That’s right, book your destination wedding with Apple Vacations groups department and if 20 full-paying adult guests attend your DESTINATION WEDDING, the Bride Flies, Stays and Plays for FREE!

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Simplicity Life Travel ~ We want to you “simplify” your life as you plan your wedding and move forward into your new life together. 

• Help booking your perfect honeymoon
• Our Honeymoon Registry
• Our Blog (destination information, tips and ideas!)
• Our Store (all the things you need “while you’re there!”…)

Not sure where you want to go on your honeymoon? Simplicity Life Travel offers some advice on choosing the honeymoon destination that’s perfect for you.

It’s a big world, after all! And there are so many places that sound wonderful for your honeymoon. And it is the trip of a lifetime right? How do you decide where to go on your honeymoon?

It may seem obvious, but the first step in planning a trip is deciding where to go. Here are some simple guidelines:

1.) Be realistic – the first step is determining how much time you have to travel, and as important, how much money do you have allocated for your honeymoon. (Using Simplicity Life Travel’s honeymoon registry can give extra cushion to that budget!)

2.) The best way to start your planning may be to choose a list of specific destinations that interest you. Then start reading and researching these places to see if they fit your desires. If there are only beach and water sports and you don’t tan and can’t swim, then it may not be the place for you.

3.) Narrow your choices. The world is big. Even one country is big. You can’t see it all in a lifetime, much less in a week or a few weeks. Most people try to do too much in too little time. You’ll have a much better experience if you can actually take the time to enjoy where you are – instead of being exhausted because you’re running from one city to the next, one country to the next. (This makes for some cranky travelers!)

4.) Choose a place that interests you – not just for the monuments but also for the culture and way of life. Your daily activities and the people you meet have more influence on the quality of your travel experience than the sites you visit or the sights you see.

5.) Make your own choices. Don’t go somewhere just because someone else liked it or told you to go there. See #4 – again, just because a friend enjoyed the trek through the Himalayas in freezing temperatures carrying a 60-pound bag doesn’t mean you will. If you’re idea of roughing it is a 5 star hotel in Tahiti then a river-rafting trip down the Grand Canyon may not be for you!

6.) Think about who is giving you advice and what their knowledge is based on. Have they actually been there or are they experts on this destination? Look for resources from and by people in the places you are thinking of going for the most accurate picture of what travel in those places will really be like.

7.) Travel in the present. Learn about contemporary life and current affairs in the places you are going. (The Internet makes this much easier than ever before.)

8.) And most importantly, be sure that you and your fiancée are on the same page. If you want a week at a luxury hotel with a spa and a swim up bar, and he wants to go to a dude ranch, then you need to talk about that early on and find a way to compromise. (That is what you do in marriage!) Perhaps you can go to Kauai and stay at the Princeville Resort, which has a wonderful spa and is conveniently located by the Princeville Stables!

9.) Once you’ve made your decision, book early! Waiting for those last minute Internet fares is not honeymoon appropriate. The most popular honeymoon destinations such as Tahiti sell out months in advance!

10.) Don’t forget to say “I DO” and go have the honeymoon of your dreams. You should come back from your trip feeling like you’ve just experienced one of the most memorable and enjoyable events of your new life together.

(TIP: It’s more than just buying the air fare!)

Kauai's stunning Napali Coast

I once had a bride call to book a honeymoon cruise in Hawaii. I asked her if they might like to fly to Oahu a day early to have some time on the island before the cruise. I told her about Honolulu, Waikiki, Diamond Head, Don Ho, and of course, Pearl Harbor. To my utter amazement she said (in all seriousness) “What’s Pearl Harbor?”

Hawaii is an amazing and diverse collection of islands in the South Pacific.  Before you even begin planning your honeymoon, DO read up on as much as you can aboout Hawaii!  If you want a fabulous honeymoon with an opportunity for Polynesian Culture, white sand beaches, tropical rainforests, adventure and activities, gourmet restaurants and more, then Hawaii is for you! Each island offers a different atmosphere and different opportunities. If you have the time to visit more than one island, you should! We recommend at least 4 nights on each island, which islands you pick is up to you!

Clothing: The islands of Hawaii each have many different climates – including snow! Consider what activities you plan to enjoy, then pack (fleece jacket if going to Haleakaka, sturdy hiking shoes if hiking on the lava fields). There are many useful guidebooks that offer in depth information on various activities and what to wear. Overall dress is “aloha wear”. Be casual. You do not need to bring a suit, dress slacks, or fancy cloths (unless you want to!)

Weather, Water and Sun: October to May the temperature averages mid 80’s during the day and mid 60’s to mid 70’s at night (light jackets or sweaters are recommended for the evening). These months see more rain but unless there is a weather system, the rain doesn’t usually last long. May to October averages mid to high 80’s during the day and mid 70’s at night. The year-round average water temperature is a warm 74 degrees. The sun is very, very strong. Waterproof sunscreen with maximum protection is essential.

Hotels, be sure to ask: Many hotels offer discounts for honeymooners or extended stays. They may also offer room upgrades or amenities for honeymooners. Just because a hotel is on a beach does not mean it’s on a “swimmable” beach. What does “partial” ocean view really mean? Is there a charge for parking? Is there a “daily activity fee”?

Time and Money: Hawaii does not observe daylight savings time. During the Spring and Summer months, when the clock is turned ahead, Hawaii is 6 hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST), 3 hours behind Pacific Standard Time (PST).

The islands have many banks and ATM’s. We do recommend traveling with more than one ATM or credit card in case something happens to your primary card. Check with your bank before you go about fees they may charge for using your ATM out of network.

Common Sense and Need to Know: Do NOT leave valuables in your rental car, on your beach blanket, or loose in your hotel. Use the safe in your hotel room if you must bring valuables that you won’t be carrying on you. If renting a convertible is a MUST (which we think it is!) rent a convertible with a lockable trunk.

Be sure to ask about discounts when booking activities (AAA, military) and do book the most popular activities in advance. Research and read up on vendors and talk with them directly before you arrive. Beware of special deals where you get a free dinner or activity if you go to a time share presentation. Although you may actually get a free dinner, what’s the point.? Your time in the islands is so limited, use it wisely!

Car Rental and Driving: The islands do not have great public transportation – and with the exception of Honolulu, you will need a rental car. There are major roadways that will take you along beautiful coastlines, to waterfalls, through rainforests, and even to a live volcano! If you are under 25, do check with the rental agency about their policies. Auto insurance is a must. Be sure to check with your auto insurance policy and your credit card about what, if any, protection they offer before you leave.

Start your honeymoon planning at the Hawaii Visitor’s Bureau : http://www.gohawaii.com/

Before you go to Hawaii, buy yourself a guide book and do your homework!

Simplicity Life Travel recommends, Wizard Publications: Ultimate Kauai, Big Island Revealed, Maui Revealed, Oahu Revealed

When you arrive at the airport, be sure to look for, and pick up, the updated ACTIVITY and VISITOR GUIDE for that island. They’re often in stands near the baggage claim. Go, relax and have the honeymoon of your dreams!

Oh and be sure to create a honeymoon registry with Simplicity Life Travel!  You can fill your registry with fun activities like snorkeling at Molokini Crater, a Napali Coast Boat Cruise, a visit to Pearl Harbor, couples massage on the beach, Zip Line Tours, biking down Haleakala…. the list of fun and romantic activities is endless!

Destination (Wedding) Wednesdays for all your destination wedding and honeymoon tips.

Has he said “Will you?” and you’ve said “I will” (or visa versa)? Is your dream wedding on a beach? Is it in a stunning tropical paradise? Maybe it’s high on a mountain top?  Are your friends and family surrounding you as you exchange your vows?

“Fiji has a way of making dreams come true. Be assured of one thing in this South Pacific Paradise… say “We do” in Fiji and you will experience a dream wedding that will provide fantastic memories that will last a lifetime….”

On Wednesday’s we will post ideas about where to have the perfect Destination Wedding or just the perfect honeymoon with tips and recommendations about making your dream come true!

 Simplicity Life Travel can help you book your dream destination wedding.  And don’t forget, even if you have a destination wedding, you can still create a fabulous honeymoon registry!

Take your passport...and copies!

However, it is important to be smart when traveling. It doesn’t matter if you are going outside the US or staying stateside creating a paper trail is always a smart safety precaution.  Add these items to your honeymoon check off list.   Make copies of airline schedules, hotel information, check in and checkout dates, planned excursions, car rental information and your in-laws phone numbers.   If you are traveling outside the US it is very important to make 3 copies of your passports: one to leave at home, one to carry while you are out having fun and one to leave in the hotel room in case yours gets lost or stolen.  The US will let you back into the country with a copy.   Never carry your passport when you are out site seeing.

In case of an emergency you will be very happy you took these measures in advance!  Be like the Boy Scouts and be prepared.

By: Renee Madison — National Travel Director, Simplicity Life Travel

Jenny and John had a successful honeymoon registry!

Happily ever after with a successful honeymoon registry.

When Jenny Johnson and John Ericson got married, they didn’t bother registering with the traditional registries. They already lived together, owned a home, and had the household items they needed.

Instead, Jenny and John created a honeymoon registry and received “pieces of their honeymoon” as wedding gifts.

Jenny and John had a very successful honeymoon registry! “Our honeymoon included Spanish Language courses in Cusco and hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru,” says Jenny. “It was so much more fun creating a gift registry that included these experiential gifts we would always remember. Our honeymoon was filled with fantastic adventures we will never forget, and allowed us to tie these special gifts to our loved ones back home.”

Honeymoon registries today are no longer “alternative” and are acceptable wedding registries. Honeymoon registries offer the opportunity for families and friends to give the couple something worth remembering for their honeymoon. However, because many people are not aware that honeymoon registries exist, it is important that the bride and groom (and their close friends, maid of honor and best man) let people know that their honeymoon registry exists and to “educate” their family friends about the concept. This will insure that they have the most successful honeymoon registry possible.

Simplicity Life Travel Honeymoon Registry provides many tools to help create a successful honeymoon registry and to “get the word out” such as:

• Easy to use honeymoon registry templates to create a dynamic and customized honeymoon Registry announcement postcards to send to family and friends letting them know about your honeymoon registry
• Email announcements to send to family and friends letting them know about your honeymoon registry
• An easy to use website to for friends and family to view your itemized registry and purchase your gifts.

In addition to the “spread the word” tools, the Simplicity Life Travel honeymoon registry also offers:

• FREE wedding website
• FREE wedding blog
• FREE photo album

Although Simplicity Life Travel Honeymoon Registry provides some great tools to help you have a successful honeymoon registry, the bride and groom can also help make the honeymoon registry successful.  Here a few things you can do to create a successful honeymoon registry.

1. Be Creative – Have fun with your registry. Don’t’ just ask for cash – include fun items and activities your friends and family can get excited about. HoneyLuna’s registry page allows you to include comments and even links to the hotel or activity to personalize your registry even more.

2. Include Gifts In a Variety of Price Ranges – When creating your registry do include a variety of items in different price ranges. You don’t want to leave anyone out, nor make anyone feel uncomfortable. With a wide variety of price ranges, guests can contribute anywhere from $20 on up – more if they want!

3. Upload a Photo – upload your photo to your registry and wedding website pages to personalize your honeymoon registry as much as possible.

4. PROMOTE YOUR REGISTRY – Don’t’ be Shy – PROMOTE YOUR REGISTRY! For a successful registry let everyone know where you are registered. Include registry announcement cards in your engagement letters, shower, and wedding invitations. Advise family members and bridal party of your gift wishes, so that they may be actively involved in communicating directly to your guests. Use HoneyLuna’s email announcements as a follow up close to the wedding date. People DO want to buy you a wedding gift, so you might as well make it as easy for them as possible.

Here is an example of some language you can use in email notifications or on your own wedding website:

Dear Tom and Susan:

We would like to share with you our honeymoon registry.

We have registered for the items and activities of our honeymoon as wedding gifts through Simplicity Life Travel Honeymoon Registry! The gifts from our honeymoon registry will help us create memories that will last our lifetime! And, you’ll be really connected with our honeymoon!

If shopping on line is not your preference, please call Simplicity Life Travel at 877-699-5884. You may also find our registry on line at Simplicity Life Travel Honeymoon Registry and click on “Find a Honeymoon Registry” and type in either Smith or Williams.

Thank you so much for thinking of us. We look forward to seeing you and sharing our special day.

Nancy and Dave

Remember, the more you promote your honeymoon registry, the better your chances of having a successful honeymoon registry. Wouldn’t you rather have some fantastic honeymoon experience as your wedding gift rather than a zebra head cookie platter or another turkey baster?