I’d promised myself to let the groom arrange some of the wedding plans and since organising the honeymoon is traditionally the groom’s job I convinced myself he should really get to pick (and of course pay!). But when the bride’s a travel journalist she’s got to have a say ‐ hasn’t she?
Actually I think I’m doing Jamie a favour by taking over arrangements for the honeymoon. Every honeymooner has high expectations and choosing somewhere in August is actually really quite difficult. Whilst Italy is possibly the most romantic option close to home, with three weeks off work I want to go further afield (or rather further away from children on their school holidays).
Distant destinations
However, after consulting the climate charts one night it became increasingly apparent that anycouple set on an exotic long‐haul honeymoon should avoid planning a wedding during British summertime.
The traditional hot honeymoon destinations such as the Indian Ocean; The Carribbean; and much of South America and Australia are best visited from October to March. But with the date of the wedding firmly fixed (and deposit having cleared the bank) I had to find a solution. After a bit more homework, I narrowed the choice down to the exotic islands of Bali and the South Pacific.
Not being the most patient of travellers Jamie cringed at the throught of a 27‐hour flight via Los Angeles to the South Pacific (unless I was going to pay for him to travel first class, he said!). The 17‐hour flight to Bali via either Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur seemed much more manageable and, as it turns out, August is the perfect time to go with high temperatures, low rainfall and little humidity. After pointing out several pictures of beautiful beaches and a few luxurious hotels (in particular The Ritz Carlton and a new hotel called the Royal Pita Maha located near Ubud) I could tell he was tempted.
Getting good rates
All I had to do was close the deal by hinting that hotel rates are particular competitive at the moment and many of the airlines are offering discounted tickets (check out websites such as Travelocity, Opodo, Expedia and Cheapflights.co.uk) and I’d have the honeymoon sorted!
With the prospect of getting the honeymoon booked I’m getting really excited but unfortunately the bad dreams have also begun…you know the ones where you tip red wine down the dress the night before, wake up and your hair has fallen out or worse still the groom goes missing!
Worringly, the latter is actually possible, although in reality, the probability is small. Whilst Jamie left the marines in December, he could get called up as a reserve if push comes to shove. I know my wedding insurance will refund the money spent on a wedding cancelled if the groom’s called to war, but somehow that doesn’t really cheer me up…
Get inspiration for your honeymoon from the Good Honeymoon Guide
