Since this is my last week at iVillage, I thought it would be appropriate to have a getaway theme for my last two posts. (Don’t forget, starting Thursday, this blog is moving to http://from-i-will-to-i-do.blogspot.com/)

Whether you’re leaving for your honeymoon straight from your reception, the next day or months later put a lot of thought into it. Your honeymoon is supposed to be your most romantic vacation, so if there’s a place you always wanted to visit, go there! If you can afford the upgrade to first class, do it!

If you’re having a destination wedding, you may want to invite close friends and family down a few days early to have some fun, but just like a wedding held in your hometown, you and your fiancé may not have a lot of time at the pool. You’ll be running around making last minute decisions and meeting with vendors to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.

So, it may make more sense to have your closest friends stay a few days after the wedding so you can actual spend time with them. Even if it does go into honeymoon time.

When we went to a wedding in Barbados last year, the bride and groom went down the week before to take care of the wedding details, and we really didn’t see much of them except at the two pre-wedding events they planned. The day after the wedding, almost everyone flew home, but we stayed for the extra night and so did the bride and groom and their immediate families. We had the best time. The couple didn’t have to tend to any details so they had a lot of time to relax and enjoy.

My point my have gotten lost in the story, but here it is: If you really want to spend time with your friends and relatives at your destination, ask those close to you if they can stay later instead of coming earlier so you’re sure to have quality time with them.  You can then stay longer at the destination for your honeymoon, or fly off to it a few days after your wedding day.

Speaking of Barbados. The image above is a view of the beach at the Sandy Lane resort on the island. Sandy Lane is an unbelievable destination for both honeymoons and weddings. In fact, Tiger Woods got hitched there a few years ago. For something really special (and over the top) you can book The Villa at Sandy Lane and have your family and friends stay with you. The villa offers a private pool, personal staff, a fully-stocked bar and an entertainment system. 

One of the most popular items a couple will register for is a set of luggage.  I guess since you’re starting your new life together, and taking a vacation hours after your wedding, it makes sense that you would want a new set of luggage to carry with you. 

 

If you're looking for an upgrade, and prefer something that’s both sturdy and chic, check out the new LeSportsac collection designed by Stella McCartney hitting LeSportsac stores now – and available on the company’s Web site.  Each product is available in a few different colors or patterns and the design team really thought of everything.

 

I just LOVE the two travel bags featured above.  The smaller black Carry On Case with wheels will easily stow away in an overhead bin, and has more than enough room for a few outfits and shoes.  (There’s a special shoe compartment on the bottom.)  The 22” Carry On Case sells for $420.  There is also a 26" version available that you can check.

 

The Large Bowling Bag ($395) will also fit in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.  It has an exterior pocket as well as a zip around pocket for your cosmetic bag, magazines or anything else you need to pack for the flight.

 

Click here to view the complete Stella McCartney Collection for LeSportsac.

 

 

Remember my post sometime ago about getting married or honeymooning in Disney World?  Well, here's your chance to get a FREE honeymoon at the Magic Kingdom. Get Married (the TV show on Lifetime) is giving couples a chance to win a honeymoon at Walt Disney World!   Here’s what you have to do:

Create a 30-second to 2-minute video telling why you and your Prince Charming deserve this magical honeymoon.  Register to enter and submit your video on GetMarried.com before May 26, 2008. 

The week-long honeymoon prize includes round trip airfare for two, limousine transportation to and from the airport, two 7-day Magic Your Way Park Hopper tickets, 6-nights at a Disney Resort Hotel, which includes one night at the Cinderella Castle Suite.

If you are chosen as the lucky bride and groom, I highly recommend you get tickets to the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review.  They have delicious food and a very entertaining show.  We went in 1997, but I'm sure it's just as good now as it was then.

iVillage is not a sponsor and is not responsible for the administration of the contest on GetMarried.com.  For additional information, including the official rules, please visit their site at www.GetMarried.com.

 

 

Looking for a honeymoon destination where you are treated like a king and queen?  Well look no further than Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa.  This unbelievable tropical destination offers (English) Butler service, meaning all of your needs will be taken care of. 

Choose a room with an ocean view or one right on the beach - each one comes with a private plunge pool.  The resort’s newest section, Mediterranean Village, consists of only suites with a wet bar, pantry and overstuffed sofas in the living room, a king-sized bed, flat screen TVs and a whirlpool tub.  (I’m not going on a honeymoon, but I’m thinking this would be a great destination for my babymoon – and no I’m not pregnant.)

The restaurants, spa, bars, clubs and outdoor activities (swimming, tennis, snorkeling to name a few) - which are all-included in your rate - will keep you busy day and night, though you could spend all your time in your room and have just as great a time.

And if you are planning a tropical honeymoon, and live in the New York Metro Area, you may want to stop by the J Rosen Showroom Sample Sale this week for the hottest swimsuits.  J Rosen is offering 40-60% off merchandise that’s in stores now! I know many brides who got sexy suits for their honeymoon at this sale.   Click here for the details.

 

 

I FINALLY found my camera cord!  It was in the suitcase we used on our trip last October.  I downloaded my pics from our trip to LA and thought I'd start the trip down memory lane with this one.

Yes, we are tourists and we want to Disney Land.  I'm a huge Disney fan - I thought of getting married there - and after going on every ride and eating my favorite Disney lunch - the turkey leg in Adventure Land - Dave decided that he had had enough and left for the ESPN Zone.  Leaving me time to visit every Disney Shop.

When I found the Mickey and Minnie Wedding Headgear at the Mad Hatter's Store I had to ask the lady next to me to take my picture.

I don't remember how much they were and I can't find them online, but I'm sure if you search Google you will be able to find them.  The groom's version is a black top hat with Mickey Mouse ears.

And I'm not suggesting that you wear this headgear down the aisle unless you are truly the ultimate Disney fans.  I just think it's fun, especially if you're honeymooning there.

If you are a Disney fan getting married or honeymooning at Disney Land or Disney World may be something you want to look into.

If you’re looking for a little culture – art, theatre – good food and great shopping, then Europe might be the perfect destination for your honeymoon.

From Ireland and England to France and Spain to Germany and Austria, there’s tons and tons to see and do on a European Vacation. And because the countries are so close together, it’s very easy to fly – or take a train – from one city to another.

For example, you can easily fly to London and then take the Channel Tunnel to Paris. Or enjoy the South of France and take a drive down the Italian Coast.

There are a lot of travel companies that can help you book a complete trip, including air and hotels - sometimes breakfast and other activities are included. Booking a vacation to a foreign country through a reputable tour company is definitely a good idea, especially if you don’t know the language, and want to ensure that you’re staying at a good (and safe) hotel. Because tour companies have relationships with specific hotels and airlines, they may be able to get you a better price than if you booked each part of the trip yourself.

I highly recommend Club ABC Tours. They have some amazing packages at destinations all over the world. In order to book one of their trips, you have to be a member of the “club” which costs a nominal fee, but you will have access to some amazing packages, and at some amazing rates.

This series ended up being shorter than I expected – sorry – but as I come across more travel companies I’ll add to it. Next week is beauty week. I’ve been gathering info for months and have some great bridal beauty tips that I think you’ll love.

Have a great weekend!

If you had to pick one of the 50 states for your honeymoon destination you’d probably pick Hawaii right? Not that there’s anything wrong with Hawaii — it’s one of the top honeymoon destinations — but the USA offers a whole lot more than this tropical paradise.

For newlyweds who consider themselves more the outdoors type, RockResorts offer a variety of destinations for hikers, snow bunnies and those looking for a bit of luxury closer to home.

Each resort is indigenous to their surroundings, so whichever RockResorts location you choose you’ll be immersed in the food and culture of the area. From spa services to hot air balloon rides to outdoor activities - golf, skiing, white water rafting and biking – there’s plenty to do both outside as well as indoors on your honeymoon.

And the best thing about traveling to a domestic honeymoon destination…less of a hassle at the airport — you won’t have to worry about packing your passport, bringing an electrical outlet converter or exchanging your US dollars for a foreign currency.

The photo above is of the Keystone Lodge & Spa in Colorado. This RockResorts location is ideal for those looking for the perfect winter honeymoon. Some of the outdoor activities include: skiing, ice skating, snow mobiling, sleigh rides, hiking, horseback riding.

Wedding Planning Tip: Save yourself some time by writing your wedding thank you notes on the plane and mailing them from your hotel. If you’re honeymooning in one of the 50 states you won’t have a postage problem. But, if you’re honeymoon is at an international location remember that you cannot use US stamps to mail your thank yous out, so write your notes on the plane and mail them when you get back home.

Tomorrow's Where in the World Series destination: European Vacation

Many couples plan honeymoons that will let them relax and unwind after the whirlwind of planning their wedding had ended. So why not plan a trip to a luxury resort with beautiful beaches, fabulous food and amazing accommodations?

Your honeymoon is supposed to be the most amazing vacation of your life, so splurge a little and treat yourself to an experience you’ll never forget — fly first class, take an extra week off of work and book yourselves a room at one of the world’s top hotels.

If you’re looking for a tropical hideaway, look no further than the One & Only Resorts. With locations in Mexico, the Bahamas, Mauritius or the Maldives, you’ll be in awe of the breathtaking views and indulge in the amenities offered, including: spa treatments, water sports, tennis, golf and meals at some of the finest restaurants in the world.

For those of you planning a destination wedding, One & Only Resorts offers wedding packages, and some locations have villas where families and friends can room together.

While the prices are definitely on the steep side, think about it this way: Shouldn’t your honeymoon memories be priceless?

Tomorrow’s honeymoon destination: Discovering America the Beautiful

As you know I took a vacation to LA in October. While waiting for our luggage on the conveyer belt, I couldn’t believe how almost everyone had a plain black bag. There was very little differentiating each suitcase, but Dave and I knew exactly which bags were ours, because I have a polka dot luggage set – the exact one featured below.

It’s great because I can spot it a mile away and I don’t have to check every single black bag to see if it’s mine.

If you don’t plan on buying a new set for your honeymoon, and really like your black one, a simple and stylish way to make your luggage stand out is to add one of these Travel Chic luggage tags or handle wrap sets to your suitcase.

I like the pink tassel set and silver luggage set featured here, but they also carry zebra print handles and faux fur handles in a rainbow of colors so you can pick something that fits your personality. You can check out the complete collection at TravelChic.com.

Still searching for that perfect honeymoon location? The back of most bridal magazines usually feature great honeymoon spots and tips for hotels, airlines and sites to see while you’re there. You can also pick up some travel magazines – Travel + Leisure is one of my favorites. There are even some travel magazines dedicated to honeymoon travel, such as Destination Weddings & Honeymoons.

In addition to magazines, and getting recommendations from friends and family, you can listen to Travel Talk on the Wedding Podcast Network. Each podcast, which is free, features travel experts – authors, editors, travel agents - discussing great locations and travel tips. Click here to listen to the premiere episode, all about honeymooning in Antigua.

Being a bride has its privileges. You get to go to a lot of wedding planning events and enjoy free food, cocktails and cake. People tend to fawn all over you when you mention that you’re getting married. Once you’re hitched the title bride is replaced with a new one, wife. But on your honeymoon, if you use the term “newlyweds” the perks of being a bride will continue throughout your trip.

When booking your honeymoon, and while you’re away, mention to people that you are “planning your honeymoon”, or that you are “on your honeymoon.” You may be able to get free upgrades on airlines and in hotels. Restaurants may send you a complimentary dessert and strangers may buy you and your new hubby drinks to toast your marriage.

People are happy to hear that you’re a newlywed, so enjoy these well wishes and complimentary gifts while you’re away.

If you’re from the tri-state area you probably remember Travel with Val on NY1. I loved her travel tips and deals you could get through her website before the days of online discount travel sites.

Planning your honeymoon, doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Just like planning your wedding, talk to your fiancé about how much you want to/can afford to spend on your honeymoon. Then start doing your research. Price out all-inclusive packages as well as discounts you may be able to get from being an AAA member or other associations.

One idea is to pay for a lot of your wedding vendors and products with a credit card that you can earn airline miles with. Two popular programs are: American Express & Delta or MasterCard & American Airlines. Depending on where you want to go, you may be able to use your miles for a free flight, or an upgrade to first class.

Checkout online travel sites for deals. You may have heard of Hotels.com, Expedia and Orbitz, but there are other sites that offer great deals too. TravelZoo.com and Travel with Val are two of my favorites.

I’m home with a horrible cough today and when I went to go to the doctor this afternoon I realized that it is definitely time to take my winter coat, gloves, scarf and hat out of storage (the back of the closet) because it is cold outside.

I wish I could be on an island in the Caribbean relaxing on the beach, but then I realized that it’s still hurricane season, and if I was on an island, it’s possible that my trip would be ruined by a storm.

When planning for your honeymoon, do your research on what type of weather conditions you can expect while you’re away. Remember that hurricane season lasts from June 1st through November so the Caribbean is probably not a safe bet.

You can find out potential weather situations online or talk to a travel agent about when is the best time to go to your chosen location. And if you want to risk it, you may want to look into travel insurance incase your destination gets hit with a storm before you get there, or hits while you’re away so you can get back the money you spent on airfare, accommodations and any other related expenses.

I received a press release from the Honeymooner's Review Guide about a poll they conducted on where couples would "like" to go for their honeymoon. The top destination…Fiji Islands followed by Hawaii and French Polynesia (Bora Bora and Moorea).

So I guess after all the planning, brides and grooms just need a break and want to relax on a beautiful beach.

When trying to decide on your honeymoon destination, think about what you want to do while you’re there. And I don’t mean bedroom activities! Do you want to go exploring in Africa or Europe, do you want to enjoy your favorite activity – diving or skiing, or just explore a location you've never been to before?

We chose to go to London and France for our honeymoon, because I wanted to go shopping during the European sales season, and Dave wanted to lay by the pool, so we spent a few days in Monte Carlo.

So before you book your trip, think about what you want to do on your honeymoon and how much you have to spend on it. If you can’t afford a private beach in Fiji, fly to a less expensive white sand beach in the Caribbean or off the west coast of Mexico. We created the Honeymoon Finder to help you figure out which honeymoon destination would best fit your style, so click here to try it out.

Life after the honeymoon will be easier if you write thank-you notes as wedding gifts arrive. You’ll thank yourself later.

Etiquette dictates that you have two months after returning from your honeymoon to mail out all of your thank you notes. But why not take care of them within two weeks? If you’re honeymooning in one of the fifty states you can write your notes on the plane and mail them from the local post office or hotel.

If your destination is outside the U.S. you can still write your notes and address them on the plane, but don’t mail them – U.S. stamps are only legal when mailing letters within the states, not to them from abroad.

Once the wedding is over, you're no longer the bride, but someone's wife. It's time to turn in your "bride" tees, tanks, pants and PJs for Mrs. fashions.

Wifeville, an online fashion company, sells everything from tees and tanks to pants and hoodies proudly declaring that you're hitched to your own handsome prince.

Owner Jenny G, designs fun apparel playing with the word "wife." There's the "Wonder Wife", "The Wife Wears Prada", "The Wives of Hazzard" and my favorite, pictured here, "The Wife is Right."

To checkout Jenny's designs and order your own wife item, take a trip to Wifeville.

I have to admit it. I'm not the best flyer, so when we were looking for a honeymoon destination we took into consideration the length of the flight and comfort of the plane.

We decided to fly Virgin Atlantic – first class – to London, and I have to say we had the best flight ever! The seats became beds, unlimited food and drinks – and the food was delicious! - a bar – a real bar with stools to sit at, a spa station where we enjoyed back rubs and of course the in-flight entertainment – movies galore. We took more photos on the plane then we did in London.

Today, when booking flights, I always wish that I could get that Virgin plane to fly to a US destination, and my wish has finally come true!

Starting this month Virgin America will be flying to and from, NY, LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Washington DC. Now these destinations may not be on your honeymoon agenda, but if you’re having guests fly in for your wedding, I highly recommend booking them flights with Virgin. (We’re flying it to a wedidng in LA this October.)

The amenities are unbelievable: food (you rarely see that on domestic flights), mood lighting, 9” screens with movies, live TV and cable access, a plug for your laptop or phone charger and custom designed leather seats. And you can chat/IM with other passengers, so your single friend may find a date for your wedding after all.

The fares are also unbelievable: $44 and $139 for cabin seats and first class seats start at $389!

If anyone books a flight, let us all know what you think. And by the way, where are you going on your honeymoon?