefs, exquisite drinks crafted by our talented mixologists, or even a relaxed in-villa spa treatment with no more than the sound of the waves calling from your terrace,” explains Juan Ramon Guevara, President of Blue Desert Cabo.

Discreet and secure

One thing that really sets luxury properties apart from a typical resort is their discretion and security. First, these destinations will typically be in a very safe area and employ security to ensure the resort is shielded from the outside world. They’re used to handling celebrities and other well-known figures, so keeping guests secure and respecting their privacy is second nature to them. Most of these resorts are designed with privacy in mind, so individual rooms will be spread out to give everyone their own space.

Breathtaking inside and outside

Every single inch of a luxury resort is picture perfect. The detail and upkeep of the property is extremely important, and they take it seriously. Every space is designed to enhance your experience, whether it’s for photo-ops, comfort, or functionality. The best quality décor and furnishings are used to give you a breathtaking room, resort, and view.

If you’re looking for a luxury destination that ticks these boxes, and more, we recommend checking out Blue Desert Cabo and their line of luxury villas. Plus, if you book with Blue Desert Cabo anytime between now and June 30, 2022, mention Honeyfund and you’ll receive an exclusive welcome refreshment on arrival, delivered right to your room.

Discover Blue Desert Cabo’s villas here.

The post 5 Must-have Features of a Luxury Honeymoon appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

We’ve all seen the paparazzi shots (and Instagram posts) of celebrities on breathtakingly beautiful honeymoons. They’re infamous for staying in lavish private estates with all the luxuries you’d expect a celebrity to have on their honeymoon.

Does that sound like your kind of life-changing honeymoon? If so we’ve got just the place for you in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Privacy is Key

Our go-to celebrity-style resort collection is Blue Desert Cabo – this group of more than 40 glowing properties is focused on privacy, so there’s no need to worry about hundreds of people passing through the pool, lobby, or other public areas. No matter which Blue Desert Cabo property you choose, it’ll just be you and your honey. Privacy is key to celebrities and Blue Desert Cabo does it with perfection.

Many of the gated properties feature infinity pools, outdoor bars and patios, firepits, private gyms, ocean-front views and private beach entrances. Because of their close proximity to the beach, Blue Desert Cabo offers water adventures like sailing, yachting, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, swimming with dolphins and more. Add an array of adventures, foodie tours, and health and wellness activities, and you have the recipe for a perfect honeymoon.

All Luxury, All the Time

Celebrities have a high standard for their resort experience, and Blue Desert Cabo doesn’t spare any luxuries for their guest. From a luxury vehicle with a personal driver, to a secure and exclusive butler on call 24-hours a day, and private award-winning chefs, it’s no wonder why celebrities like Dr. Drew, Josh Flagg, Jordyn Woods, and Gabby Epstein have vacationed at one of their properties.

To make your honeymoon extra special, their notable party planners can turn your villa into whatever your dream is. They are also available to plan special events, like creating a private fireworks display right on the beach, followed by an intimate night at the firepit indulging in s’mores. Now that’s the kind of thing guests want to get behind by contributing to your Honeyfund!

We also recommended registering for the Honeymoon Package ($1,000 per couple) for your stay. You’ll arrive to Dom Perignon, VIP airport transfers, branded newlywed accessories, a private catamaran cruise, a romantic dinner at your villa, daily massages, daily breakfast, one-hour on-property photoshoot, and more.

Plus, if you book with Blue Desert Cabo anytime between now and June 30, 2022, mention Honeyfund and you’ll receive an exclusive welcome fiesta delivered right to your room (chips + guac and margaritas or a bucket of beer to wash it down!).

Discover Blue Desert Cabo’s properties here.

The post Honeymoon like a celebrity – It’s easier than you think appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Costa Rica is an absolutely breathtaking destination in Central America. You’ll have the best honeymoon here, experiencing the rainforest with its tropical plants and wildlife, and the coast with its beautiful beaches. Soak in the picturesque scenery this laid back country has to offer and make everlasting memories with the great experiences this destination has for honeymooners. Their motto is “pura vida,” and pure life is exactly what you’ll experience here!

Costa Rica Geography

Costa Rica is sandwiched between Nicaragua, to the north, and Panama, to the south in Central America. It’s north of the equator, with the Caribbean Sea to its east and Pacific Ocean to the west. This peaceful nation does not have a national army and it comprises seven provinces. Its capital city, San José, is centrally located in the foothills.

The center of the country has various volcanoes, mountain ranges, and cloud forests. The coasts bring beaches and water activities. There’s no shortage of nature and national parks in Costa Rica. Be sure to visit the Osa Peninsula, which National Geographic magazine determined is the most ecologically diverse in the world!

Weather in Costa Rica and Peak Times to Visit

The weather in Costa Rica is fairly warm, year round. On average, it’s between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. But expect to experience some microclimates during your honeymoon in the cloud forests and higher elevations if you visit.

Their rainy season is during summer into fall (around May through November) but this is also the low season for tourists. It’s typical for it to rain a little bit everyday during the rainy season but not the entire day. Things are incredibly lush and green during these months. You may also find better deals during summer than during peak season in winter, whether honeymoon packages, hotels or adventure activities for your trip.

Time Zone, Currency and Language of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time (CST) and they do not observe Daylight Savings.
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. Yet most people you will encounter in the tourism world during your Costa Rica Honeymoon – from hotels and resorts to tour guides – speak English. Communication shouldn’t be an issue even if you don’t speak Spanish.

The currency in Costa Rica is called colones, with $1 USD equally about ₡600 Costa Rican colones. If something cost ₡3600 it’s about $6.00 USD.

Getting to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is south of North America, and just a flight or two away. You’ll be relaxing on your honeymoon in Costa Rica after about a half day or full day of travel, depending on your point of departure.

Airports for your Costa Rica Honeymoon

You’ll likely travel to your honeymoon destination from the nearest airport and fly into SJO airport, Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose.

Here’s three sample flight paths from major metropolitan areas in the United States and associated costs during for flights the last week of April:

• LAX: $325 (13 hour of travel, 1 stop)
• NYC: $256 (just under 6 hours, non-stop)
• IAH: $400 (10 hours of travel, including 1 stop)

Family and friends can easily help contribute to your Costa Rica honeymoon airfare with the help of a Honeyfund Costa Rica honeymoon registry.

Visa and Passport Information for Your Costa Rica Honeymoon

You don’t need a visa to visit Costa Rica, but you will need a valid passport with one available page for stamps for the length of your honeymoon visit. You’ll also need proof of a return flight or onward trip leaving the country. (Even if you fall in love with the country – which we suspect you will – you can’t stay!)

Vaccinations Needed for Your Honeymoon in Costa Rica

Routine vaccines (including Chicken Pox, Polio, and the Flu) are recommended for your honeymoon, plus some additional vaccines.

It’s advised most travelers get Hepatitis A and Typhoid, and potentially Yellow Fever and Malaria vaccines if you’re traveling to certain parts of the country.

Covid-19 Considerations Traveling to Costa Rica

Americans traveling to Costa Rica must fill out a Health Pass form prior to their arrival. Additionally, visitors must have travel insurance of at least $50,000 USD coverage, that would potentially take care of medical expenses in Costa Rica should COVID-19 related illnesses arise.

Costa Rica LGBTQ+ Considerations

Costa Rica was a Central American leader in the gay rights movement, as the first in the region to legalize gay marriage in spring 2020.

While the progress may be slow it’s certainly at the forefront of the country’s priorities. LGBTQ+ couples honeymooning in Costa Rica can expect to have a relaxing getaway.

Food to try in Costa Rica during your Honeymoon Trip

The food in Costa Rica is delicious! Here’s five things you should be sure to try while on your Costa Rica honeymoon:

• Gallo pinto: Rice and beans, eaten for any meal, including breakfast.
• Salsa Lizano: This delicious brand name condiment is on nearly every table in Costa Rica.
• Tamales: Typically including rice, beans, vegetables and a protein (like beef or chicken) wrapped in banana leaves. They are a popular dish in Costa Rica during Christmas time, especially.
• Casado: This is simply a combination plate typical of any Costa Rican home or restaurant.
• Ceviche: Mild white fish is cooked while marinating in lime juice in this refreshing and healthy dish.

5 Popular Areas of Costa Rica, Things to do there for your Honeymoon, and Where to Stay

Arenal and La Fortuna

The stars of the destination in Arenal and La Fortuna are two things: Arenal volcano and natural hot springs, resulting from the active volcano.

Sign up for an excursion to go whitewater rafting on the Toro River, or visit La Fortuna Waterfall, with a natural pool at its base. The waterfall at La Paz is also a must-see in the area. If you’re into agritourism head to North Fields Cafe for a coffee farm tour.

Resorts in this area make it possible to stay somewhere that also has natural hot springs. Look into Nayara Springs for a honeymoon suite with its own personal plunge pool or Tabacon Hot Springs on the Tabacon River, complete with a luxurious spa onsite.

Monteverde

If your heart is set on seeing a rainforest, a cloud forest in Costa Rica may be what you’re craving. The Monteverde Cloud Forest (a rainforest at a higher elevation) is rich with wildlife, both flora and fauna. Hike through the forest to enjoy a romantic adventure on your honeymoon.

You can also take a zip line canopy tour in Monteverde, a unique way to experience the cloud forest.
Stay in the thick of the tropical paradise at a treehouse boutique hotel, in one of six rooms at Hidden Canopy Treehouses. Or if you want to stay in something a bit more upscale and luxurious Koora Hotel could be an ideal honeymoon resort in the heart of nature. Poco a Poco is a Hotel & Spa is an all-encompassing resort, with multiple pools, stunning walkways throughout the property and spa treatments available on the property.

Puntarenas and the Osa Peninsula

One of the most well known national parks in Costa Rica is Manuel Antonio. It’s on the western Pacific Ocean side of the country; the ocean views from its beaches are stunning. Honeymooners who visit can hike its nature trails for a break from the beach. It’s also fun to try to spot sloths, monkeys and birds along the journey. Manuel Antonio National Park is incredibly popular and sometimes has a wait to get in because they control the population visiting throughout the day.

One of the honeymoon resorts in the area to consider, just about an hour away, is Vista Celestial. Guests can partake in yoga classes, spa treatments, snorkeling, dolphin watching, horseback riding and much more from this resort with both rainforest and ocean views.

Also close by is the Osa Peninsula. This area is a wildlife and nature haven where you can see colorful red, yellow and blue Macaws flying overhead as you enjoy beach sand between your toes.

A beautiful resort to consider for your Costa Rica honeymoon in the Osa Peninsula is Lapa Rios, which offers guests honeymoon packages. It’s at the southeast tip of the peninsula with easy access to the beach for things like surfing lessons, horseback riding, or wildlife tours. Ask for the deluxe bungalow facing East, where you wake up every day with a view of the sunrise from your pillow.

Guanacaste

This popular province of Costa Rica has plenty to do on your Costa Rica honeymoon. Go whitewater tubing on the Rio Negro (or Black River), enjoy the beach at Playa Tamarindo, or take surfing lessons at Hermosa Beach.

Visit Liberia in Guanacaste, nicknamed the “White City” because of its white-painted architecture. (There’s also an international airport in Liberia, formally named Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, code LIR. It’s a little smaller than the country’s main international airport in San Jose. If you want to quickly get from San Jose to Liberia, consider a short domestic flight.)

Resorts here carry more familiar names, like a JW Marriott and Andaz Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. The eco-friendly beachfront resort, Hotel Punta Islita, is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection of hotels. If your Costa Rica honeymoon calls for a splurge, you may want to stay at the Four Seasons at Peninsula Papgayo in Guanacaste, across from Playa Virador.

Consider visiting one of the many national parks on the Papagayo Peninsula, including:

• Marino Las Baulas National Park
• Diria National Park
• Barra Honda National Park
• Palo Verde National Park

Tortuguero

Tortuguero is on the northeast coast of Costa Rica. It’s famous for Tortuguero National Park, where sea turtles crawl onto the beach to lay their eggs and nest from June to mid-October. It’s an adventure for the turtles and for visitors – but you should sign up for a tour with a professional guide as to ensure you’re respecting nature, the beach and animals. Seeing the turtles nest at night is an unforgettable experience.
You and your spouse can sign up for a kayaking excursion to spot wildlife in the intracoastal waterways, or go sport fishing on the Caribbean Sea.

Honeymooners should stay at a hotel with a pool if you love to swim, since the waters along the northeast coast aren’t suitable for swimming. This is due to strong currents and sharks.

Laguna Lodge is an eco-friendly hotel. Tortuga Lodge and Gardens is one of the hotels in the area with views of the rainforest and Tortuga River, as well as waterfront dining.

Costa Rica Honeymoon Registry

Don’t forget to start your honeymoon registry for your adventures in Central America with Honeyfund. Begin with our sample Costa Rica Honeymoon Registry.

Note: If you purchase through this e-mail, Honeyfund may earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through this link. In fact, Honeyfund works hard to make many recommended products and services available at LOWER rates. We ONLY recommend products and ideas we use and love ourselves.

The post Honeymoon in Costa Rica for Everlasting Memories in a Tropical Paradise appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Embark on a memorable Switzerland honeymoon, a romantic destination with breathtaking landscapes and famous landmarks. Castles peeking out of snow-covered mountains and picturesque villages add to the natural beauty of this European country. Visit its charming attractions, scenic waterfront promenades on many lakes and rivers, its enchanting valleys and alluring mountain peaks.

Nighttime in Lucerne, Switzerland

Switzerland’s Geography and Cities

This landlocked country is defined by its Alpine mountains (and the highs and lows in its geography that go along with it), which cover over 50% of the country. It is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to its northeast, and Liechtenstein and Austria to the east.

At its widest point, the country is just 220 miles. From north to south, it is 135 miles.

You’ll often see Switzerland abbreviated as “CH,” which stands for Confoederatio Helvetica (Swiss Confederation). This stems from the time when Switzerland was formed in the 13th century by political subdivisions called cantons. Today, the small country is divided into 26 cantons.

Many major rivers start in Switzerland, namely the Rhône and the Rhine. They meet in the Swiss Alps. The snow-capped mountains of this area are famous for their beauty and world-class skiing. They are also renowned for “The Matterhorn” mountain, an icon of Switzerland.

The Matterhorn, Switzerland

Here are three major cities in Switzerland and what each is known for:

Zurich: This is the country’s biggest city and perhaps one of the world’s wealthiest. It’s famous for its art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and high-end shopping. Be sure to take a romantic walk along Lake Zurich while there during your Switzerland honeymoon.

Lucerne: This destination in central Switzerland (just 40 minutes from Zurich) is known for its storybook fairytale-like medieval old town. The colorful medieval architecture is set against the astonishing Lake Lucerne.

Geneva: This city is amongst popular Switzerland honeymoon destinations, with its charming cobblestone streets in the old town neighborhood. Its location is far west in the country, as it reaches towards France. It is the second most populated city in the nation and is home to Lake Geneva. The city center has Jardin Anglais, a garden that is undoubtedly one of the notable romantic places to visit in the city, well known for its flower clock.

Sunrise over Zürich, Switzerland

Language in Switzerland

Switzerland is a unique country when it comes to languages: it recognizes four national languages. These are German, French, Italian and Romansh, mainly with a Swiss vernacular. German is spoken most widely out of the four. However, you’ll find people who speak English, in addition to their native language, all over the country.

Switzerland’s Time Zone

Switzerland is a small country, and it’s all in one time zone. It’s on Central European Time, and they observe Daylight Savings Time. If it’s noon in New York, it’s 6 pm in Zurich, Switzerland, and it’s 9 am in Los Angeles.

Trient, Switzerland

Swiss Currency

The Swiss Franc is used as currency in Switzerland. Though currency rates fluctuate every day, one Swiss Franc is equal to about $1.12 USD. Major credit cards are accepted all over Switzerland.

LGBTQ+ Community in Switzerland

Switzerland has been making strides towards equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community in the past decade. Legislation to allow same-sex marriage was passed in December 2020, and is subject to a referendum in September 2021. Public opinion strongly supports same-sex marriage.

Gay couples should feel welcome in urban centers like Zurich, Geneva and Basel, especially, where gay bars and clubs can also be found. Geneva and Zurich have annual Pride festivals, as well.

Discretion is recommended when traveling to small towns in Switzerland, as the mindset there may not be entirely caught up to the progress of large cities.

Christmas lights, Zürich, Switzerland

Weather and Best Time to Visit Switzerland

There’s never a wrong time to take a honeymoon in Switzerland. It just depends on what you want to do during your Switzerland honeymoon. In winter, you can enjoy skiing, winter sports, and picturesque, snowy landscapes. In summer, you can hike or simply enjoy the sunshine as you sip cocktails on a landscaped terrace. No matter the season, the views are incredible.

Jungfrau, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

As with any honeymoon destination, you should consider going in the shoulder season if you want to save some money. For a Switzerland honeymoon, this would be ideal in September, after summer’s tourist season, but while the weather is still lovely. If you wish to go to Switzerland to partake in winter sports and activities, consider going January through mid-March.

Mount Pilatus, Alpnach, Switzerland

Getting to Your Switzerland Honeymoon

Flights to Your Romantic Honeymoon in Switzerland

Getting to Switzerland is accessible by plane from the United States. There are three major cities that people fly into within Switzerland: Geneva, Basel or Zurich. We’ve priced flights to Switzerland’s Zurich Airport (airport code ZRH), the country’s largest city, from three major United States cities during the third week in October.

NYC to ZRH: nonstop flight just under 8 hours for $580

LAX to ZRH: just over 18 hours of traveling with one stop for $1,300

IAH to ZRH: just under 12 hours of traveling with one stop for $1,200

Suppose you start a trip at one end of the country (perhaps north, like Zurich) and end up traveling to Geneva, located in the western part of the country. In that case, you may want to consider flying back home from the Geneva Airport.

Berninabahn, Switzerland

Getting Around Switzerland

You can take public transportation from the airport to get to the city and surrounding areas, whether a train, tram or bus. Renting a car is always an option, which will allow you to stop at charming Swiss towns along your journey. (FYI, the Swiss drive on the right side of the road.)

Passport and Visa Requirements

It’s recommended that you have six months of validity left on your passports when you’re visiting this European country. However, you must have 90 days left on your passport from the time you leave the country. No visa is required if you’re there for less than 90 days.

Bern, Switzerland

Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations are recommended if you’re going on a Switzerland honeymoon, including Hepatitis A and B, Polio, the Flu, Measles-Mumps-Rubella, and Chickenpox.

COVID-19

As of June 26, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers can visit Switzerland without a COVID test. Alternatively, non-vaccinated travelers can prove a negative PCR test taken within three days (72 hours) before arrival in Switzerland. All visitors have to fill out an entry form.

Sunset over Geneva, Switzerland

Where to Stay/Resorts on Your Switzerland Honeymoon

These honeymoon resorts are suggestions of where to stay in various locations throughout the country. They’ll provide memorable escapes for your Switzerland honeymoon.

Zurich: If you’ve dreamed of staying in a 5-star, deluxe luxury resort in Zurich, then try the Dolder Grand. It’s located just on the city’s outskirts, but its architecture is divine (and very castle-like, with modern interiors). For something within the city’s heart, try a boutique hotel, like La Réserve on the water. It is within walking distance to local attractions, including the Opera House, which is just five minutes away.

Geneva: Hotel Les Armures is a 5-star boutique hotel. The 17th-century property in the heart of the city’s old town has been modernized but maintains its charm. Another option is the lovely boutique hotel, Hôtel Longemalle, decorated in a contemporary style, also in the heart of Geneva.

Interlaken, which is between Zurich and Geneva, has Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa Hotel. This hotel is worth noting if you really want to treat yourselves to a luxury resort experience during your Switzerland honeymoon. It has an onsite spa and several dining options, including outside on their terrace overlooking Switzerland’s incredible mountains.

Lucerne: For something fun, stay at the art-deco Hotel Montana, with their beautiful rooftop bar overlooking the city. Another option is Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora, a fantastic choice that is very close to the Lucerne train station.

Cable car, Alps, Switzerland

Things to Add to your Switzerland Honeymoon Itinerary

Get a 360-degree view from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: This cable car ride allows a full range of views from the clear sides of the cars that take you through several mountaintops. The summit has a restaurant, cinema and viewing platform.

Lake Lucerne Boat Tour, Lucerne, Switzerland

Take a boat ride around Lake Lucerne, Lake Brienz or Lake Thun: These lakes are beautiful, and there’s more than one way to see them. Get on the lake with a boat ride for a unique perspective, especially of the land you’ve been exploring during your Switzerland honeymoon.

Make reservations at a restaurant for a romantic dinner or lunch, like the picturesque Ascher Restaurant (Aescher-Gasthaus am Berg). This famous landmark was built into the side of a cliff in the 19th century, and it’s a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Zurich. Don’t forget to try fondue, a Swiss classic, while you’re on your Switzerland honeymoon.

Oberhofen Castle, Oberhofen, Switzerland

Visit castles in neighboring Geneva towns: Take a day trip to see the castles in Lausanne and areas around Lake Geneva for the day—or multiple days. There is Chateau Saint-Marie, Chillon Castle, Oron Castle—the list goes on.

Ride the GoldenPass train line: Besides offering gorgeous panoramic views of the Swiss countryside, this is an excellent way to get from Lucerne to Interlaken.

Gelmersee, Guttannen, Switzerland

Honeymoon Registry with Honeyfund

Your Switzerland honeymoon cost will be made much more manageable with help from family and friends. Especially with all you’ve added to your Switzerland honeymoon itinerary! Honeyfund makes it possible for them to gift you presents for your Switzerland honeymoon. Sign up for a Honeyfund registry today and bring this honeymoon trip into clear view.

The post Adventure into the Majestic Alps on Your Switzerland Honeymoon appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Honeymoon in Paris

The “City of Lights” is arguably one of the most romantic cities in the world (if not the most romantic city), which makes it one of the most excellent honeymoon destinations around the globe. Thus, it goes without saying that Paris often comes to mind when thinking about honeymooning in Europe. A visit to this city will always include romance and everlasting memories, whether you’re strolling along the Seine River or enjoying taking photos in front of the Eiffel Tower. Your perfect Paris honeymoon starts here.

Bridge over the Seine, Paris, France

Geography of Paris

Paris is the capital of France, located in the central northern region of the country. The Seine River arcs through the city, and many of Paris’s famous landmarks are on its riverfront. This includes the Eiffel Tower, Jardin des Tuileries, and Place de la Concord. Two little islands remain on the river in the city: Île de la Cité, where Notre Dame is, and Île Saint-Louis, right next to it.

The city has its left bank, south of the river, and right bank, east of the river. Famously, eight bridges cross over the river in Paris, connecting its left and right banks. One of the most famous bridges is Pont des Arts.

Paris neighborhoods are divided into 20 “arrondissements,” numbered 1 through 20 from the city center spiraling outward in a clockwise direction. Some of the city’s most famous tourist neighborhoods are Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, and Saint Germain des Prés.

Paris is a pretty flat city that is easy to walk around (so we recommend you wear comfy shoes). Still, it’s large, so you’ll likely want to use public transportation, like the Metro, to help you both get around. (The city is only noticeably hilly in its Montmartre area, where the famous Sacré-Cœur basilica sits on the hilltop that the neighborhood is named after.)

Jardin des Tuileries, Paris, France

Language in Paris

Paris is within France, where the official language is French. While mostly everyone you meet speaks English, if only a little, it’s polite to know a few words and phrases to use during your Paris honeymoon. This includes things like hello, which is “bonjour,” yes or “oui.” Simple etiquette words are also great to know, including please, which is “s’il vous plaît.” and thank you, which is “merci.”

Time Zone in Paris

Paris’s time zone is GMT +2, in Central European Time. They observe Daylight Savings Time. It’s six hours ahead of NYC and nine hours ahead of Los Angeles. If it is 7 pm in Paris, it’s 1 pm in New York, and 10 am in Los Angeles.

La Maison Rose à Paris, Montmartre, Paris, France

Currency in Paris

The currency of Paris is that of France, which is the Euro. Though currency rates fluctuate, the exchange rate of one Euro is equal to approximately $1.19 USD. Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere in Paris.

LGBTQ+ Community in Paris

Paris has a strong LGBTQ+ Community and has many gay bars and clubs within its city limits. The city hosts an annual Pride parade each June.

Same-sex marriage in France has been legal since 2013, and couples who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community visiting Paris, especially, should feel comfortable to be themselves.

Springtime in Paris, France

Best Time to Take Your Paris Honeymoon

Paris experiences four seasons. It’s warm during the summer season, with temperatures hitting the high 70s, and it’s cool in the winter, with temperatures dipping in the 30s.

December through February are the coldest months; June through September are the warmest. May, October, and December may be the rainiest months, but it rains in Paris fairly consistently all year. Though it sometimes snows in Paris, it’s usually not a heavy downfall. The snowiest month is typically January.

The peak season is the summer. Traveling in summer will give you the warmest Paris honeymoon, but also the most crowded. If you choose to visit in summer, you may simply need some more pre-planning and more budget to get what you want.

Shoulder season (Spring and Fall) is a good time to visit and embark on your Paris honeymoon when the weather is still good, but the tourism numbers have subsided a little. You’ll have a chance for better hotel rates for your Paris honeymoon during this time and more options for timed entries, like art museums.

Trocadero from Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Flying to Paris

Paris is easily accessible via its major international airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle (code CDG).

Here are sample flights from three major US cities for the second week in September:

NYC to CDG: nonstop flight with 7 hours of traveling for $660

LAX to CDG: nonstop flight that takes just under 11 hours and costs $1,240

IAH to CDG: nonstop flight taking about 9.5 hours for $1,800

From CDG airport, you can take a train, bus or taxi into the city. The regional RER train takes less than an hour to arrive in Paris and is €10.

The other international airport in the area is Paris-Orly (code ORY). It may be worth comparing flights to and from both airports for your desired Paris honeymoon travel dates. 

3rd arrondissement, Paris, France

Passport and Visa Requirements to Visit Paris, France

A visa for a stay of fewer than 90 days is not required if you’re visiting France for a honeymoon. But you’ll need a valid passport that has one blank page for stamps. And it has to be valid for three months after you depart from France back to the United States.

Recommended Vaccinations

Travelers visiting Paris (and France, as a whole) should have routine vaccines. This includes the Flu, Chickenpox, Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Polio and Hepatitis A and B.

COVID-19 Safety when Visiting France

There are currently no COVID-19 travel restrictions to visit France if you come from the United States and are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated passengers must have proof of a negative PCR COVID test taken within 72 hours of their arrival.

Atop Notre Dame, Paris, France

Notable Paris Honeymoon Hotels

Hotel selection is essential for your Paris honeymoon getaway. The best hotels could very much set the scene for romantic things to do in the area. Imagine accommodations with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance or a luxurious hotel you can escape to for a couples massage after a day of walking around this fairy tale city.

Below are some romantic Paris honeymoon hotels for your consideration, broken down into those on the left and right banks of the city, in various price ranges.

Hotel Esprit Saint Germain

Left Bank Paris Hotels

Hôtel des Grand Hommes: opposite Paris’s Pantheon, this hotel has historical roots dating back to the 18th century.

Esprit Saint Germain: offering rooms and suites as well as apartment rental options. Some even have a private terrace!

Hotel de la Bretonnerie: in Le Marais, this cozy boutique hotel is near tons of shopping and restaurants.

Hôtel Georgette: with a funky, youthful vibe, also in the Marais district.

Relais Christine: a small luxury hotel in a 16th-century mansion with a charming courtyard entrance, just two blocks from Pont Neuf and a ten-minute walk to Notre Dame.

Hotel Lutetia

Right Bank Paris Hotels

Hôtel Ritz Paris: for the ultimate in Parisian luxury, a location near Place Vendôme and an onsite spa.

Four Seasons Hotel George V: a luxury hotel brand you know and trust, with three Michelin restaurants accumulating five stars, off the prestigious Parisian promenade, Champs-Elysee.

The Westin Paris: just across from the Tuileries and part of the Marriott brand of hotels.

La Comtesse: just steps from the Eiffel Tower with an onsite cafe.

Hôtel Lutetia: the only luxury palace hotel on the city’s left bank. Picasso and Matisse took up residence here, and the famous 1920s entertainer, Josephine Baker, was a regular.

Arc de Triomphe

Things to Do in Paris

Visit Paris’s Famous Landmarks

Visiting the most famous and well-known landmark is a must during your Paris honeymoon: the Eiffel Tower, an icon of this romantic city. (Take the Paris Metro to the Gare Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel station for easy access.) For fewer people in your photos, visit during sunrise.

Vacationing in Paris also calls for visits to famous churches, including Notre Dame. (It’s temporarily closed for repairs from a terrible fire, but you can visit the outside, which is gorgeous.) Just across the way, on the same island, is Sainte-Chapelle. Its awe-inspiring stained glass windows are only visible from inside.

Another iconic landmark, the Arc de Triomphe, stands in a circle along the Champs-Elysee, which is also worth a stroll down. The giant arch was built to commemorate those who fought and died during the Napoleonic Wars and French Revolution. Don’t miss a climb to the top of the arch for spectacular views of Paris. 

The Palais Royal was built in the 17th century and was home to royal families before Versailles. Entrance to the national landmark and former palace is free.

Mona Lisa, Louvre, Paris, France

Spend A Day or Half Day at an Art Gallery or at Paris Museums

Paris has incredible art galleries. To decide which you’re going to visit, you may want to investigate the works of art at specific locations. For instance, if you wish to see the Mona Lisa, it’s at the Louvre. If you want to see a modern art collection by famous artists like Andy Warhol and Man Ray, visit the Centre Pompidou. Another outstanding museum is Musée de l’Orangerie, with famous works of art from Claude Monet inside.

The Musée d’Orsay is a fun one to visit for its architecture alone—the beautiful works of art inside notwithstanding—because it’s built within an old train station.

Moulin Rouge, Montmartre, Paris, France

See a Cabaret Performance

Travel to the Montmartre district in Paris to see a live cabaret performance at the world-famous Moulin Rouge. It’s easy to spot with the red windmill on top of the theater. After all, the name literally translates to “red mill.”

Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois, Paris, Île-de-France, France

Travel on the River Seine

Take a Seine River Cruise and enjoy the sunset on the water, or perhaps champagne on a boat ride that travels the river’s length in the city.

Versailles, France

Take Day Trips from Paris

If you’re staying in Paris, you may also take advantage of the trains from the city center.

You can easily get to Versailles during your Paris honeymoon for an extraordinary day trip. When you take a train out to the palace, you’ll find it’s within walking distance of the station. One of the most romantic places in Versailles is its impressive outdoor gardens, with its Grand Canal, fountains and many hedged plants.

You can also get to the Champagne region of France from Paris within an hour. If you do, take a tour to taste lots of bubbly in the area that invented it!

Croissants and Coffee

Eat Your Way through Paris

World-class cuisine is easy to find in Paris. Whether you discover French classics on your own—like escargot (snails) or Coq au Vin (chicken cooked in a wine sauce)—or take a French food tour, you’ll be well-fed on your Paris honeymoon. Enjoy France’s delectable cheese and baguettes—and Parisian pastries if you have a sweet tooth. Be sure to wash down whatever you eat with French wine or some espresso as you partake in “cafe culture” in the city, whatever the hour.

You can also sign up for a cooking class in Paris, which hopefully your family and friends help you pay for, through your honeymoon registry on Honeyfund.

Eiffel Tower and the Seine, Paris, France

Honeymoon Registry with Honeyfund

Speaking of your honeymoon registry, don’t delay in starting yours today. Family and friends will surely want to have a hand in helping make your dream Paris honeymoon a reality without actually being there! Start with our sample France registry and tailor it to your and your partner’s desires.

The post Revel in the Romance of the “City of Lights” on Your Paris Honeymoon appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Greece is one of the best honeymoon destinations in southern Europe. It’s a great place to mix the rest and relaxation with a sense of wonder. Enjoy luxury hotels with infinity pools, ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and the beauty of the Greek Isles on your Greece honeymoon.

Acropolis of Athens, Greece

Geography of Greece

Greece is the southernmost country on the Balkan Peninsula in Europe. Three characteristics define Greece: the coastline, its lowlands and the mountains. Most people think of the Greek Islands when they think of Greece, which is not a surprise because there are over 2,000 of them! (About 170 are inhabited.)

An estimated one-third of Greece’s population lives in Athens, the country’s capital city. Major tourist areas, towns and islands in Greece, in addition to Athens, include Santorini and Mykonos (part of what is considered the Cyclades Islands), Crete, and Corfu (part of the Ionian Islands).  

Bordering northern Greece, from west to east, is Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Istanbul. The Ionian Sea, Mediterranean, and the Aegean Sea are the three water bodies surrounding the rest of Greece. Turkey, which is east of Greece, shares the Aegean Sea. The southernmost peninsula of mainland Greece is called Pelopónnisos.

Mýkonos, Greece

Language in Greece

The official language of Greece is Greek. You may be familiar with the Greek alphabet if you were in a sorority or fraternity, but unless you have Greek ancestry, it’s unlikely you know how to read it and speak it! Don’t worry though—Greece is very English-friendly, especially for tourists.

Street signs often feature both Greek and English, most people you encounter in tourism speak English, and even the subway announcements in Athens are in Greek and English.

Greece’s Time Zone

Greece is on Eastern European Time, which is GMT +3. They observe Daylight Savings Time. If it is 6 am in Los Angeles, it is 9 am in NYC, and it’s 4 pm in Greece.

Currency

Greece uses the Euro as its currency. One Euro is equal to approximately $1.20 USD, though currency rates often fluctuate even if ever-so-slightly.

Athens Pride Parade, Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece

LGBTQ+ Community in Greece

Though it isn’t legal for same-sex couples to marry in Greece, civil unions are recognized, and they also recognize same-sex foreign marriages. Notwithstanding, many Greek people are progressive when it comes to the LGBTQ+ inclusivity, especially in major areas including Athens, Crete and Mykonos. Athens hosts an annual Pride parade.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community should feel comfortable in large cities on their Greece honeymoon but may use discretion if traveling to smaller towns, which may not be as progressive in their beliefs about same-sex rights.

Perfkochori Beach, Greece

Weather and the Best Time to Go On Your Greece Honeymoon

June and September are ideal months to visit Greece. Avoiding July and August (peak season) means you’ll stay away from the high heat temperature during summer and also hoards of tourists crowding honeymoon destinations within the country. It also means that you’ll still have many options for ferries, private boat charters, and flights to travel between the Greek Isles. Scheduled flights and sailings tend to lessen in the shoulder season and even more in the off-season.

May and early October are also good choices. You may want to avoid winter, for instance, as some restaurants completely close for winter in touristy areas.

The weather varies based on where you’ll be, dependent upon islands or elevation. But generally speaking, Greece experiences a typical Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and wet winters.

Winter temperatures are typically in the 50s, and summers can be as warm as between 80° to 100°F.

Skiathos Bench, Skiathos, Greece

Getting to Greece

You’ll fly to your Greece honeymoon, and then, if you wish to island-hop (whether for a day trip or to visit other locations where you’ll stay overnight), you’ll either take a ferry, private boat ride, or short flight between the Greek Islands.

Flights

You can easily fly to your Greece honeymoon from the United States. Flying to Athens will put you in an excellent central geographic location within the country. That’s convenient if you want to fly to other places while you’re there.

Athens’ airport is called “Eleftherios Venizelos Airport,” in Greek (airport code: ATH).

Here are three flights from three major cities in the United States to Athens during the third week of September:

NYC to ATH: between 9 and 10 hours nonstop, for $800

IAH to ATH: approximately 15 hours of flying with one stop, for $700

LAX to ATH: about 16 hours of flying with one stop, for $650

Mount Olympus, Greece

Passport and Visa Requirements

A Greece honeymoon will require you to travel with a valid passport. They recommend that your passport have six months validity from the time you leave the country to head back home. You also need one blank page available per stamp. (It’s a good idea to have two pages, one per stamp upon entering and leaving the country.)

You do not need a visa to visit Greece if you are there for fewer than 90 days.

Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations are recommended for your Greece honeymoon, including the Flu, Chickenpox, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), and Hepatitis A and B. Rabies is recommended only if you’ll be working directly with wildlife during your honeymoon.

COVID-19 Precautions in Greece

All travelers visiting Greece must fill out a Passenger Locator Form before they enter the country. You must also either be fully vaccinated (more than two weeks before your trip, with proof of vaccination) or provide evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival.

Parthenon, Athens, Greece

Things to Do On Your Greece Honeymoon

Greece is known for its crystalline blue waters, picturesque harbors, beautiful beaches and a history dating back thousands of years with landmarks to go with it. Your honeymoon can be a mix of all of these things, no matter what islands or mainland area you visit. (Be sure to spend time in Athens, which has some historic landmarks you’ll want to see if you’re into history.)

Here are some key things you can do on your Greece honeymoon:

Enjoy delicious meals tasting the local food, which is an essential part of the culture. (Read on for information on what to try!) You can also sign up for a cooking class or partake in a wine tasting for a guided taste of some local wine.

See ancient ruins. Sites of note are 1) the Acropolis, the Agora and Hephaestus Temple, all in Athens, 2) Knossos in Crete, and 3) the archeological sites of Sparta and Olympia on the Peloponnese peninsula.

Enjoy some fun nightlife. Mykonos is particularly known for its party scene after the sun goes down.

Fall in love again, with each other and Greece, as you walk around Little Venice in Mykonos.

Take a sunset cruise, whether in Santorini, Thasos or elsewhere. You can book a private sailing, just for the two of you, or opt to take a group cruise.

Go hiking! If you love adventure, get off the beaten path with a 2-day guided hike of Mount Olympus on the mainland or hike the Corfu trail—in part or whole—on the island of the same name.

Psathopyrgos, Greece

Food to Try During your Greece Honeymoon for an Authentic Experience

You don’t have to go to Greece to know that Greek food is renowned around the world. But while you’re there, why not seek out some traditional cuisine for an even more authentic experience during your honeymoon?

Below are suggestions for savory and sweet foods to try, either in Greek taverns or fine restaurants.

Horiatiki

Savory Greek Food

Horiatiki: a traditional Greek salad consisting of cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, red onion and olives without any lettuce

Moussaka: a layered dish (like a Greek version of lasagna) with ground meat cooked in a tomato sauce, with layers of eggplant and a creamy béchamel sauce

Pastitsio: similar to moussaka, but the meat is cooked in a cinnamon-wine sauce, and the eggplant is subbed for pasta, like macaroni or ziti noodles. The creamy béchamel sauce remains. (Think of it as a meaty Greek baked ziti.)

Saganaki: fried cheese (and oh-so-good)

Tzatziki: a yogurt sauce containing cucumbers, garlic and oil

Yemista: Greek stuffed tomatoes and peppers, usually with rice or meat

Pastries, Amorgos, Greece

Sweet Greek Food

Baklava: flaky phyllo dough is layered with chopped nuts and soaked in a honey and lemon simple syrup

Kataifi: named after the dough used to create the dessert (which is like thin angel hair pasta) that is rolled with a nut mixture inside, baked and then soaked in simple syrup with honey and spices

Revani: a semolina cake soaked in orange syrup

Pasteli: sweet candy made with sesame seeds and honey

Ios, Greece

Romantic Hotels to Consider for the Perfect Greece Honeymoon

There are many possibilities for where to travel during your Greece honeymoon. Still, we have named a couple of hotels to consider in the frequented tourist destinations below at different price points:

Athens: Coco-Mat Athens and King George both offer rooftop views of the Acropolis. 

Santorini: Nearly every hotel in Santorini has infinity pools and cliffside views of the whitewashed villages on the island. Kaitikies Santorini features luxury suites and an onsite spa, while the Volcano View Hotel is a little further south on the island and very close to Santo Wines winery.

Crete: Stella Island Luxury Resort offers swim-up rooms and private pools along with multiple onsite restaurants, while Almyrida Resort is closer to a beach and maybe a better option for honeymooners on a smaller budget.

Mykonos: Adel Private Suites offers semi-private pools for each room and overlooks the town of Mykonos. Another option is Mykonos Waves Beach House & Suites, which is adjacent to the beach.

Corfu: Locandiera is a small boutique hotel incredibly close to the island’s Old Venetian Fortress, while Acanthus Blue is a little further south and built on an official heritage site in an 18th century Neoclassical building.

Santorini, Greece

Honeymoon Registry with Honeyfund

Sure, you can pay for your Greece honeymoon yourselves, but why not let family and friends be a part of the fun and adventure from a distance? They can contribute to your honeymoon with the help of a Honeyfund registry. Start by adding to our Greece sample registry.

The post Enjoy Ancient History and a Foodie’s Paradise on Your Greece Honeymoon appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Never far from the coast, you’ll experience a variety of sweeping landscapes during this trip of a lifetime. Surrounded by wilderness, you’ll marvel at the abundant mountain views in the national parks and the majesty of wildlife in their natural habitats, including the rare opportunity to witness whales breaching in the wild. Plan to see incredible sights, like the Northern Lights and Denali, the highest peak in North America, on your Alaska honeymoon.

Seward, Alaska

Geography and History of Alaska

Geography

Alaska is in the Pacific Northwest area of North America, west of Canada, and very much north of Washington state. The 49th state consists of a large landmass, most of which is north of the 60th parallel. It has a ton of wilderness, thousands of miles of coastline, plus several islands. Alaska’s landmass size makes it the largest of all 50 states. In fact, it is larger than Texas, Montana and California, combined.

The Gulf of Alaska is south of the state, the Bering Sea to the west and the Beaufort Sea to the north, within parts of the Pacific and Arctic Oceans. Its capital city is Juneau, which is the second most populated city in Alaska next to Anchorage. It shares a maritime border with Russia.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Brief History of Alaska

In the 1860s, the Alaska Purchase turned over ownership of the area from Russia to the US.

Arguably, the state’s population boom came with the Gold Rush at the turn of the 20th century. (Though it was not the first time Alaska was colonized.) It gained its statehood in January 1959 and shortly after that experienced an oil rush in the 1980s. Needless to say, Alaska has many valuable natural resources.

Alaska does not have counties like other US states. It has somewhat more detailed boroughs, but in even simpler terms for honeymooners and visitors to know, it has six distinct areas that make up modern-day Alaska: Interior, Southwest, North Slope, Aleutian Islands, Southwest, South Central and Southeast.

The areas that are less inhabited and mostly wild are the Interior and Southwest. The Interior is Alaska’s largest geographical area, where Denali National Park is. Its most populated city is Fairbanks. The Southwest contains the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, one of the largest in the world; however, the area is mostly uninhabited. The North Slope is known for its crude oil and small villages.

The Aleutian Islands is an archipelago made up of 300 small volcanic islands. It stretches west into the Pacific Ocean towards Russia. Its economy is mainly based on fishing and the presence of the US Military.

The two areas most known for tourism are the Southeast and South Central. Southeast is where the famed “Inside Passage” is, where many cruise lines chart their course to explore Alaska. Tens of thousands of guests explore this area each year. It’s excellent for an Alaska honeymoon. South Central is the most populated area of Alaska and where Anchorage is located.

Aurora Borealis or “The Northern Lights,” Alaska

Language in Alaska

Alaska is part of the United States, and people speak English. There is a sizable population of Native Americans in the state. So you may encounter people speaking an indigenous language, depending on the places you visit or experiences you sign up for.

Time Zone in Alaska

All of Alaska is in the GMT -8 time zone, an hour behind Los Angeles. This means if it’s noon in Los Angeles, it’s 11 am in Juneau, and 3 pm in New York.

Katmai National Park, King Salmon, Alaska

Currency

Alaska is in the United States and uses the US dollar for currency. Credit cards are widely accepted there from hotels to tourism companies, restaurants and shops.

LGBTQ+ Community

Alaska abides by federal laws when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. There are a minimal amount of gay bars and clubs in Alaska. As one would guess, they exist in major cities, namely Anchorage and Juneau. Anchorage Pride Parade has been taking place since the 1970s.

Expect acceptance of LGBTQ+ community members to be more prevalent in urban areas than in small villages.

Cabin in the woods, Alaska

Weather and Peak Season for Your Alaska Honeymoon

There are several climate zones across Alaska, which can be expected for an area this size. Since you’ll likely be visiting the state’s southern regions during your honeymoon, we’ll focus on the weather and the best time to visit the area.

The most popular months to visit are during late spring to early fall. This is May through October. This is also when there are more hours of daylight than during the winter months. May and June see the most hours of sunshine during the year, with about 18 hours to enjoy.

Summer brings about moderately warm temperatures (around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit). But if you’re renting a car in summer, you need to be cautious of slippery roads. The higher temperatures also bring on melting snow. It’s best to pack your honeymoon bags prepared to wear layers.

Afognak Island, Alaska

Getting There and Entry Requirements

All you need to get to your Alaska honeymoon is a valid photo ID, like a driver’s license, for airports. You won’t need a passport or visa if you’re a US citizen. You also don’t need any special vaccinations other than those routinely recommended in the United States, overall.

Flights to Anchorage, Alaska

You’ll likely fly to the area for your Alaska honeymoon.

However, suppose you’re cruising from Canada or Washington state. In that case, you’ll likely fly somewhere like Vancouver, Seattle or Los Angeles to begin your journey towards Alaska.

For purposes of this article, we’re going to price sample flights to Anchorage from three major U.S. cities during a peak tourist month. (Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport code is ANC.)

Here is what one roundtrip ticket to Anchorage may cost during the third week of July:

LAX to ANC: $375 for a nonstop 5 hour, 30-minute flight

NYC to ANC: $500 for a nonstop 7 hour and 40-minute flight

IAH (Houston) to ANC: $500 for a nonstop 7-hour flight

If you fly, you’ll likely pick one or two cities to explore and enjoy during your Alaska honeymoon. For example, if you fly into Anchorage, you may also consider a short flight to Juneau.

Whittier, Alaska

Cruises to Alaska

Most major cruise lines have itineraries to Alaska, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises. Smaller excursion cruises also explore Alaska, including Maple Leaf Adventures, Uncruise and Scenic, which is a part of Emerald Cruises.

The average length of a cruise to this destination is 7 days, but longer itineraries are available.

Prices vary greatly depending on the cruise line you choose. Still, you can at least expect to pay to get to the port of embarkation, plus the cruise, starting at $700 and reaching beyond $9,000 per person.

COVID-19

As of April 2021, Alaska was a leading state in vaccination rates, low fatalities and minimal hospitalizations.

There are no requirements for travelers visiting Alaska in terms of COVID-19 tests or vaccinations. In fact, all visitors to Alaska are eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine at participating airports.

Chugach State Park, Anchorage, Alaska

Things to Do during your Alaska Honeymoon

Alaska is a fantastic place to enjoy nature. We recommend driving to Denali National Park to enjoy the mountains or hitting the coast to kayak together. Whatever adventure you choose, your Alaska honeymoon will be unforgettable.

Here are some great things to do in Alaska in various parts of the state. We’ve noted if there is a particular month you should visit to enjoy the experience:

Humpback whale breaching, southeast Alaska

Seasonal Specialties

Go whale watching, which is best during the peak tourist season in Alaska. The peak season is summer, typically May through September. Where you whale watch and precisely when (within the summer months) may dictate the types of whales you may see.

See the phenomenon of salmon spawning, particularly most active in July and August.

Get the chance to see the Northern Lights with an organized tour. The arctic region is a beautiful place for an opportunity to experience what’s also known as the “Aurora Borealis.” The best chance to see them is in the fall and winter months when there are more hours of darkness.

Anchorage, Alaska

Enjoy Throughout the Year

Take a hike in Alaska’s first national park, Kachemak Bay State Park.

Board the Alaska Railroad for a train ride. Couples may use it for a day trip or a memorable way to travel between cities to reach a hotel they’ll be staying in overnight.

Rent a car and drive Seward Highway, south of Anchorage, to Kenai Fjords National Park. Stop at various places of interest along the journey to admire the wildlife, including sheep and moose, if you’re lucky. You can also take a birding hike or simply stop for some honeymoon pictures as majestic mountains tower over the landscape.

Rent a bike to ride the 11 miles between Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to Kinkaid Park.

Ketchikan, Alaska

See views from above on a seaplane or helicopter excursion during your Alaska honeymoon.

Go dog sledding in Fairbanks, the gateway to the Arctic. This popular winter sport is one of the traditional methods of Alaskan transportation.

Experience the indigenous cultures of Alaska. For instance, in Hoonah, Alaska (home to the popular cruise port, Icy Strait Point), you can sign up to attend cultural experiences. You can meet members of the Huna Tlingit tribe, attend tribal dances and hear cultural legends. You’ll also be able to see more totem poles in Alaska than perhaps you’ve seen anywhere else. They are especially prevalent in downtown Ketchikan.

Seeing glaciers is a must on your Alaska honeymoon and a humbling experience. If you are on a cruise, then you’re nearly guaranteed to see them from the top deck or through the ship’s windows. You can also sign up for a kayak tour to reach glaciers or board a ferry to see them up close. For example, it’s popular to kayak to glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Rail, Moose Pass, Alaska

Where to Stay: Great Resorts in Alaska

Couples who cruise to their Alaska honeymoon are unlikely to need accommodations outside of the sailing unless they arrive early or leave the area later on. But you’ll definitely need accommodations if you’re doing more of a land adventure for your honeymoon trip.

We’ve listed three popular, romantic, and cozy hotel options you may visit during your Alaska trip:

Girdwood: One of the cute towns just an hour from Anchorage is Girdwood. Alyeska Resort is a popular chateau-style hotel with a ski resort, spa, world-class dining and shops, and restaurants.

Juneau: Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn and Adventure Spa is a romantic honeymoon destination. You have the option to arrange an en suite massage, snuggle up in front of a fireplace in each suite, and also automatically have access to bicycle rentals. It’s only 10 minutes north of the Juneau airport.

Seward: If you’ve dreamed of a honeymoon destination where you can stay in a cabin in the woods, this is your dream come true. Creekside Cabins are log cabin rentals on Resurrection Bay, with Exit Glacier and Kenai Fjords National Park just 8 miles from these magical accommodations.

Denali, Alaska

Honeymoon Registry with Honeyfund

Your dream Alaska honeymoon can come to fruition with the help of a honeymoon registry on Honeyfund. Encouraging family and friends to gift you experiences for an incredible vacation within the country—yet worlds away—will provide endless memories for your and your new spouse. Getting started is easy with one of our starter registries, which you can tailor to your Alaska honeymoon wishes.

The post Escape into the Wild and Beautiful “Last Frontier” On Your Alaska Honeymoon appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.