worldwide travel ideas

The sun in the sky, the beach in the background and you with the person who you love uniting your lives for life. Sound idyllic? This is why more and more couples are choosing to have their wedding abroad.

In our 6 years experience, talking to couples and helping them to make their dreams come true there are 3 main reasons for making this decision

1. So you can have the wedding you want

There is a fairly strict guide of what ‘should’ be done at a wedding in the UK: The great thing about getting married abroad is that you can take ‘the guide to wedding etiquette‘ and throw it away. If you want to walk down the aisle with your partner, handing out coloured balloons to your guests, with your favourite music playing in the background, or letting doves go at the end of the service then that is exactly what you can do.

With today’s extended families, it can be a nightmare deciding who sits where – and especially, who sits at the top table. In different surroundings, it’s easier to choose an unconventional seating plan – with no top table (or even no seating plan at all).

There is a much larger choice of venue. If your dream wedding is set in a Castle in the mountains, or on a golden beach with waves lapping gently in the background or even in the snow capped mountains – then it’s available.

In the UK, the majority of venues cater for large numbers of guests, but abroad you can find intimate salons where you can celebrate with just those people who are very special to you – or even just the couple themselves – if that is what you would like.

Whilst the weather cannot be guaranteed, choosing to be married abroad gives you a much better chance of being able to have the ceremony, and sometimes the reception in the open air.

2. Family issues

Most families have their little problems but there is nothing like a wedding to bring them all out into the open. This can be anything from one side of the family being 3 times the size of the other, to some part of the family not approving your choice in partner for life. Marrying abroad means you can get away from all of this and relax, enjoying your day with the people that you love.

3. Price

As a general rule the overall cost of the wedding is reduced by getting married abroad. The largest cost of most weddings is the reception and the drink. The UK is still one of the most expensive places for eating and drinking out and this is reflected in the overall price of the wedding. Additionally with cheap flights to most European countries, it is often cheaper to travel to Europe than within England. This leaves more in the budget for the extras that you dreamt of.

The 2 main downsides are the paperwork and the distance that those people that are closest to you have to travel..

1. Paperwork

The paperwork associated with getting married abroad is usually more complicated than marrying in the UK. Usually documents need translating into another language and legalising and then the marriage certificate needs translating back into English. This process can be quite expensive. Additionally many countries have some sort of residency requirement prior to the wedding.

For this reason, many couples opt to have the civil service in their home country and then have a blessing abroad. The main advantages of a blessing are that it can be held in a large range of venues, and it can be tailor-made for you, allowing you to play your favourite music, select your favourite readings, write your own vows and wording for the service. Most couples who take this option do not tell their guests that the blessing is not a legal service.

If you decide to have the civil service (the legal part) abroad, you will need to find out what the legal requirements are for the country where you are planning to get married, and ensure that you can fulfil their residency and other requirements.

2. Travel to the venue

Your guests will need enough notice to travel to your chosen destination – but in our experience most family and friends, given enough notice, will make your wedding into a holiday. With families now spread out far more than in the past, and the advent of low cost airlines, it can be cheaper to travel abroad than travel a long distance in the UK. Additionally accommodation tends to be cheaper abroad, making the overall cost of attending the wedding lower than if it had been held in the UK. In fact, when the wedding is in one of the countries nearer the UK, many couples find that a much higher percentage of guests than they were expecting, decide to be attend the wedding. This can be a plus or a minus – see above!!

Making it happen

Once you have found out the legal requirements for your chosen country, you can then select the type of ceremony that is going to be most appropriate for you. You need to consider budget, where exactly you want to get married, what kind of setting e.g. beach, mountain, how many guests you want to invite and exactly how you want your day to be.

Then you can start looking for suitable venues and all the ‘extras’ like flowers, photographer etc to make your day unique.

You will probably need to visit the country at least once before the wedding to check out options, especially the reception venue, as no matter how many pictures you look at, you need to be sure that it ‘feels’ right for you.When marrying abroad, it will usually be well worth investing in the services of a Wedding Planner. Look for someone who knows the country and offers you a wide choice of venues and suppliers.

The Wedding Planner will help you make the right choices for you, should show you different venues so that you pick the ‘one’ for you, ensure that all paperwork is correctly completed and help bridge the language barrier. Most importantly, on the day itself, they will liaise with your suppliers, and make sure that everything runs smoothly.

So you are free to relax and enjoy your perfect Wedding Day.

As if planning a wedding and honeymoon wasn’t hard enough if you had it right in your own back yard, planning a wedding overseas can be a nightmare. Despite the added difficulties (and cost!) of tying-the-knot and honeymooning in a foreign land, many couples forge ahead with dreams of exotic weddings and honeymoons. The idea of spending the most important day of your life in paradise is too much to pass up, even if it is a hassle to plan for. Here are some tips that can make planning weddings and honeymoons abroad less painful.

Planning weddings abroad Start the planning process by taking a survey. That’s right, take a survey of all your friends and family who must attend and determine whether your dream wedding abroad will even be an option. You should do this first just in case you have a few key guests who just won’t be able to make it. Once you’ve confirmed that your guests are willing and able to travel (don’t forget about passports!), you can start figuring out the logistics.

Make it easy on your guests by researching flights, hotels and transportation options. The more research you do, the easier and more-likely it will be that your quests make it your wedding. Also, make sure to present the travel options to your guests as early as possible so they have time to plan and to take advantage of cheaper rates.

Enlist a couple close friends to help coordinate things on the days leading up to the wedding. There’s no easier way to ruin your big day then to try to coordinate travel arrangements for guests who had unexpected difficulties. Asking a close friend or family to help out will take a lot of the stress of you so you can focus on what’s important.

Planning your honeymoon abroad Planning honeymoons abroad is much more common and much less of a headache than planning a wedding abroad. Keep these things in mind:* Determine security risks and visitor requirements whenever leaving your home country. * Learn a little about the customs of any country that you’re visiting. Just a little research can go a long way in fitting in on your trip.* An experienced travel agent or tour company can help to make sure that you have no travel hiccups on your trip, making it all pleasure and no pain.

Whatever the destination, weddings and honeymoons abroad are a great way to celebrate the most important day of your life. As with anything, careful planning can ensure a smooth trip, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.

There are plenty of reasons for getting married abroad. Not only are your prospects of romance high in a beautiful, unknown location but there are practical benefits too – like cost, for example. In many countries, it’s far cheaper to get married than at home, and that leaves more cash left over for building your lives together after the big day.

If you’re considering getting married abroad and joining thousands of other couples doing the same thing, there’s a lot to think about. For example, whether or not you want a large congregation of family and friends with you on the big day? Although more than worth it, getting time off work and splashing out on flights and hotels can be a tough commitment for some of your friends and family, so it can be worth checking out locations that are a short flight away and have a number of accomodation options available.

For many though a wedding is a fantastic excuse for people to take a holiday – so if you’d prefer the exotic, by all means go for it. There are countless numbers of incredible places in the world that you can get married in, so there will certainly be something to suit all tastes.

Deciding on the country is one thing, but choosing your wedding style is another. Depending on the location, imagine yourself tying the knot on a beach as the sun sets gently over the horizon, in beautiful gardens awash with warm sunshine and breathtaking fauna or in a stunningly-decorated hotel steeped in tradition, surrounded by family and friends. The possibilities are endless and it really is only your imagination that limits what you can do.

If you’re stuck for ideas, one of the most popular locations chosen by couples as the backdrop for an unforgettable day is Barbados – an unsurprising hit as lovers mutter their vows with the ocean as their audience and the sun beats down on a glorious day. Exotic Fiji is another top choice with beautiful scenery providing an astounding backdrop to your big day. Thailand is also a popular destination and allows for a more traditional ceremony and is especially appealing to those hoping to spend a little less money.

European destinations are excellent for those couples who want to stay close to home as the continent means shorter trips and higher chances that your guests can make it – but the day is yours to decide upon the details.

Whatever you decide on, weddings abroad are truly magical experiences and the new location can go a huge extent to making your perfect day even more special – so start looking now and start your life together in style.

Your wedding should be one of the most special days of your life, filled with happy memories and picture-perfect locations. However, with the average UK wedding reportedly amounting to a staggering £21,000, planning a lavish ceremony can be an expensive business. Not only that, but with the British weather as unpredictable as it is, it’s often hard to prepare for an outdoor event or drizzle-free pictures. That’s why, according to the experts, an increasing number of people are choosing to marry abroad. Indeed, costing a fraction of a wedding at home, there are a number of exotic and stunning locations scattered around the world, which can offer you the opportunity to indulge in a truly luxurious wedding without the hassle of arranging everything yourself. With many wedding packages including the help of an expert co-ordinator, the only things you have to concentrate on is discovering your dream location and finding that perfect outfit. The other advantage of getting married abroad is that you can embark on your honeymoon straight away! When deciding on the destination, the wedding professionals recommend that you spend some time thinking about the type of ceremony you want and, most importantly, what you can expect the weather to be like. In this sense, you should consider the time of year that you want to get married, as this can have a significant impact on the climate. For example, if you want to tie the knot in Thailand, you should be aware that the monsoon season runs from July to October. For a truly tropical wedding, complete with stunning stretches of sparkling white sand, palm-fringed beaches and crystal clear water, then there can be no better place to get married than the Maldives. Boasting year round sunshine, as well as a spectacular array of sumptuous accommodation options, it is really is a breathtaking location. Renowned for its world-class level of service, the Maldives is also the perfect setting for a honeymoon, complete with enchanting sunsets and a range of pampering spa services. Lapland, on the other hand, is an ideal destination for those seeking something a little more unique. Bursting with a stunning selection of breathtaking views, it can provide the perfect setting for a lavish winter wonderland wedding. Indeed, what could be more romantic than arriving at an ice chapel in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, or saying your vows at Kaunispää, a magical natural fell set in the wilderness? The list is endless when it comes to searching for enchanting and luxurious weddings abroad . In addition to cutting down on costs, choosing to get married away from home is also very easy to arrange. What’s more, there are even a number of free wedding packages available, which can see you getting married in some of the most desirable destinations around, such as the Caribbean, Kenya and the US.

Haidian District is a suburb of Beijing resting towards its northwest, and this area is often referred as the University District for housing numerous universities. Haidian also nestles two impressive palaces and stunning imperial gardens in addition to charming parks and the historical Temple of Azure Clouds. At this temple you will find a memorial hall dedicated to Sun Yat-sen, the Father of modern China, besides a plethora of captivating sculptures, murals and relief carvings.

The Temple of Azure Clouds also referred to as Biyun Si, is a Buddhist temple sited about 20 kilometres away from Beijing city centre. The temple rests near the north gate of the Fragrant Hills Park, another popular tourist attraction in Beijing. Temple of Azure Clouds was built on the east side of the Western Hills in the 14th century, during the Yuan Dynasty.

Sprawling on six levels, this great temple is a paradigm of ancient Chinese architecture. Every nook and corner of its exterior and interior are packed with impressive carvings or paintings. This majestic temple soars to the heavens like a white giant shrouded in verdant greenery. The temple also had been expanded in successive eras such as the Ming and Qing dynasties.

In the heart of the temple is the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, enshrining an empty crystal coffin. The remains of this great Chinese revolutionist and politician is said to be buried in Nanjing. The coffin was a gift from the Soviet Union in 1925 in honour of late Sun Yat-sen. The memorial hall houses various relics of Sun Yat-sen including his writings, books, photographs and a statue. At the entrance of the hall you will see a big wooden plaque with gold writing. It has been inscribed by Song Qingling, wife of Sun Yat-sen, who was also a remarkable politician of China.

One of the best attractions in the Temple of Azure Clouds is its Hall of Arhats, which houses about 512 inspiring statues. Out of them one statue is of a famous monk known as Ji Gong and about 11 statues are of Bodhisatvas, while 500 statues are of Arhats. Most of these statues are life-size and painted in gold and depicts a variety of expressions and postures. Even the interior of the Hall of Arhats displays vibrant motifs and relief carvings besides having the statues of the four heavenly kings. The temple also has several grand towers out of which the Vajra Throne Tower is the tallest, with an imposing height of 35 metres. You can climb up this tower to capture a breathtaking panorama of the scenic surroundings of this Beijing suburb.

Visit this Beijing tourist attraction, the Temple of Azure Clouds, while enjoying the sumptuous comforts of an exclusive five star hotel in Beijing like the Raffles Beijing Hotel. Set in the centre of the commercial district this executive accommodation of Beijing will be an ideal base to access scores of Beijing tourist attractions conveniently.

It is very common for first time travelers to be concerned with the cultural differences during their visit to China Prior to visiting the lovely country of China it is recommended that you do some research about the country – of course, not just China but any country you are planning to travel to. Make sure you take notes of the food, vaccination, transportation, and of course the visa requirement China has an ancient history, appealing culture and amazing scenery; but it is also quite different from the western countries. “The ideal travel consultant should be someone that has good understanding of both western and eastern culture so that they can evaluate and plan a nice vacation on your behalf” Lin says. As far as where to go, that is a difficult question to answer. If you enjoy adventure, a hiking to the remote area of Great Wall is a must, of you like art, visit all of the galleries and museums in Shanghai, Beijing. Food lovers should not miss Chengdu and Guangzhou and history buff should not miss Xi’an. Yunnan and Guizhou are fabulous places boasting great scenery and aboriginal tribal culture. If all you want is to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea, the you can find some of the most luxurious beach resorts in Hainan Island. Another real treat of your China tour is to enjoy different Chinese gourmet. Different regions in China have different unique cooking styles. China is also actively developing their wine. There is no comparison to the variety of restaurants and selections of food, to those that love food that is a true luxury you must enjoy while you visit China. China is known all around the world. Believe it or not, another event that you can pamper yourself is playing Golf in China. Many locals are enjoying golf outings daily. Some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world are here in China with a touch of an oriental feel to them. Among all, Beijing and Kunming offers the best luxury golfing experience. Kunming, the “Spring City” is a tourist hot spot for golf enthusiast. China is a really an exciting place to visit. Because the cost of labor is relatively low while the facilities are world class, in China, you can enjoy a truly luxurious private tour that is designed for you. You have your personal driver, English guide and they will do their best to make sure you enjoy the tours.

Beijing, the capital of China was also one of the four great Chinese capitals in the past and nestles countless cultural and historical tourist attractions. The famous Forbidden City, many imperial gardens and a portion of the Great Wall of China are nestled in Beijing.

The city is not all about sightseeing attractions. You will also come across numerous dining hotspots in Beijing, where you can taste the oriental culinary art first hand. Here you will discover a great variety of authentic Chinese dishes, traditional snacks and treats representing all parts of the country as well as Beijing. Apart from the usual Chinese cuisines, Beijing has its own irresistible delicacies and specials popularly known as Beijing Cuisines.

Beijing offers thousands of restaurants giving you a sea of choices to pamper your taste buds. One of the best Beijing Cuisines is the local favourite Beijing Roast Duck that comes in a golden brown crispy crust wrapping the succulent meat. Also known as the Peking Roast Duck, it is available at most restaurants. To indulge in this gourmet treat from the specialists of Roast Duck, drop by the restaurants Bian Yi Fang and Quanjude.

Another popular Beijing delicacy is the steaming Hotpot which is ideal for all seasons, especially during the cold winter. Restaurants in Beijing offer the Hotpot in two varieties, Sichuan Hotpot and the Mongolian Hotpot. Usually a hotpot is where a meat is added to a soup base and cooked at the dining table itself. By using different ingredients and producing appetizing aromas, the hotpot becomes an irresistible choice. For Mongolian Hotpot you can try the Dong Lai Shun and the Neng Ren Ju, and for Sichuan Hotpot the best place to visit is Jin Shan Cheng.

Being on a par with the splendour of majestic imperial palaces and gardens, Beijing offers you a greatest imperial experience through Beijing Imperial Court Food. In the olden days it was exclusively a luxury treat for the royalty, yet now almost anyone can enjoy these sumptuous cuisines. One of their ultimate cuisines is the Manchu-Han Courses which includes over 180 hot and cold dishes accompanied by fruits and desserts. These luxury courses are covered in three days through six meals and are offered at the exclusive Tingliguan and Fangshan restaurants.

There are myriads of traditional and exotic food served in Beijing. The Snack Street in Beijing is a paradise of snacks and they are packed with traditional snacks made from soy beans and glutinous rice.

Not only the local dishes, but you can also indulge in an assortment of food originating from many parts of the world. They vary from African to American, Indian to European as well as Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Japanese among others. There are also restaurants for vegetarians with a wonderful assortment of choices.

Have the luxury of savouring authentic Beijing Cuisines and palatable cosmopolitan dishes at various dining hotspots in Beijing. Make a Beijing hotel reservation to gain quick access to scores of Beijing tourist attractions. A Beijing hotel such as Traders Upper East Hotel, Beijing is a good choice for finding cosy accommodation. This hotel sits in the heart of Beijing near China International Exhibition Centre and other key business venues and is ideal for business travellers. While exploring the splendour of this historical city do not forget to relish a gastronomic adventure in Beijing.