The third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica is home to over 2.6 million people.  The island is home to the Blue Mountains and is surrounded by a coastal plain; the major cities are located on the coast.  Named  "Xayamaca" (Land of Wood and Water) by the original "Taino" inhabitants, Jamaica was a colony of Great Britain and became an independent country in 1962.

  Jamaica has stunning white sand beaches, lush foliage and tropical weather all year round - in short, it is everything you imagine a tropical island to be.  The country boasts a remarkable art scene, a rich cultural heritage and terrific cuisine --- its crown jewel is unforgettable Negril.

  Negril is actually still underdeveloped which remains a significant factor in its charm.  Negril's 7 mile beach is consistently rated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world by virtually every source and is the center of Negril's activity.  The north end of the beach (which is really only 4 miles long) is home to several large, all-inclusive resorts while at the south end are the small, family run boutique properties.  The combination gives a good mix for lodging choices.  The area know as the "Cliffs" is at the south end and offers easy access to waters good for diving (from up to 40' above the water).  People gather at the iconic Rick's Cafe or one of the many other bars and restaurants to watch to cliff divers and marvel at the fabulous sunsets.

  Normal Mandley Boulevard is the main drag running parallel to the shore and provides access to most of the resorts, shops and commercial activity.  7 mile beach is made for walking however, and you can get a real feel for the area's atmosphere simply be strolling along the beach (although taxis are plentiful..and cheap!)

  Jamaica, and Negril in particular, can be the perfect choice for your honeymoon -- the land of sun drenched beaches, warm tropical breezes, rum, reggae and Bob Marley awaits!

For more information Honeymoons and Destination Weddings or to connect with your local Romance Travel Specialist, please visit www.allabouthoneymoons.com.

  For those of you that will be honeymooning in Cancun, Cozumel or Riviera Maya, an interesting day trip is a trip to Isla Holbox.  This small (only 26 miles long) island is located northwest of Cancun off the northern tip of theYucatan close to the confluence of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.  A visit to the island is an unforgettable experience and a chance to escape from civilization and find peacefulness while in contact with the island's natural surroundings.

  Probably the main attraction of a trip to Holbox is the chance to swim with Whale Sharks.  Whale Sharks are the largest species of fish and can measure up to 50 feet in length.  Despite their massive size, they are harmless and non-threatening to humans.  You can swim (snorkel only) with these giant fishes in the open water and the experience is incredible compared to swimming with a couple dolphins in a big pen.  Swimming with a Whale Shark is similar to swimming along side a bus!  The area is the summer breeding grounds of these fish due to all the plankton (which is their food) in the water.  The island's location between the two seas results in the large amount of plankton and there are an estimated 1400 of the creatures in the area between May and September.

  Isla Holbox has only 1500 inhabitants (mostly fishermen); the main form of transportation is bicycles and golf carts (there are very few cars) and the streets are packed sand.  Another natural attraction on the island is the Yalahau lagoon (between the island and the mainland) which is home to many dolphins and the multitude of flamingoes that visit the island between April and October.

  Holbox can be reached by a two hour drive from Cancun to the tiny port of Chiquila Village where ferries depart to/from the island all day.  Isla Holbox is a hidden paradise - perfect for those that seek relaxation and tranquility in an ecological atmosphere.

For more information on Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, please visit www.allabouthoneymoons.com.

  The Mesoamerican reef is the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere and 2nd largest in the world behind the Great Barrier Reef off the Queensland coast of Australia.  The Mesoamerican reef (MAR) runs from the northern tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula (near the small island of Contoy) down the coast all the way to the northern islands of Honduras and is about 700 miles long.

  A tapestry of fringing reefs, atolls, patch reefs, sea grass beds and mangrove forests, the reef is home to numerous creatures including sea turtles, several dolphin species (bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins and rough tooth dolphins), and over 500 species of fish including the world's largest population of Manatees.

  Coral reefs are the oldest eco-system on the planet; on the outer edge of the reef are the deep water corals, sponges and soft corals which grow above the more delicate finger and palmate corals.  Marine grasses flourish on the sheltered side of the reef with their roots in broken corals and accumulated sediments.

  The MAR acts as a natural barrier for the beaches of the mainland (i.e., Riviera Maya and Cancun) by insuring calm water and provides the untimate in snorkeling and diving opportunities.  The island of Cozumel (very close to the reef itself) is considered one of the top dive locations in the entire world.

For more information on Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, please visit www.allabouthoneymoons.com

  Located in northeast South Carolina in the middle of what is called the "Grand Strand", Myrtle Beach, SC has what many honeymooners are looking for, the "Three S's" - Sun, Sand and Sea.  In addition, though, there are plenty of things to do and see on your active honeymoon and here are some of the top attractions:

Broadway at the Beach  This complex surrounds Lake Broadway with an expansive boardwalk that connects hundreds of boutique shops, restaurants, carnival style rides, an aquarium and so much more.  There is a fireworks show over the lake once a week and the "Celebrity Square" area is a plaza within Broadway at the Beach that has lively bars and nightclubs.

Carolina Opry  This live show combines music, comedy and dancing in an unforgettable performance.  This "Opry" uniqually combines four different entertainment shows.

Sky Wheel  The Sky Wheel takes up you nearly 120 feet inside a glass bottom gondola...it gives you the feeling that you are flying.  The views are incredible and similar to the type of view one gets when parasailing (only dryer!)

Intercoastal Waterway  The Intercoastal Waterway is a 3,000 mile long waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts consisting of natural inlets, saltwater rivers, bays, sounds and a few artificial canals.  The stretch of the ICW through the Myrtle Beach area is considered to be one of its most scenic sections.  You can rent a boat at the Myrtle Beach Marina and cruise down the waterway while seeing everything from untouched natural beaches to upscale marinas and hotels.

Golf  With over 120 courses, Myrtle Beach is one of the golf capitals of the US.  A wide range of courses are available from beginner's tracks to Championship Level courses.  Even miniature golf is a blast -- the "Mount Atlanticus" miniature course has a tropical theme and has tiki torches that light up at night.

  If the "Sun, Sand and Sea" along with the plethora of activities aren't quite enough for you, this might put it over the top.....Vanna White is from Myrtle Beach!

For more information on Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, please visit www.allabouthoneymoons.com

  Surely the honyemoon is the most important vacation you'll ever take so it is worth taking some extra time in planning it.  Here are a couple tips to help you:

Adults Only, All-Inclusive Resort:  Do you really want to celebrate your marriage with romantic dinners and relaxing beach/pool days while you are being distracted by children?  At an adults-ony esort you will be around other couples enjoying their vacation in the same way you are, and its fun to meet other couples celebrating a honeymoon,a destination wedding or an anniversary.  An All-Inclusive resort not only provides great value, but since all costs are included in one price the stress of worrying about every penny is eliminated

Travel Agents:  Travel Agents can be an invaluable resource.  Agents that specialize in Honeymoons and Destination Weddings (like All About Honeymoons) are able to suggest the best resorts, have insider tips and know how to work with travel vendors to get the most for your money.  And all at no cost to you!

Bring A Copy:  Many resorts offer special amenities to honeymooners.  Make sure you take a copy of your marriage certificate as proof you qualify for any "extras".  Your travel agent should make sure the resort knows (before you get there) that you are on your honeymoon.

Pre-Purchase "Add-Ons"  You'll save time and money by booking things like spa services, excursions and other "add-ons" before you leave.  May tours let you purchase with your package, then pick the day of the activity when you arrive.

  Most of all, relax and have fun!  - After all, it IS your honeymoon!

For more information on Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, please visit www.allabouthoneymoons.com

  Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is emerging as one of the most popular honeymoon spots in the Caribbean.  The Dominican Republic “splits” the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is the largest tourist destination in the Caribbean. Punta Cana is located on the Dominican’s eastern edge on what is sometimes referred to as the “coconut coast” (the area’s 30+ miles of beach are lined with coconut palms).   The terrific weather, calm water, incredible beaches, relatively good air service from the US and the plethora of outstanding resorts have led to Punta Cana becoming an extremely popular honeymoon destination.

   One of the newest  and probably the most spectacular resort in Punta Cana is Palace Resort’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.  This all-inclusive resort has Hard Rock’s “signature stylish edge” and has over 1700 rooms, fifteen  swimming pools (eight of which face the ocean), twelve restaurants, a spa with 48 treatment rooms and, of course, plenty of Rock and Roll memorabilia.

  The casino at the Hard Rock is the largest one in the Caribbean.  With multiple blackjack tables, craps, a poker room, plenty of slot machines and a Sports Book with over 100 TVs it is truly a Vegas-like experience.  For those of you that are Vegas lovers, keep in mind that while the casino will remind you of Vegas, you have the additional perk of a mile long white sand beach just outside – Las Vegas can’t say that!

  Other top of the line hoteliers that have a significant presence in Punta Cana include AMResorts (Secrets Royal Beach, Now Larimar Punta Cana, Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana, Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa and Zoetry Agua Punta Cana), Barcelo (Barcelo Bavaro Palace, Barcelo Punta Cana, Barcelo Dominican Beach and Barcelo Bavaro Beach) and Riu (Riu Bambu, Riu Naiboa, Riu Palace Macao, Riu Palace Punta Cana and Riu Palace Bavaro).  In short, there is a wide variety (and thus a wide price-range) of all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana.

  Punta Cana is protected by a unique coral reef that keeps the water very calm and thus safe for swimming.  Along with the predictably wonderful weather it makes Punta Cana the perfect place for  “hanging out on the beach” but you will find plenty of “adventure excursions” available as well.  The area is one of the largest golf destinations in the Caribbean with several courses including ones designed by well known golf course architects like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and PB Dye.

  When several American investors bought 18.5 square miles of jungle with exotic white sand beaches, thousands of coconut trees and no roads in 1969 and started Punta Cana, little did they know that the area would become one of the world’s honeymoon meccas.

For more information on Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, please visit "www.allabouthoneymoons.com.

  Until the early 90's no one went to Mexico and played golf.  In 1993, Jack Nicklaus put Mexican golf on the map with the legendary "Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol".  The course was so well received that several important golf course designers ike Tom Doak, Davis Love, Tom Weiskopf, Tom Fazio and Greg Norman have followed Nicklaus (the "Godfather" of Mexican golf).  Today, every major Mexico destination has quality courses, here are a few of our favorites:

RIVIERA MAYA:                                  Moon Palace

  The "Camaleon" (the Chameleon) is so named because it changes character so many times.  The home of the only PGA tour event in Mexico (the Mayakoba Classic), the course presents a different look every hole or two with sections that are oceanfront, in the jungle, through canyons and in a mangrove forest.  Also, the Nicklaus "Signature 27" at the Moon Palace resort is an excellent course as is Pete Dye's course at the Iberostar resort complex.

LOS CABOS:                                            Cabo del Sol     

  As mentioned, the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol is a gem, but the new Davis Love course, "Diamente" is quickly challenging for the best course in Cabo.  The Nicklaus course at the Palmilla resort (with air conditioned carts!) is excellent and new courses by Norman and Tom Fazio shouldn't be missed.

PUERTO VALLARTA:                     Punta Mita

  Riviera Nayarit is home to one of the premier purely public facilities in Mexico, Vista Vallarta, which features courses by Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf.  The twin Nicklaus courses at Punta Mita are terrific (but not cheap!) and the original course has the only natural island hole on earth.  Built on an off-shore atoll, it presents a memorable tee shot.  Since the hole requires such a long carry, they built an alternate "19th hole" that is shorter.  Thus, at Punta Mita post-round cocktails happen at the 20th hole!

For more information on Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, please visit www.allabouthoneymoons.com

  Cape Cod is where New Englanders go to dip their toes in the sand, but for sun, surf and history loving honeymooners from any region the Cape can fit the bill.  Cape Cod offers a wide variety of accommodations and things to do and see for your summer honeymoon.

  The biggest draw for visitors to the Cape and its two major islands (Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard which are reachable by plane or ferry) is undoubtedly the water.  Along the 40 mile long Cape Cod National Seashore on the Atlantic, every town has its own pristine beach.   With a total of 560 miles of sandy coastline the Cape offers water related activities from whale watching (the best one departs from the town of Orleans) and seal watching (from Chatham) to sport fishing, from kayaking to sailing in a sloop and from swimming and sunbathing to canal cruises (from the town of Bourne) and harbor cruises.  Throughout the Cape much of the commercial activity centers around deep sea fishing (for striped bass, bluefish, shark and tuna).

  In addition to water related pursuits, the Cape offers lots of land based activities.  There are walking and biking trails through the sand dunes, museums (like the John F Kennedy Museum in Hyannis or the Heritage Museum in Sandwich (the oldest town on the Cape)) and lighthouse tours.  Antique shops and art galleries abound, particularly in the Bohemian town of Provincetown at the tip of the Cape.  There is plenty of old-fashioned summer fun in the charming Cape towns like taking in a concert on the town green or catching a Cape Cod League baseball game.  For a fascinating and unique excursion, check out the Ocean Spray Inc.'s "cranberry bogs" in the town of Wareham (the "gateway" to the Cape)

  Cape Cod offers a plethora of lodging choices, from B & Bs to venerable old inns (there aren't many major hotels -- they'd overwhelm the environment).  One of the gems of the Cape is the Chatham Bars Inn which opened in 1914 and is in the style of a grand old hotel with a main inn and semi-private cottages.

  From stimulating to sedate, Cape Cod and its islands offer something for everyone.

For more information on Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, please visit www.allabouthoneymoons.com

  Certainly many honeymoons are in warm weather destinations which leads to the obvious question, "are you a pool person, or a beach person"?   If you are one of the many "pool people" out there, when on your honeymoon  you don't want a run of the mill backyard or rec center pool, you want one that screams "VACATION".  Here are a few of what we consider to be the BEST resort pools.

  Cancun - Excellence Playa Mujeres

  A free form infinity edge pool that hugs the beach, there is plenty of space with over-water hammocks and palm fringed islands with cabana beds.

  Los Cabos - Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach

  The hillside resort has 6 swimming pools, but it is the pool at the top that stands out.  The "Sky Pool" is essentially on top of a mountain and offers stunning views of the mountain landscape and the Pacific Ocean.

  Punta Cana - Majestic Elegance

  This 1,000 foot long freeform style pool stretches from the lobby to the beach so no matter where your room is, you are only steps from the pool.  The pool area features towering palm trees and secluded beach beds.

  Riviera Maya - Barcelo Maya Palace

  A massive pool area featuring a lake-like main pool complete with a swim-up bar, in pool lounges and cocktail tables, zero depth entry, waterfalls, and a whirlpool island.  A separate lap pool, a pool for games, a pool for kids and a waterpark complete this beachfront complex.

  Jamaica - Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica

  Three inter-connected lake style pools literally surround the resort.

  Puerto Vallarta - Grand Velas

  A three tier infinity edge pool that disappears into Banderas Bay featuring intricate stone work on the pool deck, lush landscaping and top notch service.

   St. Lucia - Sandals Grande St Lucian

  Five inter-connected lagoon like pools, six whirlpools, swim up suites and a beachfront swim up bar are surrounded by the tropical paradise of St Lucia.

  Costa Rica - The Springs Resort & Spa

  Natural hot springs feed 18 natural rock and freeform pools spread throughout this mountainside resort.  The pools have names like "Lagoons", "Lost Spring", "Lost One" and "Monkey Slide" -- sounds like something from an Indiana Jones movie!

  Las Vegas - Hard Rock Hotel

  The place to party.  The pool area features bars, hot tubs and an underwater sound system along with swim-up blackjack and craps --- it even has a sandy bottom.  The home of outrageous pool parties!

BRITRAIL:

  Seeing Britain by train is a great option thanks to Britrail.  Rail lines criss-cross the country, depart frequently and are almost always on time.  A Britrail pass offers great value, convenience and flexibility for exploring destinations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - one can truly travel with no set agenda, getting on and off trains as you'd like.

  Britrail offers a wide selection of passes covering as much or as little of Great Britain as you wish.  You can travel as often as you want while hopping on and off trains with no hassle.  A variety of plans and discounts (low season, youth pass, Eurail passholder, etc...) are offered and passes can be purchased up to six months in advance.  Passes can be purchased for Standard Class (2nd class) or First Class which runs about 50% more.  Keep in mind that many Britrail trains are only Standard Class.

  Central London is ringed by major rail stations and that, along with the frequency of trains as well as the extensive network of National Railways in Britain open the door to the exploration of this incredible country.

EUROSTAR:          

  Eurostar operates the high speed railway service that connects London with Paris and Brussels through the tunnel under the English Channel.  Officially called the Channel Tunnel, it is commonly referred to as the "Chunnel"; the London terminal is at St Pancras Station.

  The Chunnel is 31 miles long and has the longest undersea portion in the world.  Officially opened in 1994, the Chunnel was used by 17 million people last year (in addition to freight trains and "shuttle wagons" that move cars).

LONDON UNDERGROUND:   

  London's most popular public transportation system is the Underground, popularly called the "Tube", which connects every part of the citty via quick and convenient trains.  Actually opened in 1890, the Tube has 270 stations and over 250 miles of track.  Carrying over 3 million people a day, the "Tube Map" sets the standard for other subway systems worldwide.