Many couples these days are foregoing the traditional wedding for a ceremony on a far away island or a hilltop castle to say their “I do’s”. Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, as the cost for the average wedding today is $30,000. Often times weddings away from home are less than half that amount. Many brides choose a dreamy beach ceremony over the usual church wedding. This option has increased more than 400% over the last ten years.
Destination weddings are usually more intimate with a smaller guest list. Cost is a big factor in how many guests will actually make the trip for this special occasion. Time is also something to consider, as most guest will need to use up some of their vacation time to attend. Destination weddings offer beautiful locations, extended celebrations with family and close friends, and wonderful memories.
Often called “weddingmoons,” these holidays combine the wedding with the honeymoon. When arranging a destination wedding, keep in mind that your guests will also be “attending” your honeymoon. Some couples choose a hotel that has an adults only or VIP section so that they will be somewhat separated from their guests after the big day.
Many will plan a special group tour or excursion as a thank you for their guests–maybe a snorkeling excursion in the Riviera Maya, or Tequila tour in Puerto Vallarta. Whatever you choose, it is a nice way to show your appreciation to those who have traveled for your big day.
All-inclusive hotels help to keep costs down, as all of the meals and drinks are included with the price of the room. Most all-inclusive resorts will assign a wedding planner to you so that they can help you work out all of the little details that go along with planning your destination wedding, such as ceremony location, flowers, photographer and music.
Traveling outside of the U.S. requires that the passengers have passports. This is an added expense, as an adult passport costs $135.00 and the cost of a child passport is $120.00. Each country has its own requirements for marriage. It is best to check with your travel agent, hotel, or the country’s consulate to verify things like how many days you will need to be in the destination before the wedding can be performed, and if a blood test is required.
There is a lot of coordinating to be done when planning a destination wedding. It is best to consult a professional with experience in arranging these events as well as helping each of your guests tailor their trips to fit their needs.
For more information on Complete Travel and Cruises, visit our website http://www.completetvl.com/ .
Friday, May 27, 2011
Top 5 World's Most Unusual Hotels
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sleep in a giant shoe, an airplane, or maybe a sewer? That’s right, a sewer! There are hotels all over the world that aren’t your run of the mill Holiday Inn. I thought it would be fun to compile a list of the top five most unusual hotels, though it was tough to pick just five!
The first on the list is the Jules Undersea Lodge off the coast of Key Largo Florida. This strange accommodation is located 21 feet below sea level at the bottom of the Emerald Lagoon in the Key Largo Undersea Park. Jules opened in 1986 and has hosted many guests since then. It was even highlighted in the television show “The Amazing Race.” The lodge can hold up to 6 people in two bedrooms and also offers a common room with a dining area, kitchen, and entertainment area. Each of the two bedrooms has a 42 inch window that offers fabulous views of the sea life. Don’t forget your wetsuit for this one!
Next up is Das Park Hotel in Linz, Austria. This hotel takes recycling to a whole new level. Here you will find renovated sewage pipes that are clean and functional. Located on the banks of the Danube, this inexpensive alternative to a hostel offers a double bed, light, power, and storage with shared bath facilities just a short stroll away. All this can be yours for about $100 per night.
The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden is an experience to remember. Each year artists create the largest hotel in the world, made entirely of steel and ice. The first phase of the hotel begins around December 10th each year and is usually completed by December 30th. Ice blocks are taken from the Torne River and formed into guest rooms. Each room has a unique theme with creative carvings. If you are an artist, you too can help create this wonder. Just be sure your application is in by July 1st.
A dockside crane converted into a luxury hideaway for two? That is what you will find in Harlingen, Netherlands. The old machine room in the body of the crane has been converted into a luxurious bedroom with all of the latest modern conveniences, such as a flat screen TV. Breakfast is delivered by way of the internal lift to your bedside. So if beautiful views, and taking the crane for a spin in your PJ’s at 3 AM is for you, this is the place!
Last but not least is the Capsule Hotel in Asakusa, Japan. It is hard to call this a hotel since all you are offered is a coffin sized capsule that includes a TV, radio, and alarm clock. On the top floor you will find shared bath facilities that offer the best views in the house. If you are on a tight budget, you will like the low rate of around $35.00 for a one night stay.
Next time you are looking for adventure, why not try one of the world’s most unusual hotels? I am not sure sleeping in a capsule or sewer is for me, but under the sea? It would surely be a night to remember.
The first on the list is the Jules Undersea Lodge off the coast of Key Largo Florida. This strange accommodation is located 21 feet below sea level at the bottom of the Emerald Lagoon in the Key Largo Undersea Park. Jules opened in 1986 and has hosted many guests since then. It was even highlighted in the television show “The Amazing Race.” The lodge can hold up to 6 people in two bedrooms and also offers a common room with a dining area, kitchen, and entertainment area. Each of the two bedrooms has a 42 inch window that offers fabulous views of the sea life. Don’t forget your wetsuit for this one!
Next up is Das Park Hotel in Linz, Austria. This hotel takes recycling to a whole new level. Here you will find renovated sewage pipes that are clean and functional. Located on the banks of the Danube, this inexpensive alternative to a hostel offers a double bed, light, power, and storage with shared bath facilities just a short stroll away. All this can be yours for about $100 per night.
The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden is an experience to remember. Each year artists create the largest hotel in the world, made entirely of steel and ice. The first phase of the hotel begins around December 10th each year and is usually completed by December 30th. Ice blocks are taken from the Torne River and formed into guest rooms. Each room has a unique theme with creative carvings. If you are an artist, you too can help create this wonder. Just be sure your application is in by July 1st.
A dockside crane converted into a luxury hideaway for two? That is what you will find in Harlingen, Netherlands. The old machine room in the body of the crane has been converted into a luxurious bedroom with all of the latest modern conveniences, such as a flat screen TV. Breakfast is delivered by way of the internal lift to your bedside. So if beautiful views, and taking the crane for a spin in your PJ’s at 3 AM is for you, this is the place!
Last but not least is the Capsule Hotel in Asakusa, Japan. It is hard to call this a hotel since all you are offered is a coffin sized capsule that includes a TV, radio, and alarm clock. On the top floor you will find shared bath facilities that offer the best views in the house. If you are on a tight budget, you will like the low rate of around $35.00 for a one night stay.
Next time you are looking for adventure, why not try one of the world’s most unusual hotels? I am not sure sleeping in a capsule or sewer is for me, but under the sea? It would surely be a night to remember.
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