Planning your honeymoon adventure? Today we’ve rounded up some of the most popular questions couples have and put them to our experts Lisa Nahedh from Travel Counsellors and Fiona from Classic Resorts to give you some ideas and information for your own trip of a lifetime!
What advice do you have for couples when it comes to planning a honeymoon?
Plan well in advance, we can quote about 11 months out and if you can book with a deposit we can offer you lots of extras such as room upgrades, meal upgrades, bubbly and chocs in room on arrival to name but a few. Fiona – Classic Resorts
I would suggest they take a bit of time to sit down together and look at where they are thinking of travelling to, it’s also good to rule out where they definitely don’t want to go. Having an idea of the amount of money they would like to spend on the honeymoon is also good, this can be hard as most people haven’t done a big holiday like a honeymoon but having a rough idea of where they are with their budget does help. Look at weather and travel advice for areas they are considering, this could help them narrow down their choice of destinations. A honeymoon is unique to each couple so what is amazing for one couple would be the stuff of nightmares for another. Speaking to a reputable travel professional who will advise and guide them in their decision-making can take a lot of stress and time off couples. Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors
Where is good to go on honeymoon, at what times of the year?
Photo courtesy of Spa Village Tembok, Bali
If it’s a winter wedding, then choose the Caribbean or Indian Ocean and certain parts of Thailand. Summer is good for Bali and The Maldives. Fiona – Classic Resorts
Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors:
Mexico & Caribbean – Year-round, but you might want to consider hurricane season especially in September/early October.
South Africa – November to April are best for weather.
Italy, Croatia, Malta – April to September are best for weather.
Greece, Cyprus, Morocco – April to November.
Maldives – Year-round (be mindful of rainy season from June to October).
Vietnam – Depends on the area being visited, North and South are best from November to April, Central is best from January to August.
Dubai – Year-round.
Bali – May to September.
Thailand – West Coast, November to March, East Coast stays dry until October.
What are the most popular honeymoon destinations at the moment?
Photo courtesy of Occidental Grand Xcaret, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
At the moment, cruising is huge for honeymoons, whether it’s a cruise or adding on a stay before or after, its really popular again this year. Cancun is always top of the list combined with Vegas, Miami or NYC. Maldives, Italy, Croatia, Santorini, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bali & Thailand are also very popular. Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors
Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand and Mexico are top choices at the moment. Fiona – Classic Resorts
What recommendations do you have for honeymooning with the kids?
Depending on the ages of the children, I would suggest looking at cruises, all inclusive resorts (minimum 4 star). Places with lots of family activities where they would have kids clubs so parents can get some kid free time too. Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors
Mauritius has been known for honeymoons for a number of years on our market, but not many know that most of the resorts have the best kids clubs around. It has been a top family destination from France for years, so if you want to combine a honeymoon with kids, choose from any of the 4 and 5 star resorts in Mauritius. Fiona – Classic Resorts
Where are the best beach honeymoon destinations?
Photo courtesy of Trou Aux Biches, Mauritius
This is hard as there are so many! One of my favourite beaches in Thailand is on Koh Lanta at the 5* Layana Resort. If you fancy the Caribbean, Dominican Republic offers beautiful white sandy beaches that stretch for miles… If it’s the Indian Ocean, Trou Aux Biches in Mauritius offers beautiful white sandy beaches and is one of the most romantic hotels on the island. Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors
Caribbean, Cancun, Maldives, Thailand, Bali, Seychelles, Bora Bora, Greek Islands all have incredible beaches. Fiona – Classic Resorts
What honeymoon destinations would you recommend close to Ireland?
As we feature long-haul destinations, the closest place to fly direct for us is Dubai, this cosmopolitan city offers beaches, shopping, 5 star luxury to start with… As it’s only a 7 hour flight, you can travel for just a weekend. Fiona – Classic Resorts
Italy, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Morocco, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Malta are all beautiful destinations that won’t take you too long to get to. Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors
Where can you catch the winter sun?
Our winter is the Caribbean summer, so if you are planning a winter wedding and fancy some sunshine, choose any of the Caribbean Islands or Mexico to enjoy warm days and balmy nights. Fiona – Classic Resorts
South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canary Islands, Thailand, Maldives, Dubai, Florida, Caribbean and Mexico are great options. Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors
What destinations would you recommend for an adventure honeymoon?
Photo courtesy of Classic Resorts
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, I would recommend Kenya or South Africa where you can combine a Safari with beach and city… Kenya offers a great choice of lodges and the Big 5… stay 6 nights on safari where you get to see Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Rhino and much more on your morning and evening safari. After this you can fly to the beach areas of Mombasa or Zanzibar to relax and unwind. Fiona – Classic Resorts
I think Sri Lanka would be great, South Africa for Safari, South America, Australia, New Zealand. Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors
Main photo courtesy of Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives
