Vacationing In Hawaii

Destination Hawaii

Are you researching possible places to have a vacation? Have you considered Hawaii? Hawaii is a beautiful place to spend any amount of time. Read on to find out more of what you can do in Hawaii.

Perhaps you are looking at Hawaii as a romantic getaway. Whether it is for a honeymoon or any other romantic occasion, or just because - Hawaii can be a great time for two people to spend quality time together. It is beautiful, scenic, and secluded. For those of us not luck enough to be a native, Hawaii seems like a tropical paradise.

The islands are all very beautiful. Just like in any other beach vacation there is a lot of basic things you can do together cheaply. Spending time on the beach or in the water can be romantic and fun. If you are active you can take advantage of the water and beautiful weather and participate in some water sports. There are so many to choose from including kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, surfing, boogie boarding and snorkeling.

Your nights can include starlight walks on the beach, fine dining, luau's and enjoying some of the islands traditional entertainment. There are plenty of resorts to choose from on the various islands and each one has entertainers or shows to enjoy during your stay.

Although Hawaii is certainly an ideal place for a romantic vacation, it is great for family vacations as well. Hawaii is a beautiful place, rich in both history and culture and this can certainly be carried over into any family vacation you might have. You can weave in learning experiences into your beautiful and fun tropic like vacation.

Regardless of what island you choose, or which resort or hotel you stay at, you can find numerous activities that are both fun and educational. You should be able to find a local cultural center without a problem. There are tons of different tours you can take on the island which cover everything from underwater creatures to the history of the islands.

Water sports, as mentioned above for the romantic types, can certainly be carried over into a family vacation. You can either participate in group activities, such as sailing or kayaking or you can take lessons together for water sports which you are not proficient in. While there you should learn at least one water sport that you did not know before. Scuba diving is a great choice because of all of the beautiful underwater creatures you could see.

Hawaii is certainly a beautiful place, a trip which for many is a chance of a lifetime. It is a great choice for families and couples alike.

Islands of Panama

Islands of Panama

Panama is one of the few countries in the world with the best geographic locations. It links and gives connection and bond between the North and South American countries. It consists of several islands which are subdivided into smaller islets with some of these islets having no names. Panama has one thousand islands on its Pacific side and six hundred islands on its Caribbean side. Among these six hundred islands along its Caribbean coastline, about two-thirds of these are located east of its capital and most are at the end of the isthmus. Panama's islands have always been a frequent and favorite location for the popular American reality show, "Survivor" and are not surprising why many showed their interest on the island.

The islands of Panama are among the most beautiful islands in the whole world and most of these islands caused its creation and formation because of the volcanic activities. Here are some of the famous and most visited islands in Panama that are worth visiting and never be missed:

The San Blas Island

The San Blas Island placed and positioned at the northeast of the mainland, is one the most popular island in the country. In San Blas, there are more than 200 islets here but only half of them or 113 have names and the other 100 islets are nameless. Almost 30 islands are entirely of corals. In San Blas, you can enjoy diving, snorkeling, and fishing in this island.

The Colon Island

The Colon Island is placed in the northern-most and in the Bocas del Toro region and is one of the most beautiful and one of the largest archipelago of the islands. It is the country's biggest tourist attraction and near the Caribbean Sea and the perfect island for nature lovers. In this island, the most famous are beachfront hotels, restaurants and discotheques and the residential districts. When you are here, you can visit other nearby islands through private boats or through renting a water taxi.

The Boca Brava Island

The Island of Boca Brava is located at the Gulf of Chirique in the Pacific coast of Panama. This is a virtually uninhabited island where the marine national park is also located. The Boca Brava is a small island yet there is something for everyone here, may it be for relaxing or participating in activities like diving and snorkeling or riding and surfing. In addition, the island is a good spot for birders and those who enjoy wildlife watching since it homes to hundreds of monkeys and turtles and raccoons. Located here are Linarte, Las Ventanas and Saino which are among the uninhabited islands and has crystal clear waters.

The Pearl Island

The Pearl Island also known as the Archipelago de las Perlas is located 50 miles from the capital of Panama, the Panama City. It has a group of 100 or more islands and many of them are small and uninhabited. Its largest islands are the San Jose and the Isla del Rey. This island has always been featured by the reality TV show, Survivor. Other TV shows that feature this island includes the Israeli version of and the BBC TV series, The Real Swiss Family Robinson.

Five Reasons to Get Married in Las Vegas

Ah, Las Vegas. Sin City. Tons of people get married or have their honeymoon in Las Vegas every year. Have you considered being one of them? Here are 5 reasons why - reasons you may not of considered before.

Reason One - Celebrate your last days of being single in Sin City. Las Vegas is a lot of fun. Whatever you are looking for they have. Spend a few nights on the strip before becoming married forever. Get in some time with the girls experiencing the nightlight, gambling, and everything Vegas has to offer.

Reason Two - Get married quick and easy. Vegas gives all couples the change to take the plunge into marriage on a moment's notice. All you need is a valid ID, your social security number and dome cash. You don't need a wedding planner, a DJ, stationery any family.

Reason Three - Get married your own way. In Las Vegas you are free to get married in your own way. Want a wedding of 200, no problem. Would you rather have only 2 guests? That's fine too. Most chapels will offer a variety of packages to choose from. These packages range from simple to grand and everything in between. Vegas is your one stop shop to get married at. Want to get hitched but don't have rings, flowers, witnesses, a dress or tux? Don't worry; you will be able to find it in Las Vegas. Do you want to get married in Vegas and have a big wedding? If so that's fine, your guests will have plenty to do after the ceremony, so you can concentrate on the two of you.

Reason Four - You can honeymoon in the same city you get married in. Most weddings are long. If you think about a typical wedding from the time you start getting ready in the morning until the end of the reception you are talking about one long day. The last thing someone wants to do at the end of this day is to jump on a plane to travel to their next destination - or do it early the next morning. When you get married in Vegas you don't have to! You can honeymoon right there. Vegas offers a lot in terms of nightlife, there is something there for everyone. Don't forget that you can also stay in one of the luxurious hotels on the strip to make your honeymoon truly memorable.

Reason Five - Get Married and Never Go Home.

Almost 2,000,000 people call Las Vegas home. If you want to change more than just your marital status you might consider moving to Las Vegas as well. Las Vegas is the entertainment capitol for a reason; it is a place that you want to live in if entertainment and nightlife is important to you. If you want to be a little further from the action you could live in one of the suburbs of other nearby cities and enjoy going into the city as a trip but choose to live in a less lively but more beautiful atmosphere. Don't just get married in Las Vegas, start your new life. After all, once you set foot in Vegas, you'll never want to leave ever again. Viva, Las Vegas!

Author: Pam Kazmierczak

Romantic Spa Vacations

The Spa at the Hotel Hershey; Hershey, Pa.

The street lamps are kisses: oversized replicas of the foil-covered variety. Oh, and - breathe deep - the whole town smells like ... mmm ... chocolate. With its manicured gardens, fountains and reflecting pools, the Hotel Hershey is the delicious center of a romantic resort. Its European-style spa is ground zero for indulgence.
The signature treatment - it's patented, no less - says it all: a whipped cocoa bath. Or say, for instance, that you or your partner has been less than delectable lately; you can book a chocolate fondue wrap for two. It consists of body-brushing, applications of warmed moor mud with cocoa essence, and Vichy shower rinses. Voilà - sweeties again!To commemorate 2007 - the 100th anniversary of the Kiss - the spa introduced a new Cocoa Facial during which you're actually encouraged to eat dark chocolate: mercifully busting the myth that chocolate is bad for the skin.
The spa's locale is provincial, but the ambiance and treatments are disarmingly exotic. A Moroccan-inspired lounge evokes the interior of a harem tent. The Noche Azul soak (a calming bath containing Cuba's national flower, "la mariposa blanca," or white butterfly jasmine) and the mojito sugar scrub (an exfoliating tropical body experience), transport couples, if only in spirit, to the forbidden paradise of Cuba.

Also, take a trip into town and visit Hershey's Chocolate World!

Take the Plunge! Get married on a cruise Ship!

For those looking for a little something different in a wedding, getting married on a cruise often seems like a good idea. It is, but there are some things you need to know.

There is little doubt that getting married is simultaneously the greatest and most stressful event most couples will embark on. More and more these days, couples are looking for options that present less stress. One such option is wrapping all of the marriage festivities in one package. In this case, we are talking about tying the knot on a cruise.

One of the first things you'll have to decide is whether you want to get married on board the ship or at a port. Not all cruise lines offer weddings on board. In fact, most of them recommend that you get married at port in your home country.

Holland America cruise ships do allow you to get married on the ship. Most of the individual ships do have wedding chapels on board, but you must get married while the ship is docked at its port of origin. It is just one of those legal things. Celebrity cruises also offer many different wedding packages, but you may not get married at sea. Again, you must choose one of the designated ports of call for your wedding ceremony location.

The only cruise line that allows you to actually get married while on the ship at sea is the Princess cruise line. The captains aboard these ships are legally permitted to perform weddings under the legal authority of Bermuda, the port of origin for the cruise line. Any of the major cruise lines, however, would be happy to help you arrange a wedding that revolves around your cruise, and most of the cruise ship companies offer wedding planners at the various ports they land at.

The most popular option is just to get married on land and spend the rest of the time at sea. One way to be sure you'll be able to afford this sort of option is to set up a cruise registry. This is similar to a gift registry, except wedding guests put money into a special account just for your cruise, instead of buying gifts. This way, the cost of your trip can be greatly reduced – perfect for the couple that would rather have a trip than household appliances.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Richard_Rspad

Honeymoon Destinations in the United States

Staying inside the United States is perfect for those just-marrieds, short on time and money and for those with a dislike for airline food who want to splurge on the royal treatment. Start your domestic life with a domestic honeymoon trip, where passports and immunization shots are unnecessary and the scenery seems both familiar and unreal.

San Francisco is one of the most romantic cities in the world located in Northern California. Full of such recognizable icons as cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street, the “crookedest street in the world,” San Francisco is more of a collage than city, where you must breath in the entire area to truly experience its unique splendor.

If your looking for more sophisticated, try Napa Valley. Napa Valley offers the best ingredients for romance—lush, rolling hills, secluded B&Bs, world-class spas and wineries to tour and toast your new union. Known as Wine Country, Napa is the worlds most densely concentrated wine region with 270 wineries along a 28-mile stretch of breathtaking scenery, offering everything you’ll need for a honeymoon vacation to savor.

Las Vegas is a great place to elope, but also a wonderful honeymoon haven for the couple that wants to cruise the strip, place their bets and catch a show. Check out the new, extravagant resort casinos like the Bellagio, the Venetian and Mandalay Bay, where you can soak up the sun during the day, shop and gamble all night long!

Romance and paradise go hand-in-hand for couples in Hawaii. Start with a moonlit walk on the beach where only palm trees hear your whispers. Enjoy clear ocean views from the balcony of your suite and leisurely horseback rides in the surf. Hawaii is the number one dream destination for honeymoons in the world. Anytime of the year is a perfect time for a romantic honeymoon in Hawaii.

If interested in a Honeymoon Destination in the United States, call Travel Leaders of Fargo at 1-800-999-3688

Why a Destination Wedding?
Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, especially among those who enjoy traveling. In the United States there are 360,000 destination weddings or more per year, with a prediction of a 20 percent increase in the next 15 years. Couples who choose a destination wedding generally do so because of the following reasons:

* The couple wants to do something different and personal.
* The couple is paying for the wedding themselves and would like to save money.
* Many resorts and destination wedding locations offer lower rates to destination wedding groups.
* Couples will spend on average 41% less on a destination wedding compared to a traditional wedding in their hometown.
* Wedding packages can be customized and can be all-inclusive.
* When engaged couples are from different areas of the country it becomes difficult to decide where to hold a wedding.
* With destination weddings, both families are in neutral territory. Everyone has to travel and is therefore on common ground.
* The couple desires a carefree event.
* The couple is renewing vows or are getting married for a second time.
* All attendees have the opportunity to spend quality time together, while taking a vacation.

“A destination wedding is a great way to get your closest family and friends together and minimize the usual stress of a traditional wedding. With the help of your travel agent and wedding coordinator at a resort of your choice, not only will you spend less than you would on a traditional wedding, you will have the beauty of your chosen destination for your wedding photos, plenty of activities or relaxation for yourself and guests, and a honeymoon all in one!”

Katie, Travel Leaders Fargo Wedding Destination Specialist

Hawaii - Romance in the Islands of Aloha

As one of the oldest languages, Hawaiian is a beautiful, flowing collection of words and phrases that captures the natural beauty of the islands with melody, hidden meanings and wonderful mysteries. A special language is needed to describe Hawaii, for Webster's words cannot adequately portray the palm trees on the coast of Oahu backlit and ablaze by the setting sun, let alone the endless black sand beaches of Kalapana, the dominant rainforests across the Big Island or the cascading waterfalls that prance over Molokai's volcanic rocks.

Yet the Hawaiian language contains no word for romance. While some say Eskimos have over 20 words for snow, Hawaiians should have over a hundred words for romance considering the islands' idyllic surroundings, luxurious hotels, celebrated restaurants and relaxing spas. Even without the definitive word, Hawaii stands alone as the tropical beacon of romance, dedicated to the secrets and songs that stir the heart.

Romance and paradise go hand-in-hand for couples in Hawaii, defined by moonlit walks on the beach where only palm trees hear your whispers, clear ocean views from the balcony of your suite and leisurely horseback rides in the surf. The Islands of Aloha add a special backdrop that is simply unavailable anywhere else.

Small wonder that Hawaii is the number one dream destination for honeymoons in the world. It comes down to timing, for any time of the year is perfect for a romantic visit according to knowledgeable travel agents. Well versed in the ways of aloha, travel agents combine experience in finding the best air and hotel rates with extensive knowledge of the islands to give you peace of mind long before you set foot in paradise.

Peace of mind is important to newlyweds, for some weddings can be as stressful as they are joyous. Nothing relieves wedding stress more than the melodious rush of the warm Pacific waters surging around your ankles as your feet delightfully sink into the moist white sand. Nothing is more relaxing than lying in an over-sized hammock steps away from your bungalow, waiting for the sun to slide below a crisp horizon. Hawaii is as therapeutic as it is romantic.

Contact one of Travel Leaders destination wedding specialist's today!

701-492-5000

1-800-999-3688

Carribean Honeymoon Destinations: Romance in the Islands of Paradise

The water is a color you never knew existed. The white and pink sand squeaks beneath your bare feet as you walk along the beach. The sun warms you to the bone as you sip a wondrous concoction of rum, juice and spices.

This is your honeymoon in the Caribbean, where hundreds of islands rise from the clear waters to create the ideal honeymoon destination. Each island offers a unique flavor and its own recipe for tropical perfection. All-inclusive honeymoon packages are available to each of these destinations.

Destination Weddings - A Lifelong Dream Come True!: 5 Things you need to know before you plan your wedding

Destination Weddings - A Lifelong Dream Come True!: 5 Things you need to know before you plan your wedding

5 Things you need to know before you plan your wedding

1) Destination Weddings usually cost less than traditional weddings.

Destination weddings in the past were reserved for only the rich and famous, but in recent years they have become much more accessible to couples on a tighter budget looking to add an exotic flavor to their special day. If properly planned, you can save upwards of $20,000 off the cost of a traditional wedding, another benefit your wedding, it can become an unforgettable "mini vacation" for you and your guests.

2) You need to purchase Air & Hotel as a "Package"-or you could be in for an expensive surprise.

Although it is sometimes possible to negotiate with the hotel and airlines separately, you will generally be able to save more money booking the two as a package. We've talked with several brides throughout the years and have found those who have negotiated a good rate with the hotel find out they were unable to find an affordable airfare.

3) Destination Weddings can be a fun and relaxing experience for you and your guests-but only if you plan together.

Most couples we've worked with throughout the years, have said that making the accommodation arrangements for their guest has been just as important as all of the other wedding plans. When guests are let to fend for themselves, it is difficult to make sure guests get plans that are convenient, affordable and "close to where the action is." Even worse, without an experienced travel professional with an appropriate level of buying power on their side, couples and their guests are often talked into accepting "group rates" when the individual rates would have been better.

4) "Negotiate" directly with hotels at your own risks.

Hotels will often give some form of a discount for groups of 10 or more if you book directly, it is important to keep in the back of your mind that hotels are in the business to maximize their revenue on the rooms they book, having said that, working with an experienced travel coordinator, you will not only receive a better rate for you and your guest, you will also avoid the costly mistake mentioned in #2.

5) You can do it all yourself-But is it worth the risk?

Planned correctly, a destination wedding can truly be the wedding of your dreams. Unfortunately, we have heard of quite a few horror stories over the years from brides and grooms who chose to plan their wedding entirely on their own. Missed flights with no emergency numbers for support, hidden clauses in hotel contracts, leaving the couple with enormous financial liability, reservations being dropped by the hotel, forcing couples and their guests into a "2 star hotel in paradise." You name it, we've heard it.

Don't miss this special event

Whether your love is brand-new . . . or an ageless passion that has withstood the test of time, you'll embrace everything Sandals has to offer.

Don't Miss Our Sandals Presentation

Aug.13 from 4:30 - 7:00 pm

Ramada Plaza & Suites in Fargo, ND

Dreaming of a romantic destination wedding or honeymoon?

Don't miss this special event!

Our Certified Sandals Specialists and a Sandals representative will be joining us, to tell you how you can make your fantasy a reality.

Let us know you're coming. Register here.

Begin Your Happily Ever after at a Sandals Resort

Click image to make it larger

Join us for a Caribbean Night!!
Let us know your coming

Join us for a Sandals presentation

Begin your Happily Ever After at a Sandals Resort

Join us Aug. 13 for Details



Imagine your wedding pictures with the beautiful turquoise ocean as your backdrop and spending a week in paradise with your special someone. With 12 unique locations, no one does a wedding or honeymoon like Sandals Resorts. As an ultra all-inclusive romantic Caribbean resort for couples, Sandals is the perfect destination for weddings, honeymoons, vow-renewals, or a romantic get-away.

Join our certified Sandals Specialists & a Sandals representative from 4:30 – 7:00 pm at the Ramada Plaza & Suites in Fargo. Don’t miss this special opportunity to visit with a Sandals professional and learn how you can make your Sandals dream a reality.

Let us know you are coming...Register to attend.

Romantic Destinations For Your Honeymoon

Are you planning your honeymoon?
Having a difficult time deciding where to go?

Here is a list of some of the best places to go on a romantic vacation.

Fiji

Fiji

Tahiti

Hawaii

Paris

Italy

Rome

A Caribbean Cruise

Florida

A Sandals Resort

Bahamas

Greece

Belize

If your interested in planning a vacation at any of these
romantic destinations call your local travel agent.

If you live in the Fargo/Moorhead Area give Travel Travel Carlson Wagonlit a call.
701.492.5000 800.999.3688

They have honeymoon specialists on site and are very pleasant to work with.
Every agent does what they can to get you the lowest prices.

Romantic Things To Do In Chicago

Romantic Things To Do In Chicago

People looking to have a great time find themselves with a lot of interesting things to do in Chicago. For couples, Chicago is one of the best places in the United States where they can break away from the routine, unwind and have the quality time they have been wanting to have.

Chicago is home to numerous diverse communities, which are great fun to explore with someone special. Each one has a unique and rich culture they can call their own. If you want to get to know all of Chicago, the first thing you should do is to join the Chicago Neighborhood Tours. It is a guided walking tour, and is a very enjoyable to do as a pair when the weather is favorable.

Another great way to get to know Chicago is to have a taste of the local cuisine. If you are going to Chicago in the summer, one of the things you can do is check out the Taste of Chicago event in Grant Park. It is an annual gathering of more than sixty local restaurateurs serving both residents and visitors sumptuous Chicago specialties, ethnic and exotic cuisines, and the regular family-friendly dishes. Mark your calendars, June 27th until July 6th this year, for the biggest food festival in the Midwest!

In Chicago, you and your better half will find yourselves the chance to learn something new. For those with inclination to science, art, history, culture and the like, there are a lot of museums in Chicago that you can check out. If you are fans of the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most recommended things to do would be to join the Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture bus tour in Oak Park just fifteen minutes from Chicago.

Generally speaking, men love sports, women love shopping. Good thing Chicago has both to allow couples to compromise. In Chicago there are lots of sporting events, and some very serious shopping to be had. Next, cool off at the Chicago Park District for some down time with your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend.

Choose a spot from one of the over 500 parks in the district and enjoy an a quiet picnic in the late afternoon.

Or you both can get neatly-dressed for a nice romantic dinner at either the Signature Room at the 95th located in the John Hancock Observatory or Seasons at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

The best way to conclude your Chicago trip is to head off to the Funky Buddha Lounge for some drinks and the latest hot music. You might even get the chance to see your favorite Hollywood celebrities partying the night away in the dance floor. By the end of your trip, you will realize that, with all the things to do in Chicago, it is exactly the kind of escape you and your loved one really need.

----------------------------------------------------
To learn of all the things to do in Chicago and plan your next trip, please contact your Travel Travel Carlson Wagonlit travel expert.

Expert Help for Honeymoon Travel

A honeymoon is one of the most memorable vacations a couple will ever take. Honeymoons are great not only because they provide time to relax after the excitement of a wedding, but because they mark the start of a new phase of your life.

To plan such an important personal milestone vacation, it makes sense to work with a professional who has expertise in honeymoon travel. A honeymoon travel expert can help you make important decisions about budget and destination. Knowing that an expert is handling the details can also relieve stress while you’re busy planning your wedding.

Your first step may be to discuss how much you want and can afford to spend on your honeymoon trip. This decision may be closely tied to how much time you can take for your honeymoon, as the time available might determine how far you can travel. Whatever your budget, a honeymoon travel expert can ensure that your honeymoon delivers good value and priceless memories.

Then, discuss the type of honeymoon you want. Rather than simply picking a destination, talk about what you want your honeymoon to be like. Should it be a quiet, secluded getaway, or a trip with a taste of adventure? Do you want food that’s familiar or exotic? Maybe you picture yourselves laying on a beach together, or strolling hand-in-hand among great works of art. At night, do you see yourselves cuddling by a fireplace, snuggling in a deck chair, or dancing the night away? After you describe the type of honeymoon experiences you want, your travel expert can help you select a destination and accommodations that match your wishes.

Some couples like to know which destinations are most popular with other honeymooners. Within the U.S., Las Vegas, New York City, Miami, Aspen and Hawaii are popular choices. Internationally, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Greek Isles, Italy and London are big with honeymooners.

Many honeymoon couples choose to take a cruise, which allows them to visit multiple cities or islands while everything they need, from fantastic food to spa treatments, is available on the ship. Of course, a honeymoon can be as simple as a weekend stay at a local bed and breakfast – you don’t have to travel far for a relaxing getaway experience.

As you plan your wedding, make time to talk with each other about your honeymoon dreams. Then, ­­talk with a honeymoon travel expert at your local travel agency who can make those dreams a reality.

The Playful Side of Romance - Breezes Resort

They say that when you're in love, it doesn't much matter where you are, as long as you're together. Maybe so, but just imagine what it'd be like to be together in love, in paradise. Because that's how you'll feel on a Breezes honeymoon.

Breezes Resorts sit on the best beaches anywhere, everywhere. And with spectacular locations in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Curacao and Brazil, wherever you choose to celebrate your special occassion you're destined to have the time of your lives.

Best of all, every Breezes Resort is Super-Inclusive, which means you're free to think only of each other and the love you share, without a moment's care for how you'll pay for those sunset cocktails on the beach.

So whats included?
All your meals - from burgers on the grill to lavish gourmet feasts.
All your drinks, including premium top shelf liquors
All your entertainment
Endless variety of land and water sports (sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, waterskiing)
Tipping is NOT permitted

The best part - Weddings are COMPLIMENTARY!

Weddings are their gift to you and include:
-wedding planner
-choice of location
-minister
-marriage license
-champagne
-wedding cake
-flowers
-music
-witnesses (As needed)

NEW BEACH WEDDING CHAPEL For couples wanting the most picturesque venue for their nuptials, Breezes Runaway Bay has created a new Wedding Chapel right on the beach. The Victorian inspired chapel provides the perfect setting, with spectacular ocean and beach views, for wedding or vow renewal ceremonies. With space for a number of guests and their entire bridal party, couples will enjoy beautiful memories and perfect photographs of their special day.

Rejuvenating Romantic Weekend Getaway to Key West, Florida

Key West is definitely the key to a great romantic weekend getaway. Located at the southernmost part of Florida, it is the perfect escape for every couple who wants to break away from the ordinary.

Although you can fly straight to Key West International Airport, choose Miami as a landing destination instead and begin your weekend getaway with a romantic drive along the
US1 (nicknamed The Overseas Highway) over the vast waters.

The drive gives you impeccable views of the ocean, and the wide variety of hotels, seafood restaurants, dive shops and boats that serve as a preview of how much of an amazing trip you are about to have.

Couples often prefer a quiet getaway for a romantic weekend. Make the most of each other's company by spending the whole day at the beach, lying on the sand or swinging on a hammock with good food and great drinks.

You can also take the seventy-mile ferry or chartered plane ride to the island of Dry Tortugas for an extraordinary diving experience, or simply enjoy the cool breeze brushing up your hair on a cruise ship. Dry Tortugas boasts a fort that was once used to protect American waters. Now you can take a guided tour around the fort, experience real cannons, and learn about the training regiment that soldiers used to endure on the island. If you aren't a certified diver, don't worry. You can also snorkel around the island and view some spectacular fish, coral reef, and underwater enchantments. Dry Tortugas is something that everyone should experience during their visit to Key West.

When you return from Dry Tortugas, spend some quality time walking around Key West. Enjoy strolling the palm tree-lined streets hand-in-hand with your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend and watch the sunset. The view from the pier in Key West is said to have the best sunset in the entire world. From this point you can also see mansions that belong to the rich and famous who spend time in the keys.

Even if you aren't rich and famous, you can still find a great place to stay on your vacations. Spend your romantic weekend at the luxurious Marquesa Hotel right in the center of the historic district. Just in the same street, the Eden House offers the same historic atmosphere with a more affordable rate.

Lingering over local cuisine is one of the essentials of weekend getaways. On Duval Street, you will find many of Key West's top restaurants for your romantic dining. On this strip, restaurants have an area with porches where you can just watch the world go by over a sumptuous meal and a glass of wine. These restaurants serve seafood as their specialty with fresh catches from the surrounding waters, served in many different ways. If you want your fish raw, the Japanese Origami is highly recommended. Other top picks include the Seven Fish and Bagatelle for those who prefer their fish cooked. Also, you should try Key West's long time favorite, Sloppy Joe.

The night life is fun and exciting in Key West. If you enjoy large parties plan your romantic weekend getaway during spring break or in November. During spring break, resorts and bars throw parties and promise everyone in attendance a good time. November activities, on the other hand, include the Halloween costume parties and the Key West Power Boat Race. Water sport enthusiasts fly in to Key West every year to witness this event.

Key West is also famous for fine arts. Key West is said to be the haven of writers. Authors obviously draw inspiration from all the beauty the island possesses. Since the mood for this particular weekend getaway is romantic, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and explore the very walls where Ernest Hemingway wrote his emotional novels.

Those fascinated with the underwater world can have a self- or guided-tour at the Key West Aquarium, which features diverse exhibits of sea life in the Florida waters. Check the Aquarium's daily schedule for feeding if you wish to have a close encounter with the sharks.

Key West has something for everyone....especially those who want to get married in a tropical paradise. There are many destination wedding options in Key West. Most of the deluxe resorts take care of every detail of a wedding to make sure the day is perfect. Most weddings in Key West take place on the beach. What a gorgeous backdrop!

It is the perfect vacation spot for couples to unwind and relish a romantic weekend getaway.

Most Popular Second Honeymoon Destinations

ASTA Identifies Popular Second Honeymoon Destinations
Published on: March 13, 2008


In its annual "Hot Spots for Summer" survey, ASTA polled 585 travel agency owners and managers to determine the most popular second honeymoon destinations and uncover other emerging travel trends for 2008.

According to respondents, Hawaii was the most popular second honeymoon destination with 24.4 percent share of the total response. While Hawaii can be more expensive than other destinations, respondents reported that money was less of a determining factor for couples who were taking a second honeymoon destination, compared to couples taking their first.

Cruising was ranked number two, with 11.6 percent share of the total response. Respondents routinely book cruises for second honeymooners because this type of vacation offers variety, convenience and, on-shore excursions, dining and shopping excluded, an all-inclusive package.

The third most popular second honeymoon destination, the Caribbean, also offers travelers endless options due to the number of islands that comprise this tourist-friendly oasis.

Jamaica and Cancun, ranked fourth and fifth respectively, rounded out the top five most popular second honeymoon destinations.

Although in the bottom half of the top 10, Europe, ranked number six, and Italy, ranked number seven, prove that interest in European vacations is still strong despite the current weakness of the US dollar.

With 3.5 percent share of the total response, Mexico claimed the number eight position. Tahiti, with 3.2 percent, and St. Lucia, with 3.0 percent of the total response, fell into ninth and tenth place respectively. For more information, visit http://www.asta.org/.