Wadi Rum, Jordan

I don’t know about you ladies but sometimes the Sari-Clad Bride wishes to be different. Yes, we are always up for a honeymoon getaway at the beach, but the complete opposite can be quite fun! The Sari-Clad Bride  recently had the opportunity to go to Wadi Rum, Jordan – a desert valley. Although it wasn’t for a honeymoon, we only wish to share with you how beautiful and romantic a desert can be! Yes, that’s right! Honeymoon at the desert can be an exquisite experience!

Wadi Rum is about 4 to 5 hours from Amman – the capital of Jordan. If you book ahead, transportation via car can be arranged and will be quite cheap compared to getting something on the spot. At the valley, you can arrange to stay at Bedouin tents set up by the locals. They provide breakfast, lunch and dinner, your own sleeping tents, entertainment and transportation with a local tour guide to show you around the desert. You can choose to go with a group but I suggest getting a personal tour guide as it will make your trip that much more romantic.

Bedouin tents

Wadi Rum is a stunning desert valley!

Wadi Rum, Jordan

The granite and sandstones are weathered into beautiful monuments and the multicolor sand and valley will take your breath away!

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Just imagine you and your significant other – alone together forever! No one around; not a sound; just the whistling of the wind, light breeze in your hair and the sun in your face!

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Your tour guide/driver will leave you alone if that is what you would like!

Camel rides

You can choose to trek, hike or rock-climb. There are also camel and horse safaris available as well as jeep tours.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

The desert is completely transformed at night! You cannot capture it in snapshots. You can only embrace it with your memory which makes the trip that much more unique – just what a honeymoon should be!

Bedouin music by camp fire

Sitting by the camp fire while enjoying traditional Bedouin music under the stars is like a totally unusual experience!

Bedouin food

Traditional Bedouin tea and food cooked specially in small underground stone ovens have exceptional taste uncommon anywhere else!

I suggest going for a couple of days near the end of a lunar cycle. That way, you will be able to experience a moonlit desert under a full moon as well as total darkness under a thousand stars!

Dead Sea, Jordan

If you do choose to stay in Jordan for more than a few days and you would like a change of scenario, you can always check out Petra which is on the way from Wadi Rum to Amman. Petra is a historical and archaeological city chosen to be one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in 2007! Another destination to stop by would be the Dead Sea resort – you may not miss the beach after all!

Dead Sea, Jordan

Dead Sea, Jordan

Quick tips: Pack a hat or umbrella and sunscreen. The desert can get really hot during the day! Pack some warm clothes as it can get really cold at night! Pack a beach towel or mat in case you want to sunbathe or just sit and enjoy the scenerio somewhere outside of the tent area. Wet-ones and Purell will come in very handy. I suggest going in the fall or spring since the weather is not as harsh as in the summer or winter and the heat and cold are both bearable. Although, there is a different kind of fun in snuggling up with your hubby on a cold winter night under the stars in the desert valley of Wadi Rum!

The Sari-Clad Bride had the opportunity to explore all of Tokyo’s Treasures March 2008 and enjoyed Japan thoroughly.  The following places are must see locations while in Japan:

• Kamakura located in Kanagawa is a city approximately 31 miles south west of Tokyo that houses shrines and Buddhist temples dating to approximately 1200 years back.  One of these is that of Amida Buddha (pictured below).  This amazing structure is a major tourist attraction and one that you should not miss while visiting Japan.  The Sari-Clad Bride loved the historical site, but would also recommend walking up and down the streets near the statue of Amida Buddha.  The streets leading up to the shrine are composed of local trinkets available for purchase such as samurai swords, decorations for the home, along with souvenirs.  Also, do not miss out on trying the local food on the streets–especially the delicious rice cakes!

Kamakura

Kamakura

• The Tokyo Tower, the tallest structure in Japan, is one of the must sees that provides a spectacular view of Tokyo.   Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, the Toyko Tower was built in 1958 and interestingly enough is important (like its counterpart the Eiffel Tower) in scenes that depict Tokyo in anime, cartoons, and movies in Japan.  The views from the Tokyo Tower were amazing and The Sari-Clad Bride recommends that this be your first venture into Tokyo!  Also, while at the Tokyo Tower, try the delicious crepes by the entrance!

View from Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower

• Mount Fuji, the highest point in Japan is one of the world’s most famous mountains.  A must-see for tourists, Mount Fuji is approximately a two hour drive from Tokyo.  The breathtaking view of Mount Fuji is definitely worth the long drive! However, prior to going to Mount Fuji, The Sari-Clad Bride recommends that you look up weather reports as the roads to Mount Fuji are often times closed due to weather conditions.

Mt Fuji

• Interested in fashion? Then, Shibuya is the place for you! Shibuya, famous for its fashion is generally the go-to place for young men and women.  With global chains such as Chanel, Gucci, Dior, etc., Shibuya provides the perfect escape to do a little bit of luxury shopping on your honeymoon!  Also, Shibuya has the famous “scramble crossroads” which lets pedestrians cross from all directions and is mounted by large television screens on the the buildings.

Japanese Fashion

Scramble Crossroads

• Harajuku, the street fashion, is another great location for fashion lovers to visit in Tokyo during their honeymoon.  While in Harajuku, you will be able to see young people dressed in a variety of styles that creates a great visual display of the eccentric style of Tokyo.  The shops and stores that are aligned along Harajuku are extremely affordable and sell unique street fashion clothes, however, there are also luxury designers such as Louis Vuitton in Harajuku.  Harajuku becomes the place to hang out on weekends and thousands of people begin to crowd the streets.  As a precaution, The Sari-Clad Bride would like to warn newlyweds of potential stampedes that occur on the street!

• Roppongi Hills, in essence the “Beverly Hills” of Tokyo, Roppongi Hills provides tourists with upscale shopping areas, restaurants, and a great night life.  If you are newlyweds that like to party, this is definitely the place for you!

Shopping Center in Roppongi Hills

• Local food: If you are a sushi lover or just love Japanese food in general–eating out in Japan is amazing! Although it becomes difficult to order food as waiters generally do not speak English, be sure to try the local food instead of fast food chains.  You will not be disappointed!

Making Rice Cakes in Kamakura

Tasting the Local Flavor; Soba & Tempura

• Sakura-if given the choice of when to visit Tokyo for your honeymoon, The Sari-Clad Bride would recommend Sakura (cherry blossom season) in Spring which begins in March.  During this season, breath taking cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan and a festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of the Sakura season.

Sakura

Sakura

While there are many more attractions in Tokyo, the above are just a sample of what’s in store for honeymooners.  If you love the city life and want to enjoy it with your spouse, Tokyo is a great choice for a honeymoon.  The historical sites, nightlife, food, and the shops are a great way to enjoy Japan and experience a new culture!

Honeymooning in Hawaii!

After two years of being married, my husband and I were able to finally pencil in a honeymoon with our busy schedules!  With both of us graduating from college, moving around the globe, and settling into our new lives together, it was virtually impossible to take a honeymoon when we had just gotten married.  Regardless, our belated honeymoon in Hawaii was nothing short of perfect.

When I first decided on Hawaii, I did not know where to start–there were so many options, so many different islands, so much to see!  I did need something that would have a packaged flight and hotel together and on a time crunch, thus I opted to use Priceline.  I have been using Priceline.com for years for my flights, but this was the first time I had purchased a package deal, and was very much pleased.

My hubby and I landed in Oahu on a Friday afternoon and were whisked away to our hotel on Waikiki Beach by VIP Transportation.  (If you travel to Oahu, I would definitely recommend using this transportation service–they’re reliable, and very nice!)  We checked into our hotel and headed straight to the balcony, and the view was absolutely stunning.  While I have grown up on the beaches of California, Hawaii was just absolutely breathtaking and at that point California beaches did not even phase me the slightest bit.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Oahu, and can’t wait to go back!

Here is some key things to do while staying in Oahu:

• For starters, while Waikiki may be the happening place to be, get out for a day or two and take an Island Tour–you may do this on your own or sign up for a Tour package–these tours are really worth it!

Exploring Waikiki

• Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center!! One of my favorite aspects of the trip was the Polynesian Cultural Center–we spent an entire day just roaming around the center from 12 noon to 10 pm and was not bored a second of the time.  Also, you’ll learn a ton and this is great to enjoy with your spouse especially if you’re a history buff!

Island of Fiji--Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Canoe Parade

Polynesian Canoe Parade

• Visit the Dole Plantation and try the Pineapple whip–it is by FAR the yummiest ice cream I have ever had! Also, be sure to try the pineapples itself and the mangoes–Hawaii is a fruit lovers paradise so indulge yourselves with these island pleasures!

• Be sure to check out Pearl Harbor.  We had gone to Pearl Harbor on Memorial Day, and I cannot begin to explain what emotions were going through me.  Whether or not your an American, the experience at Pearl Harbor is really indescribable.

USS Arizona Memorial

On Board the USS Arizona Memorial

• Try the local restaurants in the International Marketplace. It seems to be when traveling, individuals rely on food that they’re familiar with–McDonald’s, Cheesecake Factory, Burger King, etc.  I find this to be absolutely crazy–so try the local food, it’s delicious in Hawaii!! Be sure to try the fresh fishes; the Mahi Mahi dishes are worth salivating over!

International Marketplace, Waikiki

• Be sure to be adventurous, and just enjoy yourselves.  Whether it be on the beaches of Waikiki or roaming around the island of Oahu–try local foods and delicacies, and you will not be disappointed!

Beaches of Waikiki