Honeymoon specialist Christine Earls of You and My by the Sea shares a few unique choices for your post-wedding getaway
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Many brides of Long Island look forward to their honeymoons even more than their wedding days! After months of planning and lots of work, your honeymoon will be a chance to relax, celebrate, and take in beautiful places in the world.
Christine Earls of BOLI Preferred Vendor, You and Me by the Sea, has curated some incredible itineraries for newlywed couples. And while the word “honeymoon” quite often lends itself to lying on a beach, she suggests considering a few unconventional destinations.
“It’s a great place for something unique.” – Christine Earls, You and Me by the Sea
If you’re not a beach person, fear not — Christine specializes in planning your honeymoon around your tastes and preferences.
“There’s more to a honeymoon than the Caribbean,” she said. “One of the destinations I’ve started to book more and more frequently is Iceland. It’s out of the ordinary. It’s not the Caribbean and it’s not Europe. It’s a great place for something unique.”
From the Northern Lights to scenic hikes, Iceland can provide breathtaking surroundings and exciting excursions. “My couples love the majesty and wonder of the Northern Lights, there’s truly nothing like it,” Christine reflected. “I’ve set brides and grooms up with driving tours, amazing accommodations, even a trip to an ice bar! That’s been a huge highlight.”
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“You could start your vacation sipping limoncello.” – Christine Earls, You and Me by the Sea
For those looking for something a bit less icy, Christine recommends setting your sights toward Europe.
“You can never go wrong with Italy,” she said. “There are direct flights to the Amalfi Coast now from JFK, so you could start your vacation sipping limoncello and looking out at the Mediterranean. It’s very beautiful and very romantic.”
“Italy is vast, so you can have a really diverse experience there,” she continued. “You can take day trips to Pazatano or Ravelo, end in Rome and see the Vatican, or head to Florence and stay in a winery. Something my Italy couples always rave about is the olive oil – it’s on another level there! They always bring some back to the States.”
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“People don’t realize they’re an option.” – Christine Earls, You and Me by the Sea
Having trouble deciding on the perfect honeymoon destination? Christine has an idea.
“Cruises are a fantastic way to see so many places in one trip,” she said. “People don’t realize they’re an option. Especially for Greece and Italy. You can arrive early and explore Italy for three days, then embark and Island hop throughout the Greek Isles. Or you can stay after the cruise ends, exploring Athens and seeing the Acropolis.”
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“You don’t have to stay in one location.” – Christine Earls, You and Me by the Sea
Perhaps the tried-and-true Caribbean destinations are calling your name. There are still ways to make your trip unique!
“You don’t have to stay in one location,” Christine said. “I’ve been suggesting Antigua and St. Vincent lately because you can island hop. Lots of opportunities for day trips and exploring some of the lesser-visited locations.”
While classic destinations the Maldives will always be popular, Christine noted that current events are causing some couples to pivot. “Many couples are switching their trips to Bora Bora instead and staying centrally-located. Cruising is also a good option, as there are itineraries that take you through French Polynesia. Again, you don’t have to choose only one location!”
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“The truth is, it doesn’t get easier.” – Christine Earls, You and Me by the Sea
Christine had a few words of wisdom for Long Island brides planning their post-wedding getaways. “The truth is, it doesn’t get easier,” she explained. “Once you have a family, traveling becomes difficult if not impossible. And even if you are able to travel, you have to consider your children in whatever you do. So now’s the time to take the trip you’ve always wanted to take.”
Understanding the realistic costs is also important. “I work with all budgets, but if you tell me your ideal vacation is a week on the Amalfi Coast and four nights in Sicily and you only have $2000 to spend, unfortunately it isn’t going to work.”
Wedding planning takes up a lot of energy and time. You and Me by the Sea takes the stress of planning your honeymoon off the table, and allows you to fully enjoy every aspect of your vacation!
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