Love is blooming

Spring Weddings Mean Spring Honeymoons

So where should you go? The options are endless, but we have a few ideas. 5 places to visit in the spring

JAPAN

We had to lead off with Japan. The weather can be unpredictable in Japan, but springtime is a fairly safe bet –rainy season is a couple months away and the comfortable temperatures allow for exciting excursions. But when you think Japan, you think cherry blossoms, and Tokyo is filled with the fragrant flowers during in late March. There are many parks to visit where you’re nearly guaranteed a cherry blossom show. Or, escape to Mt. Yoshino, which is home to 30,000 trees and can offer some incredible views.

If you love nature but want more than the cherry blossoms, visit Ibaraki’s Hitachi Seaside Park. It is filled with gorgeous blooms in all kinds of shades, including a hillside filled with blue nemophilia, creating a skyon-sky view. And of course, you can’t forget Mount Fuji.

Greece

The climate in Greece doesn’t fluctuate as much as some other countries, so springtime provides warm temperatures and sunny days – not “summer” weather, but pleasant. Plus, when you travel in spring, there are fewer crowds, giving you more opportunity to explore.

Visit the Oracle of Delphi, an incredible archaeological site considered to be the central part of the Earth. Many say that because of this, it produces a special energy that one can feel. Springtime is the ideal time to visit – you can walk the grounds and discover the ancient relics without being scorched by the sun.

Continue to take advantage of the weather by exploring Athens. You’ll be comfortable as you ascend Acropolis Hill to view the Pantheon, experience the changing of the guard (it happens hourly) at Parliament and stroll the National Gardens.

Mexico

If you can sneak in a trip to Mexico destination by end of April, do it. After April, the temperatures rise (and can be unbearable for us Canadians) and the rainy season begins. Consider spring break dates for both Canada and the United States when booking your date. Prices can be higher and resorts will be busier.

Once you’ve selected your date, there are so many options to choose from: Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta are just a few popular options. Each destination offers its own pluses and minuses, so do your research. The Rivera Maya has opportunities to visit the majestic ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza, or descend into hidden cenotes to snorkel in the cold, clear water. Puerta Vallarta, on the other hand, provides a more relaxing trip, with gorgeous beaches.

Saint Lucia

If you’re looking to avoid humidity and rain, April, May and June are great months to visit the Island of Saint Lucia. Major rainfall begins in July, so timing is everything. Saint Lucia has something for everyone – beautiful beaches for relaxation, rainforests for incredible, natural beauty, mountains, waterfalls, reefs and, of course, the volcanic peaks of the iconic Pitons (a must-see), which stand tall above the island.

If adventure is your thing, ziplining, snorkeling and horseback riding are just a few activities you can enjoy. There are also great diving spots on the west side of the country. Anse Chastanet Marine National Park is the perfect place to view sea life. If relaxation is top of mind, then spend your day on the beach, or soak in the hot springs. Hike the Tet Paul Nature Trail to get some muchneeded peace and quiet, discovering medicinal plants and sampling tropical fruits along the way.

When you think of romance, don’t you immediately think of Paris in springtime? Is there a more iconic picture of love than the perfect day, having a picnic, sipping wine, with the Eiffel Tower in the background? Don’t expect warm weather; April and May can be anywhere from 12–20 degrees.

In springtime, Paris is covered in cherry blossoms, creating a heavenly view and lovely scent through the streets. The Jardin du Palais-Royal is perfect for close encounters with the florals, plus the sweetsmelling magnolias, too.

Be sure to hit all the major sites: The Louvre, Musée D’Orsay, Eiffel Tower, Canal Saint-Martin and the area of Montmatre. Spring is a popular time in the city, so purchase tickets early when possible. Take time to avoid the touristy spots and stroll along the Seine River. Don’t forget to hit evert bakery you see for baguettes, macarons and other French pastries.

The Dominican Republic may have set the standard for unmatched service. And this only accentuates the breathtaking views and phenomenal food that keeps people coming back again and again to this island oasis. For couples looking for an all-inclusive experience ripe with unique detailing, magical moments, and a team dedicated to exceeding your every expectation, Punta Cana is your perfect honeymoon destination. Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Bavaro allows you to enjoy all the advantages of staying at a large beachfront resort, while immersing yourself in an additional level of exclusivity with premium service. What do we mean by exclusive and premium? Here are a few clues: Suites in an unrivalled location, with tranquillity offered in areas on the beach and by the pool designed specifically with you in mind, alongside a 24-hour concierge service, one-of-a-kind buffet with show cooking, priority booking at the restaurants and premium wine selection. Complimentary snacks at the beach club and lounge. And what about the advantages that are offered at a large resort? You have all the services and facilities of Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites at your fingertips, with endless culinary options and common areas. Because a wedding without a honeymoon is like a birthday without cake.

TO ENTER CONTEST AND TO VIEW FULL RULES AND PRIZE DETAILS VISIT todaysbride.ca/contests

Terms and Conditions:

*No purchase necessary. The contest begins at 1:00 PM EST January 9, 2023 and ends at 11:59PM EST July 31, 2023. The decisions of the judges are final and not subject to appeal. Winner must be a legal resident and must have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. Winner must not be an employee, a representative of Iberostar Hotels and Resorts and their subsidiaries and affliates, media partners, advertising and promotional agencies.The winner will receive a 8-day 7-night, all-inclusive stay for two, in a Junior Suite at Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Bavaro. This voucher is non-transferable, and is subject to availability at time of booking. The prize will be awarded in the form of a gift certificate, and all terms and conditions specified on the certificate shall apply, including blackout dates. The prize voucher will be provided to the winner(s), within 2 weeks of receiving the winner's name, and address. Airfare is not included. The approximate value of this prize is $3,000.00 USD; Based upon double occupancy. All other incidental charges are the responsibility of the certificate holder. Confirmation based upon presentation of the voucher. No cash value. Any unused portion may not be refunded. Package amenities may not be replaced by any other amenity. Other restrictions may apply. The prize will be awarded and the winner will be notified. Airfare not included.