Rome lives up to its name when it comes to romance. This is because it mixes history with a touch of the modern to create a perfect blend of old and new. Taken in the sights of the Colosseum by day and enjoy elegant candlelit dinners and dancing under the moonlight. Rome also provides high culture entertainment with lovely orchestral music as well as plays of ancient lovers such as queen Cleopatra and the Roman general Mark Anthony.

Venice is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is renowned for its elegant canals that separate the city's 117 small islands that rest on a marshy lagoon. Due to tightly squeezed roads transport in the city is largely done by taxi boats, bicycles and on foot all which are perfect activities for couples looking to experience romantic travel in a place without noisy vehicles and traffic jams. Couples can admire art that emerged from the Italian Renaissance period as well as visit historical sights like the location of the congress of Vienna that ended Napoleon's wars.

The serene beauty of Sicily was best captured in the movie The Godfather when protagonist Michael Corleone fell in love there and married a local woman. There is an agelessness to this Mediterranean island that captures the hearts of couples who enjoy nature and a sense of mystery. Sicily has its own unique culture of architecture, cuisine and music. The warm Mediterranean climate is perfect for swimming and relaxing on nice sandy beaches with no worry in the world.

Then again, nothing says romance quite like a trip to Tuscany. Couples from all over the world visit Tuscany annually to escape stressful modern life to yesteryear where life is much simpler and relaxing. Roads are made of cobblestone, vineyards stretch for miles and a lot of buildings were put up centuries ago to create a sense of rich history and awe. Some of the worlds greatest artists and sculptures lived in Tuscany as well. For example Giotto, Giovanni Fattori and famous painter Cimabue. Their beautiful works remain to this day and can be enjoyed by anyone who vacations there.

The Amalfi Coast is popular with celebrities and couples looking to spend time on the beach watching beautiful sunsets, swimming in the ocean and taking romantic boat rides. The Amalfi Coast also features a gorgeous backdrop of mountains that seem to reach the clouds as well as old villages filled with locals eager to tell mythical stories of their past.

Piedmont is located in the Northwestern part of the country and offers couples a nice view of mountain ranges that form part of the alps as well as ancient castles and majestic palaces. Piedmont is perfect for couples visiting Italy who would prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of major cities like Rome in preference of the serenely isolated rugged beauty in the country side.

Finally, there's Naples, the perfect vacation spot for young couples more interested in excitement rather than relaxation. Located in the southern part of Italy, Naples' streets are ever filled with friendly Italians and the night-scene is pretty lively with a few cool nightclubs. Close proximity to the ocean means couples can easily go for a swim or just enjoy the sun laying on the beach.

Are you ready for your romantic Italian getaway? Call us today at (913) 244-9195
Experiences Await...

Need to make up for Valentine's Day? A romantic trip to Maui will certainly do the trick!  ​

Do you two have different ideas on where you want to go for your honeymoon?  If so, you are not alone.  Planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip together can be very stressful. You want to go to sandy beaches in the Caribbean while he has always wanted to see historic Italy. So now what??

Before this turns into a stressful fight, take a breath and sit down with separate pads of paper...

Each of you write down your list of essentials - hiking, beach, swim-up pool bar, relaxing intimate time together, or active exploration of a new destination?  Once you have a clear picture of what would make an ideal honeymoon to you - share notes and see what you have in common. 

Next, determine your budget and rule out destinations or ideas that may not match your savings plan. Be sure to keep in mind the time of year you will be traveling to your destination - traveling during height of hurricane season may not be ideal for your Caribbean island paradise.  You might just come up with a better idea or see why your soon to be spouse has a great plan!

Once you have discussed and determined your list of essential details and budget for your honeymoon - contact a travel expert. A professional will have a better idea on what you are looking for and could even recommend something you never even thought of based on the experiences you are looking for.

In the end, just remember you will be with the person most important to you for the rest of your life - Maybe you can go to the other destination for your first year anniversary or other milestone celebration in your lives together!​

Let me take you to paradise…

Right now, maybe you can feel the chill of the air outside your window.  Maybe you can’t seem to get warm or just miss the bright rays of sunshine.  Perhaps you have been working long, hard hours lately and ache for some downtime to rejuvenate.
 
Take a moment to dream.  Create the ultimate, romantic fantasy filled with crystal waters, white sand beaches and brilliant, tropical fish.  Come with me, let me take you to the Islands of Tahiti – which offers stunning natural beauty in every direction...

We’ll be taking the overnight flight to Tahiti from LA. The flight is only 2 hours longer than getting to Hawaii, and located in the same time zone as Hawaii, so no major jet leg issues for most of us.  Think of it as around the same amount of flight time to get to Europe, but with a very different payoff.  Do as I did and take a sleeping aid after take-off.  This way you will enjoy a full night sleep and wake as you arrive early morning, giving you a full day to enjoy paradise!

Tahiti is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and is the largest of the French Polynesian Islands.  And while Tahiti is a beautiful island with black-sand beaches, lagoons, waterfalls and adventure opportunities, it is not the remote place that most people imagine.  Of all the French Polynesian Islands it is the most urban, busy and populated.  Take advantage of this as you will soon be traveling on to some of the most remote resorts.

In Tahiti, ‘la ora na’ means hello and ‘nana’ means goodbye.  This is more than just fun-to-know information.  Proper greetings and friendliness are the way of life.  People are all about respect here.  Make eye contact, greet people, saying please and thank you is important.  Manners are everything and how you treat others will determine the level of attention you receive.

While we haven’t reached our gorgeous destination just yet, you can already feel your stress melting away and the ocean breezes calling your name.  Shop, dine, tour and relax. Visit the churches, museums and shops.  Spend the night or two here and you’ll be ready for the short island hop to pure bliss.

Touching down in Bora Bora you’ll find the island that most people envision when they think of the French Polynesian paradise.  The white beach, the tranquil lagoon, the brilliant tropical fish and the gorgeous huts atop the vivid, turquoise water.  All those pictures you’ve seen of the area?  Not even close to what you feel and see when you are actually here.  You will experience new flavors, sights, sounds and reconnect with yourself. You will find shades of turquoise you never knew existed.  The beauty is so breathtaking and surreal.

The views aren’t just in front of you, they are below you and above you – day and night.  The endless sky, the deep, lush green of the land and the bright aqua of the water flashing with colorful fish, the copious stars sparkling among the night sky – everything is simply awe-inspiring.

Will you snorkel and head to a motu for lunch today or maybe go swim with the gentle sharks and sting rays?  Will you paddle board or kayak in the clear waters as the sun browns your skin?  Or will you enjoy signature fine-dining as you gaze at the sea life through the glass floor?

You decide. This is your dream now.

Just remember, even your most vivid imagination won’t allow you to feel of the pure breeze, the warm, sun-drenched sand, the lavish vegetation and the serenity of your private bungalow atop the sensual, calm water.  With over 100 islands of Tahiti, there is something for everyone.  So when you’re ready, let me take you to paradise…  Call Destinations HD at (913) 244-9195!

Find more photos from my recent islands of Tahiti experience on Facebook.
Experiences Await...

Now that it's getting colder and the Fall season is setting in, the beach and pool season become a fading memory. So sad! Not to worry, I have plenty of suggestions to getaway this Winter :)  I finally organized my thoughts and photos from my recent trip to the island of Nevis (Knee vis) and wanted to pass along my new found love for this island. 

Can you keep a secret?  Seriously, it’s just us here, right?
 
So, I never wanted to go to Nevis. I mean, it’s not that I wanted to avoid Nevis, it’s just that I honestly didn't know anything about Nevis, therefore I never WANTED to go there.
 
As a romance travel specialist, I was invited to a Romance Symposium to tour Nevis and St. Kitts, stay in some beautiful exclusive resorts and villas (I know, someone’s got to do it!) and attend educational programs with site inspections to learn all about the island, accommodations available and the experiences that Nevis has to offer. 
 
From St. Kitts, it’s just a short ferry ride to the island of Nevis. From the moment I arrived in this tropical paradise, I was transported to another world.  
 
This unspoiled and tranquil utopia is filled with brilliant, lush gardens that provide the backdrop for the most hidden, peaceful and romantic island you’ve never seen.  In fact, Nevis has been voted the most romantic island in the Caribbean! The experience was spiritual, almost mystic, yet authentic and natural in a way we seldom experience here at home.
 
If your idea of “having a view” from the 60th story of a high rise, you won’t find that here. No buildings can be taller than a coconut tree - and nothing can be built above 1000 feet on the mountain. You won’t find fast food here either. The food is local and authentic, providing sustenance worthy of the divine.
 
Donkeys and goats roam freely. Monkeys swing among the lavish vegetation. There are no crowds, no blaring horns, and no interruptions from trinket peddlers. Just peaceful beaches and fresh, clean air with open blue skies. The locals are warm, friendly and welcoming. Nevis covers just 36 square miles and has a grand total of 406 hotel rooms. There are no casinos and no giant cruise ships. Just a romantic, unpretentious island filled with gifts from nature.
 
Sugar was once the main source of industry and many of the hotels are built at these historic plantations. There are picturesque churches and elegant estates to visit as you explore the small island.
 
So I ask, can you keep a secret?  Because while I want you to experience this special place and all its charm, we probably shouldn’t share this with everyone. Call me and we can discuss all about the island and which hotels/villas would be ideal for your travel lifestyle. (913) 244-9195

You may or may not know this, but there are several amazing packages available that offer a visit to both London and France in the same trip! The reason this itinerary makes perfect sense is they are virtually right next to each other on the map barring a brief across the channel to get from London to Paris. As far as things to do the rich histories of both London and France provide many things to do making a combination London and France trip a great idea.

On combination trips, you choose activities before you go to locations that are easily linked to each other by transportation and distance. From there your trip across borders and cultures will be uniquely customized to fit your needs. You can choose between a trip that is about a week long to one that is several weeks, or somewhere in between.

A word of advice, don't try to plan too much in both destinations. The first rule would be to give yourself enough time to take it all in. Scheduling one activity for morning, one for the afternoon, with little rest in between can get tiresome. Yes, you will want to see as much as you can, but be sure to take time to actually enjoy the attractions and culture you're visiting.

When visiting London and France you can experience any number of historic locations and landmarks. From modern to classical this all depends on your taste. One interesting factor to consider is you can tour sections of both by bus, on foot, by boat or even by bicycle. Of course, photo opportunities abound all along the way.

Some common classic icons in the city of London include the London Eye Ferris Wheel, Big Ben, Windsor Castle and even The River Thames. London also plays host to music history and culture you will find nowhere else. France brings you to the stunning art and food of Paris. From the Arc de Triumph, to the Eiffel Tower, to the Louvre Museum marvels of living art welcome you.

I am heading to Nevis in a few days (a very small Caribbean Island just off St. Kitts). Nevis is known as one of the most unspoiled and relaxing islands. The vivid green landscape, blue skies, clean air, and long empty beaches - creates an island life that makes you stop and appreciate all the natural beauty around and within you. Nevis has also been said to be one of the most romantic islands - which leads me to my topic this week regarding LOVE...

Also, don't miss my photos of my upcoming experiences in Nevis... Follow me on Instagram or Facebook to admire the beauty of Nevis!

Regardless of how long you’ve been married, a vow renewal ceremony is a fantastic way to reaffirm your love and commitment with your significant other. The sad reality is we live in a day and age where divorce is as common as catching a cold and easier to do than fighting a parking ticket. This is all the more reason to show the love of your life that the love is still there and help keep those embers of romance burning bright for many more years to come! If you are considering a vow renewal, here are a few things to keep in mind:

There is no universally accepted time for a vow renewal: it can happen just a year after your original nuptials, decades after or any time you choose really. It is all dictated by the couple. However, many people around the world prefer to have their vow renewals coincide with milestone years in the marriage; for example, to celebrate 10, 15, 25, or even 50 years of marriage. The vow renewals can also be planned to coincide with an important birthday. There is no wrong time as there is no wrong reason to do it. In fact, some people plan their vow renewals after they’ve had children and want to reaffirm their commitment in front of their children.

Deciding on who to invite - the vow renewal ceremony can be as intimate or as big as you want. You may opt to invite only immediate family and friends, or you can open up the event to a large group of people for a mega-celebration. Whichever way you prefer it, intimate or a huge party, send out invitation cards in advance and begin planning your big day of saying “I do, still”. (invitations should be send 9-12 months prior if planning a destination vow-renewal OR about 4-6 weeks prior if hosting the event locally).

Make New Memories - While it is alright to incorporate some or all of the elements from the original nuptials, for example, reciting the same vows and wearing a wedding gown, you can also seize the opportunity to make new memories with your spouse by, for example, opt for different kinds of flowers. It is all up to you.

Hire a Photographer - Don’t leave the photos of the day to friends and family. Let them be there to celebrate with you, not work the event. You will also want a professional for the best possible memories - they have the eye and attention for details which you can cherish and show off for years to come. 

Find the perfect destination - Like the rules of when to do it, there are no rules as to where to re-tie the knot. Why not opt for a sexy destination you have always wanted to visit? Think Venice, Caribbean, even Tahiti! An all-inclusive resort is a great option, especially for larger groups - everyone pays before they go and then they can just enjoy themselves on the trip.  As an added bonus, having the ceremony at an exotic destination could make for a fabulous second honeymoon spot. Then again, if you would prefer to stay home for the ceremony you can always have the second honeymoon after the fact ;) Remember, the rules are up to you and your spouse!

You may already be married, but this also applies to vow renewals if you are looking to celebrate a milestone. Also, the proposal season is quickly approaching, so if you hear anyone getting engaged, please pass this along, as they may be interested in having a destination wedding. Referrals are our best compliment!

There are a number of ways to go about getting married, many of them can be quite stressful and severely damage the pocket book. When you consider the number of decisions you have to make, from the size of the wedding to the budget, the venue, linens, flowers, and even the photographer, it’s easy to see why some people would rather check out of the whole process and simplify their wedding by holding it at an All-Inclusive Resort.

With destination weddings becoming more and more popular with every passing day, All-Inclusive Resorts have adapted to meet the demands of couples flooding some of the world’s most popular destinations to get married.

More than merely adding convenience to the equation, there are a number of factors that make All-Inclusive Resorts the perfect choice for a destination wedding. Some of the benefits you can expect to enjoy if you choose to hold your wedding at one of these resorts include the following:

1. You can marry and honeymoon in the same place. This is perhaps the most attractive element of an all-inclusive resorts. You can save a boat-load-of-cash simply by combining the wedding and honeymoon destination.
   
   
2. Everything you need for a stress free vacation will be on property. Food, drinks, entertainment and more are all included for one rate.
   
   
3. It's more convenient for your guests too. Everyone will know exactly how much money to expect to pay up front! And, it doesn't hurt that you'll enjoy additional perks by having your guests stay at the same resort. For example, some resorts will give the bride and groom their room free depending on the number of guests that book under their group. Others give discounts to the entire party or throw in additional bonuses to thank you for making their resort your wedding resort. There are a few that will even give you a FREE wedding and reception based on your group numbers!
   
   
4. They've done this before. Because of the popularity of destination weddings, most all-inclusive resorts provide complimentary wedding planners that handle all the details for you. Plus, when you book with Destinations HD we help you narrow your options to the resort that fits your expectations and vision, along with handling all your guests questions and coordinating their travel to make sure every single aspect of the trip goes smoothly. Think of how wonderful it will be having others do all of the heavy lifting on your behalf so that all you have to do is show up dressed and ready to get married!
   
   
5. It's not nearly as expensive as you might think. The average cost of a traditional wedding in the United States can cost upwards of $30,000!!! A destination wedding with everything included could cost you a small fraction of that number. Considering you're getting your wedding, your honeymoon and so much more for one low cost, a destination wedding is a steal compared to a traditional one.
   
   
6. All-Inclusive Resorts are very generous, offering a wide range of extras to appease the needs of their guests. From flowers to photo shoots and excursions, these resorts aim to please, delivering on all the expectations of their clients. You would be remiss not to take advantage of all the additional privileges and advantages they offer.

If you know someone that has popped the question, it's hard to deny that a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort may be the best option for the big day. Not only will you save money and have all the planning handled, you have dozens of destinations to choose from to meet your unique needs.

We would be honored to help you create your dream destination wedding. If you have questions, feel free to call us at (913) 244-9195!   Experiences Await...

I recently visited Ocho Rios, Jamaica and learned about the vast adventure tour options you can enjoy in this mountainous area. If you are looking for an active vacation, this location is perfect for you! From bicycling through the Blue Mountains to snorkel adventures in the sea and everything in between - Ocho Rios in Jamaica will keep you entertained if you shall choose. There wasn't enough time during my visit between conference meetings to enjoy much off property, so I plan to go back with the spouse to explore!

Talking adventure... What does zip lines, sky diving, and bungee jumping all have in common?

They are all amazing adventures you can have while traveling! Odds are you already can think of what a perfect relaxing vacation day would look like to you, but what about one that gets your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping and your stomach filled with butterflies? No, I'm not talking about a first date or your wedding day – I'm talking the thrill seeker vacations. I'm talking about those wild experiences you may never have even dreamed of. I'm talking about adventure travel and if you're looking for something far from boring, you've come to the right place!

Here are just three amazing adventure experiences you can consider for your next vacation:

1. Zip-Lining in Puerto Vallarta
Your day will begin with a scenic drive to the jungle where you will trek over bridges and up wooden steps to get to the swing spot. You'll be strapped in and then you'll zip down the cable through the jungle where the Predator movie was filmed. Afterward you can enjoy an exhilarating off road ride on a Polaris UTV.

2. Skydiving in Hawaii
The big island of Hawaii is one of the top destinations in the world to skydive because there you can see not just one area, but three, including Pearl Harbor, Kaena Point and Diamond Head. That coupled with the stunning marine life, beach and lush greenery makes this a gorgeous dive from beginning to end!

3. Bungee Jumping in Switzerland
Ready to go for a Dam jump? Verzasca Dam that is! This is one of the top bungee jumping destinations in the world, famous in part because of the James Bond film GoldenEye. This hydroelectric power station will give you a thrill you won't soon forget!

Want to learn about all the adventures awaiting for you in your vacation destination of choice?
Call us (913) 244-9195 and we'll find you an activity to experience on your next trip.
Experiences Await...