CHEAPEST TIMES TO VISIT VACATION HOTSPOTS IN 2015

One of the best ways to save money on travel is to time your trip right. By visiting during the off-season, you can score deeply discounted airfares and accommodations. In fact, discount travel site Hotwire found that you can get up to half off on hotel rooms by visiting popular destinations when they're not overrun by tourists. And often those lowest-of-the-year hotel rates correspond with low airfares, according to data from CheapAir.com

Hotwire surveyed people ages 18 to 35 to see which places they would like to visit in 2015 to come up with a list of the year's most sought after destinations. Then it looked at hotel rates in those cities (as published on Hotwire) to determine the best month to visit each city for the most savings. We asked CheapAir.com to compare average airfares to the top ten cities on the Hotwire list to find the best months for discounted flights. Below, you'll find the thriftiest times to fly to and stay in vacation hotspots this year based on probable airfares and hotel rates. Destinations are listed in order of popularity.

One of the best ways to save money on travel is to time your trip right. By visiting during the off-season, you can score deeply discounted airfares and accommodations. In fact, discount travel site Hotwire found that you can get up to half off on hotel rooms by visiting popular destinations when they're not overrun by tourists. And often those lowest-of-the-year hotel rates correspond with low airfares, according to data from CheapAir.com.

HAWAII

Best month to visit: May

May is on the tail end of Hawaii's off-season, so travelers can find great deals before peak summer months, when average hotel rates are 46% higher. Airfares are 31% lower, on average, in May than during the peak season. Another time of year to consider is shoulder season during September through November because travelers can still experience warm, tropical weather without the summer and holiday crowds.

Great time to come and get married and then you are already on location for your honeymoon.

Reception Dinner: Plated VS. Buffet

One of the first things a couple has to decide on while choosing a venue is what kind of food service they'll be having during their wedding reception. This is a debate for many couples, and something that wedding planners are asked repeatedly about but when it comes down to it, there's no right or wrong answer. What may be perfect for one couple in a certain setting may not be what another couple wanted in another setting. Ultimately, it comes down to what the couple can afford and what they are more comfortable with providing for their guests. We've broken down the advantages and disadvantages of both plated and buffet service to help you decide.

Plated

Advantages

- Provides an elegant, upscale dining experience

- Easier service for those with children and the elderly
- Portion control (numbers of guests are calculated in advance and enough food is provided)
- Set menu allows for wine pairings if desired

Disadvantages

- The cost associated with plated dinners is usually higher when factoring in wait staff wages
- Not all meal cards are returned by attending guests
- Some meal items your guests may not like

Buffet

Advantages

- Easier to plan if you do not have a wedding planner
- Offer a variety of foods for different tastes
- No (or minimal) wait staff required by the venue

Disadvantages

- Need a large area to accommodate a buffet-style set up
- Buffets can sometimes appear tacky or 'cheap' to attending guests
- It can be a long line for the buffet and it can be hard on those who are differently abled, elderly or with children
- If you have too much food you are wasting money but if you don't have enough food you risk your guests going hungry and you looking like someone who couldn't provide adequately for their guests

Advice for any stage in your relationship...

9 Chivalrous Habits Of A True Gentleman That Make Women Melt

In a world filled with late-night booty calls, infidelity and a general “hit it and split it” mentality, it’s easy to become jaded by today’s dating scene.

As women, we brace ourselves for the worst, proceeding with extreme caution during the first few months, for fear of falling victim to the aforementioned debauchery in which so many men partake.

It’s a welcome relief, then, when we stumble upon those few true gentlemen. They exude chivalry with even their smallest actions, and remind us that there are still good ones out there.

It doesn't take a grand gesture or costly display of affection to win a girl over. Often, it just takes a little sincerity and display of genuine romantic interest.

Despite popular opinion, chivalry is not dead — here are 9 everyday gestures of men that prove it:

1. Opening doors

A guy who takes the time to come around and open the car door for you is a keeper, not to mention a commodity this winter.  With certain states getting up to five inches of snow an hour, do you want to be left standing outside in a blizzard while your date gets nice and toasty in the driver’s seat?

Recognize and appreciate a guy who puts your comfort and well-being first, even if it’s just for a few extra seconds.

2. Saving the last bite of food

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So, when he saves the last bite for you, it’s basically him saying he likes you more than whatever meal is in front of him. Which, for the record, is a lot.

3. Spending time with your family

A guy who shows an interest in your baby photos, coaches your little brother on how to throw a football and compliments your mother’s cooking is a guy who’s in it for the long haul. These are small gestures, but they speak volumes about his intentions.

4. Suffering through a girly movie

When a man volunteers to endure a girly show or movie because he knows you’ll enjoy it, he earns major bonus points. (Even more if he does so without complaining or expecting something in return.)

5. Sending flowers

 I’m not talking about the $100 bouquet you get on Valentine’s Day. I’m talking about the grocery store assortment he picked up on a random Tuesday while thinking of you. There’s just something about unexpected flowers that makes a girl smile.

 6. Walking on the outside of the sidewalk

The first time someone does this, you will probably be confused. But then you’ll start to question how come other men in your life have never been concerned about positioning themselves in such a way that you’d be protected should curbside tragedy strike. It’s not a must, but it’s certainly nice to have.

7. Kissing your forehead

Sure, if you’re hoping to date someone and he does this, it can be a dreaded sign of sibling-like affection.  But, if you’re in a long-term relationship and your guy does this, it’s a small gesture that can make you feel adored.

8. Filling up your gas tank

Much like walking on the outside of a sidewalk, this gesture will probably surprise you the first time it’s performed. It’s indicative of a man who was raised right and is generally courteous, which is always a welcome surprise.

9. Putting your jacket on

Women are fully capable of putting their own jackets on, but it’s not a question of ability. It’s gentlemanly and kind for someone to hold out your jacket for you or offer you theirs when it’s cold.

These are little ways men show they care, the same way women have instincts to nurture and protect loved ones.

Chivalry is not dead; men can be everyday knights in shining armor. You just have to learn to spot the subtle, more meaningful gestures.

A Contemporary Maui Wedding Ceremony

If you are thinking of getting married on the beach in Maui, Hawaii, you will inevitably want to think about your wedding ceremony at some point.

I have three different Maui wedding ceremonies that I perform for my couples. If you go to the page that I have linked to above you can see links to all three of those ceremonies (as well as links to my vow renewal ceremonies).

One of my most popular wedding ceremonies is what I call the Contemporary Maui Wedding Ceremony. This is a ceremony for couples who want a romantic, non traditional ceremony that is not religious in any way. Take a look at it. You'll see that it has a lei exchange, a couple of poems and some other nice touches.

http://affordablemauiweddings.com/ceremonies/

Your Hawaii Wedding License

I just talked to a bride who didn't know that you needed to get the license before the ceremony, and so her marriage with another minister wasn't valid because she didn't have the proper paperwork. You don't want to make that mistake. Of course, you want to make certain that you get your appointment set up with a wedding license agent before you arrive on Maui. Our Maui Wedding License page is located Here. http://mauime.com/wedding-licenses.html

On this webpage I will give you a lot of information about the legalities of getting married in Hawaii. The page includes basic questions like "How old must I be?" And, "What if I've been divorced?" It's important that you know the answers to any pertinent questions for your situation. 

A Paradise Wedding

Picture Your Paradise Wedding!

Here it is January in Maui...most all of the country is freezing, and it was 82 degrees yesterday.  A light breeze, whales popping up all over and the water is a comfortable 70 degrees.

What better place to have a wedding in paradise than in Maui?

Maybe you didn't know this but Maui has consistently been voted the best island in the world year after year by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.  And there's a reason for that ongoing honor.  

Maui has it all. Beautiful beaches, towering mountains, lush tropical gardens, refreshing waterfalls, along with lots of many services in its small cities and villages. It is a well developed island, but not too developed to lose its charm..

There is so much to do and see and also lots of great places to shop and dine out. If you want to come to paradise for your wedding, you won't be sorry if you chose Maui.

We make it easy for you to have a beautiful beach wedding in Maui

Get our Maui Wedding guide, and get the secrets to having the Maui Beach Wedding of your dreams! Our experienced wedding planner, Susan Craft, has organized tips from over 15 years of experience helping couples plan the perfect destination wedding in Maui.

You’ll find the best wedding ideas, plus all the DO’s and DONT’S to make your Maui wedding stress-free. We’re offering it FREE, because we want you to have a great destination wedding in beautiful Maui.

Click here to get your FREE 41 page guide:

http://affordablemauiweddings.com/get-our-maui-wedding-guide/

Read what recent clients are saying:

Aloha Susan,

Thank you for the quick response. Mark and I would love for you to be a part of our special day. We agree White Rock Beach sounds wonderful. I have chosen the third bouquet from the flower selections you sent (exactly what I was looking for, thank you), and we have decided to have the Christian ceremony presented by either David or Shari. I will contact you shortly for deposit and confirmation of our date. Thank you again for your quick response and genuinely friendly demeanor.

Sincerely,
Nicole R S.

___________________________

Hello Susan,

First off I would like to say thank you for promptly returning my phone call and getting everything scheduled so fast.  I am sure you often deal with hesitant people due to the fact that I don't actually get to meet you and you are scheduling something so important to me.  You were a pleasure to speak with on the phone and made me feel comfortable instantly with my decision to go through your company.

The pictures were beautiful.  Cameron and myself will make sure we are at White Rock right on time.  In regards to the lei what one was chosen in the pictures you sent me of the couple that got married?  Was that pastel or vibrant? 

We have chosen the Spiritual Ceremony for that day.

I will be happy to pay the remaining amount on April 10th.  Will you need me to call you with my card information again or can you just run that thru for me?

I look forward to hearing from you.

-Sarah S

Should You Elope in Hawaii?

The big question that runs through a lot of couples minds...should I or should I not...

"Elope Hawaii" is the title of my most popular post on this blog. And I was amazed when I saw just how popular that post actually was. It was more than twice as many views as either of the next two popular posts! So its obvious that a lot of couples are seriously thinking about eloping to Hawaii.

Now because so many are interested in this subject, I'm going to write several different posts that should go a long ways to satisfying those who are thinking about running off to paradise and tying the knot all by themselves (or with just a few family and friends).

For years I ran my own wedding company in Maui, Hawaii. Over 14 years I saw big weddings and small—about 2500 of them in all. (That's a lot of weddings to coordinate!) I can tell you from experience that the smallest weddings with just the couple were inevitably the happiest. It seemed to me that the couples who brought no one but themselves had so little to worry about that they enjoyed the entire experience so much more.

And from a wedding provider's point of view, I would tell you that each of their Maui beach weddings were so much more fun for all of us who were the vendors. My wife and I really did  enjoy helping each of these couples tie the knot because they were able to focus so much more on each other and experience their love more fully. It just reminds you of why you're there and makes the whole experience so much more meaningful for the couple.

So first and foremost, don't ever feel that you have to be ashamed at thinking about yourselves and planning your own elopement in Maui.

Escaping to Maui to Get Married

What an exciting idea. Escape from your own world and go to Maui where you can tie the knot in a romantic beach front ceremony. And the best part of that fantasy is that it doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.

For those who don't want to break the bank, I would suggest Affordable Maui Weddings, a company that has incredible prices on inexpensive beach weddings for couples coming just with a few friends. Take a look at their affordable wedding packages page to see just how cheap they are.

http://affordablemauiweddings.com/wedding-packages/ 

If you are set upon having a large and more extensive Maui wedding, you can still do that inexpensively. Maui Me is a company that offers more complex services and has experience putting larger weddings even at private Maui venues. Take a look at the Hawaii wedding packages they have to offer.  

http://mauime.com/maui-wedding-packages/ 

Regardless of what you choose to do, there is no better feeling that to escape to Maui to get married.

 So the question you two should ask yourself is "Will you Maui me?"

A Cheap Maui Wedding

Is it possible to have an absolutely cheap Maui wedding in a beautiful paradise like Hawaii?

It absolutely is. How cheap? Can you imagine having a wedding for $297 including minister 2 fresh flower leis, a nice color keepsake certificate and office coordination? And for only $597 you can have all the above, plus on site coordination, 30 pictures shot by a professional photographer (we actually take over 200 pictures for you to choose from). What an amazing and inexpensive price for a wedding in paradise. 

These are two of the less expensive Affordable Maui Wedding Packages available to any couple. If you want a little more in the way of "trimmings" they certainly have a lot of other add-on services that they offer.

No matter why kind of Maui wedding you imagine and that you can see in your dreams, you can certainly get it from this great company. They've been in business for 15 years and they know a LOT about planning Maui weddings that are romantic, intimate and just plain fun.

I would really encourage you to give their wedding coordinator a call. Her name is Susan and she's been booking and coordinating weddings since the company began, so she is extremely knowledgeable. That's one thing that is nice about talking to her, Susan will give you all sorts of ideas about how you can have a cheap Maui wedding and you can decide if you want to work with her or not. She's definitely not pushy and she is very warm and personable on the phone. 800-856-3270

Maui Wedding Packages All Inclusive

We used to have a website for our company which was called: All Inclusive Maui Weddings and Honeymoons. The concept is great and a lot of companies throughout the world have "all inclusive resorts" which offer weddings as part of their deal.

Unfortunately, by law in the State of Hawaii, we cannot offer one big package that you can purchase that will include everything (including the hotel and the travel to Maui along with the wedding). We just can't do that or we would.

BUT, we can provide for you all of the benefits of having an all-inclusive wedding package, and also help you put together the travel and the accommodations all at the same time. We can provide you with Maui wedding packages all inclusive. That means we can give you everything. Your wedding package, your accommodations, your travel arrangements, and even some major help on your activities while you're here in Hawaii. 

Just call Susan at 1-800-856-3270.

Maui Wedding Videos

Many of our couples like to have a video shot of their Maui wedding. Most couples who have a professionally edited Maui wedding video really enjoy how awesome they are for remembering the moment when they committed themselves to each other.

Unfortunately, some couples do pass on having a video because they think a video will be too pricey.

But we also have what we call our "mini video" in which we mix both video clips and the stills that we take over the course of the evening into a six minute video edited to a romantic song.

You don't want to miss have either a full length Maui video or one of our mini videos at your wedding. They are great for screening back home if you are going to be having an anniversary party with your friends, or as some couples choose, to get married in Maui and have a reception back home...great to show during your reception
.

Here is a sample of a recent wedding we did.  You can see what it would look like if you want one for your vow renewals.   http://yourwebcast.com/tamra

Your Hawaii Wedding License

We want to make sure you do things right if you are planning on getting married in Maui.

I just talked to a bride who didn't know that you needed to get the license before the ceremony, and so her marriage with another minister wasn't valid because she didn't have the proper paperwork. You don't want to make that mistake. Of course, you want to make certain that you get your appointment set up with a wedding license agent before you arrive on Maui. Our Maui Wedding License page is located Here.  http://affordablemauiweddings.com/ceremonies/ 

On this webpage I will give you a lot of information about the legalities of getting married in Hawaii. The page includes basic questions like "How old must I be?" And, "What if I've been divorced?" It's important that you know the answers to any pertinent questions for your situation.

One less point to take off of your list to give you a stress free wedding... Mahalo

A Destination Wedding for Two
How to keep the cost down and have a wedding you can be proud of.

It used to be called eloping, but these days more and more budget-conscious couples are flying to Maui and enjoying a private sunset beach ceremony designed for two.  Once you get back to the mainland, and then have a reception with all of your family and friends.

Our suggestion is to come to Maui and keep it simple.  You can have a wonderful, stress free wedding within a simple budget.

Try and stay away from resort weddings as the cost adds up quickly. 

We are offering  a FREE 41 page copy of the premiere Maui Wedding Guide called “How to Have a Great Maui Wedding.”   This Guide will give you the secrets to having the Maui Beach Wedding of your dreams!  This guide was written by a very seasoned wedding planner, Susan Craft.  Susan has organized tips from over 15 years of experience helping couples plan the perfect destination wedding in Maui.

You’ll find the best wedding ideas, plus all the DO’s and DONT’S to make your Maui wedding stress-free. We’re offering it FREE, because we want you to have a great destination wedding in beautiful Maui.

Get it free here: http://affordablemauiweddings.com/get-our-maui-wedding-guide/

That is our suggestion to give you a great starting point… You can call Susan directly at 800-856-3270 and she will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.  Mahalo.