Thursday, June 19, 2008

Flying To Your Destination Wedding




Most destination weddings involve the bride
and groom or wedding guests flying to the
destination. Flying is becoming a pain in the
rear with all the new rules and regulations implemented
by the airlines. Educate yourself BEFORE you leave
so that you don't end up paying excess baggage fees or
repacking your bags at the check in counter.

I recently was in line to check in at a Delta counter.
Most of the people in line didn't know that there
were weight limits to their suitcase and ended up
repacking their bags at the counter. No one wanted
to pay the additional $25.00 for a few extra pounds.
I didn't blame them, but the line didn't move for one
solid hour and tempers were short.

The airlines are changing their baggage rules
by the second. US Airways, American and United
are charging $15.00 to check ONE bag. Only
Southwest isn't charging a bag check fee unless
you have a third bag. The second bag price varies,
but that is the latest gotcha to get you to part with
your money. Some are charging for seat selection!
US Airways is even charging for soft drinks.
How long will it be until they figure out
how to charge for a seatbelt?

Pack your own snacks to eat on the plane. Easy to bring
along snacks are grapes, crackers, cookies, trail mix,
granola bars, etc. You'll save a bundle, but remember,
you can't bring any beverages from home. You'll have to
buy them at the airport at an inflated price.

Learn to pack lighter to avoid a lot of pitfalls
at the check in counter.

Know the latest rules and regulations by
going to RickSeaney.com.
He is updating his chart to reflect the latest
airline fees so there isn't any unpleasant surprise
on the way to your destination wedding!

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Weddings In Sedona Arizona, Scenery, Spirituality and Serenity



Today is my birthday, and if things go according to
plan, I will be celebrating in Sedona, Arizona, my favorite
spot on earth. (Fingers tightly crossed!)

Sedona is becoming a destination wedding spot for
those who admire the red rocks and gorgeous juniper
forests. It is one of the most beautiful spots on earth.
Its probably the most beautiful backdrop in the southwest.
Sedona is known as Red Rock Country, and every evening
the sun sets into an amazing array of purples and orange
lights on the canyon walls.

Many people feel that Sedona is very spiritual because of
the vortexes in the earth. They feel that the energy emitted
by the earth is spiritual and healing.

Sedona can acommodate your any wish from a chapel wedding,
resort wedding, outside wedding or a shaman wedding
performed by a Native American officiant. How cool is that?
We actually witnessed one a few years back. They played a
haunting flute melody and the backdrop was the mountains.
It was breathtaking and so unique! For more information
Click Here. Weddings In Sedona

Don't forget that Sedona is a romantic honeymoon
destination! The bed and breakfasts in Sedona are
just amazing and romantic.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Orbitz Helps You Pick Your Perfect Beach!

This is so cool. Orbitz came up with a tool to help
you pick the beach that is perfect for you. The tool
is more like playing a game. The sound of the sea
lapping on the shore sets the background for the questions.
Answer the questions, the tool will help you
find your perfect beach.

You first select who will be traveling:
Honeymooners, couples, families, etc.
Then you pick your interests and this page
is so cool. Up on the beach floats a shopping bag,
a scuba mask, disco ball, a shrimp on a fork and more.
The next step is hotel options and on the beach floats
cucumbers for the spa, a do not disturb sign and more.
This is just FUN.

My best beaches are in Punta Cana, Jamaica and St. Lucia.
I thought no beach could top St. Marteen, but I guess I'll
have to give the other spots a whirl.


Beach Finder (468x60)

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Cruise Ship Wedding, Great Food, Exotic Ports, Total Relaxation!



Cruise ship weddings combine the best
of the best for destination weddings.
Carnival offers wedding packages to
fit every budget.

You have your wedding on board the ship
before you sail or at an exotic port
of call. All the details are handled
for you by the cruise lines. Make the
arrangements with the cruise line,
get your passport and pack! All you
have to do is arrive in advance for
your marriage license, which gives you
time to relax and explore the port city.

Cruise ships are your floating hotel.
Your hotel will transport you to tropical
islands, you'll feel the trade winds blowing
and you can sip a fruity drink as you
lounge on the deck and watch the clouds
float by. Heavenly AND relaxing.

You have unlimited food and dining options
as well as room service. Eat on the Lido
deck or the dining room. Cruise lines
are introducing special dining rooms where
you can dine by romantic candlelight at a
table for two by reservation.

All your entertainment is on board. You
can dance the night away in the disco,
try your luck in the casino or attend
Broadway shows or Las Vegas style shows
in the showrooms. Look for comics doing
late shows at midnight, have a drink at
a quiet bar later.

You can join in the activities on
board the ship or you can do your
own thing. Every ship has the newlywed
game and they are hysterical. Some also
have parties for the newlyweds so you
can dish about your wedding to others
on the ship. Or you can meet other newlyweds
to go ashore and with them.

Cruise lines include your food, entertainment,
room and taxes in the cost of the cruise.
Special dining rooms may have a surcharge.
You'll need money for tips which you pay
at the end of the cruise and are done
on a per person per day basis. For the
level of service you get on cruise ships,
its a bona fide bargain. Alcoholic drinks
are extra, but you'll find free drinks
flowing freely at the captain's cocktail
party. Shore excursions are extra as is
the money you spend in the casino.

The cruise lines will help you with your onboard
wedding. You'll have to arrive a day or so before
sailing to get your marriage license. Their wedding
coordinator will handle all the details for you. Their
package deals cover the entire cost. And, you are
automatically on your honeymoon!
Ship board weddings take place in port on board the
ship or in the exotic locales when the ship docks.
Enjoy the romance of the high seas!


Carnival Wedding Packages

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts!

Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts!

Do something you’ll never forget - book an all-inclusive resort vacation. The advantages to staying at an all-inclusive resort are seemingly endless. Most include meals, beverages, tips, entertainment and activities in the price of the room - allowing you more time to actually relax on vacation and less time figuring the bill.
Not only are these resorts perfect for a destination wedding,
but think HONEYMOON!


Moon Palace Golf & Spa All Inclusive Resort

1. Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort All Inclusive - Cancun, MX

Prime yourself for luxury at the Moon Palace Gold and Spa Resort in Cancun. Guests enjoy gourmet meals, beverages, tours, entertainment, and both land and sea activities. The resort also boasts a signature golf course by Jack Nicklaus and full spa facilities.
Top All Inclusive Resorts: #1. Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort All Inclusive - Cancun, MX




2. Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa - Providenciales, TC

Touting itself as a multi-faceted fantasy world where private bungalows, pools and 12 miles of white sand overlook turquoise water, this resort features fine cuisine, land and sea sports, spa, nightly entertainment and a kid’s club - Pirate Island.
Top All Inclusive Resorts: #2. Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa - Providenciales, TC



3. Barcelo Bavaro Beach Hotel All Inclusive - Punta Cana, DO

Escape from the busy world at Barcelo Bavaro Beach Hotel in Punta Cana. This breathtaking hotel’s all-inclusive package offers admission to nightly entertainment, three meals daily at eight of the hotel’s 14 restaurants, complimentary transportation between five of the Bavaro brand hotels and complimentary local beverage and snack service.
Top All Inclusive Resorts: #3. Barcelo Bavaro Beach Hotel All Inclusive - Punta Cana, DO




4. Paradisus Palma Real All Inclusive - Higuey, DO

Combining world-class facilities with a Caribbean setting, the Paradisus Palma Real features luxury suites, spa facilities, health center, sea-front pool, a casino, nightly entertainment and remarkable dining. Unlimited green fees and nightly entertainment are included in the all-inclusive package.
Top All Inclusive Resorts: #4. Paradisus Palma Real All Inclusive - Higuey, DO




5. Le Blanc Spa Resort All Inclusive - Cancun, MX

Upon arrival at the Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun, guests are greeted with a cool drink and washcloth. This adults-only haven allows guests to immerse themselves in the luxury of 24-hour room service, butler service, entertainment, premium drinks, haute cuisine and non-motorized water sports. All taxes and gratuities are included.
Top All Inclusive Resorts: #5. Le Blanc Spa Resort All Inclusive - Cancun, MX




6. Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort All Inclusive - Nuevo Vallarta, MX

Let your worries float away as you indulge at the Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Luxurious all-inclusive services include gourmet dining, Pilates, yoga and meditation programs, Aqua bar, tennis and spa services.
Top All Inclusive Resorts: #6. Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort All Inclusive - Nuevo Vallarta, MX




7. The BodyHoliday at LeSPORT All Inclusvie - Cap Estate, LC

Pamper yourself at The BodyHoliday at LeSport in St. Lucia this winter: all-inclusive amenities include dining at hotspots like Tao, fitness classes, Body Treats from the Oasis Spa, and land sports and water sports.
Top All Inclusive Resorts: #7. The BodyHoliday at LeSPORT All Inclusvie - Cap Estate, LC




8. Barcelo Langosta Beach All Inclusive - Tamarindo, CR

Relax and rejuvenate by the crystal waters of Playa Langosta at the Barcelo Langosta Beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, where long stretches of white sand beckon. Activities and classes, land sports, unlimited local beverages and buffet-style meals are all part of the resort's all-inclusive program.
Top All Inclusive Resorts: #8. Barcelo Langosta Beach All Inclusive - Tamarindo, CR




9. Akumal Beach Resort All Inclusive - Riviera Maya, MX

Enjoy daily beachside activities, a welcome cocktail, all meals and local beverages, scuba clinics and more at the beautiful Akumal Beach Resort, located on a one-mile stretch of beachfront in the Riviera Maya.
Top All Inclusive Resorts: #9. Akumal Beach Resort All Inclusive - Riviera Maya, MX




10. Jolly Beach Resort All Inclusive - St. Johns, AG

Lazy days await at Jolly Beach Resort in Antigua, where you can take advantage of their all-inclusive amenities, including meals and drinks at five restaurants and bars, children's activities, tennis, nightly entertainment, daily activities and non-motorized water sports.
Top All Inclusive Resorts: #10. Jolly Beach Resort All Inclusive - St. Johns, AG

Monday, May 5, 2008

Getting Married In Mexico


Sunny Mexico, smiling people, swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, the perfect destination wedding getaway! Mexico is fast becoming a top destination wedding spot. Why? Mexico has premiere beach resorts that are catering to destination weddings. Mexican weddings are affordable. Mexico is a beautiful country with both "jungles" and beaches so you have a choice of wedding locales. And who doesn't love Mexican food?

Its not difficult to marry in Mexico, but there are guidelines that need to be followed. Mexico has different states and different marriage requirements. If you book your wedding at a resort, take advantage of their wedding coordinator to help you through the legal requirements. Although you can do it all yourself, its advisable to hire a wedding coordinator if you are coming in from the US to make the wedding flow seamlessly. The legalities can be confusing, but a wedding planner can help you save time and stress.

You will need to plan in advance and assemble paperwork to have a legal wedding in Mexico. You are required to have a passport and tourist visa. If you arrive by plane, the airline will give you a tourist visa. If driving, you will get it at the border. Make copies, because they will keep them. Some of the documents will need to be translated into Spanish. You need a CERTIFIED copy of your birth certificate and you should have it translated into Spanish. DO NOT bring the original, because they keep it.
For more information, click here.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

The Hochstadt.com Party Contest

It’s The Hochstadt.com Party Contest!

It’s The Hochstadt.com Party Contest!

It's The Hochstadt.com Party Contest!

Yesterday shall have been the day for my blog to break Alexa’s Top 50,000 rank, if… yeah, if Alexa wouldn’t have changed its ranking algorithm! LOL

While I was eagerly checking and waiting for my blog to break Alexa’s 50,000 mark (so I can celebrate this with you,) I found out Alexa just changed its Ranking algorithm (04/16/2008)…

http://www.alexa.com/site/company/announcement

My blog’s Alexa Rank now dropped from 51,059 down to 174,666!

That means, NO ranking report, NO “showing off” of Alexa’s formerly sky-rocking hochstadt.com ranking graph, NO big numbers—nada of these—and therefore NO “Alexa Top 50,000 In 107 Days” title – BUT…

We will simply change the tag and party anyway! :-D

(Business Lesson: Never ever be dependent on any 3rd party resource!)

You probably remember the astonishing party I held when my blog broke Alexa’s old 100,000 mark? OK, as a reminder…

http://www.hochstadt.com/alexa-top-100000-in-66-days

Now, because of the Alexa thing, now it is…

The Hochstadt.com Party Contest!

I invited a select few Top Entrecarders and Internet Entrepreneurs to join our one-of-a-kind Hochstadt.com Party Contest and celebrate together that it is indeed possible to catapult from no man’s land to popularity in 107 days!

Without further ado, let’s get to the “Party Contest Meat”—or in other words, what YOU can WIN at this Hochstadt.com Party Contest!

NOTE: This is none of those Internet Marketing niche contests… The Hochstadt.com Party Contest features prizes from a broad range of industries and categories. Meaning, there is something for EVERYONE:

Men’s Interest, Women’s Interest, Sports, Internet Marketing, Make Money Online, Technology, Hobbies, Marketing, Self Improvement, Computers and Internet, Art, Environment, Finance and Investing, Web Development, News and Media, Entertainment, Graphic Design, Religion and Spirituality, Blogging Resources, Parenting and Family, Technology, Mixed Bag, Home and Garden, Health and Medicine, Trends, Personal Diary, and Writing and Literature!

Now, take a look at these amazing and unbelievable contributions… the Who’s Who of Entrecard and other friends of mine:

Consultations, Products & Services

Ad Space

  • KiwiPulse from KiwiPulse gives 3 x 125×125 top ad space for one month worth $15 each = $45
  • Deimos Tel´Arin from ahkong.net gives a 468×60 top ad banner box for one month worth $36
  • Anna from My Cornerstone Trio gives a 125×125 top ad space for one month worth $35
  • Turnip from Turnip of Power gives a 125×125 top ad space for one month worth $35
  • Wayne from Ez DIY Electricity gives a top ad space (125×125 or 468×60) for one month worth up to $30
  • Caleb Hartley from environmentastic! gives a 125×125 top ad space for one month worth $25
  • Kathleen from Entrepreneurs Only gives a 125×125 top ad space for one month worth $25
  • Marty from Money Maker Times gives a 125×125 top ad space for one month worth $25
  • Constantin Codreanu from INconstantIN gives a 125×125 top ad space for one month worth $15
  • Mirjam from Me Myself and I gives a 125×125 top ad space for one month worth $10
  • Lee Doyle from Lee Doyle - Contains Nuts gives a 125×125 top ad space for one month worth $10

Entrecard Credits

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Destination Wedding Favors

Just came across some very cool
beach wedding favors, perfect for
your destination wedding or your
wedding shower.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Destination Weddings, Best Times and Dates




I came across a posting on About.com
giving advice on the best places to go
for a destination wedding or honeymoon according to
the time of year. Very informative and really
important when planning your destination
wedding. Read it here.

If you are honeymooning in the summer months,
stay away from Disney or you'll be in long lines
of children. Go in the winter months, excluding
spring break and holidays, and you'll miss the long
lines of children. Your wait time in line is minimal and
Disney is awesome any time of the year.

If you are cruising, you might want to miss the
hurricane months of June 1 to November 30
even though the most active time is considered
August 15 to October 25. You are safe on a cruise
ship, the cruise line isn't going to sail a kabillion
dollar ship into a storm. They are going to circumvent
the storm. I was on a ship sailing through a tropical
depression. It was rough sailing and windy, but it only
lasted about 8 hours and didn't really affect anything
on board the ship. You couldn't go outside, but inside
it was business as usual. We sailed out of the storm into
calm waters and we didn't even know it was a hurricane
developing until we got home.

One thing to note: cruise sailings are less money during
the fall months. I've also sailed during the active time and
didn't have any rough weather. For information on getting
married on a cruise ship, click here.

Las Vegas is perfect year round. Avoid going during a major
convention. Las Vegas has conventions year round, there are
some huge ones that will book up hotel rooms and
escalate the room prices.
Check the Las Vegas convention calender to check your dates.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Why Have a Destination Wedding?

Why NOT have a destination wedding?

Destination weddings are romantic. You are
"eloping" to a different area and coming home
married. Plus, you are automatically on
your honeymoon. No stress about traveling
after the wedding. Say "I Do", celebrate
at your reception or wedding dinner and start
relaxing on your honeymoon.

Destination weddings take away a lot of family
and wedding planning stress. There are so many
blended families today with divorce, children and
other factors that cause familial stress. It makes having
a big blow out wedding difficult. Step mother and mother
can't get along. Mom's boyfriend hates dad. You get the
picture, adults behaving badly and can't get along for
one day. Its your day, its supposed to be fun, joyful and
happy. Cut out the stress, cut out the family discord.

Destination weddings can be more cost effective and less
expensive. The average cost of a wedding is $28,000
in the USA. Here's a link to tell you the cost in your city.
You can have your wedding in the Caribbean at one of the
Sandals resorts with the wedding ceremony, airfare and
lodging from $3,000 to $6,000 depending on your choice
or resorts or lodging. And Sandals will do it all for you!
Book your airfare, coordinate all the details of the ceremony,
your marriage license advice, the wedding, and your
lodging in a luxe room in paradise!
Dream Honeymoons; Destination Weddings at Sandals!
I've had a lot of customers and family "do Sandals" and
they all rave about the resorts. I know that Sandals has it
right and has it down to a science. I've been in the
wedding biz a loooooong time and I know that Sandals
is the primo resort for destination weddings.

You can do a simple ceremony in Las Vegas at numerous
wedding chapels for under $200, add $55 for the marriage
license. Many hotels will coordinate all the details for you
if you marry in their chapel. For info on Las Vegas weddings,
click here. For information on Las Vegas honeymoons, click here.


Win a 7 day, 6 night all-inclusive vacation at a Sandals or Beaches
Resort of your choice , no purchase necessary!


How abut winning your wedding? Win a 7 day, 6 night all-inclusive vacation at a Sandals or Beaches Resort of your choice (no purchase necessary) !



Experience the All-Inclusive Difference at Sandals

Thursday, January 3, 2008

How Do I Pick My Destination Wedding Location?

















Choosing a destination wedding location is
may be confusing because there are so many
choices. You can marry anyplace from a mountain
cabin, Caribbean resort, Las Vegas, cruise ship,
villa in Italy, bed and breakfast, Hawaiian beach
or your state park. The list is endless and there
will be someone who will marry you in your
choice of location IF you plan ahead.

Is there a place that has a special meaning
to you as a couple?

Is there a spot growing up that holds a
special memory to either of you?

Do you have a favorite beach?

Have you traveled to a spot and thought
that it would make a great place for a wedding?

Do you both love hot or cold weather? If you hate
hot weather, then nix the beach and head for the
mountains. Let the weather be a factor in
your choices.

Close your eyes, how do you picture
your wedding? On a windswept beach?
On a mountaintop at sunrise? In the glitter
of Las Vegas? On a covered bridge on a
country road? Visualize, visualize and
visualize some more and you'll have
your answer!

Work it out as a couple. Its HIS wedding, too!

If we are inviting guests, is there affordable
lodging available?

Is there an nearby airport with easy connections,
not just for your guests, but for you as a couple?
Nothing is worse than having problems traveling!
(Tip: Arrive a day or two early so you have time
to relax and unwind and get last minute wedding
arrangements handled.)

Talk to a travel agent. They have ideas and
suggestions that will help guide you and special
package deals that you may not be able to
find on the net.

Cruise the net. There are so many ideas and
locations. Note what looks interesting and follow
up. Great weddings don't just happen, they
are well planned!