Flights of Fancy (1)

Finding that right destination — the location that will ensure both of you get what you want — is the key to post-wedding bliss, say local travel experts. It boils down to the principles of who, what, where, when, why and how much, and not exactly in that order.

Who?

Are you the kind of couple who want to spend the days soaking up the sun on a sandy beach or are you an adventurous pair fantasizing about a spectacular trip to Alaska or biking through Europe? Be sure to think it through, recommends Howard Miller, president of CWT/Bainbridge Travel Inc.

"If somebody has a special interest, they should tell their travel agent. Whether it's art, archaeology, nature, food, we can link them up with special tours and locations that will fit their needs," Miller says. "They even have chocolate tours of Europe."

How much?

As with anything you plan, you first need to establish a budget. Whether it's $2,000 or $20,000, this figure will guide you in terms of where you go: on an African safari or to the Lake Erie Islands.

"Your pricing will determine where you travel in the world," notes Cindy Staycheff, marketing and promotions coordinator with AAA Travel in Independence.

At the same time, you might choose to stay closer to home and still spend big. "There's still a lot of people who travel to Las Vegas for their honeymoon," she says. "You can do it inexpensively and you can also do it very nicely and stay at hotels like the Bellagio and the Mirage."

If you crunch the numbers and come up short on the budget, you still have options. Some couples — who have already accumulated the kitchen gadgets and linens on their own — opt to set up a bridal registry for their honeymoon, allowing friends and family to contribute toward the expense.

What?

Will it be land or sea, all-inclusive or à la carte? Cruises are a popular option for newlyweds who want variety and aim to control costs. Your floating resort will be all-inclusive, which means you purchase a package at a cost that includes airfare, your stay on the cruise ship, meals and entertainment. You'll only need spending money for excursions and drinks, though some nonalcoholic beverages are provided in the package.

Many resorts also offer all-inclusive packages. That figure would include airfare, transportation from the airport, accommodations, meals, gratuities, beverages, all nonmotorized water sports and entertainment.

"The thing that is nice about all-inclusive packages is that the honeymoon couple can see pretty much exactly what their pricing is going to be before they leave home. There are not going to be any hidden surprises," Staycheff says.

Where?

The top honeymoon destinations are not hard to identify: Hawaii, Tahiti, the Caribbean (including Jamaica, Aruba and St. Lucia), the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mexico, Bermuda, Orlando and Las Vegas (for the ceremony and honeymoon), as well as Alaska and Europe. Some newlyweds even trek to see wonders such as the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, travel the California coastline or ski the slopes in Vermont.

When?

Depending on the time of year you'll be traveling, take Mother Nature into consideration, advises Rose Ann Deprey, vacation/travel consultant with Astro Travel, part of Carlson Wagonlit, located in Solon. Also, be aware of hurricane season, which is mid-July to mid-November.

"If someone has an August wedding and they want to head to the Caribbean, that's in the heart of the hurricane season," Staycheff warns. "Aruba, while in the Caribbean, is out of the hurricane belt and is a perfect destination for that time of year."

Couples also need to factor in how many days they have to get away. "I recommend at least seven," Staycheff says. "Everything is so hectic for a couple before they are getting married, it's nice to be able to unwind. You figure your first and last days are travel days, [so] you're really looking at five days of unwinding."

Consider starting your trip on a Monday, following a Saturday wedding. That gives you one day to regroup and get some rest so you don't take off totally exhausted.

Why?

Travel experts suggest that couples start planning their honeymoon six months in advance. "With a little bit of time and effort, you can have the perfect honeymoon," Deprey says.

If you're heading overseas to Europe, Tahiti or a destination in the South Pacific, you will need a passport. Allow six weeks to have it processed. n