Known for its endless stretches of beautiful beaches and rich, diverse culture, Dominican Republic has become one of our most popular resort destinations. From challenging golf courses and pristine beaches to luxury resorts and decadent cuisine, this Caribbean gem truly has it all. Get out there and explore the area around you with a guided tour!  Zip lines, safaris, city tours, and more await!
Zip Lines
Have you ever wanted to soar over the treetops and feel as though you’re light as a feather? Look no further than Zip Lines In Punta Cana! Twelve zip lines cover over 1.2 miles, where you’ll see amazing mountain views and fly over Lake Anamuya. Your heart will race as soon as you step off the platform!
Monkey Land
Calling all nature lovers! You don’t want to miss out on a visit to La Romana’s Monkey Land! Step onto a sprawling five-acre reserve and interact with adorable squirrel monkeys! You’ll be able to pet, hold, and play with these friendly creatures for a full 45 minutes. Make sure you have your camera ready!
Fishing
Enjoy an opportunity to fish on a luxury boat within the exclusive community of Cap Cana! Your captain and crew await as you board with other eager participants, each ready to reel in the biggest catch of the day. Perhaps you’ll score a marlin, mahi-mahi, or a barracuda during your exciting trek across crystal clear waters!
Puerto Plata
You’ve never seen Puerto Plata like this! With the help of your knowledgeable guide, you’ll embark on the Puerto Plata City Tour with Cable Car and learn about the history of the island, visit a museum, rum, and chocolate factory, and head into the city’s main square. To top it all off, you’ll hop aboard a cable car that will bring you 2,500 feet in the air. Talk about an amazing view!
Samana
This peaceful region is full of ecotourism, lush green mountains, virgin forests, beautiful waterfalls, caves, and countless secluded beaches. Every winter, thousands of humpback whales make their way through the area. Sneak a peak and snap some amazing pictures if you find yourself around during this special majestic moment!

Beaches are some of the most popular wedding destinations — and with good reason. The ocean breeze, crashing waves, and pretty sunsets are more than enough reasons to plan a beach wedding. So what bridesmaid dresses would be best for a destination wedding?
Choosing bridesmaid dresses for your destination wedding can be tricky because there’s so much to consider — like the weather, the formality and overall theme you’re going for.

SHOULD I CHOOSE SHORT OR LONG BRIDESMAID DRESSES FOR MY BEACH WEDDING?
If it’s going to be hot, you’ll likely want a dress that’s light, airy and comfortable. Consider short, knee length or even midi length bridesmaid dresses to keep your girls cool in the heat. Shorter styles are fun and flirty and won’t leave you feeling weighed down or overdressed. Plus you can show off a cute pair of shoes!
If it’s a little too breezy like Aruba (which is known for its sideways trees because of the strong winds), then you’ll want to stick with a long maxi length. Cool and comfortable maxi dresses will help you avoid a sudden ocean breeze horror story! Plus long bridesmaid dresses flowing softly with a breeze can make some very pretty pictures. Just imagine these maxi dresses on the beach!

ARE SEQUINS TOO DRESSY FOR THE BEACH?
There is literally no reason why you can’t wear sequins at the beach! Sequins are for celebrating and it’s your big day! There are a couple of ways to dress sequins down and make them more wearable. One way is to choose a bridesmaid dress with a matte finish. Our sequin bridesmaid dresses in the matte gold or matte rose gold still give you a hint of glamour without being too flashy.
Another way is to pair a sequin top with a chiffon or tulle bottom or vice versa. Limiting the sequins to only the top or bottom still allows your bridal party to have a little flair but the contrasting bottom makes it more casual. Bridesmaid separates are a fun way to add versatility to each dress, while still looking gorgeous. Plus your leading ladies are more likely to wear them separately after the wedding.

WHICH FABRICS ARE LESS LIKELY TO WRINKLE DURING TRAVEL?
Sequins are actually great for traveling because the sequins are sewn on tulle and lined with a knit fabric that doesn’t wrinkle. If you’d prefer to skip the bling and keep it lightweight, chiffon is definitely the most popular fabric for a beach wedding. It’s soft, flowy and usually available in every color imaginable. Chiffon bridesmaid dresses make perfect pictures with a gentle ocean breeze, however, it’s the one fabric that may wrinkle during travel. I recommend carrying your chiffon bridesmaid dresses in a hanging bag when you travel.
Tulle, traditionally reserved for wedding veils and ballet tutus, is another soft, lightweight fabric. Tulle is sheer with an open weave that looks like netting and is less likely to wrinkle during travel. Hanging the dress up right away when you arrive will let the fabric settle and most wrinkles will go away over a short time.

WHAT COLOR PALETTE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Warmer weather usually means a bright color palette. Bold colors like red, coral and turquoise can make your bridal party pop against the neutral beach background. Rich and vibrant colors will have everyone smiling!If you’d rather blend with the scenery, then choose a soft, muted color palette of sand and beach glass. Dusty blue is a trending wedding color for 2018 and works perfectly for an airy, beach wedding. Whether you are seaside or lakeside, soft colors can add a touch of romance and elegance to your destination wedding. 
Whichever bridesmaid dresses you end up choosing for your beach wedding, just make sure you take advantage of your beautiful surroundings and go frolic on the beach with your ladies!

I Do, Take Two: 10 Reasons Why Destination Weddings are Perfect for Second Marriages
A second wedding is a second chance for you to create a unique and memorable life together. Most brides and grooms have already experienced the traditional hometown wedding the first time, so the second time really calls for a more intimate experience. Chances are, finances are better than the first time around and parental persistence isn’t as intense, so this wedding can be as personalized as possible. Here are 10 reasons behind why one-third of destination weddings are second marriages.

1. You have a been-there-done-that attitude, so you already know the dos and don’ts, allowing this to be the most personalized wedding ever.
2. Destination weddings are distant events, with no comparison between the first and second wedding. It can be intimate and romantic or an upscale multi-day celebration!
3. A destination wedding allows a honeymoon or vacation to continue your celebration.  Newlyweds can spend more than a few hours with their loved ones and after the big day is the beginning of their honeymoon celebration.
4. Guests experience the ultimate vacation, since they’ll typically arrive a few days early, getting to know each other with a once-in-a-lifetime reunion opportunity for close friends and family. Guests can explore and create a memorable experience of their own.
5. Choosing a destination wedding is an exciting way to reduce the increasing cost of traditional weddings, since they’re typically priced in a package and almost everything is included! Plus, are decorations really necessary with views of emerald oceans, floral gardens and mystic mountains alongside the ceremony? Typically resorts offer special wedding rates for guests too, so it’d be an even cheaper vacation than originally planned.
6. With family involved, children can be a part of the big day. From being the ring bearer, best man or maid of honor, officiant or giving their mother away, a destination wedding is a perfect way to really create a bond together as a new family.
7. Destination weddings can accommodate any size but only 20 percent of invited guests end up joining in on the fun, so it’s a great way to trim down the guest list; on average close to 60 guests will attend a destination wedding. So whether you are expecting a grand or intimate wedding celebration, a destination wedding can easily accommodate any size.
8. When is the last time you celebrated alfresco in January? Now is your chance to start a New Year and new beginning under the sun in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Florida or Costa Rica, which all happen to fall under the most popular destinations.
   
9.  Destination weddings are considered simpler and faster, since the couple puts all of their trust in travel agents like you that will take care of the majority, so stress is left at home.
10. You're older, wiser and it's so much more fun than the 1st time around!

If we played the association game, and I said “destination wedding,” would “beach” be the first word that comes to mind?  That answer would certainly serve you well as a contestant on The $10,000 Pyramid.  Beaches and destination weddings go hand-in-hand, but it might surprise you that not all of them are on a beach.  As destination weddings have become more and more popular, resorts have responded by creating unique wedding venues that complement any couple’s style.  Here is a crash course for some of the venue types you can choose from for your destination wedding.  See which ones fit you!
Beach
You can’t go wrong with a classic.  A beautiful beach is a requisite of a tropical destination.  We travel for those floury sands and sweet ocean breezes (especially if you’re escaping frigid winters like we typically are).  Beach ceremonies are a staple of the destination wedding if not simply because you can’t beat that view.  The photography comes out stunning with bright shades of white and blue, and contrasting darker colors against the sea background makes for a great visual experience.  Receptions on the beach are also a ton of fun.  Everyone ends up barefoot at the dance anyway, and the cool breeze off the ocean cuts through any heat.  If you want an elevated beach experience, choose a resort on one of the best beaches the Caribbean has to offer, like Negril Beach, Bavaro Beach, or Maroma Beach (consistently voted in the top 10 in the world
Garden
There is nothing more serene than a garden wedding.  Being surrounded by nature is so calming.  Destination garden weddings are amazing because of the lush tropical flora that serves as a whimsical background for ceremonies and receptions, especially with lights strung romantically across the garden trees.  Even better, gardens are normally secluded and very private for you and your wedding guests.
Gazebo
Ceremonies under gazebos and pergolas are dramatic and statement-making.  Normally gazebos have views of the ocean, but sometimes they might be over the pool or in a garden.  There are so many variations – stone, wood, glass – and flowers and ribbon décor enhance their already dramatic look.
Terrace
Terrace weddings, both for ceremonies and receptions, are a huge trend in destination weddings right now.  There are terraces that face the ocean, terraces that are surrounded by gardens or pools, and (my favorite) terraces that are atop oceanfront roofs.  Rooftop terrace weddings are so chic and modern, hold a large number of wedding guests, and are likely a trend that is here to stay.
Mansion
Speaking of chic and modern, if you desire an upscale wedding, why not a private mansion?  The CHIC Mansion at CHIC Punta Cana is luxury defined.  This is for any bride or groom that wants to be a little bit “extra” on their wedding day.  Plus you and your guests can have your stay at the mansion, which is complete with your own private pool, hot tub, butler service, and much more.
Ballroom
Do you want the destination vacation experience, but would rather have your wedding reception be air conditioned?  Then a ballroom wedding is perfect for you!  They hold a large number of guests so you don’t have to trim that guest count, and many have gorgeous views and even breezy terraces if your guests want to get some fresh air.  The best part is most resorts have one, so you have no shortage of options.
Pool
Plenty of resorts utilize their pools as a decadent ceremony space, with elaborate gazebos or platforms built over the water and often with an ocean backdrop.  Depending on the time of day you plan to have your ceremony, these venues can still feel rather private for small wedding groups.  One of our favorite pool venues is the see-through platform at Secrets Playa Mujeres.  Set above the infinity pool overlooking the sea, it is a venue your guests would not soon forget.  Pool decks are also excellent reception locales with the way the pool lights glimmer after sundown and add a touch of glam.
Cenote
If you have never seen (or swam in) a cenote, we highly suggest adding it to your bucket list.  Cenotes are underground caves that that formed when bedrock collapsed and pure groundwater filled the space.  They are a true natural wonder that make for a unique and unbelievably special wedding ceremony.  The setting grants you some legendary wedding photos that are definitely Instagram-worthy.
Staircase
Destination wedding ceremonies set upon grand staircases remind us of glamorous movie moments à la Beauty and the Beast and Titanic.  Adorned with flowers, lanterns, and other romantic touches, the outdoor staircases provide a gorgeous venue for your nuptials.  Not to mention, all of your guests can easily see you from wherever they are sitting.
Private Offsite Locations
A growing trend in destination weddings is offsite venue locations.  Private locations such as Las Caletas Beach Hideaway or Xcaret Park provide a fresh and exciting view for your guests and double as a fun excursion from the resort. (Source Funjet)

1. There is always that chance that a trip will need to be cancelled for one of many reasons. People get sick, work gets in the way, a close family member passes away, or a tornado hits their house. Not all reasons for cancelling a trip are covered, but many are may be reimbursed, unless it's Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance.
2. In the case of a flight cancellation….which is certainly not unusual these days in travel, sometimes trip interruption coverage will help to solve the dilemma or at least help make it palatable.
3. Sadly, this has now become more and more of a concern in our world so it is something important to consider. If it is simply unwise to travel to a destination due to a recent terror attack or perhaps the airports are closed and there is a travel advisory in effect travel insurance can protect your trip.
4. Hurricanes and travel do not mix. Perhaps you are headed to Mexico and a hurricane hits there 5 days before their travel date. The hotel you are booked in has had to close temporarily. How will you get your money back if you cancel? Travel insurance can help recover pre-paid costs and assistance with other services.
5. Have you ever had your luggage lost or delayed when traveling? Well, if you have not…you are one of the lucky few!  Additionally, there is coverage available for lost, stolen or damaged luggage that will reimburse for clothes and other personal items.
Things happen when we least expect them to. Life is if anything, unpredictable. There is always that possibility of getting ill while on a trip, being injured and or possibly needing emergency medical evacuation. Being prepared with the right insurance coverage is absolutely necessary. We all think we are invincible and nothing can ever happen to us, but life does happen and it is so important to have that insurance blanket around us. I am going to share with you a true story about one of my high school classmates and what happened to her sister while they were on a trip this summer. This story brings home the reason it is so important to help protect you with the purchase of travel medical coverage and medical evacuation insurance.
My thanks to my friend Ellen for sharing this story and reminding us all we need to sell and have travel insurance.“My sister and I, along with my nephew, were recently in Northern Italy in the Alps for what promised to be a beautiful cycling vacation. Unfortunately my sister fell while on her bike and broke her hip. We were in a beautiful town called Cortina that looks like a cross between Yosemite and what I think heaven should look like. Lots of Europeans go there to ski, hike and bike. 
The spot was remote in some ways; although there was a hospital there that treats orthopedic injuries. My sister required surgery immediately. Thanks to our travel insurance we did not feel so alone in the situation.
She was triaged remotely from the United States by a medical team that was provided by our travel insurance. They gave us assurance that the treating hospital and surgeon were qualified. They stayed in touch with us and perhaps most importantly they sent us a very experienced nurse from the U.S. to escort us home. They upgraded my sister’s seats to business class. The nurse sat with her the entire time on the plane to make sure she was safe and doing well. The service was “door to door” meaning the nurse picked us up in Italy, flew with us to JFK and then to Colorado. She did not leave until she was sure my sister was safely at home.
It was so comforting and helpful. We were not charged for any of this (as it was covered by our policy.) We are still waiting to receive our refund from the cycling portion of the trip that we missed but I expect that will be covered, too. It would have been very difficult to navigate all that had to be done if we had not had the insurance.”
Revised article by Joanie Ogg

With couples now waiting to get married later in life, chances are they already have a blender and all the bedding they need. That's why honeymoon registries can be a great alternative to traditional registries. Honeymoon registries essentially allow you to crowdsource your postwedding travels. Most sites give you the option to break it down by specific gifts: airfare, hotels, cooking classes, breakfast in bed, sightseeing tours—or you can ask for a lump sum.
The easiest way to get the word out about your honeymoon registry is to add the URL to your wedding website and spread the word to your family members and close friends. Keep in mind that some guests may prefer to give traditional gifts, so add a brick-and-mortar registry as well.
Even if you're not taking your honeymoon right after the wedding, or aren't going on one at all, you can still use a registry. If you're not going to go on a honeymoon but you love to travel, a great alternative is to add some gift cards for airlines or hotels to your registry. And just like any registry, your honeymoon one should be personal. So which ones are the best?
The Newlywed Fund
Not to brag or anything, but our digital cash registry at The Knot is pretty amazing. The Newlywed Fund allows you to ask for cash (and for your guests to gift it) in a more meaningful way by specifying exactly what each monetary gift is going toward. And better yet, it appears right alongside your traditional registry with The Knot, so guests can conveniently see what's been purchased and what's still available to give. Setting up your own digital cash registry couldn't be easier. Just go to The Newlywed Fund website where you can add in as many cash funds as you'd like—we even give you suggestions, or you can simply customize your own. There's a spot to name the fund and add a note to your guests about why this fund is important to you. (If you have a bigger ticket item, our cash registry allows multiple guests to contribute to the total.) Then, link your bank account so your guests' contributions will be transferred directly to your account. From there, your account information is verified and your funds go live. For every transaction The Knot processes, we get charged by the credit card company and credit card processor. We pass this fee directly to the gift-giver with no markup, so the couples keep 100 percent of the gift amount requested. The Knot charges one of the lowest fees in the wedding industry at 2.5 percent, and we don't take any commission. 
Traveler's Joy
Traveler's Joy allows couples to arrange their travel whenever and wherever they'd like. With streamlined registration and their Instant Registry feature, creating a complete registry takes only minutes. If friends and family send a gift by cash or check, it's completely free to use the customizable site, though credit card payments include a 2.95 percent fee deducted from the gift amount, plus a 2.95 percent fee $0.99 at checkout. You also have the option to give all the credit card fees to the guest, making all gifts 100 percent free for you to receive. From the same settings, you can also choose to have all fees deducted from the gift amount. This makes a gift cost guests $0.99 to provide. It's free to receive your presents by bank transfer, PayPal or a check in the mail. (PayPal or bank transfers typically take two business days or less.) Traveler's Joy also offers extensive honeymoon stories and honeymoon destination guides that are super helpful when looking for the perfect honeymoon destination.
Wanderable
Wanderable helps couples focus on making memories with their loved ones by creating stylish honeymoon registries. The team focuses heavily on registry page design, making the details of your honeymoon an expression of you, through and through. Gifts provided by cash or check are completely free. If your guest uses a credit card, there's a 2.5 percent transaction fee deducted from the gift amount. The gift giver is also charged a 2.5 percent and $0.99 transaction fee on checkout when using a credit card, bringing the fee to a total of five percent. Couples may choose to cover the 2.5 percent fee on behalf of their guests. It's always free to receive your gifts by bank transfer or a check in the mail. (Bank transfers typically take two business days or less.)
Honeyfund
Honeyfund's platform can be used for any type of cash gift, from a down payment for a home to a donation to your favorite charity, and, of course, your honeymoon. Couples can link other registries to their Honeyfund page and splurge on an upgrade package for more design template options, photo slideshows, personalized images and more. You make your own travel arrangements while Honeyfund encourages guests to send gifts via cash or check directly to you to avoid all fees, though they can pay by credit card through WePay (2.8 percent plus $0.30 fee) or PayPal (2.8 percent plus $0.30/transaction).
It's also important to remember that fees are subject to change, so it's important to double-check the fees before you create your registry
Source: The Knot

Destination weddings can cost less than traditional weddings:

• On average a destination wedding can be between $8-10,000 for 30-50 guests.  This can include the bride & grooms flight & room, everyone's meals, drinks (alcoholic & non), snacks, room service, non motorized sports, entertainment, the event cocktail hour and the reception dinner.  Plus if your staying at your destination, your Honeymoon is included.  
• It's less work for the bride & groom.  Once you've chosen you resort, we work with your guests to arrange their accommodations and travel plans.  3-5 months before your big day your resort wedding planner works with you to finalize the wedding details.  Resorts offer customized wedding packages to make the planning much easier for you.
• Avoid family stress.  Usually destination weddings are smaller, so the smaller the list, the smaller the chance of any drama.  Way To Go Travel also appoints someone in your party (of your choosing) to protect the bride & groom of any wayward guests.  Resorts are also large enough for everyone to have breathing room. 
•  Gorgeous pictures and photo ops!  
• Perk and discounts!  The more rooms/guests, the more perks which can include a free symbolic wedding, free or discounted cocktail hours, upgrades, comp rooms, resort credits and return anniversary nights.
• More relax time, this is about you.
• Destination weddings are just more fun & more intimate.  You get to spend quality time with family and friends at a beautiful resort.  

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