Honeymooning in Europe: 5 Destinations to Consider

Vienna, Austria

Whatever your yearnings — for the best travel experience, start with a list of what you want and expect for this trip. It can be intimidating when searching for the perfect honeymoon destination, but use resources like The Knot to help narrow your choices down. If you are searching for exotic, quaint, historic, romantic, or adventurous, Europe has it all.

Culture and Refinement – Vienna, Austria

Vienna is the perfect destination for newlyweds who seek a getaway into the romantic ambiance of Austria. This country exudes culture and history that will appease any visitor. For the music lovers, visit the famed Viennese Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper) where couples can attend a performance or find events that will cater to their love of music. For the history buffs, discover and tour Hofburg Palace, which once housed Austria’s and most powerful rulers. Vienna is also ultra-modern. With safe, pedestrian-friendly streets, a booming nightlife, and delicious, aromatic coffee houses, Vienna is for everyone. Not matter what time of day, Vienna showcases delectable restaurants that fuses Italian, German, Balkan, and Hungarian traditions. Don’t forget to taste Vienna’s sumptuous cakes. None can resist this tempting array of confection!

Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy- Romance like no other

Neighboring Austria, along its southern border, lays the captivating beauty of the city built on water – Venice. A European honeymoon cannot be complete without being guided down the canals of Venice, in a gondola. Couples can listen to the sound of a single oar lapping gently through the water and bask in the history of this amazing city. Couples can visit the famed Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark’s Square). Located here are two towers on opposite ends of the square, St. Mark’s Campanile, the famous bell tower, and St Mark’s Torre Dell’Orologio, the clock tower. Both towers showcase Venice’s wealth and grandeur. After a tiring day of touring, shopping, and sightseeing, couples can feast on rich, mouthwatering dishes that are heavy on spices and sauces.

Croatia

 Croatia – Juxtaposed between Central Europe and the Mediterranean

A secreted gem, Croatia has shimmering beaches that line the coast of this country on the Adriatic Sea. Also known as Dubrovnik, this beautiful country, hosts a stunning combination of glamour and ritz on the one hand, and quaint, remote fishing villages on the other. Stop by Pula Amphitheater, the only remaining Roman amphitheater architecturally well-preserved. During the summer, this is the venue for many performances including the Film Festival and concerts. Another place to explore is the water-logged sea cave, Blue Grotto. Here couples can appreciate the natural beauty of the Adriatic Sea, but also see the cave basked in a dazzling blue light illuminated from sunlight that comes through the cave’s ceiling. Dubrovnik beckons honeymoon couples to enjoy its old world charm – cobbled streets, monasteries, markets and pizzerias.

Germany’s Bavarian Alps

Germany’s Bavarian Alps

Couples who enjoy adventure and with a passion for mountains, the Bavarian Alps offer a smorgasbord of outdoor activities. This European country will allow couples to paraglide, trek, hike, canoe, snow-board, or ski. After a long adventurous day, relax at one of the health spas and resorts that dot the slopes along the charming villages. Enjoy a brew from the world famous Bavarian beers at one of the amazing beer halls. For a more low-keyed adventure, couples can tour the area and take in the stunning views this mountainous landscape has to offer. This winter-land honeymoon is for anyone willing to take adventure to new heights with the variety of numerous outdoor activities available.

Say “Cheers” in Champagne, France

The wine-trail through this north-east region of France leads to the bubbly wine we all know as champagne. Couples can eat at famed and Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Parc for a romantic night out or tour the vineyards on an off-road adventure. Explore a chalk cave, deep underneath the ground, to discover the sparkling secrets of this wine we drink when we celebrate. This beautiful part of France is more than just “champagne country,” it hosts many entertainments to hold honeymooners captive.

Champagne, France

A honeymoon destination to Europe is for everyone. Here’s to Europe!

About the Author:

McKayla “Kayla” Kimm works in the bridal industry and enjoys writing articles that are helpful to brides. She uses both her experience and knowledge to provide her clients with the best wedding and honeymoon destinations.

Bathing Suit Cover Ups Worthy of St. Barths

I don’t know about you, but when I go to St. Barths, I really require some nice luxe caftans and cover-ups. Enter: Marie France Van Damme, a new luxury resort line featuring timeless yet modern classics including signature caftans, swimwear  and exotic accessories with a “wear anywhere” appeal. The 2012 collection offers an elegant palette of chic neutrals, bold metallics from bronze to gunmetal and vibrant prints in opulent fabrics ranging from diaphanous silk chiffon and luscious silk sateen, to an effortless jersey material.

Defined by a monochromatic color palette, versatility and an edited collection of elegant staples including glamorous caftans with every piece designed to be worn from an afternoon at the beach to an evening out, each silhouette is carefully considered so pieces are wearable yet alluring. The exceptionally well-made and feminine collection, created by fashion veteran Marie France Van Damme, was inspired by her love of The Riviera and Corsica and born from Van Damme’s frustrations with the lack of resort wear for every occasion. French Canadian, Van Damme incorporated her knowledge and experience garnered from designing and producing private label brands for top retailers in Europe as well as the experiences from her cosmopolitan lifestyle to create a line dedicated to savvy, sophisticated women with a sense of style.

In November 2012, Marie France Van Damme is also introducing her first coffee table book R.S.V.P (Simple Sophistication. Effortless Entertaining) being published by Thames & Hudson November 2012 focused on her philosophy of “effortless entertaining” with photographs by Herbert Ypma who invented the Hip Hotels series. The idea of the book came from her good friend Raphael who is CEO of Shanghai Tang. An improvised, last minute dinner on a deserted white sand beach in Thailand, convinced Raphael that she should share these moments with friends and others. Later that year, Raphael asked her to work on a small project and create for Shanghai Tang “Art de la Table”, dinnerware and objects for the table.

We think that’s all pretty chic.

Retail from @ $95-650

www.mariefrancevandamme.com

Available also at: Harrods, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and select high-end retail boutiques and resorts including One & Only and Aman resorts.

Travel Beauty: Rodial’s Dragon Blood!

I’m a sucker for all things travel and beauty so when I came upon Rodial‘s new line of product called Dragon’s Blood, I was anxious to dig in. How cool is this? Dragon’s Blood is sourced from the red sap of the ‘sangre de drago’ tree in South America, and works to form a second skin­like film, protecting against environmental damage and containing anti-inflammatory properties. Dragon’s Blood Hyalouronic Moisturiser, which has built-in SPF 15 that works hard to plump and firm dehydrated skin for 24 hours. This light and easy-to-apply cream soothes and protects sensitive skin while providing long lasting moisture and tightening fine lines; a must­ have for thirst quenched summer skin. Plus, who can’t resist a line of product called Dragon Blood? I bet that’s what the khalessi on Game of Thrones wears. Duh.

Retail price is $60.00 at www.nordstrom.com

Off-Season Deals to Greece

Rhodes, Greece – The Secret Sweet Spot

We really want to share some of our travel learnings with you this week. Why? Because, after our amazing trip to St. Barths during their low season, we realized the savings you can find when you just go when most of the tourists have fled. And, the best part, aside from the savings, is that you have more of the beaches to yourself!

To that end, Zicasso’s got new and completely customizable 13-day vacation to the the Greek Islands, visiting Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, and Athens this September & October 2012.

This trip starts at just $1,665* per person, offering exceptional value as well as numerous custom options for unique experiences.  Though many consider September and October a harbinger of autumn, Greece’s 80 degree temperatures extend way into October, continuing to provide the ultimate weather for swimming, sunbathing, and sailing in the Mediterranean. Greece is calm and beautiful, without the strikes of prior years or the normal crowds so we say, take advantage of an opportunity and extend your summer at off-season value.

The Classic Santorini View

Sample of unique experiences to add on:

·  Discover Crete on horseback, galloping along the countryside and coast of the Cretan Sea. (Rides are tailored to individual experience level);

·   Learn traditional Cretan cooking at boutique hotel Avli, known for its outstanding restaurant;

·  Sail on a catamaran boat to visit Santorini’s active volcano, followed by swimming in the hot springs and watching the sunset from the boat;

·  Take a cooking course at an award-winning Santorini restaurant and learn about the unique local products of the island.

·   Visit any of Santorini’s 12 local volcanic wineries and taste Vinsanto, their famous dessert wine.

So, if you’re like me and often feel like flyin’ by the seat of your pants, but want something sexy and chic, here are your last minute deals to Greece!