destination

Is Now a Safe Time To Plan a Destination Wedding?

The world has gone through some peculiar changes in the last few years. The biggest shift came with the rise of COVID-19. Throughout 2020, events around the planet, like weddings, were postponed or canceled outright due to health restrictions. While the regulations have eased a bit since the development of the coronavirus vaccine, the virus has mutated into a number of variants that are causing new concerns. If you’ve recently gotten engaged and want to plan a destination wedding, you may feel uncertain about the future.  

Though there is no way to know what tomorrow holds for sure, you can still use what you’ve learned in the last year to make a plan for your wedding. Take these points to heart and see how to best navigate these uncharted waters. 

The Destination Matters

First and foremost, where you want to tie the knot is going to greatly impact whether or not your plans are altered down the line. Some countries are handling the task of vaccinating citizens better than others. If you want to go to a nation that is seeing new spikes of COVID-19 because the population refuses to take the vaccine, then it is much more likely that travel to this nation will be impacted. The United States is a good example of this, with both cities and rural communities alike being riddled with cases stemming from gatherings of the unvaccinated.

This means that research will be the easiest way to know what to expect later. Try to steer clear of places like the United States if you want to guarantee that your plans will go the way you intend. However, this is not total assurance that your wedding will happen. Should the virus lead to lockdowns again, you will want to consider some extra points.

The Deposit Should Be Refundable

If you book a trip to a nation that puts major travel restrictions into effect, then you will definitely need to cancel or postpone your wedding. This is a point you should consider well in advance. When making arrangements, you need to talk to vendors and venue representatives about your deposit. Though faced with an unprecedented scenario, businesses are trying to make up for coronavirus-related losses in a number of ways. If you want that deposit back in case of unforeseen circumstances, you need to discuss this and make your point clear from the beginning. 

The Guest List Must Be Small

Destination weddings tend to have smaller guest lists than local events. Still, you should try to make even more cuts if you’re planning an event during uncertain times. People tend to have very strong opinions about vaccination right now, meaning you cannot guarantee that everyone you invite will follow the proper protocol. To avoid spending your wedding with someone who might be a health hazard, review your list and try to only invite individuals you trust to do what is right. This provides you with peace of mind and reduces the odds of an uncomfortable interaction. 

The Waiting Is the Hardest Part

When you want to get married, you don’t usually want to wait. Sadly, the strange nature of the world right now means that the smartest thing to do is bide your time. At the end of the day, you can do whatever you feel most comfortable doing. As long as you understand your plans could be altered by forces beyond your control, feel free to carry on and plan the destination event of your dreams. As a word of caution, you may also wish to have a backup plan just in case.

The world might be different now than it was a few years ago, but some forethought can do wonders when it comes to handling any situation. Consider all the factors involved with planning a destination wedding to decide if now is the best time to be going abroad for your nuptials.

Selecting the Right Honeymoon Destination

When you're planning your wedding, you're likely not giving the honeymoon much thought. A little research can point you toward the best destination.

When you’re planning your wedding, you’re likely not giving the honeymoon much thought. A little research can point you toward the best destination.

Getting married is an exciting and unpredictable ride. While marriage itself is said to be a wonderful journey, it pales in comparison to the freedom and relaxation offered by the honeymoon. When you’re dedicating most of your free time to planning for your nuptials, you may not be giving the idea of your honeymoon destination the energy required to make it perfect. There are a ton of considerations, from flight prices to booking activities during the trip. Luckily, there are some simple ways to assemble a fantastic post-wedding vacation. The first step? Selecting the destination.

To help you select the right place for your honeymoon, take a look at some of these inexpensive options other couples are raving about. A little research will help point you in the right direction for your excursion.

Relaxation Is a Beach Away

Some destinations are commonplace when it comes to vacationing. You’re likely to hear all about couples who decided to rush off to the Bahamas for some beach fun or to the Mediterranean for a cruise around ancient harbors. While these can be amazing trips, you also might want something a bit more unique and a lot less expensive. The more popular the destination, the higher the costs associated with the trip. Instead of rushing into the crowds, you may want to take a less-popular path for your destination.

The city of Cartagena in Colombia may be the right speed for you. A coastal city of the Caribbean, there is an antiquated charm that can be found along the cobblestone streets and endless restaurant options. Though the idyllic scenery and friendly residents tend to attract vacationers each year, the crowds are far smaller than those you would discover in places like Paris, New York, or Milan. Cartagena offers gorgeous beaches, endless activities, and an array of authentic Colombian restaurants that will make your mouth water the moment you step foot in the city.

The European Destination

Europe is an incredibly popular continent for couples looking to explore while on their honeymoons. Still, as mentioned already, a number of these destinations will be crowded with other couples, tourists, and locals. However, Europe is a gigantic place, and you don’t need to follow the tried-and-true path to have a honeymoon that enriches your life. Forget all about London, Barcelona, and Venice, cities that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each month. Instead, you may want to set your sights on the crystal-clear waters and unmistakable charm of Croatia.

While less crowded than some spots, Croatia is a country that sees a ton of tourism each year. To avoid the masses, you may want to aim for a destination that is a bit less popular. Rovinj, for example, is a city that seems like it was plucked right out of time. The city itself has a rustic quality, with the architecture invoking a world that was lost long ago. Plus, the views of the Mediterranean help to make Rovinj a city that exudes romance. This is only one Croatian city worth considering, so take time to do your homework.

Slightly Removed From the Crowds

Finally, don’t feel like you have to avoid popular locations should you really want to travel there. You can easily make a trip to a place like Florida work if you forego the popular spots and find a location that offers you a mix of seclusion and excitement. The same is true of Mexico or anywhere else you might want to explore. Popular doesn’t mean bad, it just means you’re in for a higher price tag and more crowded streets.

Finding the perfect destination for your honeymoon is all about considering your options. Take a look at what’s out there and see what destination is most appealing to you, your partner, and your budget.