by Martha Leonard

Created on: February 16, 2007   Last Updated: September 14, 2009

One of the first decisions an engaged couple makes together is where to go on their honeymoon. After the stress of planning a wedding and the anxiety of beginning a new life together, the honeymoon is an important event to get the marriage off to a good start. Many couples can't afford the time or the money to take a prolonged honeymoon or go to an exotic place. Nevertheless, some time and place needs to be set aside before plunging into married life in the "real" world.

Several factors should be considered in deciding the best place for a honeymoon. It should be:

1. A place that is equally pleasing to both parties. The decision should be made after input by both persons and either total agreement or compromise acceptable to both.

2. A place that is restful. After the anxiety and stress of the wedding, the couple need a place to relax, wind down and de-stress. There should not be a hefty schedule of many activities.

3. An affordable place. It is not a good idea to go into debt before the honeymoon is over!

4. A place to be "alone" together, away from family and friends. This is a time to begin to get to know each other even better.

5. A place to establish good memories. When the troubles come, and they always do in marriage, good memories between the couple can help overcome differences and establish a positive mindset from which to work.

There are many popular places for honeymoons and they are good for some of the reasons cited above. One place I can highly recommend is the panhandle of Florida. The beaches there are gorgeous. The sand is a pale pink and a fine grain. The Gulf water is a beautiful blue and is much calmer than on the ocean beaches. Furthermore, these beaches generally are not as crowded as those on the Atlantic Coast or further south. The weather is good year 'round since the water moderates the temperature to a large degree. There are numerous hotels in various price ranges to fit most budgets. A beach-front room will cost more, however, it is great to watch the sunrise and the sunset both from the same room balcony. The same goes for the moon. It is a laid-back, very romantic place.

There are many, many restaurants in the area, ranging from cordon bleu cooking to down-home variety at all levels of expense. Resorts offer all kinds of activities including golfing, swimming, fishing, etc. The larger cities of Pensacola and Panama City have museums, shops, parks, theaters, concerts and sports events just to name a few. Or you can just stay at a hotel, sleep in, soak up the sun, walk the beach and hunt for shells. The area is not as high-priced as many tourist areas and it is easy to get to off I-10 from the east coast or from Louisiana. There is also I-75 down from Atlanta. The closest major airports are in Atlanta or Jacksonville which would require some driving.

Wherever you choose to go and however long you stay, make the most of your special time together. You will never have this particular time again in your life. May it be everything you dreamed it would be.

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