Romantic Honeymoons… Paris, France

Famed as the city of lovers, Paris is the perfect destination for couples looking for romance. There is a personality, flair and quiet sophistication in Paris and the rest of France that is unlike any other city in the world. Lovers can immerse themselves in the same romantic Parisian atmosphere that has inspired centuries of novels, paintings, photographs and films.

When visiting Paris, Teresa Barbee of Uniglobe Geo Travel strongly advises bringing along a comfortable pair of walking shoes as you will suddenly find yourself mesmerized by the sights and atmosphere of this beautiful city.  Summers are sunny in Paris but they can also be very hot. The best time to visit Paris is in the late spring (May &
early June) or in the fall, from September to late October.

While In Paris…

A romantic walk down the Grand Promenade and a visit to the top of the Arc are strongly recommended. This is one of the most romantic places to visit in Paris; the view and history creates a romantic atmosphere.

Paris is famed for the Eiffel Tower. When in Paris you should experience this wonderful spectacle during the day and later during the evening just before sunset. Arrive early and enjoy the perfect romantic lunch by visiting a local grocer for some cheese, bread, fresh fruit and a small bottle of wine. Now find a nice spot on the lawn at Champ de Mars beside the tower.

The Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is the perfect way to see Paris. Hop on this open-top doubledecker bus and when you see something exciting hop off and catch the next one.

Book a unique dinner cruise through the heart of Paris! The entirely glassed-in boats offer perfect views of Paris and its beautiful monuments. Depart from the Eiffel Tower, cruise along the left bank until the Ministry of Finance at Bercy, return to the Eiffel Tower via the right bank.

Honeymoon Destinations

There’s an old adage about saving the best for last and when it comes to weddings there’s no debating the fact that the honeymoon definitely is the best (and final) part of any wedding. After all the work involved in planning and successfully orchestrating the wedding itself, it’s not a matter of wanting a vacation, it’s a necessity to recuperate from all that chaos by spending some quality time together relishing the possibilities of your new life together as husband and wife. And what better place to do it than on the sun soaked beaches of a tropical island. If a honeymoon isn’t in your budget, rethink your budget and get creative, it should be an important part of your wedding. Consider setting up a honeymoon registry so guests can help make your plan a reality.

The current top honeymoon destinations are as follows:

The Caribbean Islands have to come first as honeymoon hot spot of the year. They lead in the top five spots with their magnificent beaches and honeymoon packages. Jamaica, Aruba, Bermuda and St. Lucia are the hottest Caribbean honeymoon destinations.

In the United States, Hawaii and it’s islands, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Oahu continue to be highly popular as well. The resorts and hotels have taken their honeymoon packages to unprecedented levels and they take special pride in knowing how to accommodate newlyweds.

Mexico with its resort cities of Cancun, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, Mexico CIty and Puerto Vallarta is lovely and also ranks high on the list. The beaches in Mexico are breathtakingly beautiful.

Then there’s the South Pacific, with Tahiti, Thailand and Australia as the leading honeymoon destinations there. Cooks Island is still a hot spot in the South Pacific too.

Check out Italy’s spot on the list this year! A small country that is big on ambiance as well as rich in history. And Italians know what love is all about. They love their culture, their food and their visitors. From vineyards to Tuscan cooking, from quaint restaurants and their authentic menu selections to the hills of the back country, honeymooners can find the perfect blend of good food, good atmosphere and good vino! No wonder it is such a hit with couples who9 want the culturally rich flavor of a foreign locale but also want to have fun.

And for the adventurous type Viva Las Vegas, the alleged gambling capital of the United States with its new cutting edge motto, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Of course this is appealing to some couples. Whatever makes you happy is the goal of the whole experience.

Before deciding on a final destination you need to research the weather for that particular country/part of the world for the time you plan to be there. Monsoons, tropical storms and other severe weather could make the possibility of travel to the area unsafe. A good travel agent should know and advise you of any and all potential issues including weather, health and/or crime advisories. They will also work with you to find you the right package at the right price regardless of wherever you want to go or whatever you plan to do there. They are in fact your key to a carefree vacation.

When it comes to planning your honeymoon you should consider anything you think will refresh you. While most couples opt for a romantic destination of hot sun and white sands, honeymoon packages are available everywhere and depending on your desire and your budget can be anything from a safari in Africa to a resort hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. With so many choices it can be tough to decide. You want your honeymoon to be an unforgettable experience (which could lead to a second honeymoon) and you want it to go smoothly. It is a good idea to register your travel dates and places you intend to stay with the Canadian embassy before you travel to any foreign country including the United States.

Your perfect honeymoon is like everything else, just a good plan away. And while you’re planning, think of some romantic ways you can enhance the experience to make it not only memorable but also a trip you will relish for a lifetime.

Text by Nancy Johnston