Tips on Tipping
Unless someone tells you what an
appropriate tip to give is, you'll either neglect to reward someone for good service — or you may overtip. Avoid either extreme: Read my Tipping Guide, which covers what's appropriate to give at hotels, restaurants, in taxis, and even to tour guides.
Don't like to carry around money and tip every time you're served? Consider staying at an all-inclusive resort, where tips are factored into your cost.
© Getty Images.
Honeymoon Volunteer Vacations
Two people with heart can make a difference. Discover how a volunteer vacation can change the way you feel about the world -- and each other -- and find links to organizations that can help you to arrange a helping honeymoon or regular vacation.During most service programs, volunteers have weekends and evenings free and serve during the day on projects that range from building classrooms to teaching business courses to teaching English. No experience is necessary.
Photo © Global Volunteers.
Sneak a Peak at Tivoli Gardens
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to see Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark. Even the words themselves Tivoli Gardens are fun to say, tripping off the tongue. On a recent trip I finally got my wish. Although the visit to Tivoli Gardens was a short one, I wasn't disappointed. Click to see the sights at peak season, when the sun rises early and hangs in the sky till nearly 11pm at night.
Although Tivoli Gardens is charming any time of day, the best time for honeymoon couples and other romantics to visit is late, when the park is lit so beautifully you'll think it was designed that way just to enchant the two of you.
Dragon boats at Tivoli Gardens image © Susan Breslow Sardone.
"Sanctuary" = Shipboard Serenity
Kudos to Princess Cruises: Not only was the cruise line the first to offer destination weddings at sea, it now has added to ships a dedicated childfree space called Sanctuary.
Sanctuary features double loungers for couples and the services of Serenity Stewards who can provide everything from a chilled face towel and Evian water atomizers to MP3 players pre-loaded with music and a set of noise-canceling headphones.
The newest ship in the Princess fleet, Ruby Princess boasts even more features that couples-in-the-know appreciate: balcony cabins, anytime dining, specialty restaurants, behind-the-scenes tours, seminars, movies-under-the-stars, high-tech production shows, a thermal spa facility, and a great gym.
Contributor Rhonda Barnett recently journeyed to the Eastern Caribbean on this ship, and you can read her in-depth Ruby Princess profile to experience what it was like.
Fellow Travelers
Have you sailed on this ship? If you'd like, post your own review of the Ruby Princess.
Photo of Sanctuary © Rhonda Barnett.
International Park at Campobello
On March 17, 1905, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt were married. From 1909 to 1921, the two spent summers with their growing family on Campobello Island.While some consider him to have been one of America's greatest presidents, few debate that Eleanor Roosevelt (see honeymoon pic) was its greatest First Lady. An outspoken activist for those who otherwise had no voice in our society, Mrs. Roosevelt unselfishly devoted her life to public service.
Today Campobello Island is an international park outside of New Brunswick jointly administered by a U.S.-Canadian Commission. If your honeymoon or other travels take you north this summer, don't miss this modest summer getaway that draws 100,000 visitors annually.
Photo by Susan Breslow Sardone.
And Now for Something Completely Different...
The coolest place to be in summer is Iceland. Whether you want to chill out on a glacier on your honeymoon or romantic getaway, or soak in mineral-rich spa waters surrounded by lava (or both), this is the place to do it, and summer is the season to visit. Discover more about Iceland, a perfect place for an uncommon honeymoon or romantic travel experience.
2009 State Fair Directory
Originally held to celebrate the harvest, most state fairs take place during the summer and early fall. For honeymoon couples on a budget and last-minute vacationers, state fairs offer great, affordable dining and entertainment close to home.Find-a-State 2009 State Fair Directory >
Photo © Renaud Visage/Getty Images.
Honeymoon Central: Niagara Falls
Couples have made their way to Niagara Falls for generations — and
The New Yorker explains why. As Niagara Falls, New York Hotels leave much to be desired, I recommend honeymoon couples cross the border and stay on the Canadian Side.
Among the places to get married at the Falls is the wedding chapel within Canada's Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort.
Want to combine a Niagara Falls wedding and honeymoon?
Marry in Niagara Falls — then drive 20 minutes north to Niagara on the Lake, one of the prettiest towns in all of Canada. It's a charming, scenic, and historic town dotted with wineries, inns, live performances at the Shaw Festival, and other attractions.
More Great Canadian Getaways
Image © Vincent Sardone, licensed to About.com, Inc.Honeymoon Packages
The truth about honeymoon packages is that they are not all alike. Some honeymoon packages shower you with roses and champagne... other honeymoon packages offer to wrap up your trip as neatly as a wedding gift... and still other honeymoon packages would be a lot cheaper if they weren't inflated with what I call "the honeymoon tax."
Read all about honeymoon packages — the good, the not-so-good, and what smart couples need to be aware of.
Photo © Angela Maynard/Life File/Getty Images.
Summer Love
Welcome to
summer, the traditional season of love.
Whether you're celebrating
first love,
passionate love, honeymoon or
married love, you'll find love-enhancing ideas to sweeten summer here.
Summer Love Guide
© Getty Images.
