getting married abroad – Purple Travel Official Blog

Purple Tips: Best Honeymoon Destinations

Feb 07 2013

Buzzing nightlife Pick Cyprus. The birthplace of the Goddess of Love Aphrodite is pretty much bubbling with romance. There are idyllic sandy beaches, trails where the goddess herself is said to have walked, charming wine-making villages and a relaxed atmosphere that’s made for hand in hand walks in the sunshine. By evening, Paphos is a lively town with a mix of traditional tavernas, lively bars and clubs where you can dance all night if you feel like it. The luxury 5* Elysium Cyprus has every aspect of your honeymoon covered, from stunning views, massages to its great location right on the beach. Cyprus sunset image via @ Mrs Logic

Wildlife just a few short hours from the UK, Gambia is the obvious choice for enjoying a lively first few days of honeymoon packages. You can top up your tan in tropical sunshine, relax in sumptuous facilities, explore safari and try to catch the big 5 or meet some of the friendliest people in the world at the Smiling Coast. The 5* Kairaba Beach Hotel is a comfortable choice. Right on the famous Kololi beach and standing in beautiful flower filled gardens, it’s a real home away from home. The only way you’ll notice the difference is by catching sight of the vervet monkeys and wild birds that live in the trees. Monkeys in Gambia image via @ kevinzim

On a budget if you’re going for budget, why not take a long weekend in a beautiful European city. Purple Travel can get great deals on flights to several capitals but Rome has to be one of our favourites. The modern 4* Hotel American Palace is right in the heart of the action, with a nearby metro that will take you to sights like the Trevi Fountain or Colosseum. There’s even a beach about 30 minutes away by convenient public transport. As beautiful as it is by day, it’s even more spectacular by night, as the cosy corners are lit by candlelit, vino is opened and couples take evening strolls under moonlight. Rome is a great choice for a budget conscious honeymoon this year. Image of Rome by @ Moyen_Brenn

Absolute luxury The Sandals Royal Hicaco 5* in Varadero, Cuba, is on 23 acres, in lush greenery and offers lots of choice for couples on their first days of married life. There are three types of suites to choose from and the properties are decorated in a cute 1920s style. Although home to some of the finest beaches on earth, the Caribbean Island is practically made for honeymooners looking to discover its rich culture and heritage. Nights should be spent learning tango, knocking back rum cocktails and learning how to roll your own cigars, in between sunbathing sessions in one of the best honeymoon destinations ever. Image of Cuba by @ darkroomillusions

The ultimate in romance Island hopping in Greece is obviously the top choice for island hopping. With a big boost on drawing visitors, it’s never been better value to head to head to the beautiful Greek islands. We think the Cyclades is a good idea, with Santorini offering azure sparkling waters, and dramatic evenings watching the sunset from the caldera. The Astro Palace 5* Hotel is an elegant and traditional accommodation, with a peaceful atmosphere, but just a few minutes from the island’s main city Fira. The nearby island of Naxos is an absolute gem and not that well known outside of Greece, so you can lay out on unspoilt, empty beaches before tottering to a nearby taverna for lunch. Finish up in Mykonos for a few days of the high life before jetting back home. The Mykonos Grand should be enough luxury for you and your new other half. Image of Santorini by @ Navin75

On the beach Portugal is a big hit with bride and grooms both as a wedding destination and has kick ass honeymoon packages. There are tonnes of flights and the Algarve and Faro in particular are easy to get to. Plus it’s got something for everyone, from golf course, (but c’mon guys!) romantic secluded villages, lively towns and spectacular hotels. The 4* Riu Palace Algarve is right on the beach, one of the most beautiful in the Algarve and has pools, Jacuzzi, hammam and spa on site to make you feel totally relaxed. The on site restaurants or local eateries are great for sampling the absolutely delicious Portuguese cuisine, while its access to picture perfect beaches is hard to beat. Image of Algarve Beach by @ D an Taylor

Call Purple Travel now for the best honeymoon destinations this year on 0207 993 9228.

A bit NSFW: 6 slightly dodgy stag do ideas

Feb 05 2013

Best man duties are important and maybe the biggest responsibility is for a stag do that of course has the grooms’ best interest at heart and is not simply just booze and birds. Ah, who are we kidding, stag do ideas are all about male bonding via the medium of drinking and partying. Just remember: what happens on tour stays on tour. Get a load of our slightly dodgy stag do ideas.

Happy Ending Red Light Tour in Amsterdam
It’s a fact – you literally CANNOT go to Amsterdam without visiting the Red Light District, and, if you’re on your stag or hen holiday, it’s probably a crime if you don’t. The ‘Happy Ending’ walking tour is led by a clued-up guide, who’ll do their best to show you the city’s wild side over a two-hour tour. Your group will be taken to the city’s hottest bars, clubs, pubs and X-rated establishments, exploring Holland’s world famous windows along the way. The tour also includes a visit to a peep show, entry into a lap dance club and a free beer at one of Amsterdam’s most popular bars.

From £30 Per Person.

Tits and Teatime in Benidorm

Food, booze and boobs all under one roof – what more could you ask for from a stag holiday? One strictly for the boys, this decadent affair kicks off to a roaring start with a fantastic meal followed by a saliva-inducing private strip show. Sure to inspire ‘bromance’, this excellent male bonding session does exactly what it says on the tin – plus unlimited sangria for 2 hours. Everything is arranged and pre-paid for, so all you have to do is turn up and get involved.

From £39.00 Per Person.

Tank Driving in Bratislava

If you’re looking for the manliest of manly activities that will be talked about for years to come – tank driving in Bratislava is definitely top of the list. And if you’re wondering where that actually is – it’s Slovakia. Slovakia in a tank. See what we mean? Here road rules needn’t be remembered and insurance claims are a thing of the past – all you need to think about is rolling over everything that comes in your way. It is a tank, after all. The tank driving session includes a ride in a BVP-1DTP (3 x 10-min circuits), a delicious BBQ and a round of beers for the guys.

From £69.00 Per Person.

Treasure Hunt in Barcelona

A far cry from the traditional treasure hunt, this alternative activity in Barcelona is the perfect mix of cheeky and cultural. What a fantastic way for your stag party to take in the city’s impressive sights, have a laugh and bond with each other and score some awesome treasure – of the gorgeous variety, of course. The hunt involves solving clues that lead to different landmarks, such as Gaudi’s majestic Sagrada Familia and completing challenges and drinking games along the way.

From £25.00 Per Person.

Paintballing in Prague

Prague paintballing features speed games and military-style missions at a former army training base with buildings, trenches and a lush forest. Perfect for a great stag, you’re certain to raise adrenaline levels up and ignite that competitive spirit –this means war! Lock ‘n load with cutting-edge guns, 200 balls each and protective gear all included – as well as return transfers and an English speaking guide.

From £40.00 Per Person.

Kidnap the groom. If you want to really make his last days of freedom memorable, get your budding hero kidnapped by some spy specialists. A simulated raid experience has a group of masked men pull up in a van and steal away the main man. The inspiration for these comes from De Niro and Pacino so you know you’re in healthy company. Warning: this one is probably not for wusses.

Prices depend on location.

For even more stag do ideas visit Purple Travel or call us on 0207 993 9228.

Brides Talk: Hen Night Amsterdam Weekend

Oct 09 2012

Hen nights abroad are increasingly popular these days; there are so many great places to choose from, you can top up your tan before the big day and lets face it – you can get royally smashed without having to worry about bumping into an ex-boyfriend or your boss.

We spoke with one bride, Janine who spent her hen night in the most popular destination to do so – Amsterdam. From the crazy outfits to losing members on the group, she tells us why a hen night Amsterdam weekend will be an epic one for you.

Purple Travel: Why did you decide to spend your hen night in Amsterdam?

Janine: The second we got engaged, or at least within the minute I called Amsterdam for the hen party before Arky, my fiance, could call it for the stag do. He had been before, several times and loved it whereas I had never and, well, fair’s fair – it was my turn.
A girly weekend away with lots of booze and little or no sleep would be just what the doctor ordered to break up the long months of staying in, saving to pay for the big day.
It wasn’t so much the sampling of the smokey cafes and their exquisite muffins as much as the relaxed feel I always thought Amsterdam would have. The exact opposite of what the UK’s hen/stag hotspots have to offer (apart from the weather of course).
So, smug from “winning” Amsterdam, even though I kind of spoiled the romance of the proposal with my “Yes! I call the Dam” reply, I started to worry a little if all of the girls would be up for it, that it might be too expensive, or that some may feel it was more of a laddish venue.

Purple Travel: Did you find it was more difficult to round up your hens to travel abroad than to have a night out back home?

Janine: I actually found that the girls were VERY up for the weekend away, a couple raised an eyebrow at Amsterdam as first thoughts always turn to the Red Light District and the pot smoking reputation, but if it’s your do it’s your choice and eighteen of us travelled in all.

Purple Travel: Did your plans change when you arrived there? For example, was the Anne Frank museum at the top of your list before you arrived, but then you found you never left the cafes when you actually got there?

Janine: On the night of our arrival, Friday, we were made to feel so welcome by the locals, despite our noisy arrival. The Police at the railway station even staged my “arrest” and handcuffed me once they clocked the classy veil I was given to wear in the airport bar pre-flight. Indeed I was very well looked after in the bars that night also – if I stepped near to a bar the bartender would pour 2 shots, one for me and one for them.
The next morning the city looked so calm and classy I wondered if we would be frowned upon dressed as pixies, nymphs and fairies, but we once again felt welcome wherever we went. I just had to see the Red Light District and was surprised I didn’t feel shock, as the sights to be seen are certainly a world away from what we know. The area holds a vibrant atmosphere where you truly will meet all sorts, but everywhere and everyone were as chilled as can be, and the friendly locals and regulars were happy to direct us to the best bars and clubs where we were able to drink and dance til dawn.

I have to honest, there were no museums or homes of historical interest on the must-see list, but we did split up on the last day into smaller groups for a mooch around this beautiful city. For me this was my cafe day, dressed down and taking in as much as I could in what little time we had left. I do regret a little not finding time to look beyond the party side of Amsterdam, but that just means I’ll have to go again.

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