Snippet & Ink Honeymoon Bag Giveaway Q&A Questions Answered Part 1

Q&A Blogger questions answered by Maritza below:

Hello All ~ I received 87 comments for the Honeymoon Bag Giveaway I did at the beginning of the month for Snippet and Ink. Here's PART 1 of my answers to the corresponding questions:
merijill1217 said...
Very cute bags!! My question on honeymoons is whether there is any advantage to booking through a travel agent. I thought that those went out with milk delivery, but everyone keeps saying I should look into it. As for dream honeymoon, I'll assume that means no budget - so really, I would love to stay in one of those over water huts in Fiji for a week and then fly to New Zealand to explore the country over another two weeks.
ANSWER: I recommend using a travel agency which focuses on romantic trips and honeymoons. A good one to try is www.moonrings.com. I used them and loved them. Travel insiders like this can get you exclusive, wholesale rates.

Heidz said...
Nice bag! This could come in handy for me as I am extremely scatterbrained and unorganized. My question is, what is the one thing many couples tend to forget or overlook when it comes to packing for their honeymoon? Because I'm sure we would fall into that category. As far as our honeymoon goes, we are but poor college students so we are tying in our honeymoon with our wedding on a week long cruise to the Bahamas. My dream honeymoon would be to backpack across Europe. Maybe one day :)
ANSWER: Hope you get to go on your dream honeymoon one day soon! Number one forgotten or overlooked item…probably sun-screen and/or sun-block. Another forgotten item is a travel candle. Set the mood…it’s your honeymoon! That special scent you burn will stay with you for years to come. Remember scent is strongly tied to memories.

katielynnfinlan said...
I love the honeymoon bag! My question is this; we're going on a Southern Carribean Cruise for our honeymoon and the exotic ports are to die for- but not literally. How do I know where it will be safe to drink the local water?
ANSWER: If you fear drinking water that might be contaminated…I suggest sticking to bottled water.

Mary said...
My question is what is the most offbeat honeymoon you've heard of people doing?We are going to Portugal, so I am really excited!
ANSWER: I don’t typically think anything is too offbeat. I did talk to a bride who was going to Asia for 3 months for a honeymoon.

Michelle said...
Love the bag! My question is: How far in advance should you book your honeymoon? I've hear couples who do it a year and a half before the wedding, while others swear you get the best flights and deals less than six months out. Does the early bird really get the worm? My dream honeymoon would be a trip to Tahiti were I can just relax on the beach and in a private cabana with my new hubby!
ANSWER: I’m a firm believer in scouting for the best deals and resorts so that takes time. The earlier you start planning, the better off you’ll be. Plus you want to guarantee availability…you don’t want to have to settle on your honeymoon!

Kelly B said...
Oh the honeymoon. My fiance is planning it all, so my question is what are the top mistakes made when planning the honeymoon (to make sure the fiance hasn't made any!)? We're off to Aruba in March and I can't wait! If we could go anywhere, I would love to stay in Italy and tour throughout the country and relax on a island in Greece.
ANSWER: Not letting hotel staffers know that you’re on your honeymoon. Call them in advance so they can plan ahead—hopefully an upgrade can be arranged when you arrive.

Katherine said...
Love the bag! My question for Maritza is do you have any fun ideas to pass the time while honeymooners are traveling to their destination? My husband and I are headed to Asheville, NC in a few weeks for our 2 year belated honeymoon.(11/11/2006) We waited because I am getting my Masters and we had just bought a house. The bag will come in useful to remind everyone that this is our honeymoon even though it is 2 years late:)
AS ANSWERED ON BEAUTYGRAM.COM
ANSWER: I have two fun + romantic honeymoon travel tips! Try writing new vows in honor of your two years together or love letters to each other while on the plane and then pass them to each other to read. This is a great way to entertain your mind and your heart and get you in a romantic mood for your arrival! Also, one of my brides provided the great tip of using the plane time to review old wedding pictures (especially those which still might be saved on your digital camera). Since you were married sometime ago, it would be nice to relive your wedding experience and feel like a bride again in preparation for your honeymoon.

Angela said...
Love it!!!I know we lucked out on booking our honeymoon, a 19 day transatlantic cruise from Northern Europe up and over to Iceland & Greenland, and then meander down the North American Eastern front. But how can you make sure that you don't break the bank (again in some cases) after the wedding, on your honeymoon, with all the excursions, trinkets to buy and just other things in order to have some fun and bring back memories?
ANSWER: THANK YOU!! Finalize a budget before you leave and designate amounts your willing to pay for dinner, trinkets, etc. Splurge on each other…don’t worry so much about souvenirs.

Kristin said...
Very cute (and clever!) bag. My question is, are those "all inclusive" honeymoon packages really worth it? We're thinking about going to one such resort in St. Lucia, but can't get over the "sticker shock"/can't help but think we could plan a more affordable getaway ourselves...
ANSWER: Much appreciated! ‘All-Inclusive’ gets a little old…FAST in my opinion. Sometimes ‘all-inclusive’ food isn’t even that good and you’re not going on a honeymoon to over-eat. Pick a resort within your means that might be more boutique-y then commercial in nature. The experience will be better and more memorable. Plus, you’ll get to visit a variety of local breakfast, lunch and dinner spots on your own—and that’s more romantic.

Laurel_Speak said...
What a great and cute idea! My question is how to successfully pack more then one pair of shoes! We are taking a mini-moon to vegas and will be doing lots of walking so we need something comfy, but also need something cute for when we go out on the town. Shoes are so oddly shaped! This info will be a great help for our 2nd honeymoon to Spain next year, my dream honeymoon.Thanks so much for this, I can't wait to read all the great questions and get some great tips!
ANSWER: Thank you for your warm comment! Vegas and Spain—sound like fun! I tend to where the shoes which take up the most room on the plane-- that way you don’t have to worry about packing them. I say a great heel or sexy sandal, a comfortable wedge and a fashionable tennis shoe should do the trick…if hitting the pool…throw in some flip-flops.

Cassie said...
That bag is so cute!! My questions is, what are 3 things that you may not think you need on your honeymoon but you should definitely bring? We are going to Hawaii next summer for a week and I am super excited :)
ANSWER: LINGERIE, LINGERIE, LINGERIE. A variety of different lingerie is key. It’s fun dressing up for your man…this is the perfect time to experiment. Have fun picking your looks.

Yvonne said...
Cute bag!Our honeymoon was a gift and we are going to the Paradisus Resort at Riviera Maya Mexico. I've heard so many things about Mexico, how can I ensure that we don't get sick on out honeymoon? What should be bring in the unfortunate event one of us gets sick?My dream honeymoon would be a secluded lodge in the middle of the jungle in Costa Rica!
ANSWER: I’ve heard the Rivera Maya is g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s! Have fun!! Drink bottled water…you should be fine with everything else.

Skeeta25 said...
I would like to know some of the best websites to book honeymoons with tours. I am plannig to go to Italy for our honeymoon but am afraid of getting scammed or spending unecessary money- My wedding is April 09 and since I am currently in grad school, we can't afford an immediate honeymoon but will go in about 6 months- This cute bag will make it much more special with that 6 month gap!
ANSWER: Yes, it would make it special! As I’ve mentioned before, go with Moonrings- I think they guarantee everything. www.moonrings.com.

Jayme said...
loving the bag--as i love all bags. may my future husband learn to endure.my question: what do you think is best for those strapped for cash-a mini-moon or saving that money for an actually honeymoon?
ANSWER: I say if you can swing a mini-moon go to Napa Valley—it’s almost like you left the US—very serene, very SEXY! Then hold out for your dream vacation later down the line.

Sarajane said...
I love the casual look and the subtle hint this bag gives to others ;) My fiance and I have already traveled quite a bit - both together and before we met. Our ideal honeymoon right now is Egypt, Israel and Turkey for 3 weeks or so, but I am nervous about planning a trip so far in advance to an area that can at times seem dangerous to travelers. How can we protect our safety without feeling like we are putting our dream on hold because of fear? Also, in my initial research, it seems that with these three countries, the peak seasons are in opposite months, so in one country it might be the best possible weather, while the next one will be the worst weather. How can we maximize this? Thanks!
ANSWER: I was going for subtle- thanks! Wow, not quite sure on how to give advice on this one. I understand your desire to experience these countries for their beauty, yet striving to put safety first. I would say select the country that you are most interested in visiting based on the climate you most prefer.