Come fly with me: Romantic escape

I attended two weddings recently and in between assessing that universal social quandary of small talk and trying to escape from the Indian heat and usual wedding drama, I managed to ask my favourite question to the bride and the groom ... “Where are you going on honeymoon?” This question may qualify as lying within the boundaries of small talk, though a notch more interesting than picking weather as the topic of discussion but this was the one question to which I knew I could add value and contribute.

It appeared that both couples had typically picked two different beach destinations. “Oh, that’ll be so relaxing,” I responded, after asking a few questions about the resort and spa. I found myself wondering later why beach was the most predictable option for honeymooners? The word itself — honeymoon — conjures up dreamy and exotic images of candles, moonlight, breathtaking views of the sea and the two lovers.

However, in today’s world, when it is likely that you’ve been away with your partner before and this holiday, therefore, may not be your first together, why is it that most newly wed will end up on a beach?

Well, thinking back at my own time, I did incorporate beach within the few weeks’ excursion, so it certainly wasn’t an adventurous honeymoon.

But I realised that weddings in general, and Indian weddings in particular, are so intensely packed with functions that they are simply draining. And not only are the festive functions rather exhausting but the build-up and process of organising the wedding can be tiring.
So how can the honeymoon be extra special? The important thing is that you both decide what is important to you. How long do you want to be away? How many destinations do you want to visit? What is your budget? Do you want to be almost entirely alone or around others? And lastly, don’t forget to check the weather forecast for where you want to go … it really could make it or break it. When booking it with the agent, emphasise the honeymoon factor and insist on lots of extras being added into the package. Anything is possible!