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So you're planning to marry and you're beginning to think about your honeymoon. It's an important joint decision as it's the first step that most newlyweds make together after leaving their wedding reception.

First and foremost, make sure that whatever destination you decide upon that both of you agree it's a place you'll enjoy. Tailor your destination to your interests. If you like big city life, upscale attractions and easy access to fine dining choose a world-class city. If you'd prefer a quiet getaway where the two of you can lose yourself in each other then choose a quiet island, a remote resort or another destination off the tourists' beaten paths.

Of course everyone is aware of the traditional honeymoon trips. They are so well-known they've almost become cliches. Niagara Falls, Jamaica, the Hawaiian Islands, Rome, Paris and Acapulco are but a few of the most popular destinations chosen by many couples.

The problem is that so many choices exist it's sometimes difficult to know where to begin. With that in mind several honeymoon destinations based on location, price and available activities are listed. While some are traditional honeymoon spots, others are distinctly non-traditional. Honeymoons for those on a budget are also included. Using the "$" symbol each destination has been rated for overall cost. Four "$" are the most expensive.

The City of Light - A Classic Romantic Honeymoon in Paris [$$$$]

Classic love stories demand a classic honeymoon and none meets that demand better than Paris.

Whether strolling down the famous La Rive Gauche along the southern bank of the Seine, passing by the Moulin Rouge, or having an impromptu snack at a sidewalk cafe outside a tiny pastry shop, Paris has something to offer for everyone, especially lovers. Here's a few must see places while you're there - some are apparent, others not so obvious.

Stop for a drink at Ernst Hemingway's watering hole, "Bar Hemingway" at the Ritz.

Discover the "scent-sations" at the Museum of Perfume.

Pay a visit to the world famous Notre Dame Cathedral.

On the flip side of cathedrals there's the Museum of Sexuality, perhaps a place some honeymooners might want to experience?

If you're in Paris attractions like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower are givens.

O Solo Mio? Not on Your Honeymoon in Italy! [$$$$]

Many honeymoon couples are attracted to this beautiful, romantic country. The landscape, the quaint towns, the sights and smells, the cuisine - it all purr with romanticism.

When most people think of Italy they think of Rome. While Rome is certainly a great place for a honeymoon, a more romantic spot may be Florence.

A honeymoon to Florence is like a honeymoon to the Old World, everything is classic: classic art, classic restaurants, even the city's inhabitants are classic. If you decide on Florence for your honeymoon you might consider staying at one of its classic hotels appropriately named "The Grand Hotel Florence."

The hotel is a converted Eighteenth Century Italian palace that is literally dripping with Florentine culture. It's convenient to everything and affords the honeymooning couple with total privacy inside its palatial walls while giving them easy access to the city of art.

Seashore Serenades for Languid Lovers

Don't want the hustle and bustle of a major metropolitan city? How about an island hideaway made for two?

Bora Bora [$$$$]

Seas sparkling like diamonds, baby powder fine sand beaches, rustling palms, gentle breezes and an overall idyllic setting will make the honeymooning couple think they've discovered the Garden of Eden all over again. No apple trees on this island though to tempt the unwary couple.

Mauritius[$$$$]

An island nation off the coast of the African continent is located in the southwest Indian Ocean. Survey after survey has rated it one of the best honeymoon spots in the world. The island is set in a turquoise sea and is the epitome of sensual beauty and tranquility. Prices on the island are reasonable; the greatest cost is getting there.

Barbados[$$$]

Barbados is both elegant and down and dirty, quietly mysterious and loud and wild. Located in the West Indies north of the southernmost island, Trinidad, Barbados is often passed over for the more traveled spots of the Bahamas, Virgin Islands or Jamaica. It's a pity as Barbados has much to offer, especially for the honeymooning couple.

Priceless Budget Honeymoons

Those newlyweds on a strict budget do not have to budget their romantic adventure. Here are some honeymoon ideas for those pinching their pocketbook during these recessionary times.

The High Seas Honeymoon [$$]

Perhaps the best honeymoon packages a couple on a budget could find are cruise ships. A honeymoon cruise gives you the best of many worlds: entertainment, travel, a floating hotel (and sometimes casino), and various ports of call to explore. Shipboard activities are available if the couple decides to leave their stateroom.

You can often find great rates through special cruise travel agents and of course there are websites devoted to cruises. Two websites you can shop if you're looking for a bargain on a cruise are CruiseMates which features a bargain finder on their pages and Last Minute Cruises which sometimes has eye-popping discounts.

Budget Honeymoons by Region

Are recession woes having an impact on your honeymoon plans? Don't let the lukewarm economy throw cold water on your hot romance. Here are some great romantic getaways for honeymooning lovers . . .

Northeast

Quebec, Montreal, Canada [$$]

Had your heart set on France but can't afford the expense or the exchange rate? How about all the flavors of France right across our northern border? Virtually everything you could experience in the French countryside outside of Paris you can enjoy in Quebec. Do you really need to spend thousands more just to climb the Eiffel Tower or see the Mona Lisa?

Reach it by plane, train or auto.

Midwest

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan [$$]

Lake Michigan's Mackinac Island, home of the annual yacht race and host to summer honeymooners since the late 1800s, gives honeymooning couples as much privacy as they desire plus verdant landscapes, a lush lake front coastline and oodles of intimacy. Cars are restricted on the island and most places are accessible by walking or horse drawn buggy.

The Grand Hotel is the place to stay while making memories.

Southern

New Orleans - "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" - Let the good times roll! [$$]

After Hurricane Katrina hit it in 2005, "N'Orleans" has rolled out the welcome mat to visitors like never before in its long, colorful history. Creole French and French influence dominate the old sections of the city and most survived the flooding. You'll be welcomed like royalty in "The Big Easy" and bargains are to be had because the merchants are glad of your patronage. Another destination the honeymooning couple can reach by plane, train or auto.

West

Honeymoon among the Vineyards [$$]

Northern California Wine Country in Napa Valley and Sonoma County is reached by auto and some of the loveliest California coastline is along the scenic routes leading inland to the vineyards. There are many hotels and reasonable bed and breakfast accommodations and much to do and see for the honeymooners who enjoy the grape and fine food. A little planning can keep your out-of pocket expenses within a reasonable budget.

North by Northwest

Mystery and Adventure on an Alaskan Honeymoon [$$]

If you're thinking about a rustic honeymoon Alaska is where you want to head. Special honeymoon packages are available.

Alaska's scenery is breathtaking and the outdoor activities endless. Although winter nights can extend to twenty hours in the far northern regions during the winter months - great for cuddling up together - you'll probably want to plan your honeymoon vacation between the months of May to August to avoid dips in temperature reaching forty degrees below zero in northern cities like Fairbanks!

Please note: the state of Alaska can be very expensive if you fail to shop for a package deal. Check the Internet. Many travel packages are available. Although cruise ships sail up to Anchorage, and you can make the road trip from Washington State through British Columbia and the Yukon, most of Alaska is accessible only by air.

If you plan your honeymoon trip well you'll avoid the pitfalls some couples experience. Advance planning and plenty of communication between you and your future spouse will ensure a wonderful honeymoon and a great start to your marriage!

Learn more about this author, Terrence Aym.
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