Honeymoons

LET’S GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT

Many of today’s newlyweds view the honeymoon as an opportunity to tick an item off the bucket list while collecting unique stories about their encounters. Whether the vacation is an exotic beach, an African safari or tour across Europe, the planning and budget that such a trip entails has many couples opting to postpone the honeymoon for weeks or even months after the wedding day. And, thanks to the proliferation of global travel options, the hardest part of planning may be agreeing on where to go.

Colette Trabucco, owner of Creative Travel and Tours in Stoney Creek, has helped many couples choose their honeymoon destination. The options are as varied and unique as the couples, themselves. She shares some of the latest hot spots for today’s honeymooners.

BEACH BOUND COUPLES

Few regions of the world summon visions of paradise like the South Pacific. Here, Canadian couples will experience an exotic island experience like no other. The Cook Islands are located in the heart of Polynesia. Made up of 15 islands, Rarotonga is the largest with a perimeter of 32 km. Trabucco recommends a week-long stay at the Sea Change Villas, located in Rarotonga to explore authentic island life. Add a three-day sojourn in Aitutaki to experience one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons. Interestingly, this island was also the location of the very first ‘Survivor’ season.

Fiji is another hot spot for honeymooners looking for a unique destination. Trabucco recommends a stay in the outer islands for the best experience by flying into Nadi then taking a catamaran to the island of choice. Get pampered in luxury accommodations set in beautiful gardens, perched on cliff sides, on stilts over water, on a beach or even in a tree house surrounded by rain forest.

COOL CRUISERS

For couples that want to visit multiple islands without any of the planning that goes along with it, a cruise is the way to go. Paul Gauguin cruises offer tours across the South Pacific, docking at intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Day excursions offer a wide range of experiences from scuba diving to hiking.

A private yacht charter is yet another alternative that offers the ultimate in private cruising luxury. While onboard, couples enjoy a fully customized experience that allows for spontaneity with a personal crew is at the ready to ensure every need is met.

BOLD ADVENTURERS

Africa is an adventurer’s playground, and South Africa is the ideal location for a honeymoon like no other. Trabucco recommends flying into Cape Town, located on the country’s southwest coast. A three-day stay to visit surrounding areas should be followed by a six-night safari. Try one of the four luxury lodges at the Lion Sands Game Reserve; all are situated within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park. A field guide and tracker lead the safari beyond the main roads, navigating through dense bush to get up close and personal with nature.

Central America offers an increasing number of amazing adventure vacations. Peru has swiftly become a popular destination. Flying into Lima, couples can experience the Peruvian culture for a few days before flying to Cusco to visit the local historic areas. The highlight of Peru is the Machu Picchu. Dating to the mid-1400s, the limestone architecture is perched on a high plateau deep in the Amazonian jungle. The most adventurous couples can opt to reach it on foot via a multi-day hiking trail.

If budget is a concern (particularly after the wedding bills come in), couples may want to consider a tour led by G Adventures. Packages range from shoestring budget (aptly called 18-to-thirty somethings) to National Geographic tours. With destinations that span the globe, thrill-seeking newlyweds have plenty to choose from.

Seeking more travel inspiration? Visit the Passport to the World Travel Show, presented by Creative Travel and Tours, on Sat., March 24, 2018 at the Hamilton Spectator building auditorium, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. RSVP admin@carlsoncreativetravel.com