Love is in the air as couples head out on their much anticipated honeymoon
Honeymoons are the icing on the cake after the wedding. Newly married couples take off for parts unknown to recover from wedding stress and spend some quality time together. The Bridal Association of America reports that more than 1.7 million couples go on a honeymoon each year. Some couples look for tropical beach locations, while others seek out European romance.
United States
Forbes Traveler compiled the results of surveys conducted by TheKnot.com and Brides Magazine and determined that more than 225,000 newlyweds in the United States chose Hawaii as their ultimate honeymoon destination in 2008, with more than 70 percent landing on the island of Oahu. Its remote location, blue waters and warm weather are attractive to couples seeking a romantic, relaxing getaway, and many Oahu hotels offer packages geared toward honeymooners.
Niagara Falls also continues to be a top honeymoon destination. Most couples honeymoon on the United States side, but many head over to the Canadian side, where they can come away with an "Official City of Niagara Falls Honeymoon Certificate." Other top U.S. honeymoon destinations include the California wine country, Las Vegas, New Orleans and Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
The Caribbean
Jamaica is the top Caribbean destination for honeymooners, with more than 100,000 newly married American couples choosing the island in 2008. The Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios offers a special honeymoon package combines a six-night stay with Champagne, private candlelit dinners and a couples massage for a romantic vacation. The Caves in Negril offers a honeymoon package that includes a five-night stay, Champagne, couples massage, breakfast in bed and a candlelit dinner in a flower-strewn sea cave.
The Bahamas is also very popular with the honeymoon set, with flights from most Southeast United States locations being less than two hours in length. Sandals resorts caters to honeymooners, offering a complimentary bottle of Champagne upon arrival, breakfast in bed and turn-down service with fresh flower petals strewn on the bed. There are two Sandals resorts in the Bahamas--in Nassau and Emerald Bay.
Europe
Although Jim Augerinos, an expert in honeymoon planning, believes that women prefer Paris more than men do, the "City of Love" continues to be a favorite European honeymoon destination. Young couples enjoy strolling the banks of the Seine, traveling to the top of the Eiffel Tower and having coffee and croissants in a Parisian cafe. The Hotel Raphael located on the Right Bank features luxurious suites with balconies overlooking the city, a rooftop terrace well-suited for intimate dinners and views of the Eiffel Tower. Located near the Louvre, the Hotel Regina offers a "Romance Suite" and "Romance in Paris" package for honeymooners.
Venice is also popular with honeymooning couples. The Hotel Concordia, which overlooks St. Mark's square, and the five-star Il Palazzo both offer special honeymoon packages.
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