Phoenix... Too Hot to Handle?
Now, yes. But when summer's swelter recedes, you'll want to experience some of America's finest resorts that happen to be located where the Sonoran desert meets Camelback Mountain. Thanks to great expanses of space, these western abodes allow you to stretch out, breathe in, and fully relax.
The Romantic's Guide to Phoenix
Phoenix-Area Hotel/Resort/Spa Guide for Couples
Let's Elope!
Aaargh! Weddings can be so complicated. His family. His friends. Her family. Her friends. The expense! The stress! If you've thought about eloping, read my interview with the woman who wrote The Book on Eloping, which also features the 5 Top Reasons to Elope. If it sounds pretty good to you, find out where you can have a fabulous Fiji wedding and unforgettable island honeymoon.
Image courtesy of Lisa Tabb.
The Very Best Time for Couples to Travel
Certain months seem to be custom-made for a honeymoon or romantic vacation. In September or October the heat of summer has started to recede, crowds have thinned, and school-age children are back where they belong. Find out where to go during crisp fall days and the best places to avoid crowds and bad weather.
Vacation Central: September & October
Cool travel for honeymoon couples and other romantics.
Save Money
Top 10 Things to Do Before Labor Day
Have you gotten the most out of the sultry season? Did you work too hard, and play not enough? If that's the case, there's still time to savor summer (and have a pre-honeymoon or a second honeymoon)! Read Top 10 Things to Do Before Labor Day — and feel free to add your own ideas in the "Comments" section below.
Take a Virtual Vacation
If you can't physically escape to a dream vacation right now and are stuck planning a
staycation, you can still visually transport yourself by visiting About.com's first
Travel Blog Carnival, a collection of photos from 25 About Travel Guides.
Sign Up for a Virtual Vacation
Enjoy seeing the world from your computer? Sign up for my free Virtual Vacations pictorial newsletter. Every week you'll get an email with links to a picture collection from the world's most desirable destinations.
Can't wait? Browse through my Photo Galleries to savor pictures of Africa, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and other perfect spots for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
Grand Canyon photo © Vincent Sardone.
Retro Honeymoons
With the popularity of A&E’s Mad Men series soaring, consumers are looking backward to the 1960s. Wonder where the fictional Betty & Don Draper might have taken their honeymoon? The most popular spots in that decade are worth a second look:Hottest Honeymoon Spots for Hip 1960s Couples
Did your parents honeymoon in any of these places? Which one? And if not there, where? Leave a comment!Photo of January Jones and Jon Hamm, the actors who play Betty and Don Draper © Charley Gallay/Stringer/Getty Images.
Cool It in New Brunswick, Canada
Canada is a terrific place for couples, and the scenic seaside province of New Brunswick, which borders Maine, tends to have comfortably cool days and nights. If you'd like to learn more about this glorious destination, explore:
- Top 10 Attractions in New Brunswick
- Kingsbrae Garden
- St. Andrews by the Sea
- Quoddy Loop
- FDR's Campobello
- The Fairmont Algonquin
Image © Susan Breslow Sardone.
China for Romantics
The eyes of the world are on China as the Summer Olympics begin.If you'd like to visit this vast and fascinating country on a honeymoon or romantic getaway, read contributor Jane Borden's top picks for lovers:
Image of Shanghai's Yu Gardens Bazaar © Jane Borden.
Spa? Nah.
Some people think spas are the closest thing to heaven. But I'm not one of them — and I don't think a spa vacation is a good idea for a couple, either. Find out why: Top 10 Reasons Why You May Hate Spas.
Insist on visiting a spa despite my warnings? Then consider Spas of Mexico, where your dollar goes farther.
Other Voices
Image © Mision del Sol.
Honeymoon Videos on YouTube.com
Thanks to the availability of cheap video cameras and free editing software, more couples have switched from posting still honeymoon photos on a blog or Web site to creating their own honeymoon videos. Many are posted on YouTube.com. Here are some recent ones that may inspire you to plan to create your own honeymoon video:
- Hawaii honeymoon video
More about Hawaii... - Mexico honeymoon video
More about Mexico... - Disney World honeymoon video
More about Disney World… - Venice honeymoon video
More about Venice... - Thailand honeymoon video
More about Thailand... - Pigeon Forge honeymoon video
More about Pigeon Forge... - Honeymoon video in a Hurricane
More about Hurricanes...