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Romancing Your Partner while Travelling

We know that people who go on vacations are more productive at work and more likely to get promoted, but are they also happier in their romantic relationships? A study review published in the Journal of Travel Research found that travel has several benefits for families, relationships, and individuals. Holidays are a reminder of the fact that although some things change when you have been married for many years, your enjoyment of each other and your love, can be stronger than ever if you just take the time to enjoy each other with no pressures of work or other commitments. If you and your partner could use a few days away, discovering new sights and learning more about each other, learning about just a few benefits of holidays may inspire you. Does booking a week away to one of the world’s most romantic cities appeal?

Building Beautiful Memories

When you think back on the highs and lows of your relationships, the best moments are probably centered on travel. As noted in a Study by Shaw, Havitz, and Delemere, holidays build tighter bonds because they provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and create memories that are cherished years later. As noted by one participant to their study, investing in a holiday makes sense because you are in essence buying into beautiful memories, not just material things that don’t mean as much when you look back on meaningful moments of your life.

The Effect of Holidays on Relationships

Research by Newman and Newman has found that spending more leisure time together is linked to a lower probability of divorce. Another study by Gilbert and Abdullah, undertaken on over 6,000 people, found that those who took at least four consecutive days off to travel, enjoyed greater wellbeing and happiness. A third study by Hoopes and Lounsbury found that going on holiday increased a couple’s satisfaction once they were back home. Some countries have taken notice of the psychological importance of vacations. Malaysia, for instance, introduced a Second Honeymoon Program in 2010, offering couples who were considering divorce an island getaway where they would enjoy counselling as well as enough time to enjoy the paradisiacal setting together. People argue less and enjoy greater intimacy when they are on their vacation, than in daily life.

Holidays Reduce Stress and Promote Peace in a Relationship

Many studies have shown that holidays are important, particularly when you have a high-stress lifestyle or when, as a couple, you have been through the stress of illness. A study conducted recently by the American Psychological Association found that vacations significantly lower stress levels because they take remove us from the activities and environments that cause worry and anxiety. Holidays ensure we have less headaches and backaches, which puts us into ‘the mood for love’. They also enable us to sleep better, so we feel more alert and are better able to give our full attention to our partner. Simply sleeping poorly or tossing and turning frequently at night can increase our stress levels, so a holiday is a good way to cut both stress and poor sleep hygiene in the bud.

Choosing a Romantic Getaway

Paradisiacal islands and mountainside resorts often spring to mind when we think of a romantic holiday, but if you are a city lover at heart, a buzzing city like New York, with its romantic nightclubs, rooftop terrace restaurants, and meaningful monuments (does the Empire State ring any bells?), has all the ingredients it takes to wine and dine your partner in style. Because New York is so expansive, it offers a plethora of romantic activities, including a picnic at Central Park, a visit to the Hayden Planetarium, or a visit to the Diamond District. Other cities on the top of the romance list include Paris, Sydney, and Venice. Whether you are catching a show at the Moulin Rouge in Paris, walking along the beach in Sydney, or taking a gondola ride in Venice, chances are, you will feel fortunate that you are enjoying all these sites with someone you love.

Making Time for a Nature Escape

If you do choose a city escape, try to find a beautiful green area or seaside part of the area you are visiting, to add a little dose of romance to what will undoubtedly already be an unforgettable trip. Researchers in Finland (Liisa Tyrvainen of the Finnish Forest Institute) recently measured people’s wellbeing in three different environments: busy city parks, urban streetscapes, and wild forests. In their study, participants were asked to take a 15-break in these areas. They found that those who had visited the city parks and forests, felt psychologically restored. These feelings were slightly heightened in a forest setting but interestingly, even being in an urban green area had powerful restorative effects. Another study by scientists at Stanford University, meanwhile, found that walking in a city park lifted the mood, working memory, and attention. Once again, it is evident that by working on our own stress levels, we can give our best self to our partner. Therefore, if you do opt for a city break, consider giving priority to cities with a beach, nearby forests, or numerous green areas in which to relax after a hectic day sightseeing.

If you would love to surprise your partner or spouse with a special gift, a holiday may just be one of the best investments you can make. As mentioned above, material things (a designer outfit, killer pair of shoes, or even an elegant piece of jewellery) don’t really form part of our memory when we recall special moments with our loved one. Holidays don’t have to be expensive, or involve a plane ride and fancy hotels. You don’t even have to leave your city or state to disconnect with your partner. Taking a quick city or nature  break for a weekend can help reduce stress and arguments, improve your mood, and make you more aware of/attentive to your loved one.

Koh Yao Noi: Thailand’s Best Island for Your Honeymoon

When it comes to the best islands in Thailand for honeymoon, Koh Yao Noi stands at the top of any list. Getting to Koh Yao Noi is not complicated since it’s located in the Andaman Sea in the middle of Krabi and Phuket, it’s a peaceful island adorned by sandy shores. Fishing villages surround it, and it has rubber plantations, sandy beaches, waters rich in coral and mangroves as some of its key features. Some of the beaches include Loh Jark which has a pier for long tail boats and ferries. Loh Paret is another beach on this island surrounded by dotted dive sites, such as the pinnacles of Shark point and the King Cruiser. Here are some of the reasons why this island is a top honeymoon destination:

Safety

The island is still undiscovered by many tourists. The locals are friendly as they are not yet accustomed to visitors. It makes it one of the few quiet islands in Thailand. The guides are trustworthy, and there are no scams around since there are a handful of tour guides and locating them is easy. The locals also take pride in their island and do not condone any criminality especially one targeting tourists. It would be unimaginable and a scaring experience if you and your spouse had an unwanted encounter on your honeymoon.

It is a time to forget your worries and enjoy each other’s company. Koh Yao Noi provides a serene and safe atmosphere for you and your beloved to get a memorable experience. Even at the shores, the locals do not bother to tie or lock their boats and scooters signaling the safety of the area in general.

Seclusion

Most tourists are either unaware of Koh Yao Noi or overlook it. It makes it one of the ideal islands in Thailand for honeymoon. In the town, there are only a handful of nonlocals making it a perfect honeymoon getaway. When it comes to the beaches, you can have it to yourselves, just you and your spouse. In any honeymoon, seclusion is crucial and having an entire beach just for you is heaven on earth. On some of its beaches, you have a gorgeous view of Phang Nga National Park. The beaches can stay secluded for hours giving you and your partner ample time to explore and enjoy the calm, warm waters of the ocean. 

 

Silence and Tranquillity

Koh Yao Noi is one of the quiet islands in Thailand. Honeymoons are all about tranquillity and relaxation, and this island offers that. There are a couple of bars on the island, but that’s about it when it comes to the party life. It ensures that the town has no loud music blaring from different entertainment spots giving it the quietness that one wishes for on their honeymoon. You can retire to bed late and wake up in the afternoon without a lot of disturbances.

There are a handful of convenient stores to cater to your needs, but the big stores haven’t yet set up shop. It gives the island a chilled and laid back atmosphere where one can sit at the beach or lie under a palm tree without any nuisance from others. During a honeymoon, a couple should be left to their thoughts in a serene and silent environment as they plan for their future together.

 

Diversity

From mangroves, rainforests, corals and rubber plantations, the island is full of diverse landscapes. On the east side is where holiday resorts on Koh Yao Noi are mainly found together with deserted beaches. All these features are ideal for your honeymoon as there is plenty to explore. The landscapes also provide the best locations for taking photographs of you and your significant other. You can go for a leisurely walk on the island as you interact with the friendly locals. 

The west side of the island has water buffaloes, rice paddles and a holy spring which drains into the sea. Koh Yao Noi has all the features that a honeymoon will require less hassle. Each day brings about new adventures and areas to explore ensuring that you and your spouse always have something to do.

Affordability

 

Despite all the beauty, landscapes and even a villa on Koh Yao Noi, it is an affordable place to stay. From as low as $20 a night, you can find decent accommodation on the island. Food and beverages are in plenty, and you can get a full meal for less than $5. As earlier stated this island is yet to be overrun by hordes of tourists, plus the locals treat visitors as one of their own. Even traveling through the island is cheap as you can hire a scooter or bike from the locals at an affordable rate.

Many tourists who have been to this island have stated in their testimonials the numerous times the locals offered them free rides. Even if you are on a budget, Koh Yao Noi is one of the most affordable islands in Thailand for honeymoon. If you consider the beauty, tranquillity, and activities this place offers, it is one of the cheapest but quality places in the entire world.

 

Activities

When you visit this island, it won’t be just your honeymoon you celebrate; it can also act as a coastal escape. From scooter racing, swimming, water buffalo riding, and beach football/volleyball, this island is full of activities for you and your partner. All it requires you to explore your imagination.  When looking for one of the best islands in Thailand for honeymoon, Koh Yao Noi should be amongst your first destinations.

 

How to go off-beat with your honeymoon in Oregon

Personally, I find Oregon a thing of beauty. It’s anything but normal, so after I got hitched I looked for the most unusual destinations to set up my honeymoon. I really wanted to feel like a tourist, so I tried to search for the most off-beat place. Here are some of my favorites:

Climbing Mount Jefferson

My husband and I are avid mountaineers, and Oregon has a variety of mountain regions that one can explore. Dog mountain trail is perfect for beginners; although we’re daredevils and prefer Mount Jefferson. It’s very steep and challenging, but we truly enjoyed the experience. We cannot wait for winter to come to try out the routes on rough weather conditions!

Silver Falls State Park

It’s no wonder the locals call this place Oregon’s “crown jewel” of park systems – personally, I find it sublime. Silver Falls State Park is great offbeat location that made our honeymoon a dream come true. We loved the wealth of recreational opportunities available, natural beauty, and historic presence. Located at the foothills of Cascade Mountains, and only 1 hour away from Salem, the park is home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen in my life. Make sure to hop on the Trail of Ten Falls; a hiking area that descends into a beautiful winding creek! There are great camping spots nearby; as well as a playground and barbecue stands if you want your little honeymoon to really feel personal and alluring.

Cannon Beach

Moving from the top of the mountain to the beach, I do think Cannon Beach is the perfect travel destination for romantic honeymooners in Oregon. Famous for its sandy shores and peaceful vibes, this place exudes romance inside out. There’s Ecola State Park nearby; with sweeping views of the endless ocean, and the most surreal sunset. We stopped by Arcadia Beach as well; where we had a picnic and explored Hug Point with its secluded sea caves.

PortlandCrystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

We’re already familiar with Portland’s famous Peninsula Park and International Rose test Garden, meaning I was convinced that Crystal Springs will blow my mind. We visited the garden in late spring; the 2,500+ rhododendrons and beautiful azaleas made our honeymoon memorable. At the entrance, we decided to go for the self-guided tour because we really wanted to spend some time alone and admire the wildlife at our own pace. Crystal Lake never looked better!

Northeast Portland Cliff – The Grotto

Spanning on 62 acres of lush gardens, The Grotto is a sheer sanctuary with a very unique aesthetic. The tranquil paths and carved Catholic shrines really made us honeymoon feel even more romantic. At Lower Level, the imposing cave has a very nice trekking trail we decided to explore. The art gallery displayed spectacular nativity scenes; and from the gift shop nearby we got ourselves some souvenirs that we will probably cherish for a lifetime. I was impressed by the soft choral music in the background; definitely a must-see for couples.

For an extra $6 we also went to visit the Upper Level of the grotto. The famous botanical garden at the peak overlooks Columbia River Valley, Mount Saint Helens, and Cascade Mountains; a scenery that will always have a special place in my heart. I’m not a fan of meditation, but we got to the Marilyn Moyer chapel, I somehow felt the need to gather my thoughts and just embrace the serenity.

Crazy jet charter experience from Portland to Eugene

Because I’ve always wanted to see Eugene in Oregon, we chosen an air charter service in the last minute, and went on a crazy trip to Eugene. I was pleasantly impressed by the wonders of the city. The mix of impressive museums, variety of parks, and historic allure really made our honeymoon special. My favorite spot was Mount Pisgah Arboretum; a vast area of hills and valleys with stunning farmlands and a very traditional yet welcoming vibe.

What’s not to like Oregon? We had the best honeymoon ever and we would come back to the places I mentioned above anytime. I’m sure there’s plenty more to explore, and we’ve already started making plans for next year.

How to plan a luxury honeymoon you’ll never forget by private jet

You had the perfect wedding. If everything did not go as it should have then most of the things went as planned. Now you want to relax. It has been months of pressure and trying to get every detail right. You deserve a break. If you are planning your wedding as a couple or you want to surprise your lover with a great destination, why not spoil them with a luxurious honeymoon destination that will forever be imprinted in their mind. You do not want to plan your honeymoon just anywhere. The place you choose should be meaningful to you. After all, this will be the beginning of a great love story. Perhaps the first on many easy trips you will embark on together. As they say, first impressions are critical. If the first vacation you have together after marriage is not impressive, there are chances that your wife will never let you forget the terrible experiences she had. There are great places to go to especially for newlyweds. Places you will get to love and know each other. The beginning of your life together will be perfect, and the memories you make together not even death can take away.

Little Palm Island

The Florida Keys may not be your first choice, but it should be. It may seem like the world away, but it will be worth it. A quickly from Canada and you re there in a couple of hours. You will have private white sandy beaches and turquoise waters to enjoy. This is one of the most common vacation areas for some of the rich and famous people. If you feel like giving yourself the celebrity treatment, this sunny and romantic island is a place you should consider. There are tons of water sports and boats to enjoy. You can also enjoy the world class cuisines that are just unique to this island. The little palm island resort takes advantage of the beautiful setting and the incredible views from the villas to create a soothing and relaxing experience for their customers. The resort has 30 villas and looks like something from a movie.

San Diego

Here you get 70miles of postcard- perfect beaches. There are dreamy sandy areas where you get exciting activities for newlyweds. There are spas you cannot get enough of and water activities such as kayaking that are interesting and fun for couples. If you are looking for a place that will allow you to enjoy yourself and bond with your spouse, head to San Diego. You also get to visit the historic US Grant so that you can catch a glimpse of the history of San Diego. The best part is after taking in all that history. You get to visit some of the most luxurious beaches, dining areas, and entertainment spots because they are right next to the US Grant.

San Pedro, Belize

Facing the Caribbean Sea, San Pedro is an irresistible piece of paradise. It is home to the second largest reef in the world. The reef is known as the Belize Barrier Reef. You will love every day you wake up in San Pedro because there are endless activities. When you just want to relax, you can rest under the palm trees and watch how an ancient fishing village has been turned into a small town and how tradition merges with technology. You may also visit the Mayan ruins which are an incredible sight to behold. There is an amazing marine life to experience especially during the summer when you can scuba dive and enjoy the water and sea creatures.

Montenegro bay

Booking a private jet charter can be fun and amazing especially if you know where you want to go and how you want to get there. The Montenegro bay should be one of the destinations you choose for your honey moon especially if you do not want to stay in one place for too long. You can still enjoy all these places and have a fantastic time without being bored. Montenegro offers incredible diversity from cultural experiences to water adventures. You will certainly not be disappointed by the calm sandy beaches that always have a new experience to share.

 

Explore Africa - when & where

How a safari honeymoon can be a perfect blend of adventure and romance

Safaris are memorable travel experiences that can’t be compared with any other type of travel adventure. There’s something about the African desert that lures people in – the wild animals, luxurious resorts, wealth of attractions and rides on fancy jeeps will make sure honeymooners have the time of their life. Couples usually want to enjoy memorable travel experiences; they want to see the world but they don’t want to go to the most trivial travel spots. If u you don’t want to be like everyone else, a safari honeymoon is exactly what you need.Continue reading

The 6 Mistakes Couples Make When Booking Their Honeymoons

The 6 Mistakes Couples Make When Booking Their Honeymoons

Planning a wedding can stress out even the most organized of people and the honeymoon is the much-needed relief from all of that. But most couples tend to give less attention in planning their honeymoon in favor of making sure everything else is perfect for the wedding, which is great but you still need to make sure you don’t do your honeymoon wrong. Here is a guide to at least help you be aware on the shoulds and shouldn’ts. These are some Not-To’s you need to take note of after you say the “I Do’s”.Continue reading

Just Got Married: 5 Things You Need for Your Starter Home

Just Got Married -5 Things You Need for Your Starter Home

Just Got Married -5 Things You Need for Your Starter Home

The list of things to think about in a marriage does not end at the wedding reception. After the ceremony and the celebration with friends and family, couples go to their honeymoon destination and then settle down in a home. Starting a new home is never easy if not without a proper guideline. In this article, we will list down the five things you needs for your starter home aside from the basic pieces of furniture. You may use this guide to avoid unnecessary purchases in the initial weeks or months of your stay.Continue reading

7 Honeymoon Destinations

7 Honeymoon Destinations

7 Honeymoon Destinations

Marrying couples are often excited to try out new things and see a different world right after the ceremony. They spend more quality time together, enjoying the first few days or weeks of their marriage with honeymoon packages and tour destinations. There is countless number of great places to go to for honeymoon. In this article, we will tackle seven of the most attractive and best honeymoon destinations.Continue reading