Honeymoon Destinations

Choosing a destination for your honeymoon can be a very complicated decision and could leave you with sleepless nights and frustration. To help you with this decision, we have chosen our top four destinations from around the world and will shortly reveal them to you.

This was not an easy task for our team as there are so many beautiful and romantic destinations around the world. So, how did we do this? What exactly did we look for?

Our top priority was choosing a honeymoon destination that would offer the most for the newly weds. We wanted destinations that are not only romantic, but have an exciting nightlife, good food and wine, lots of entertainment and many things to do or places to visit.

And finally, in no specific order…

Our first top destination: The Bahamas

The Bahamas is most certainly the destination for young couples that like adventure and are looking for an exciting time with lots of memories. The island is known for its beautiful weather, rocking nightlife, fine wine and food as well as many historical settings.

For the adventurous couples the Bahamas offers many activities such as diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, golfing, fishing, para-sailing, surfing, yachting and many more.

But the Bahamas is about much more than this…for the more relaxed couples the island offers a rich cultural life with the eighteenth century villages, dancing to Calypso music, watching native cultural dances and music shows.

Taking a moonlight walk on the beach-side and trying out the local cuisine of a variety of seafood can't be more romantic than in the Bahamas.

Accommodation in the Bahamas offers something for everyone's taste. You can choose between resorts, luxury hotels, tropical villas, private sea-facing houses or colonial mansions for your honeymoon stay.

You will never fail to impress your new wife or husband with a Bahamas honeymoon cruise for a memorable cruise on the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Our second destination: Las Vegas

Other than being a popular place to get married in, Las Vegas is also a great honeymoon destination. Hotels in Las Vegas offer packaged deals to couples with a variety in size and prices for their honeymoon suites.

Known as the Sin City, Las Vegas is an oasis of entertainment and fun filled adventure, whether you like gambling or not. The city is about much more than just gambling…

Visiting Vegas is like a trip around the world with a ride on a Gondola in a re-created Venetian atmosphere, taking a look from the top of a replica of the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris or visiting the Red Rock Canyon at the entrance of the dessert.

Las Vegas is an All-in-One destination with something for every age and taste.

Thirdly we have: The Maldives

The Maldives is known as a romantic and exotic destination. Honeymoon couples can see the spectacular sunsets or enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling or swimming.

The white sandy beaches, the soft sea breeze and the warm and friendly people make the Maldives seem close to Paradise.

Enjoy the music and dance of the people or fresh seafood traditionally prepared by the islanders at local restaurants.

A variety of accommodation is offered by the Maldives. Honeymooners can choose to stay in luxury or discount hotels, but will be sure to find services and amenities of world class.

Honeymoon cruises with various packages can be booked and will add to making your trip to the Maldives a memorable one.

And last but not least: Thailand

Thailand, with its beautiful sunny beaches, exotic cultural heritage and tropical climate with fantastic shopping escapades, attracts many romantic couples.

Activities such as a visit to the temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Floating Market or boat rides and swimming in the clear waters will add to a magnificent honeymoon.

Thailand's entertainment, such as elephant shows and a very lively nightlife, attracts many romantic couples.

A Thailand honeymoon is also characterized by hundreds of mouth-watering Thai dishes made with exotic spices, tropical fruits and flowers that will tickle your senses. Thai dishes are served with a lot of rice, fresh seafood and a variety of vegetables cooked in spices and coconut.

Honeymooners should visit Phuket and Bangkok with its idyllic beaches if they want to experience the true beauty of Thailand.

Accommodation varies from beachside resorts, luxury or discount hotels and private homes, all with excellent amenities and services. The friendly nature of the locals adds to the tropical island experience of Thailand.

We hope the information we provided will help you in making a choice. For more information and to view prices, please visit the Honeymoon Specials page on bestflights.co.za

Paris earned this reputation because of its central & convenient position within Europe, providing easy access for those perfect honeymoons or romantic weekend getaways. From South Africa it may seem a little far to pop-over for a quick weekend, but that does not mean we have to be left out from this city of love.

There are many ways Paris can be easily incorporated into your European itinerary. The easiest option would be to use Paris as your gateway to Europe and Travelstart has some fantastic fares to the French capital with all airlines. Alternatively, take full advantage of the current airline price war to London & pop across to Paris using Eurostar – from the centre of London to the centre of Paris in under 3-hours – you could be sipping a Cappuccino & munching an authentic croissant along the Champs Elysees before you know it.

So don’t get the cold shoulder from your loved one this Valentine’s Day. Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a ticket to Paris.

Whether your preference is to visit busy metropolises to shop up a storm or small villages to experience culture or perhaps a lazy beach holiday – in the Far East you can have it all & if you desire all in one holiday.

This week we have selected two amazing packages to the islands of Phuket & Bali. With prices from R7,658 per person for 8-nights in 4* accommodation in Phuket as well as flights from Johannesburg including all pre-paid taxes – this represents incredible value.

Specials

Bali - R5,812
Bangkok - R6,038
Phuket - R6,038
Kuala Lumpur - R6,288
Hong Kong - R6,640

KLM offers one of the largest airline networks within Europe ensuring the best connections to your chosen regional city.

All fares include airport taxes & fees and are valid for departures until 31st March 2010. Tickets must be purchased by 31st January 2010.

Amsterdam DIRECT - R6,933
Paris - R6,357
Nice - R6,500
London – R6,424
Manchester – R6,715
Birmingham – R6,726
Glasgow – R6,708
Rome – R6,200
Venice – R6,211
Frankfurt – R6,507
Vienna – R6,314
Athens – R6,686
Zurich – R6,262
Moscow – R6,413

Flying Emirates down under offers the perfect solution. You can pick-up a great value flight to Australia from R8,017 *. If you are planning travelling state side Emirates are offering fares from R8,511 *, all fares will allow you to stopover in Dubai & include all taxes & fees.

Emirates operate daily from Johannesburg, Cape Town & Durban.

Despite its recent financial woes, Dubai remains an amazing destination built on excess – it has got to be the biggest or tallest otherwise there’s no point.

Last week in Dubai saw the opening of the world’s tallest skyscraper, the newly renamed Burj Khalifa – soaring 828 meters out of the desert – this must be the ultimate bling, which has become a beacon for Dubai’s economic & construction recovery. The name of the tower was abruptly changed from the Burj Dubai to the Burj Khalifia in honour of the President of the UAE & ruler of Abu Dhabi, who came to Dubai’s rescue & bailed the Emirate out.

With a weaker dirham, Dubai is much more affordable to the average traveller than it was 12-months ago. So if you have ever wondered about visiting this versatile destination – now is the time.

Perth – R8035 (10th March 2010 – 17th March 2010 / 1 person)
Sydney – R8614 (1st March 2010 – 10th May 2010 / 1 person)
Melbourne – R8248 (1st March 2010 – 15th March 2010 / 1 person)
Brisbane – R9174 (1st March 2010 – 15th March 2010 / 1 person)
New York – R7587 (15th March 2010 – 10th May 2010 / 1 person)
Los Angeles – R9919 (15th March 2010 – 10th May 2010 / 1 person)

From its distinctive architectures of a bygone era, mist clad mountains to the north, tropical beaches to the south, desert in the centre, with its multiple religions, diverse ethnic groups and customs that have survived the test of time, India has gifts superior to any other country. The subcontinent has something for anyone.

A fascinating way to venture to its renowned resorts is to take the week-long ride aboard the famous luxury train – Palace On Wheels. The journey starts at Delhi’s Cantonment Railway Station and ends in Agra, having visited nine wonderful attractions en-route.

At the end of the journey in Agra you be be able to experience the dazzling Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. Sometimes referred to as a labour of love, the structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is a magnificent portrait of creativity and artistic genius. Construction took 17 years with twenty-eight specimens of rare, semi precious and precious stones for inlay work & white marble as the chief material.

India has become one of the top 5 tourist hot-spots in the world & the largest consumer market after China.

Mumbai – R4,684
Delhi - R6,600
Hyderabad - R6,268
Goa - R6,073

All fares quoted are based on either South African Airways or QANTAS flying from Johannesburg. All airport taxes, surcharges & fees are included. Fares valid for departures from 1st February until 31st May 2010 with a permitted stay up to 12 months.

If you fly South African Airways to Australia you could win 2 nights accommodation along with 3 days car hire courtesy of BestFlights. All SAA customers will be entered automatically into our draw with one lucky winner receiving land arrangements in the Australian city of your choice. Applies to SAA bookings confirmed with Travelstart by 31st December 2009.

Perth DIRECT - R8,263
Melbourne - R8,587
Sydney - R8,953
Brisbane - R9,273
Adelaide - R9,387
Wellington - R11,064
Christchurch - R11,064
Auckland - R11,212

Escape the World Cup in Mauritius R13,349

Includes flights from Johannesburg with 7 nights at the Le Mauricia with breakfast & dinner daily & return airport to resort transfers.

Cosy and convivial with great family style hospitality & is a great favourite with young couples, families, diving fanatics, singles and lovers of the nightlife. Indeed, Le Mauricia exudes a spontaneous, youthful, dynamic atmosphere. It is the perfect crossroad of conviviality for a very wide range of people who want to have fun and enjoy a really good time during a much-treasured stay.

For departures from 11th June until 3rd July 2010 (ex. 15th June) & includes airport taxes & fees.

Air France has launched their celebratory special fares from Johannesburg to commemorate this amazing aviation achievement. Fares include ALL airport taxes, fees & surcharges, which are available for travel between 5th February & 31st May 2010. Tickets must be purchased by 14th December 2009.

Click here to book a flight online now.

Marseille - R5,986
Bordeaux - R5,987
Toulouse - R6,003
Nice - R6,012
Lyon - R6,025
Strasbourg - R6,044
Paris DIRECT - R6,277

Cruise on the
MSC Sinfonia
1st passenger pays R5,795
2nd passenger pays R3,175

Sail for 4 nights from Durban to Maputo & Portuguese Island onboard the MSC Sinfonia. This remarkable price is based on a category 4 cabin & includes all meals & entertainment onboard.

Also includes port charges & mandatory insurance.

Price is based on departure 1st February 2010.

It’s 28-years since AIDS was first identified & we are still searching for a much needed cure. With continuing medial breakthroughs, drugs have been developed that allow an improved quality of life as well as offering an extended life expectancy.

In South Africa we are probably more aware than most as to the devastating effect HIV/AIDS has on everyday life. AIDS is often considered a disease that only affects certain members of our society, however the reality is that AIDS sees no boundaries. Today spare a thought for the estimated 33.4 million people worldwide (of which 2.1 million are children), who are living with HIV.

The Seychelles is one of the world’s most beautiful holiday destinations. Hundreds of filmed beach commercials can’t be wrong. Despite its huge popularity with international tourists, the Seychelles has still managed to retain that idyllic desert island feel.

Choose from the hundreds of secluded beaches or coves & you will believe you are the only inhabitant in what can only be described as nature’s paradise. It’s no wonder the Seychelles is often referred to as the original Garden of Eden.

The main island Mahe, which is home to the international airport, is as busy as it gets! Life is totally laid-back & after a few days you will easily slip into this mode of thought.

Whatever your thoughts are on the Seychelles they’re probably true. A dream destination if there was ever one.

The Seychelles R9,630

Price includes; return flights from JHB to Mahe with 6-nights accommodation at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Resort & Casino with breakfast & return airport to resort transfers.

Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay is located on the Northern part of Mahe Island.Situated on one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, with a panoramic view of the ocean with North and Silhouette islands. The hotel is set in beautiful gardens, a step away from the white sand and turquoise sea, and allows guests to enjoy a truly relaxing holiday.

Price is valid for travel between 15JAN until 14MAR 2010 & includes all pre-paid airport taxes & fees.

The Seychelles – Praslin R12,542

Price includes; return flights from JHB, inter-island flight to Praslin, 6-nights accommodation at the Indian Ocean Lodge with breakfast & resort transfers.

This hotel nestles amongst mature Takamakas trees and colourful plants just a few steps away from the sea. Praslin island is home to the World Heritage site ‘the Vallée de Mai’ which is internationally renowned for the unique species that grow there, including the famous Coco de Mer.

Price is valid for travel between 15JAN until 25MAR 2010 & includes all pre-paid airport taxes & fees.

Durban & Cape Town still remain the most popular getaways for us South Africans & Christmas is bumper time for these coastal playgrounds. Fares over Christmas to Durban & Cape Town are R925 & R1,812 respectively.

Speaking of Christmas, Santa has come early to Travelstart customers. Simply book & pay for any Virgin Atlantic flight & stand a chance to win 1 of 5 fantastic gift hampers that we’re giving away. Each week, running up to Christmas, Travelstart will draw one lucky Virgin Atlantic flier.

From Johannesburg

Durban – R898 (22nd December 2009 – 7th January 2010)
Cape Town – R1,477 (22nd December 2009 – 7th January 2010)
London DIRECT – R7,063 (23rd December 2009 – 14th January 2010)
Munich – R6,218 (21st December 2009 – 14th January 2010)