When my wife and I were planning our trip to Maui, we knew we wanted to book a hotel along the coast that had all the bells and whistles.  We wanted the hotel to be located on the ocean, have a large swimming pool, have many restaurants on site and be near the action.  After a thorough review, we decided on the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa.  This Hyatt hotel in Maui had great reviews and we quickly booked our six-night stay.

The entrance of the hotel is wide open and exposed to the outside.  Each morning, a clean, warm breeze of Hawaiian air would circulate and invigorate the senses.

Since we are both such big water people, we decided to upgrade our room so that it faced the ocean.  The room was very clean, spacious and had great views overlooking the swimming pool and Pacific Ocean.  It had a small refrigerator that was very useful since we had stopped at the Wal-Mart and purchased lunchmeat along with other varieties of food.

One of the best features of the hotel was the wildlife found all across the premises.  The hotel had everything from exotic parrots and flamingos to tropical penguins. This was a great characteristic of the hotel as well as very unique and something I had not seen before.

The swimming pool is another highlight of the Hyatt hotel in Maui.  In fact, the hotel had several pools.  For parents with children, there was a special pool designed specifically for the kids with water fountains and even a waterslide.  There was also a very large pool for adults with a swim-up tiki bar.  There were plenty of sun chairs surrounding the pool; however, the pool would fill up quickly so we would often make our way down early in the morning to secure our chairs.

The hotel is located at the very end of the famous Kaanapali Beach.  Stretching across the beach is a very long boardwalk that connects many hotels, restaurants and activities.  The beach was clean, offered picturesque views of surrounding islands and surprising was not very crowded.

Overall, we really enjoyed our time at this hotel and would definitely recommend others to stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa.  It would be great for people in all types of situations including honeymoons as well as family vacations.

Overall Hotel Report Scorecard

Location: A

Customer Service: B+

Amenities: A-

Value: B+

Bringing your ring with you on your honeymoon is a scary thought and a difficult decision many couples grapple over.  Chances are you just got married and you certainly don’t want to part with such an important piece of the marriage ceremony.

So as couples ask themselves, should I risk wearing my wedding and/or engagement rings on my honeymoon, consider the three options you have below:

Leave the rings at home - This is the safest option and avoids all risk of losing the rings or having them stolen while on your honeymoon; however, it’s also the most unappealing answer for many people.  Many newlyweds opt out of this choice for the sole reason of pictures.  Ahhhh, yes.  Photos do say a million words and having those shiny, brand new rings to show off is a must for many couples and because of this, leaving the rings at home is quickly ruled out.

Wear just your bands - This is the best compromise and the most popular option for newlyweds.  Wearing just the wedding bands on your honeymoon (his and hers) strikes the perfect balance many couples are looking for.  It gives you something to show off in your pictures and to people you meet while giving comfort knowing that the most expensive ring – the engagement ring – is still safe at home.

Bring both – the engagement and wedding ring - This is the riskiest of all options and may give you more stress and gray hair than actual pleasure and enjoyment.  Honeymoons out of your home country make this option even more dangerous.  Even if you’re a safe and vigilant traveler while on the road, spontaneous events do arise and you don’t want to lose your rings on your honeymoon.

Photo from Flickr by Koshy Koshy

Choosing a holiday destination is almost as exciting as actually being there. But with so many options on the table, how will you ever decide where to go? The best way to whittle down your holiday choices is to spend some time scouring the tour operators’ websites and flicking through the holiday brochures for inspiration.  It’s well worth the effort and not only does it mean you could find a new favorite holiday destination, it means you’ll also have a ball while you’re at it.

If you’ve got paradise on the agenda this summer, the Caribbean must surely be high on your list of must-visit places. It’s exotic, it’s beautiful, and it’s like walking onto the set of a James Bond movie. Rustling palm trees, gently lapping waves, porcelain white sands and cloudless blue skies… what’s not to love about the Caribbean?

There are many places to visit in this gorgeous slice of paradise, and one of the most popular – for good reason too – is the Caribbean Coast of Mexico. It’s famous for many things.  Among them are its gorgeous beaches and endless swathes of soft white silky sands that easily make up one of the most spectacular coastlines in the Caribbean.

Fringing these beautiful shores are beach resorts that serve up a fabulous blend of modern living and lively nightlife with long, lazy days in the sunshine. Cancun is one of the most well known resort towns on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast. It’s an eclectic resort area that’s alive with a superb selection of glorious hotels, each offering top-notch service and first rate facilities with sumptuous cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere both day and night. Enjoy its breathtaking beaches, or try your hand at its wide variety of water sports. Snorkeling and scuba diving are big on the agenda here as well, with a spectacular array of corals and marine life to experience. As the sun goes down, the resort really heats up with a diverse selection of venues offering everything from five-star dining and cheerful pubs to chic wine bars and nightclubs.

By day, if you can bear to tear yourself away from the powder-soft sands, it’s well worth exploring other parts of Mexico during your holiday. One of the most famous sights is Chichen Itza – a mysterious pre-Colombian city built by Mayan tribes in the region of Yucatan. There are plenty of other fabulous sights to see too, so it’s well worth doing your homework or speaking to your travel agent to find out more.

Discover more about holidays in Mexico and book your escape to paradise through Thomas Cook, the world’s best-known name in travel.

Photo from Flickr by Reza Ahmed

In order to pack efficiently and look good in front of the camera, many newlyweds are in need of information on what clothes to pack for a honeymoon and especially, how they should dress for such an extended trip.  Read the tips listed below to ensure your think critically and are well prepared for your romantic trip together!

Clothes that fit the specific type of honeymoon

• Think about the type of honeymoon you will be taking and dress to fit that destination style. For example, if it’s in a tropical location, you will want to pack beach attire so be sure to bring your best swimsuits, cover-ups and casual beach dresses along with straw hats.  Equally important is having a firm understanding of the season and weather at your destination.  Key factors that can affect your attire include: temperature, humidity and precipitation levels.

Appropriate attire for each dinner environment

• Understand the dress code at the restaurants you plan on attending.  If you’re unsure, give them a call and ask.  Some restaurants, the fancier ones in particular, will have strict dress policies.

Show off that body

• This is your honeymoon so don’t forget the lingerie that all your bridesmaids gave you at your bachelorette party! Just a couple pairs are appropriate and since they are lightweight, the clothes won’t take up much place in the suitcase.

Clothes conducive to your planned day-time activities

• Understand your trip plans. For more active honeymoons such as rainforest hikes, you will want to bring compression shorts and a light rain jacket.  If you plan on laying on the beach or poolside, swimsuits, hats and sunglasses will suffice.  Planning ahead is important.  Think about the activities you want to do and plan accordingly.  Unnecessary clothes just create more clutter in your suitcase and will fill up space that you may want for souvenirs, gifts, etc.

Jewelry and other accessories

• Since your honeymoon is something you will take once in your life, it pays to look good – especially when you’re going to be taking endless pictures.  Because of this, it’s very important coordinating accessories to your outfits.  Tasteful necklaces and earrings are small and easily stored in luggage.  If there’s one area you can pack more than what you think you’ll use, then it’s going to be jewelry.

Photo from Flickr by Jeannette S.

There are many honeymoon perks and other benefits that you are rightfully entitled to on your trip.  Hotels, airlines and restaurants understand the importance of a honeymoon and more times than not, they will do whatever is in their power to pull some strings and make sure your trip is extra special!

Types of honeymoon perks

The list below includes some of the most common perks that you should request on your honeymoon.

1.  On your airplane flight, many airlines will accommodate new seat assignments.  This can include a new seat in an empty row or perhaps even in an Exit row which is more spacious.  Although more rare, another potential option would be a seat upgrade to first class.  This will depend on availability and each passenger’s flight status, but it is certainly within the realm of possibilities – especially for your honeymoon.

2.  Hotel room upgrades for your honeymoon are very common.  Many hotels and resorts will place you into a larger room or a room with a better view.  Also don’t forget to ask if the hotel offers any special “honeymoon rate”.  You may be able to secure a lower rate if the hotel offers this.

3.  The best way to get perks at restaurants on your honeymoon is to make a reservation in advance and let them know the special occasion.  The most common benefit at restaurants is free desert and/or a free appetizer.

4.  Other honeymoon perks include: complimentary champagne, flower petals sprinkled on your bed, free massages or spa credits at your hotel, and baskets of fruit, nuts and spreads of cheese and crackers upon arrival at your hotel.  Depending on where you stay, any hotel should be able to accommodate one or more of these benefits on your honeymoon.

Ways to get these perks on your honeymoon

The best method for getting honeymoon perks, benefits and upgrades is to plan in advance and ask, ask ask!  Your honeymoon is the one time when every possible service company will want to make your experience highly memorable.  Let them know well in advance of your departure.

Also, if possible, it’s a good idea to bring along a copy of your marriage certificate.  Sometimes, the ring on your finger isn’t proof enough and you may be required to show some paperwork!

Just remember, if you don’t ask, you won’t ever know!  These companies want positive customer reviews and if they make you happy, it will translate into more business for them down the road!

Photo from Flickr by Bart Speelman

Chicago is quickly becoming a popular spot for honeymoons.  With its abundant activities, world-class attractions, rich history and awe-inspiring city skyline, honeymoon plans to the Windy City are well warranted.  The selection of romantic hotels is also plentiful and the suites to go with them are impeccable.  The list below includes the top three hotels in Chicago for a honeymoon that will not disappoint!

The Peninsula

The Peninsula makes the list because of its overly warm and friendly staff that caters to your every need.  From the moment you pull up to your last step in the hotel, the staff is there to make sure your stay is flawless.  The hotel’s location is also something worth mentioning.  Positioned adjacent to the famous Magnificent Mile, you couldn’t ask for a better place to call home base.  Just steps outside the hotel entrance include many upscale storefronts such as Cartier, Gucci and Chanel.  The hospitable staff and prime location are the key ingredients for any romantic honeymoon hotel!

Park Hyatt Hotel

Named one of the top 20 “World’s Best Hotels”, The Park Hyatt Chicago is a relatively new construction and the room amenities and room sizes certainly demonstrate this.  The bathrooms are very large and quickly become any girl’s best friend.  Each room comes with luxurious beds and blackout shades to promote comfortable and restful sleep.  The hotel is located at the northern end of Michigan Avenue and across the street from the popular shopping mall, Water Tower Place.  One of the key characteristics of the Park Hyatt is the restaurant on its premises called NoMI.  This award winning restaurant is a well known establishment in Chicago and attracts many city-goers.  The brunch is especially popular and should not be missed!

Hotel Monaco

Hotel Monaco has won many awards and is considered one of the top boutique hotels in the city of Chicago.  It has a tasteful style that is fitting for a honeymoon.  The staff goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable stay.  For a few more dollars, the Tranquility Suite is the perfect room type for any honeymoon.  The spacious room is equipped with all the right amenities to inspire relaxation and togetherness.  Any couple looking for that extra romantic touch should strongly consider Hotel Monaco and especially, the Tranquility Suite.

Follow @DYHoneymoon

Photos from The Peninsula, Charles Carper from Flickr, and Hotel Monaco

Few countries in the world possess the vast beauty, rich heritage and most desirable food in the world than Italy.  As couples narrow the honeymoon search to Italy, the focus quickly turns to which Italian city.   Loaded with multiple world-class cities, each having its own unique flavor, the honeymoon spots are endless.

But as thousands of honeymooners flock to the shores of Italy each year to explore the land, soak up the sun and learn about our ancient past, what are they saying and how can their experiences help you?  It’s a basic question but an important one.

Read below for a list of the three top Italian destinations for a honeymoon and why it may make sense for yours.  Also consider combing the three together in one trip.  The relative proximity and extensive public transportation system in Italy makes it completely viable to experience all three.  This way you won’t have to choose but can enjoy the best of Italy on your honeymoon!

Rome

No trip to Italy is complete without stepping foot inside Rome.  Rome is not only a popular honeymoon destination in Italy but also one of the most visited tourist locations in the entire world – and rightfully so.  For honeymooners, the vibrant city is ideal for any couple.  It has a romantic side and also feeds our curiosity that all humans possess.

With attractions such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and the Vatican, there’s no question you could spend days in Rome and never get bored.  These important and historically rich landmarks will marvel and astound your senses.  We’ve all grown up reading about these in our history textbooks and they are finally brought to life on your visit!

Some of the best food in all of Italy can be found in Rome.  With literally thousands of restaurants sprinkled throughout the city, you can be as choosey as you’d like.  After a long day of visiting the Vatican and touring the Colosseum, there’s nothing else like a thoughtfully cooked Italian meal over a nice glass of wine!  After dinner, be sure to take a stroll to see Trevi Fountain illuminated at night.  The massive fountain is an impressive structure and a romantic place to spend the evening!

Venice

A honeymoon in Venice, Italy is a popular choice among couples.  Its many interconnecting canals and secret passageways lay the framework for an exciting afternoon exploring one of the best cities in the world.  And with no cars or other motor operated vehicles on the streets, getting around is easier than ever. That is, if you are handy with a map and can navigate the intricate maze of streets and canals.  It’s probably the only city in the world where getting lost is actually expected and part of the fun!

Gondola rides are a famous attraction and important part of the city as well.  Although they are notoriously known for being a little pricey, they are also more widely known for being a romantic mode of transportation.  For couples on their honeymoon, gondola rides in the evening are highly romantic and a great way to cap off the night!

Amalfi Coast

No Italian honeymoon list of cities is complete without the towns of Positano, Sorrento and Ravello.  The many pastel colored homes positioned precariously across steep vertical cliffs lend Old World charm to these quaint little Italian towns.  Factor in the stunning views overlooking the Mediterranean and it quickly qualifies the region as one of the most beautiful settings in the world and certainly worthy of a honeymoon destination.

The Amalfi Coast is located in southern Italy just south of Naples.  It’s a region of Italy that is ideal for honeymoons.  With nearby destinations of Capri and Pompeii, day trips are common and can be reached from the Amalfi Coast towns in about an hour.  Public transportation such as buses and ferrys make it easy to get around and experience everything the region has to offer.

The region is known for its cultivation of lemons and as such, they produce a lemon liqueur called limoncello.  Served cold and in a small glass, Italians drink this alcoholic beverage after dinner.  The famous drink has gained popularity over the years and there is no better place to have a glass than enjoying it at dinner alongside the Mediterranean Sea!

Photos from Flickr by Icelight and Annie and Andrew

Positano is one of the most popular spots along the Amalfi Coast and is a unique honeymoon destination.  The area is filled with several types of hotels and has everything from two to five star hotels all the way to bed and breakfast lodges and even luxury villas.

But one of the most sought after hotels and a place you can always expect exceptional service, stunning panoramic views and clean and comfortable rooms is Hotel Poseidon.

Hotel Poseidon is a four star hotel in one of the best Positano locations.  It’s located just above the city center and boasts sensational views of the surrounding town below.  You’re in the heart of it all here.  Just down the street are many of Positano’s cafes, clothing boutiques and other local shops.  Some of the best restaurants are within a short walking distance as well.  One of the most popular restaurants, Café Positano, is just down the street.  The restaurant contains some of the best food and most panoramic views you can find.  With the Mediterranean Sea and sparkling town of Positano below your feet, you will quickly realize life doesn’t get any better than this!

If you’re a couple looking for complete relaxation and wondering which hotels in Positano have a pool that you can enjoy, then look no further.  One of the unique features of Hotel Poseidon that you won’t find at too many hotels in the area is a swimming pool.  The pool is not too deep (about five feet at the deepest point) but is ideal for taking a splash to cool off on a warm summer day.  The view is equally impressive and taking the afternoon to read a book never sounded better!

Another unique feature of Hotel Poseidon that the remaining hotels in Positano do not have is a free boat service provided by one of the hotel’s staff workers.  Where else can you get a free tour of the Amalfi Coast from the comfort of a private boat on the Mediterranean Sea!

Hotel Poseidon is not the cheapest hotel in Positano but it’s also not the most expensive.  For what you get – from the friendly staff to the sensational views in a superb location – Hotel Poseidon proves why it’s still in business after 50 years.  It’s been earning travelers and honeymoons trust for several decades and it’s reputation keeps people coming back for more and more each trip.  The beautiful region of the Amalfi Coast is a relaxing oasis and Hotel Poseidon is your answer for a rest-assured trip!

Hawaii is rich with activities and other fun things to do and one of its most popular islands, Maui, exhibits the full potential of this Pacific oasis.  It’s filled with many things to keep you busy all day, from trekking the Road to Hana to laying around the pool and beach, Maui is sure to feed all your vacation needs.  Read below for ideas for what to plan on your trip’s itinerary.

Award Winning Luaus

Luaus are an absolutely essential activity to experience in Maui.  Luckily many of the best luaus in the Pacific can be found on this beautiful island.  The evening includes traditional Hawaiian cuisine as well as sensational Hawaiian performances including ancient stories told through dance.

Whale Watching

Whale watching is not only a fun activity to do while in Maui, but is also an opportunity to learn about the whale species.  Each year from November until May, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off the coast of Hawaii to mate and give birth.  They arrive in the tens of hundreds and many companies charter tours off the Maui coast to observe these magnificent creatures of the deep!

Snorkeling

Off the coast of Maui is a popular island for snorkeling called Molokini.  Snorkeling boats take people here each day to splash into the Pacific Ocean and spend the morning exploring the colorful reefs and tropical fish.  Depending on the time of year, the whale season may be in full force thus giving patrons a two-for-one deal and providing glimpses of the whales surface as the boat makes its way to the snorkeling hot-spot.

Beach Walks and Hammock Swaying

There are other fun activities in Maui that you should certainly experience before heading home.  Being Maui is an island surrounded by water on all sides, the island lends way to many breathtaking beaches.  Beach walks – especially evening strolls before and after dinner – are relaxing and reinvigorating.  As the sun begins to set, you will quickly realize why Hawaii is considered a land of tropical paradise!

Another fun option that can be especially romantic if you are on your honeymoon is star-gazing from the comfort of a relaxing hammock.  Many hammocks are situated along popular tourist boardwalks – for example in Kaanapali Beach – that make perfect pit stops on your way back to your hotel from dinner.

So on your next trip to Hawaii when you’re trying to figure out what to do in Maui that is fun, remember the numerous options that are at your fingertips and plan accordingly.  No matter how you slice it, Maui is a popular travel destination that provides days and nights of fun and entertainment.  It offers the perfect combination of relaxation and outdoor activities and is easy to see why it is a magnet for tourists and honeymooners from near and far.

Photo from Flickr by Ken Bosma

There are many ways to save money while on your honeymoon.  One of the most effective methods is preparing your own meals rather than dining out.  When it comes to honeymoon costs, food is one that can escalate quickly if not controlled and unfortunately many people seem to overlook food as a high cost item on honeymoons.  Couples that are on a budget often utilize this strategy which frees up their wallets for more important honeymoon activities and sightseeing attractions.

Locate a Nearby Store
Upon arriving at your destination, scope out the area for local grocery stores.  The larger chains such as Wal-Mart will generally be closer to the airport.  For example, in Maui near the airport is a large Wal-Mart.  If you can, it will be cheapest to stock up at one of these stores prior to arriving at your hotel.

If you don’t have a rental car and thus, cannot make it to one of these large stores, there are likely other options near your hotel.  For example, many small “mom and pop” convenient stores are near the major tourist sections of town.  Although food here is typically higher priced, it’s still a smart idea and can save you substantial money on your honeymoon.

Meal Options
The meal to prepare will depend on the type of hotel room you are staying in. If the room comes equipped with a full kitchen, then the sky is the limit; however, the reality is these are few and far between.

The next best hotel room would be one with a refrigerator.  The fridge would allow you to purchase deli meats and other condiments that need to remain cool.  Slap on some bread and add chips and you’ve got yourself a quick and tasty meal.

Lastly, if you’ve booked a standard room that is absent of a kitchen and refrigerator, you luckily still have options.  Bring yourself back to the good old days when you were a kid and your mom was packing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  Since your trip is short-term, it’s perfectly fine to leave these ingredients out throughout your stay.

How much will this actually save you?
Surprisingly, this simple yet budget friendly idea can save you upwards of $50-$60 per day during your honeymoon.  Totaled over the course of your trip, you could potentially avoid spending $300 on lunches alone.

And not only are you saving money, but you’re saving valuable time.  Rather than wasting it waiting around for a waiter to deliver your food, drinks and finally the bill, preparing your own meals frees up more time for you to enjoy your honeymoon!

Photo from Flickr by Tax Credits