Pro in the Know Issue 2

I love Tamaryn’s company’s concept – Lovetravel lets brides and grooms set up a honeymoon fund online where guests can contribute to their post wedding escape. Guests know exactly where their contribution is going and the couple gets to experience the excitement of starting their new life as Mr and Mrs in the exotic destination of their dreams.

I chatted to Tamaryn about the trends she sees in honeymoon travel…

Q Can you give us your top honeymoon destinations and what is special about them?
Definitely friendly Thailand! The people are great, there are loads of fun activities and it’s really inexpensive.
Club Med Mauritius is always a great bet for honeymooners. Mauritius is only
4.5 hours by plane and Club Med does a wonderful job catering for
honeymooners. There’s lots of pampering for the lovebirds, watersport activites for
those who love being active, outings and day trips, great shopping and best
of all – relaxing in the sun!

Local is also always a good bet. The Drakensburg has some fantastic, cosy
B&Bs and lots of exploring can be done!

Kenya is becoming very popular for honeymooners too! If you love wildlife and are looking for a luxury bush honeymoon then
I’d recommend places in and around Amboseli National Park which is approximately 140km south of Nairobi.

If you are looking for something cosy but active then I would definitely
recommend a skiing holiday. After spending your afternoon on the slopes then you can relax by the fire
in a cosy log cabin, quaint restaurant or pub.

Q What’s the minimum length of time you need for a honeymoon to get enough of the experience?
Time is all dependent, if you are able to get two weeks off after your
wedding for your honeymoon then I think you should take advantage of it. Not
only is it crucial to get away after all the months of planning a wedding it
is also important that you as a couple spend quality time together. Of
course we all aren’t that lucky to get away for two weeks so as much time as
you can get off is great. Even if it is just for a weekend! If you are
traveling for more than 8 hours by plane then a honeymoon at least a week is
definitely recommended, otherwise you spend more time traveling and you do
not fully unwind and relax.

Q Advice to those of us on a budget?
For those on a budget I suggest a package deal, to commercial honeymoon
places like Mauritius, Zanzibar or Thailand. These places are all beautiful
and they carter perfectly for honeymooners! It generally works out cheaper
because your flight, transfers, some of your meals and drinks are included.
Otherwise, keep it local. South Africa has some beautifully romantic places
like the Drakensburg and the West Coast.

Q Where did you go on honeymoon and why did you choose that particular
destination?
We went on honeymoon to the Kruger Park. We both love the outdoors and
wildlife and it was a perfect fit for us. We rented a house in the Kruger
Park Lodge, went for early morning game drives, relaxed by the pool and
braaied most nights. Bliss!

Q If $$$ were no object, what would your dream destination be?
If only money were no object I would definitely do an American road trip
over a couple of weeks. I would love to start in New York, take in the
sights, do a bit of shopping and exploring and then slowly head into the
country, traveling through small towns and experiencing all parts of
America.