HONEYMOON

Luna de Miel

The dream honeymoon is a very personal thing. And I can vouch for that, because I’ve just returned from mine!

It is a one-off trip (you hope!) to a special destination, a genuine trip of a lifetime. For those with a tight budget, it’s the one time you can justify "the big trip". For those where money is less of an issue, it’s the time to really go for it - the world’s your oyster!

Everyone has very different ideas of what makes the dream honeymoon. For some it means lazing on a far-flung, tropical beach, being pampered at an upscale romantic hideaway. For others, it’s all about combining some relaxation with a spot of culture or adventure. Of course, with some thought and a bit of careful planning, it is possible to combine the lot!

Latin America is fast gaining a reputation as the perfect honeymoon destination. For sheer diversity - geographically and culturally - there is probably no other place on earth that compares.

From Mexico and Costa Rica to Venezuela and Brazil, Latin America is a paradise for those seeking beaches. For lovers of mountains, there is the mighty Andes cordillera, stretching thousands of miles from Colombia to Patagonia. If you’re looking for a jungle experience, choose from the vast Amazon Basin in South America, or the rainforests of Central America. Or, if that sounds all a bit too humid, try the driest desert in the world, the Atacama.

With this range of landscapes the potential for active adventures in the great outdoors is limitless including - trekking (Inca Trail in Peru), mountain biking (Chile’s Lake District), horse riding (Argentinian estancias), white-water rafting (Costa Rica’s jungle rivers) and sea kayaking (Baja California’s turquoise waters).

For those looking more for cultural inspiration than outdoor adrenalin, the continent is a veritable treasure trove waiting to be discovered - the ancient pyramids of the Mayas and Aztecs and Lost Cities of the Incas, the colonial heritage of the Spanish and Portuguese and the colourful living culture of today’s indigenous population.

So Latin America has the landscapes and the culture - but does it have the comfortable hotels and lodges? While there definitely used to be a lack of "top end" first-class hotels, lodges and resorts in Latin America, things have now changed. Many existing hotels have been upgraded, new luxury "eco-lodges" developed and historic colonial buildings converted into small boutique hotels.

5 STEPS TO A DREAM HONEYMOON

So the wedding plans are now in full flow - the ceremony, venue, florists, photographer etc have been arranged - but who’s booking the honeymoon and where will you be going? With a little help from Journey Latin America, you can now plan your dream honeymoon to Latin America...

1) Where to go when?

Latin America is essentially an all-year-round destination. Most countries have two distinct seasons, "wet" and "dry", with temperatures not fluctuating greatly, dependent more on the altitude than the time of year. For full details, ask your Journey Latin America consultant about the best time to visit your preferred destination, or consult the climate table in Journey Latin America’s Bespoke Holiday Portfolio.

2) Suits you sir

So who’s choosing where to go? Make sure both of your tastes and interests are covered. There are many options to suit many different styles of trip. Remember that Journey Latin America can offer you an unrivalled range of flights - with attractive stopovers and multi-centre trips possible.

3) Take it Easy

Don’t underestimate the physical and emotional exhaustion resulting from the wedding and its build-up. You will need time to relax and recharge afterwards, so try not to plan too hectic an itinerary - you can’t see everything in one trip!

4) Book Early

Remember to book early to avoid any problems with availability. Latin America is getting more and more popular and both flights and hotels fill up early in peak holiday months. Don’t forget to tell us it’s your honeymoon from the outset, so we can help book you the best possible rooms.

5) Name of the Game

If you plan to change your name when you get married, you’ll need to decide (early) if you’re going to change your passport name before you fly off on honeymoon. Remember, all air tickets need to be booked in the name on your passport and often cannot be changed at a later date.