A honeymoon specialist who will make your honeymoon dreams come true.
Hotel Nichols in South Haven, Michigan is such a charming historic hotel. They have a Happy Hour on Fridays and Saturdays from 5-7pm with wine and beer and a fabulous charcuterie board. You can walk to many restaurants in town, too. Love this hotel!
Holiday and Spring Break Travel Tips
By: Barb Maxwell
The holiday season is creeping up on us and if you’re thinking about traveling, it’s a good idea to make your reservations early as holiday travel can be pricey. This is also a good time to start planning for your spring break travel. Spring break travel can be rather if you wait till the last minute in hopes of getting a good deal. Mexico and the Caribbean are some favorite destinations for holiday and spring break travel.
Cancun and the Riviera Maya are popular because there are non-stop flights (3 ½ hours, one way from Chicago) and there are so many wonderful family-friendly and adult-only, all-inclusive
resorts to choose from that have gorgeous turquoise and white-sand beaches. In addition to the numerous water activities such as snorkeling and diving, you can participate in cultural experiences that include the spectacular eco-archeological Xcaret Park, or you can take a day trip to Chichen Itza (Mayan Ruins). Plus, Southwest Airlines flies non-stop from Chicago Midway to Cancun.
You may want to also consider a vacation to some popular Caribbean Islands like Turks and Caicos (Key West Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos), the Cayman Islands, and Punta
Cana in the Dominican Republic. There are non-stop are some charter flights (4 ½ hours, one way) from Chicago to Punta Cana, too. U.S. travelers are required to purchase a Tourist Card ($10.00 USD per person) upon arrival at the Punta Cana Airport. There are numerous adult-only and family-friendly all-inclusive resorts to choose from and the Bavaro Beach is on one of the best beaches in Punta Cana. The Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro is an adult-only, all-inclusive that includes gourmet dining, butler and spa services and world-class golf.
European River Cruising is also quite popular and it’s a great way to see Europe with the ship serving as your floating hotel. It’s a great value that includes all onboard meals, daily shore excursions, accommodations onboard the ship, and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks. Some popular European river cruise itineraries include: the Danube, the Rhine, and Paris & Normandy and Southern France. Cruises begin in the spring and continue through the fall with best pricing in the fall.
Taking a Caribbean Cruise during the holidays is another good option for a vacation from the Chicago area. There are plenty of cruise lines that offer great Caribbean itineraries out of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Port Canaveral. Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, “Symphony of
the Seas” will sail from Barcelona in Spring 2018 and in the Caribbean in Fall 2018.
Also, keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June through November.
Don’t forget to protect your vacation investment with travel insurance. We never know what can happen before or while traveling. Some travel cancellation reasons may include: equipment problems, weather-related delays (especially from Chicago in the winter), family illness, death of family member, cancellation due to work reasons, baggage delay/loss, interruption due to illness, emergency evacuation. Note: All travel insurance is non-refundable.
Promoting Mississippi River Cruise on American Queen Steamboat Company sailing on May 20-28, 2018 from Memphis to New Orleans! Can't wait to go on this trip!
Unfortunatley the St. Lucia Event on Sunday, November 8 has been cancelled. We will reschedule for the beginning of March 2016.
Please join us for a special St. Lucia Event
on Sunday, November 8, 2015.
Learn about this wonderful destination for honeymoons, destination weddings and anniversary trips.
From 3-5 p.m.
At Christ Lutheran Church
(upstairs in Library)
60 55th Street
Clarendon Hills
Guest speaker: Ingrid Stewart
St. Lucia Tourist Board
Hosted by: Char Crews, Heavenly Honeymoons & More and St. Lucia Tourist Board.
Refreshments will be served.
Seating is limited so R.S.V.P. by Nov. 5 by
Calling Barb Maxwell 630-310-1364 or
Peggy Bitsas 630-920-0190.
Palace Resorts Sweepstakes with Funjet Vacations
Snorkel or scuba dive off the reef on your trip to Cozumel Palace. The place to be for your Caribbean water excursions!
Visit Oahu
Enjoying a gorgeous day in Kahala! The views are breathtaking!
Disney Travel Professionals
Get ready to have the Coolest Summer Ever at Walt Disney World! You'll find amazing attractions, entertainment, and characters, as well as Frozen Summer Fun! Here are the top ways to have the Coolest Summer Ever: http://bit.ly/1Q8i7ej
Disney Travel Professionals
Disney Cruise Line staterooms are among the first in the industry to be tailored especially for families. With accommodations ranging from rooms with added space to rooms with sweeping views, there's a stateroom to fit your need for fun and comfort!
Timeline Photos
River Cruising on the Seine in France!
Heavenly Honeymoons
Holidays, A Time to Experience a Romantic Honeymoon or Wedding
By: Barb Maxwell
It’s an exciting time, the holidays! Many couples get engaged over the holidays, and it’s an exciting time and there are many things to consider. Using a travel professional specializing in honeymoon travel to plan your dream honeymoon is a wise decision. Your honeymoon specialist has the destination knowledge, experience and professional relationships with preferred suppliers to plan the “perfect honeymoon” and secure special amenities and upgrades.
The top three honeymoon destinations are Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean and valid passports are required for travel to Mexico and the Caribbean. If you don’t have a passport, then it’s best to start this process at least 6 months in advance. Since Hawaii is the #1 honeymoon destination, remember, that rainy season runs from November through March.
Hurricane season runs from June through November in the Caribbean and Mexico. Purchase travel insurance to protect your honeymoon vacation. You never know what can happen: airline
delays/equipment issues, weather delays, illness (you or immediate family member), trip interruption, baggage delay/loss.
Consider a romantic all-inclusive honeymoon at an adults-only resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. You will get more bang for your buck with non-stop air from Chicago and the all-inclusive option covers all meals, drinks, non-motorized water sports, accommodations,transportation and taxes. Bring a copy of your marriage license/certificate to the resort. Many resorts request this in order to receive special honeymoon amenities or honeymoon packages. Plan early to ensure availability and better pricing.
Many cruise lines offer romantic wedding/honeymoon packages where you’ll experience remarkable destinations, shore excursions and onboard activities. Did you know that a Princess Cruises captain can officiate a wedding ceremony at sea? If you’re looking for incredible romance, then consider getting married on an open deck at sea! Looking for an extraordinary wedding? You can tie the knot on a cruise while on an uninhabited South Seas Island off the coast of Fiji or you can get married in the company of Antarctic penguins if you’re looking for that “wow” factor.
April is a great month to honeymoon in Paris, the “city of lights”. Paris is the most romantic city! There is so much to enjoy in Paris. French wine is fabulous! You can visit the many cafes or pick up a bottle of wine, a baguette, some Camembert cheese and have a wonderful pre-dinner appetizer at your hotel prior to going to dinner. Take a tour on the Hop On/Off Bus Tour and make sure to
stop off at the Eiffel Tower and have your picture taken with it in the background. A visit to the Louvre is
must and make sure that you pre-book this with an English-speaking guide. This way you don’t have to have to wait in any long lines. Take a cruise down the Seine River and experience it in the evening to see the Eiffel Tower illuminated by lights. It’s extraordinary and a must for honeymooners!
You may also want to sign up for a honeymoon registry. You can offer your guests an alternative gift-giving idea. It’s also a wonderful alternative for you the honeymoon couple!
Holidays, A Time to Experience a Romantic Honeymoon or Wedding
By: Barb Maxwell
It’s an exciting time, the holidays! Many couples get engaged over the holidays, and it’s an exciting time and there are many things to consider. Using a travel professional specializing in honeymoon travel to plan your dream honeymoon is a wise decision. Your honeymoon specialist has the destination knowledge, experience and professional relationships with preferred suppliers to plan the “perfect honeymoon” and secure special amenities and upgrades.
The top three honeymoon destinations are Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean and valid passports are required for travel to Mexico and the Caribbean. If you don’t have a passport, then it’s best to start this process at least 6 months in advance. Since Hawaii is the #1 honeymoon destination, remember, that rainy season runs from November through March.
Hurricane season runs from June through November in the Caribbean and Mexico. Purchase travel insurance to protect your honeymoon vacation. You never know what can happen: airline
delays/equipment issues, weather delays, illness (you or immediate family member), trip interruption, baggage delay/loss.
Consider a romantic all-inclusive honeymoon at an adults-only resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. You will get more bang for your buck with non-stop air from Chicago and the all-inclusive option covers all meals, drinks, non-motorized water sports, accommodations,transportation and taxes. Bring a copy of your marriage license/certificate to the resort. Many resorts request this in order to receive special honeymoon amenities or honeymoon packages. Plan early to ensure availability and better pricing.
Many cruise lines offer romantic wedding/honeymoon packages where you’ll experience remarkable destinations, shore excursions and onboard activities. Did you know that a Princess Cruises captain can officiate a wedding ceremony at sea? If you’re looking for incredible romance, then consider getting married on an open deck at sea! Looking for an extraordinary wedding? You can tie the knot on a cruise while on an uninhabited South Seas Island off the coast of Fiji or you can get married in the company of Antarctic penguins if you’re looking for that “wow” factor.
April is a great month to honeymoon in Paris, the “city of lights”. Paris is the most romantic city! There is so much to enjoy in Paris. French wine is fabulous! You can visit the many cafes or pick up a bottle of wine, a baguette, some Camembert cheese and have a wonderful pre-dinner appetizer at your hotel prior to going to dinner. Take a tour on the Hop On/Off Bus Tour and make sure to
stop off at the Eiffel Tower and have your picture taken with it in the background. A visit to the Louvre is
must and make sure that you pre-book this with an English-speaking guide. This way you don’t have to have to wait in any long lines. Take a cruise down the Seine River and experience it in the evening to see the Eiffel Tower illuminated by lights. It’s extraordinary and a must for honeymooners!
You may also want to sign up for a honeymoon registry. You can offer your guests an alternative gift-giving idea. It’s also a wonderful alternative for you the honeymoon couple!
Heavenly Honeymoons
RIVER CRUISING-The Best Way to See Europe
By: Barb Maxwell
Are you thinking about a trip to Europe this year? Then get “inspired” and decide to sail on a
river cruise! Let me tell you a little secret, it’s the best way to see Europe! River cruising isn’t
just for grandpa and grandma anymore. Younger travelers in their 30s and 40s are
discovering wine-themed river cruising. Traveling with other people who share the same
passion is very appealing. Wine lovers you’ll be educated on regional wines and then you’ll get
to enjoy wine tastings. Tip: French wine (Sancerre) is absolutely the best wine!
Even though river cruising is fairly new to U.S. travelers, 55% have never even taken a
cruise! Taking an ocean cruise is a great experience but river cruising is so much more intimate
and there’s no need to worry about getting sea-sick because you’re cruising slowly and
leisurely. It’s so serene and relaxing that you can’t even tell that you are cruising. Maximum
passengers on a European river cruise ship range from 128-166.
The ship serves as your floating hotel, and includes beautiful accommodations onboard the
ship, a daily sightseeing excursion led by local guides, onboard meals with complimentary wine,
beer and soft drinks with dinner. Plus, you only unpack once. Your ship docks in the heart of
the city which is within easy walking distance where you can experience local culture.
Then, when you’re back on the ship and you continue cruising on the river, you can enjoy
spectacular views of medieval castles, quaint villages, and picturesque hillsides from your
stateroom or from the ship’s top-viewing deck.
You may want to “Discover Europe” on one of the newest ships with Avalon Waterways.
Avalon is part of Globus Family of Brands with over 87 years of experience in travel in
escorted/independent tours.
The Avalon fleet is the youngest with two new ships debuting this year. The Avalon
Tapestry II will sail Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches and Grand France itineraries.
Avalon Tranquility II will sail on the Rhine River itinerary. Both of these ships were designed
with spacious Panorama Suites which feature enormous floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall
windows, 11 feet wide and are open so that you can see spectacular views. These suites are 30%
larger than other river cruise lines. Plus, the Open Air Balcony doesn’t take away from your
indoor footage and it has a sitting area for up to 6 adults.
Avalon also offers you a choice with your sightseeing excursions. ”Traditional” is for those
who want to see all the major sights. “Leisurely” is for those who want to take it slow and easy
while walking. “Independent” is for those that want to explore on their own.
Are you passionate about wine, food, beer or history? Then why not take a special interest
river cruise with other travelers that also share your passion. Avalon Waterways offers An Art &
Impressionist Cruise from Paris to Normandy. This is an 8-day roundtrip Paris cruise on July 28-
August 4. While on this cruise, you’ll experience historical Normandy where you will visit
Rouen, the capital of Normandy. Stop in the gothic cathedral in Rouen and then see the
Astronomical Clock. I wouldn’t miss the excursion to Giverny, Monet’s home and flower and
water gardens. Remember Monet’s painting, Water Lilies? You get to see this in real life and it’s
spectacular!
Beer lovers should consider Avalon’s 9 day Austrian Highlights & Bavaria River cruise which
sails on October 9-17 from Vienna to Munich. You’ll visit historic breweries, learn about
European beer-brewing techniques and of course sample regional beers!
Southeast Asia is a “hot” new destination for 2015. The all-suite Avalon Siem Reap will be
Sailing the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Avalon Myanmar will be sailing
on the Irrawaddy River.
RIVER CRUISING-The Best Way to See Europe
By: Barb Maxwell
Are you thinking about a trip to Europe this year? Then get “inspired” and decide to sail on a
river cruise! Let me tell you a little secret, it’s the best way to see Europe! River cruising isn’t
just for grandpa and grandma anymore. Younger travelers in their 30s and 40s are
discovering wine-themed river cruising. Traveling with other people who share the same
passion is very appealing. Wine lovers you’ll be educated on regional wines and then you’ll get
to enjoy wine tastings. Tip: French wine (Sancerre) is absolutely the best wine!
Even though river cruising is fairly new to U.S. travelers, 55% have never even taken a
cruise! Taking an ocean cruise is a great experience but river cruising is so much more intimate
and there’s no need to worry about getting sea-sick because you’re cruising slowly and
leisurely. It’s so serene and relaxing that you can’t even tell that you are cruising. Maximum
passengers on a European river cruise ship range from 128-166.
The ship serves as your floating hotel, and includes beautiful accommodations onboard the
ship, a daily sightseeing excursion led by local guides, onboard meals with complimentary wine,
beer and soft drinks with dinner. Plus, you only unpack once. Your ship docks in the heart of
the city which is within easy walking distance where you can experience local culture.
Then, when you’re back on the ship and you continue cruising on the river, you can enjoy
spectacular views of medieval castles, quaint villages, and picturesque hillsides from your
stateroom or from the ship’s top-viewing deck.
You may want to “Discover Europe” on one of the newest ships with Avalon Waterways.
Avalon is part of Globus Family of Brands with over 87 years of experience in travel in
escorted/independent tours.
The Avalon fleet is the youngest with two new ships debuting this year. The Avalon
Tapestry II will sail Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches and Grand France itineraries.
Avalon Tranquility II will sail on the Rhine River itinerary. Both of these ships were designed
with spacious Panorama Suites which feature enormous floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall
windows, 11 feet wide and are open so that you can see spectacular views. These suites are 30%
larger than other river cruise lines. Plus, the Open Air Balcony doesn’t take away from your
indoor footage and it has a sitting area for up to 6 adults.
Avalon also offers you a choice with your sightseeing excursions. ”Traditional” is for those
who want to see all the major sights. “Leisurely” is for those who want to take it slow and easy
while walking. “Independent” is for those that want to explore on their own.
Are you passionate about wine, food, beer or history? Then why not take a special interest
river cruise with other travelers that also share your passion. Avalon Waterways offers An Art &
Impressionist Cruise from Paris to Normandy. This is an 8-day roundtrip Paris cruise on July 28-
August 4. While on this cruise, you’ll experience historical Normandy where you will visit
Rouen, the capital of Normandy. Stop in the gothic cathedral in Rouen and then see the
Astronomical Clock. I wouldn’t miss the excursion to Giverny, Monet’s home and flower and
water gardens. Remember Monet’s painting, Water Lilies? You get to see this in real life and it’s
spectacular!
Beer lovers should consider Avalon’s 9 day Austrian Highlights & Bavaria River cruise which
sails on October 9-17 from Vienna to Munich. You’ll visit historic breweries, learn about
European beer-brewing techniques and of course sample regional beers!
Southeast Asia is a “hot” new destination for 2015. The all-suite Avalon Siem Reap will be
Sailing the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Avalon Myanmar will be sailing
on the Irrawaddy River.
Getting ready for the Hyatt Lodge Bridal Show on Sunday, January 25!
Just came back from Orlando and Disney World. The new Fantasyland is remarkable and so much fun. My favorite is Epcot and sipping French wine in France!!
Going to Orlando and Disney World in September!
VISIT FLORIDA
ARTICLE: Grapes, Ghosts and Florida’s Wine History http://bit.ly/122x9gv (Photo via Visit Sarasota County)
VISIT FLORIDA
Ready to take a walk down the trail?
Check out my new website at http://heavenlyhoneymoonsandmore.agentstudio.com
Home Page
Just attended an Oceania Cruises event last night. What a great premium class cruise line with fabulous destinations and wonderful cuisine for all of you foodies!
Brides, hurry up and sign up for the Downers Grove Wedding Walk on April 7!
And the Early Bird Ticket winners are.........
Lori D.
Margaret S.
Lauren F.
Caisey P.
Congratulations to each of you!!!
Each of the winners will receive a $50.00 Downtown Downers Grove Gift Certificate.
Visit www.dgbride.com for tickets and information about the
April 7th, 2013 Downers Grove Wedding Walk.
Hurry up and sign up for the Downers Grove wedding Walk on April 7!
Be sure to share with your friends so they can take advantage of this great deal! If you wish t book, call me today at 630-310-1364!
Come and see me at the Downers Grove Wedding Walk and play the Travel Jeopardy game and win a prize!!
Sunday, April 7 from 11 am-4 pm.
Register at www.dgbride.com.
Thinking about a warm and sunny destination with a beautiful turquoise beach!
Heavenly Honeymoons's cover photo
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Heavenly Honeymoons posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Heavenly Honeymoons:
Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency?
