Michael Cottam, one of the founders of TheBigDay, offers advice on how to go about choosing where to go on your honeymoon.

So you’re engaged…congratulations! One of the most fun parts about getting married is planning that honeymoon trip of a lifetime. And if you haven’t even narrowed it down to a country, much less an island or a resort, don’t worry-many (if not most!) honeymoon couples are in the same boat.

Some couples start by leafing through travel or bridal magazines and looking for pictures that are appealing and romantic-you can do this, but you’re more likely to settle on the best-MARKETED destination rather than the best destination for your wants, needs, and style.

The following are questions you should ask yourself-it’ll help you figure out what your options are, and help you ask better questions of your travel agent…which will help you plan that perfect honeymoon.

When are you going?

Every destination has its high and low seasons-and this is typically a combination of weather and the times of the year that their tourists typically take vacations. Some destinations, such as Hawaii, have very little variance in their weather year-round; others, like the Caribbean have a definite hurricane season. Yet it’s important to know that the Caribbean is a very big place-and different parts have different hurricane seasons, and some parts of the western Caribbean really aren’t hurricane prone at all. Other destinations–such as Central America and Southeast Asia-have rainy or monsoon seasons. You really need to know the specific destination in order to have a feel for whether or not their “green” season is too “green” (rainy!) for you.

Also, ask yourself if you’re willing to delay the start of your honeymoon a couple of weeks or months. Summer months are very popular for weddings, as it tends to be easier for family and friends to get to the wedding; plus, if you’re having an outdoor wedding, the odds of good weather are more in your favor. However, this also tends to be the expensive (and sometimes more crowded) season for many honeymoon destinations. Giving yourself a month off after the wedding before leaving on your honeymoon can give you time to relax and wind down from the wedding, write your thank-you notes, and take advantage of the lower prices of what’s known as the “shoulder season” (between high and low season).

Travel time/vacation time

How much time off work are you going to take? And how much of it are you willing to spend on an airplane?

If you’re going on an African safari, you’re going to consume about a day and a half traveling each way from the U.S. This is fine if you’re going to be there a couple of weeks, but if those days are coming off your total of 7 days on vacation, you might consider someplace closer. And distance isn’t the only factor: how many stopovers is it going to take to get where you’re going? If you’ve got to land on a main island, then wait around for 4 to 6 hours for the “island hopper” flight to take you out to your remote private island retreat, that’s going to consume your vacation time too.

A great option, if it’s available, is a red-eye flight, where you sleep on the plane and wake up at your destination, saving a day of vacation time.

Language

This is less of a problem than you might think. Unless you’re backpacking around some exotic country, you’re going to find people in restaurants, hotels, and the activity vendors all speak English. One bit of advice: try to learn a few words and phrases in the local language, as you’ll find you’re treated differently if you begin conversations with “hello” in their language, and show you’re willing to make the effort to get along in their country.

Cost

The big question! First, some statistics: the average U.S. couple spends about $3700 for their honeymoon package…and this doesn’t included expenditures once they’re at their destination. When considering a resort that’s NOT all-inclusive, take some time to research the area and find out what meals cost, what a snorkel trip costs, what taxis cost, etc. Tourist bureau sites are a good place to start.

Costs of excursions and meals can easily add up to much more than your airfare and hotel, and you need to be realistic and prepared for this. Consider staying at multiple hotels on your honeymoon-perhaps one or two nights at someplace really nice to start, then a more moderate property with perhaps less of a view for the remainder.

People, people, people

There are a number of important considerations here. First off, who else is going to be at your resort? Are most of the guests at the resort in your age group? Are they young and adventurous, or older and mostly interested in golf? Does the resort market to families-are you going to find a ton of kids splashing around in the pool when you’re trying to have a romantic, relaxing time? Is the bar going to be lively, with your kind of music? Are you going to feel right at home, or a bit out of place?

Next, let’s talk about density: do you prefer to be in the middle of the action, with lots of other happy honeymooners all around, or quieter and more secluded? Think about whether you want to be in a hotel with 400 rooms, or a resort with 40 private villas…the experience will be very different. And do you want to be waited on hand and foot, or left alone to explore by yourselves? Do you want to shop, maybe pick up souvenirs or local style clothes, or maybe some artwork? Maybe you want a mix: in Hawaii, popular combinations would include a few nights in the heart of Waikiki combined with a few nights on the North Shore…on Maui, perhaps a split between the Lahaina/Kaanapali area and the secluded Hana coast.

Finally, how much do you want to learn about the locals, their language, food, and culture? Generally, at the all-inclusive resorts, you’ll find yourselves with other tourists, separated from the local style. If you want to immerse yourselves in the local environment, perhaps consider a smaller hotel, farther from the main tourist areas.

History and culture

Do you enjoy visiting ancient ruins…centuries-old cathedrals…seeing native villages? The beauty of the art, architecture, and history of Greece, Italy, Scotland and Ireland, or Mayan civilizations can make for a fabulous honeymoon experience.

Europe is an obvious destination, but think also about the Mayans and Aztecs in Latin America…Buddhist temples in Bali and Thailand… Angkor Wat in Cambodia…Buddhist and Hindu temples in India. China is becoming a much more popular destination as well: consider visiting the Great Wall and seeing the Terracotta Warriors.

Accommodations

How sensitive are you to humidity and temperature? This can determine not only the destination, but also the choice of resort, as not all A/C systems are created equal. How close do you want to be to nature? I’ve stayed at fabulous safari lodges in Africa that didn’t even have complete walls…just mosquito nets to protect you at night. For some, this is a dream come true-for others it might be a nightmare.

How important is your living space in your hotel room? Do you feel claustrophobic easily? Do you like to lounge around in the morning, have breakfast in bed, or do you like to get up and out there exploring the island? Is a spa on-property important to you? Is a view of the ocean from your room important to you…enough to justify the higher price?

Also think about how you typically spend your day on vacation. If you go back and forth from the room to the beach, the pool, the restaurant, you might want a place with ground-level villas rather than have to get on and off elevators all the time. If you’re going to spend most of your days out exploring the island, this might not matter so much.

Nightlife

Are you going to want to go out dancing/clubbing? Or maybe see some native dances or performances? If you’re going to Hawaii, and you ARE looking for nightlife, you’ll probably want to think about Oahu or maybe Maui.

For Mexico, you should be thinking about Cancun or Cabo, rather than some of the more isolated resort areas. If you’re considering the Caribbean, the answer to this question might affect the island or region you choose as well. Music: what do you want to hear on your honeymoon? Mariachi bands, steel drums, reggae, or Hawaiian hula…what appeals to you?

Food!

How adventurous of an eater are you? How about your fianc

Mexico, a country rich in arts and ancient cultures and
strategically located between Guatemala and the United States is
a perfect destination for a romantic Mexico honeymoon vacation.
This beautiful land of sunshine, clear blue seas, crystal-white
beaches, high and impressive mountains and volcanoes and jungles
of exotic wildlife provides honeymooners with lots to see and
do. In fact, places like Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and
Acapulco are amongst the most romantic resorts in Mexico for
honeymooners. You will find a little bit of everything from the
romantic to adventurous, as well as secluded moments of art and
history in Mexico. The enigma of Mexico honeymoon vacations will
leave the newlyweds with unforgettable romantic memories. Dining
to eye-opening and amazing moments of a Mexican trio’s soulful
and heartfelt love songs in garden restaurants and dancing under
the romantic moonlight are just the prelude of romance in an
exotic venue.

Additionally, shopping activities are not left out and it is
easy and fun to spend quality time bargaining in Insurgentes
Market of Zona Rosa for brilliant Mexican handcrafts – authentic
pottery, jewelry and blankets. Go for a walk through the city
which has been standing for centuries and go snorkeling or just
enjoy the sun on Mexico’s Riviera – renowned beach in Cancun and
visit the Mayan ruins at southern Quintana Roo of Mexico on a
horseback riding tour.

Couples who love privacy, relaxing and pampering will find these
services offered by most of the Mexico honeymoon resorts. There
is a variety of resorts to choose from located all over Mexico,
such as the Celba del Mar Spa Resort and Hyatt Cancun Caribe
Resorts and Villas in Cancun, Fairmont Acapulco Princess in
Acapulco, Las Rocas Resort and Spa in Ensenada, El Cozulmele

If you’re looking to choose a romantic honeymoon destination, you might a bit overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices available. There are many great honeymoon destinations out there, from Hawaii t Mexico to the Caribbean.

In order to help you narrow down your choices (aond maybe even think of some places you haven’t previously considered), I have compiled the following list of the very best honeymoon spots.

So here are my choices for the top 5 honeymoon destinations:

5. Zihuatanejo, Mexico

One of Mexico’s hidden gems, Zihuatanejo is located on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. A quaint little town set on an amazingly picturesque bay, Zihuatanejo has wonderful art galleries, restaurants, and small hotels. It’s a great place for those seeking to get away from it all on their honeymoon while still experiencing world class service and dining.

4. Tahiti and Moorea

This chain of islands in the South Pacific is truly naturally blessed, with lush vegetation, amazing lagoons, crystalline waters, beautiful beaches, and laid back, friendly locals. Luxury accommodations here range from standard rooms to private over-water bungalows. What more could you ask for from a romantic island paradise?

3. St. Kitts and Nevis

Luxury is the operative word in St. Kitts and Nevis. Less well known than many other Caribbean islands, St. Kitts and Nevis are a bit of a well kept secret amongst those who enjoy ultra-luxury vacationing away from the crowds of better known destinations. The Four Seasons Nevis might just be the best hotel in the Caribbean. Gorgeous, exclusive, and home to the best beaches and the best weather in the Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis make for an ultra-exclusive honeymoon destination.

2. Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai might just be the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands, and it receives my vote for the most romantic. Home to several amazing hotels, from the Princeville hotel on one end to the Hyatt on the other, Kauai is the perfect place for a Hawaiian honeymoon. On Kauai, you avoid the crowds while enjoying breathtaking natural beauty, from the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon to the stunning Na Pali coast to world-famous Hanalei Bay, there is plenty to see and do on Kauai – that is when you are not enjoying the most amazing beaches in Hawaii.

1. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Tranquil, stunningly beautiful, and utterly romantic, St. John is my idea of paradise. Much of the island is a U.S. national park, but there are a couple world-class hotels on St. John, so if you can get a room, you are in for a real treat – a honeymoon in a true natural paradise.

Are you looking to choose the perfect location for your honeymoon? With all the wonderful sounding options available, from Hawaii to the Caribbean to the South Pacific, it can be difficult to settle on one region, let alone one resort or hotel. How do you even begin to choose? It can be overwhelming.

In order to help you narrow down your options, I have compiled this list of the very best honeymoon resorts anywhere. These are resorts with top-notch service, incredible facilities, and some of the most incredibly romantic locations imaginable. Any one of these romantic hotels would provide you with an unforgettable honeymoon experience.

So let’s jump right in to my picks for the top 10 honeymoon resorts worldwide.

10. Tahiti Inter-Continental Resort & Spa,

Formerly the legendary Beachcomber Hotel, this is known as the best hotel in all of Tahiti. Located on an incredibly beautiful and romantic lagoon, the best rooms are overwater bungalows.

9. Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

Anse Chastanet is a small, unique resort set in one of the most incredibly beautiful locations anywhere, and perhaps the most romantic spot on St. Lucia. Overlooking the calm, turquoise waters and the famed Piton Mountains, this hotel, with its West Indian architecture and amazing location is a wonderful spot for a honeymoon.

8. Galley Bay, Antigua

This is actually an all-inclusive resort — but don’t think long buffet lines and hordes of tourists. Galley Bay is small, quaint, and incredibly intimate. The service is great, the staff wonderful, and it’s beachfront location is absolutely gorgeous.

7. Princeville Hotel, Kauai, Hawaii

Set on breathtaking Hanalei Bay, the Princeville Hotel is truly naturally blessed. I really can’t think of a more beautiful location for a hotel. The golf is incredible, and the island of Kauai is the most laid back and romantic of the Hawaiian isles. Princesville’s world-class service and dining ensure your honeymoon here will be truly memorable.

6. Hotel Villa Del Sol, Zihuatanejo, Mexico

If you are looking for luxury accommodations in an out-of-the-way place, look no further. The Hotel Villa Del Sol is a small, excellent hotel set on the perfect bay in a wonderful, artsy little town. I really love this hotel – it has great service and beautiful facilities. It’s also close to the art galleries, shops, and restaurants of Zihuatanejo. A world away from Cabo or Cancun, Zihuatanejo has a unique, authentic flavor all its own.

5. Little Dix Bay, St. John, B.V.I.

The best place to stay in the wonderful British Virgin Islands (unless you have the cash the rent out Sir Richard Branson’s private island), Little Dix has everything you’d want in a perfect romantic resort – great service, stunning beaches, and that laid-back ambience that makes for the best honeymoons.

4. Four Seasons Hualalai, Big Island of Hawaii

Possibly the perfect resort for honeymooners that love golf (and even those who don’t), this Four Seasons hotel has an amazing location, world class golf courses, and, of course, the level of impeccable service you’d expect from a Four Seasons property. The Four Seasons Hualalai might well be the best hotel in all of Hawaii.

3. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

This place is simply elegant. Set in one of the most beautiful locations in all of Cabo, Las Ventanas has world-class service, dining, and accommodations. It’s the kind of place where you are likely to rub elbows with celebrities, and the level of service is bound to make you feel like a movie star yourself.

2 Caneel Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Located in perhaps the most beautiful spot in the Caribbean, Caneel Bay is my version of paradise. The waters here are the most stunningly beautiful anywhere in the world, and the hotel itself is amazing too. Surrounded by a U.S. national Park, Caneel Bay has an out-of-the-way feel, yet it is a ferry ride away from the excitement of St. Thomas. Caneel Bay really has the best of both worlds. It’s a wonderfully romantic resort and the perfect place for a honeymoon.

1. Four Seasons Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This resort tops my list due to its excellent service — perhaps the best anywhere. The location is amazing, the grounds are impeccable, the dining is world-class, the beach is great, and the views are beyond description. But it is the service that truly makes this hotel my choice for #1 romantic resort. Here, the wonderful staff will cater to your every need and ensure that you have the most amazing, memorable, and romantic honeymoon of all.

Where can we expect to get the most for our money?

Ann Lile: All-inclusive resorts will give you the most for your money since most packages will include all meals, drinks, and non-motorized activities available at the resort.

The Colonial Cities of Mexico (including Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, Zacatecas and Merida) are also good value, giving the traveler a cultural/historical experience similar to Europe, only at a much better price.

When is the best time of the year to go to Mexico?

Ann: The peak season for traveling to Mexico is December through April,while the low season is from May through November.

The official hurricane season is June to October, which affects primarily the Yucatan Peninsula and Southern Coast. If you’re going to be honeymooning during hurricane season, and can’t take the chance of being visited by a hurricane on your vacation, you might be wise to avoid these regions of the country to be absolutely safe.

Rainy season is May through mid-October. The rainy season is of little consequence in the Northern region of the country while the Southern region typically receives tropical showers in the late afternoon on a daily basis.

Do you have any “hidden gems” of Mexico?

Ann: My personal favorites are the colonial cities of Mexico. These cities offer a tremendous amount of history, culture, architecture, a great climate, and a taste of the real Mexico. Built back in the 1500’s near the silver mines, these cities offer many small, intimate properties for vacationers of all kinds.

Highly recommended places to stay are the Quinta Real properties in Huatulco or Aguascalientes, which will give the traveler an intimate experience that combines the true flavor of Old Mexico with a historical feel.

Compared to Tahiti or Hawaii, what makes Mexico a special destination?

Ann: In addition to having beautiful beaches and various water activities to enjoy like Hawaii and Tahiti, Mexico affords the traveler the opportunity to experience wonderful archaeological sites such as Teotihuac