Honeymoon tip #2

Is trip insurance really necessary?  You bet.  Your honeymoon is an investment, not just monetarily, but emotionally.  Should something come up last minute that causes a couple to either cancel or postpone their honeymoon, they will lose any money that is non-refundable.  There are many reasons to have to cancel:  weather, medical emergency, accident on the way to the airport, illness in the immediate family.  Or perhaps your boss says you are needed and you have to postpone your trip.  Trip insurance also covers missed flights, travel delays, lost luggage, medical or dental emergencies while traveling, and emergency return if warranted.  You wouldn't drive your new car without insuring it.  Don't take a chance with  your honeymoon - insure your investment.

8 destinations for a Fall honeymoon

Getting married in the Fall? It's a great time of year for a wedding, especially after the intense summer heat we have experienced this year. If you haven't already planned your honeymoon, you'd better act quickly! Here are some romantic destinations for your honeymoon.

1. Greece - especially Santorini, which is probably the most romantic destination in the Greek Islands for honeymooners. The weather will still be warm but not too hot and there won't be the large crowds you often see in June and July. Check out the Aspaki Hotel and the Oia Castle in Santorini.

2. Costa Rica - November is the end of the rainy season for Costa Rica. This country is very diverse in its climate. I suggest starting in the Arenal Volcano area, then heading over to the Pacific with a stay in Papagayo. This is definitely a destination for active honeymooners. There are all kinds of activities available, including zip lining, horseback riding, hiking, rappelling, surfing, and more. Recommended hotel:The Springs (Arenal), which was made famous by The Bachelor and the Four Seasons(Papagayo).

The Pacific Ocean at Manuel Antonio Park, Costa Rica

3. Italy - Fall is a perfect time of year to visit Tuscany. There will also be fewer crowds, giving you time to really explore this beautiful part of Italy. This is a great destination for those who love food and wine. Recommended hotel: Hotel Palazzo del Capitano

4. South Africa - this is South Africa's spring season and with that come the baby animals you will get to see while on Safari. I suggest visiting Cape Town and Kruger Park so you can get a little bit of a cosmopolitan feel and then the adventure of being on safari. Recommended hotels: Twelve Apostles Hotel and Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town; Lion Sands Private Game Reserve in Kruger Park.

5. ABC Islands - the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are just below the hurricane belt, so there is little worry of your honeymoon being ruined by weather. Aruba has a great nightlife and plenty of wonderful restaurants, Bonaire is more laid-back and a perfect spot for divers, and Curacao is known for private little coves along the beach, perfect for honeymooners. Recommended hotels: Aruba - Hyatt Regency Resort and Casino; Bonaire - Harbour Village Beach Club; Curacao - Baoase Luxury Resort

6. Mexico - especially Riviera Maya, this is a great spot for those who have a bit more limited budget, but still want to treat themselves to luxury. The Riviera Maya, just south of Cancun, is known for all-inclusive resorts. There are plenty of activities available, both day and night. I would suggest waiting until the end of the Fall season to avoid the hurricane season. Recommended hotel: Secrets Maroma

7. Napa Valley, California - Fall season is the time for farmer's markets, wine tastings, and hot air ballooning. There are a number of great little romantic places to stay, among them the Inn at Sonoma, a Four Sisters Inn.

8. Vermont - a perfect time of year to see the brilliant colors of the changing leaves, if your honeymoon is in September or early October. The cool, crisp fall air will invigorate you to go to hike the Green Mountains, or visit some of the shops to buy the world's best maple syrup and enjoy some apple cider. Recommended - Four Chimneys Inn (Bennington, VT)

No matter where you decide to go on your honeymoon, make sure to contact a travel agent for help with the planning. He or she will be there to answer questions, give recommendations, and may be able to add some little extras to your trip, such as free breakfast, spa credits, or a free dinner.

Honeymoon Tips: Tip #1

Be original.  Just because your friends had their honeymoon in St Lucia and absolutely loved it, doesn't mean that this is the best destination for you.  Talk about what you like and, more importantly, what you don't like before deciding on a destination.  And think about being original.  Choose a destination off the beaten path, one that will live in your memories forever.  That could mean an exotic island, an adventurous safari, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.  Think outside the box and plan the trip of a lifetime!

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., May 21 - Mary McGrath with The Travel Bug 

Vacation Planners in Red Bank, N.J., successfully completed the DWAgents.com Destination Wedding Agents Workshop held at the Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino on May 18.

This intensive full-day training program focused on the critical planning, marketing,

and customer service techniques required for success as a dedicated travel professional specializing in destination weddings. More than 90 travel consultants from across North America participated in the workshop.

“We congratulate Mary on completing this challenging training program,” said John

Hawks, the workshop’s chief trainer. “She sharpened her destination wedding planning skills at this workshop, and we were very pleased to have a travel professional of her caliber involved in the training. Couples considering a destination wedding in the future would be very lucky indeed to work with her.”

The workshop was organized by DWAgents.com, the largest network of professional destination wedding agents and planners in North America.