Honeymoon Heaven

This is my first camera of this size/type that I purchased for my trip to Hawaii coming up soon (wedding/honeymoon/vacation) =)

One of my concerns is how to travel with, and pack this camera as a carry on? I’m a very petite woman and will probably have my laptop in my carry on bag also, not to mention my wedding dress.

Two, no three item that are expensive that I really don’t want to damage. I feel the camera is too large and bulky for me with the 18-105mm lens, but want to have beautiful photos.

Tip and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Getting another camera is not an option.

MP,

I try to travel as much as possible and rule number one is that my photo equipment MUST be with my carry on luggage. What I have done is bought a carry on that is as big as regulations allow (can very slightly with different airlines). My carry on is has wheels so it can roll, a must with the weight of my carry on.

Then inside my bag is a somewhat narrow compact backpack style camera bag which is a Lowepro brand bag and the model is called the flipside (I think the Flipside 300 mdoel). In that camera camera bag is two cameras and anything else valuble I can squeeze in. The rest of the carry bag space is filled with a travel tripod and some other items, a little clothes and some cords/chargers.

I wish there was still room for my laptop in the carry on bag but at that point there is not. So I have have a laptop bag with the laptop computer, ipod, other person items. You are allowed along with your carry on bag a purse, briefcase, or laptop case.

On two rare occasions, I have boarded a smaller place with smaller overhead storage and was told I would have to check in my carry on bag - so I just take out the backpack camera bag for the overheard storage and let them check the carry bag without having the cameras in it.

When I arrive at my destination I do have in my large checked in luggage a smaller camera to carry my cameras.

Wedding dresses are a matter I think I can be no or of little help with.

Below I provided some links that may be of help; ebags site is great for research styles and types of luggage, 2 sites to very popular camera bag makers (Tamrac & Lowepro). Photo.net where you can post questions to other photographer who deal with travel issues. Also a few photo sellers in case you need to price shop an item.

Have a great trip, and wedding.

Mark

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Hi, I bought a timeshare last year and recieved a "bonus" week. I planned to use that week for my honeymoon. I called to book it and found out that I can only go 60 days in advance unless it is an off grid area. The only beach off the grid is Myrtle Beach. Not what I want for my honeymoon. So I am thinking of paying for the honeymoon upfront but now have no idea where to go. I don’t have a lot of extra money to spend because we are paying cash for the wedding costs and no family is helping us. Any suggestions? Please don’t suggest waiting either, I am more traditional and want the experience of the marriage and then the honeymoon right away. We travel a lot generally (or try to) so to me it would just feel like a vacation to do that, not a honeymoon.

I would definitely go all-inclusive, and adults only, if possible. Try Sandals Resorts, Dreams Resorts, and Excellence Resorts… they are all all-inclusive and all adults-only, I believe. They have several locations in the tropics too. We went to the Excellence Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and enjoyed it there.

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If you are planning to go on an African safari trip soon, but are not much aware about safaris, here is some useful information for you.

The word safari was originally used to describe a journey which involved hunting and exploring the wild woods. But now it is used to describe an adventurous journey to discover nature and wildlife in their natural habitats.

Throughout the world, South Africa is considered to be the best African safari destination. It has the maximum number of wildlife parks, where one can have a true African safari experience. The vibrant parks of this continent draw in many safari lovers from all over the world through out the year.

The different African safari parks offer different experiences to its visitors and are different from each other in their specialties. Some parks are famous because of their vivid topography while others are the home to a number of rare species of birds and animals.

There are a number of safari options in each of the parks, for a visitor to choose from, for exploring the wild woods. One can choose to fly over, drive through or simply walk though the forest areas during their African safari tour. In some parks one can also enjoy theme based safaris such as canoeing, elephant-back, horseback and honeymoon safaris.

One can find the following lodging options available during an African safari:

• Hotels and lodges: If you want to live in a comfortable hotel or lodge, you will find many of them available during your trip. However, if you are visiting during the peak season, it will be wise on your part to make an advanced booking.

• Permanent tented safaris: Although there are many comfortable guest houses and hotels to put up during the safari trip, many people choose to go for permanent tented safaris to have the true experience of a safari trip.

You need to strategically plan your African safari vacation to make it more enjoyable and exciting. Here are a few tips:

• Make sure that your African safari is not only exciting but safe as well.

• Collect information about all the African safari parks and their specialties. You can then choose a park according to your interest.

• Collect information about the right time to visit the park. Visiting the park during the peak season will ensure that you do not miss out anything during your African safari tour.

• Get the shots of all the important vaccinations before leaving for the safari.

• Pack your bags with the minimum but most essential things. Carry the right clothing, shoes and other accessories for your African safari holiday.

• Carry the important medicines, food and water in sufficient quantities.

• Survey the internet, about the different African safari packages offered by the different tour and travel agents, and then finalize one according to your interest and budget.

• While booking a package, make sure all the essential things like accommodation, ground transportation, meals, excursion, guide, driver, transfers etc are include in it.

• Make sure you are accompanied by an experienced and expert guide. The guide is the person who can make or spoil your trip.

Vivek Kushwaha
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/detailed-african-safari-information-632694.html

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Typical vacations might consist of fun in the sun or a day at the beach, but if you’re feeling a bit unconventional these days, why not embrace the pure wilderness and historic charm of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Heading inland will allow you to escape the trials and tribulations of your modern schedule by discovering an older and simpler way of life.

As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is the place to be for tourists of all kinds. Only about 3,500 people actually live here, but it seems like much more thanks to the thriving arts scene, nighttime entertainment, and constant merry-go-round of visitors looking to explore this lush and beautiful part of the country.

The park itself is unimaginably diverse, dense, and difficult to describe in simple terms. The citizens who once fought to protect them saw the inherent beauty and value of these 800 square miles of untamed land, and today over 9 million people show their agreement by visiting. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has received a number of lofty designations, including International Biosphere Reserve, World Heritage Area, and State National Heritage Area.

Park rangers, visitor centers, and a number of roadside exhibits help to educate sightseers, but true awe comes during those moments of silence that occasionally fall during a hike, picnic, or nature stroll. This preserved area is 95% forested and contains trees up to 20 feet in circumference. Rare plants can be spotted everywhere you look, and there are over 60 species of mammals and 200 different types of birds. This is the only place in the world that you’ll find Jordan’s Red Cheeked Salamanders, and you’ll see them as part of the most diverse salamander population in the world.

After you’ve had your fill of the more secluded parts of the Great Smokies, be sure to spend a little time in Gatlinburg. This town tries to buck the image of sleepy mountain settlement by offering diversions of all kinds and playing host to festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies contains marine creatures of all shapes and size in its 1.4 million gallon operation, and the Guinness World of Records Museum will surely show you a few surprises.

As far as special events go, Gatlinburg loves a good party. The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival lasts for over a month and celebrates autumn with hay rides, fall decorations, and local crafts. Gatlinburg Heritage Days focuses on the local traditions by encouraging everyone to learn about and participate in a number of activities. The Craftsman’s Fair showcases the work of dozens of craftspeople from around the country and is one of the largest gatherings of independent artisans anywhere.

Take things up a notch by visiting Ober Gatlinburg, an amusement park and Tennessee’s only ski resort. Perched above the town, you’ll find, among other things, an alpine slide, miniature golf, a black bear habitat, and skiing in the winter. Shopping and great food is also available up here, so take some time to enjoy the sights as you while away the day above the city.

If you need a few more reasons to visit Gatlinburg, be aware that there’s plenty of trout fishing, a mountainside golf course that will challenge the savviest of players, and for all you lovebirds, this cozy little hamlet has earned the reputation as the Honeymoon Capital of the South. Don’t forget horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and nighttime shows for people of all ages.

Lodging options in this tourist-loving town abound, and the scenery and rolling hills make it the ideal spot for renting a cabin or chalet to make your stay the complete mountain experience. A little seclusion will make you feel like a true adventurer, but the presence of so many easy access roads will never leave you feeling isolated. Check into renting a vacation home in or near Gatlinburg and you’ll certainly have everything you need; plenty of space, lots of great amenities, and close proximity to whatever it is that you’d like to see.

Families who’d like to do a bit of hiking can find a place just minutes from the park entrance, and for evenings filled with fun and relaxation, a game room, entertainment center, and nearby swimming pool will leave everyone satisfied. For those just seeking solace from the constant spinning of the outside world, a cozy mountain retreat complete with hot tub and stellar panoramic views will be all that you need to achieve inner peace.

No matter what you plan to do in Gatlinburg, make sure to scope out a great place to stay. Go online to start looking at the Gatlinburg Vacation Rentals, and get ready for a taste of something different.

Caitlin Moore
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/gatlinburg-vacations-will-surprise-you-57511.html

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it came out in late 80s early 90s. Does anyone know what I’m talking about? And no I’m not talking about the Shining. I also think it might’ve been a tv movie.

Bates Motel (1987)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092622/

Is that it?
I’ve never seen it, but from looking at his imdb it sounded like the right movie.

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This coming June we are planning our honeymoon. Ideally we would love to go to Hawaii. We are definitely on a budget and would love some advice. Any/all appreciated.

I am wondering if we should get a hotel or rent a time share or wondering what other options are out there….

We are bringing our 2 children and my mom to watch them while we are out and about. Going the hotel route we would definitely need 2 rooms. Would it be cheaper to rent a time share so we only have to pay for one place?

I am so nervous I have never traveled other than family vacations as a child.

If you can get into a large resort, they will have a lot to do for kids. However, if you get a time share, you get far more space to sprawl out in the living area (separate from the bedrooms) and you get a kitchen which is really nice with kids to not have to worry about eating every meal out. Plus, time shares have kids clubs & kids pools etc. Nice ones are the Westin, and the Marriott ones. Just be sure you know where they are located so you are not disappointed if you were expecting a certain area. Each timeshare should also list all their amenities & sports & restaurants & things at the clubs.

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This question is geared to those people who have to pay out of pocket (if they can) for their vacations. Government employees are allowed to keep their frequent flyer miles, rental car and hotel points, then use them for personal travel such as honeymoons and trips to the Caribbean with their families or sweeties. A government employee will tell you they deserve it because of the hardship of travel. These people are told before they take the job that they face frequent travel. They don’t have to take the job. If these "points" were given back to the government (taxpayer money) to create new tickets instead, it would save several billion dollars a year. How do you feel about paying for thousands of government employees and their families elaborate vacations (often first class)? Don’t you think that the government should demand the traveller return their points to the government/taxpayer fund to create new tickets with them for government travel instead of allowing the employee to use your tax dollars to vacation? Trouble is, the ones that can do anything about it (lawmakers), enjoy this benefit, so why would they vote something out that is so beneficial to them.

The federal government used to keep all the frequent flier miles and points.

If you’ve ever tried to use frequent flier miles or points, you know the problem is all the restrictions. Very tough to get a flight, gotta book it way in advance, can’t change it once you do, can’t travel in peak periods, etc.

Business travel just doesn’t work like that, government or otherwise.

The government had all these miles/points, but couldn’t ever use them. You then have to create an infrastructure to try to use and manage them, which is costly and of dubious value anyway. They finally gave up and just said "keep ‘em, it’s not costing us anything extra anyway".

In the grand scope of gov’t spending, I think they got this one right.

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We’re hoping to honeymoon in London but don’t know much about the place let alone what would be cheaper for us to do. We live in Hawaii and can get to the mainland at a decent price but we’re having trouble finding decent prices for flights to London, and don’t know of any places there that offer cheap vacation deals. We aren’t looking for anything fancy, just something that will give help give us a nice simple romantic feel. As for food, we’re planning on just roaming around the city and see what places there are to go to, so it’s a kinda open planned honeymoon when it comes to eating and site seeing.

If you know of any hotels or inns in London, and airlines that are decently priced to get from mainland to London, please let me know. Or if you know of anything that would be fun to see or do while we’re there.

thanks!
We live in Hawaii so a "tropical" honeymoon would be nothing new to us seeing as we live in one of the top vacation places of the US. We want to see something different from palm trees and sandy, over-crowded beaches. And since we’d likely be moving to the mainland in a few years, we don’t really want to honeymoon in a place we might move to.

Go to priceline.com and orbitz.com and cheaptickets.com and search for flights. Be flexible as to dates and times for best deals.

I do not reserve a hotel in England. When you get to the airport in London, look around the terminal for a Hotel Desk and tell them you want a clean bed and breakfast or small hotel downtown, near the Tube and near a large hotel (where you get tour buses). You will get a great place for a very low price.

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Does anyone know what an average rate of a sandals resorts honeymoon package would be?

Sandals has three Honeymoon packages: 1. Honeymoon Romance package, 2.Honeymoon luxury package and 3. Honeymoon adventure package

The Honeymoon Romance package is in total $1,800 which I assume is in US$, see the link below:
http://www.sandals.com/weddingmoons/honeymoons/romance.cfm

The Honeymoon Luxury package is in total 1,500 which I also assume is in US$
http://www.sandals.com/weddingmoons/honeymoons/luxury.cfm

The Honeymoon Adventure package is in total 1,500 which I also assume is in US$

You should note that these prices do not include accomadation! Also the packages depend on which Sandals resort you choose.

The Sandals website is below:
http://www.sandals.com/

If you want something more reasonable you can consider Barbados. Barbados is a beautiful island. Lots of lovely scenery and so much to do, morning noon and night. In Barbados you can never get bored because there is something for every type of person to take part in. Barbados is also romatic. Activites for kids and older ones…you will not regret visiting Barbados! The island has great beaches and is wonderful for shopping too!

http://funbarbados.com/

http://www.barbados.org/

http://www.visitbarbados.org/Splash.aspx

There is a resort here called Barbados Beach Club which offers a wedding package and a Honeymoon package…both are pretty reasonable:
http://barbadosbeachclub.com/romance.cfm

Also their accomodation price is also VERY reasonable and the resort is all inclusive! See their link below:

http://barbadosbeachclub.com/index.cfm

I hope I helped!

♥

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Amanpulo, Palawan the best for honeymooners.

Check this out:
http://www.palawan.com/resort_details.php?resort_id=10

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