Green Weddings Part 3: The Honeymoon

Oh, the honeymoon. For me, planning the honeymoon was the best part of planning my wedding. Don't get me wrong, I loved (almost) every second of planning my wedding, but there's just something about preparing for a week of laying on a beach that just warms my heart.  Plus, this is one part of the wedding-planning process that the groom will definitely be into! So grab your betrothed and check out our tips for planning a green honeymoon.

*Off-set emissions of your travel by purchasing carbon off-sets
*stay at a green hotel; check out this directory of domestic and worldwide green properties
*dine at locally-owned restaurants that serve locally-produced foods
*buy locally-manufactured souvenirs
*take a responsible tourist trip; find a responsible tour group here
*give back to your destination by volunteering

If you're looking for honeymoon ideas, but aren't sure where to start, check out responsibletravel.com.  They have lists of destinations by catergory. So whether you're looking for an adventure or a luxury spot or a romantic getaway, they have the perfect spot.

For more on Green Travel, check out this resource for green travel providers.

Remember, a green honeymoon doesn't have to be a dull week of sacrificing luxury. You can still have an amazing, relaxing honeymoon in posh digs . . . it just takes a little careful planning.

Need help planning your green honeymoon or vacation?  We've Got It! Chicago can help. Email us at info@we'vegotitchicago.com for more info on how we can help make your next vacation less stressful and more green!

Top 5 Riskiest Travel Pursuits from Lonely Planet

Love this!

If you're looking for a honeymoon that isn't mundane or relaxing...Look no further!

From @thmanregistry Top 5 Riskiest Travel Pursuits from Lonely Planet

Have a unique honeymoon experience? Tell us about it and we'll feature you here! Don't forget pictures!

Travel Green

Yesterday we talked about Honeymoon registries. Today we'd like to talk to you about another way to amp up your honeymoon: by going green. Many couples choose to go abroad for the honeymoons, to rare and beautiful locales. By going green, you can ensure that these desinations are around for generations to come.

When planning eco-travel (whether it's a honeymoon, annual family getaway, or corporate retreat), there's a few key aspects to keep in mind.

• Book your stay at a green hotel. Search green hotel directories like Green Hotels Association to find hotels with eco-friendly practices.
• Or check out one of these earth-friendly resorts around the world.
• Eat at restaurants that use local, organic foods.
• Rent a fuel efficient vehicle to get around your destination city.
• Offset the carbon footprint of your trip. By purchasing carbon offsets, you can counteract the emissions of your airfare. Use a site like Sustainable Travel International, where you can enter the miles travelled and other factors of your trip.

Have you gone green in your travels lately? Tell us about your favorite green tips for vacationing.

Honeymoon Wishes

What a great idea!

Already have a toaster, blender, your china, two sets of pots & pans, and all of the other essentials that usually go on a wedding registry?  Well Honeymoon Wishes has just the thing for you. Here's how it works:

With hundreds of different locations to choose, from all over the world, and thousands of activities avialable to schedule for when you've arrived, you and your new spouse are sure to have a great time on your honeymoon...all compliments of your guests!

Check out one of the sample gift registries for some inspiration.

The Hightower Experience

Do you have friends or family coming in to town? What are you going to do with them? Here are two ways to showcase your city and yourself!

1. Put together a map

Your guests may not be very familiar with the area so any map would be helpful, but why not go the extra mile? Put together a detailed guide for your special visitors using Google.com/maps.

Click on the "my maps" tab to get started. Put a thumb tack on your house so they know where home base is, link your favorite restaurants' websites so your friends can check out the location and the menu, point out major landmarks, museums, theaters or parks in your neighborhood, as well as downtown.

Do your guests have GPS and internet enabled phones? If so they can have you and your map as their own personal tour guide at all times. And by using thier phone you are helping your guests go green by eliminating the need to use ink and paper for printing!

2. Create an Itinerary
If you are unable to get off of work for all of the days your houseguests are going to be in town (or if you just want everyone to be on the same page, which we love!), it is helpful to create an itinerary. Letting your guest's know your schedule before hand helps to ensure everyone's time is used wisely. This itinerary can be as detailed or as minimal as you wish. Let them know what time you usually get off of work or what time you made dinner reservation at your favoite restaurant. This is also a good place to include links to helpful websites such as: The map you created for them, the CTA Trip Planner, where to buy CTA Transit Passes, and the CTA Bus Tracker.

Other useful information you might want to include: flight information, typical weather for the time of year guests are visiting, and distances between major sites.

Click the links below for an example of a map using google.com/maps and an itinerary:
Hightower Experience - Map
Hightower Experience - Itinerary


Do you have an idea on how to make your guests visit more exciting, eventful, easier, safer, more economical, etc? Let us know about it!