ALL THE GALLIVANTER’S

THE GAY TRAVELER,  "A RAINBOW ADVENTURE"

BY CLAY LARROY

When you choose to travel, whether it is for business or pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Don't be afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers let their miles accumulate and never bother using them. Reap the rewards of your traveling and spend the miles you've earned! Miles have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they expire. Often you can use them on items other than travel, so check out your options and get to spending. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Travel planning for the gay and lesbian traveler is both a very similar and yet very different experience than most straight travelers encounter. After all, travel is travel and many of the issues are the same: where to go and when, budget, who you travel with. Behind each of these seemingly simple decisions, however, is the somewhat amorphous term "gay-friendly" and the issue of the extent to which a gay traveler will be allowed to travel openly, safely, and comfortably in a destination.

In general, gay and lesbian travelers travel often and have an above average disposable income, comprising approximately 10% of the traveling public. Gay travelers are as varied in their choice of destinations as any other group, but tend to pursue destinations that market to and recognize the gay community.

Naturally, a complicating factor is the absence of absolutes. Bigotry can arise in the most "gay friendly" of locations and many supposedly hostile environments fail to live up to the reputation a vocal minority has fostered. Nevertheless, some advance planning can help to ensure that your travels are trouble-free and as relaxing or engaging as you choose, without undue additional consideration.

As always, one of the best possible places to start planning is with a good travel consultant. Most travel agents have professional resources at hand to assist all types of travelers in selecting travel environments that match their needs. These resources also provide direct and unbiased information on the quality and ambiance of various destinations and accommodations and the general attitude toward gay travelers; many destinations have no concerns or laws surrounding gay travel, while others are openly hostile environments, both legally and socially. In addition, experienced travel agents will know which travel companies are capable of delivering quality services and have a history of providing reliable travel arrangements for gay clientele.

Choosing a vacation destination involves seriously considering the purpose of your trip and your willingness to conform to indigenous customs. According to the Travel Industry Association (TIA), nearly half of gay and lesbian travelers said that a destination with a gay-friendly reputation is a prime consideration in leisure travel choices, and locating a destination where gay travelers can "hold their partner’s hand in public with no concerns for harassment" influenced more than half of gay men and two-thirds of gay women in their choices. This is not a surprise, since cultural norms in many countries frown on open displays of affection in any circumstance for any traveler, and for gay travelers, this can even result in legal action.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

The best way to get to know the place you are traveling in is to walk around... and the best way to walk around is with comfortable shoes! Grab your travel buddy and your running shoes and go explore!

Laura Marano

Enjoy and travel to create great family memories!

ALL THE GALLIVANTER’S

TRAVELING ALONE, “ME, MYSELF AND I”

BY CLAY LARROY

A vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated. Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation, or are merely looking for travel ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about travel. So take away some of the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an exciting vacation contact me!

Your first night in a new place can be intimidating, but you have several ways to make it less so. While safety may seem questionable, wandering the streets during the day is a good way to orient yourself, as long as you stay in the right neighborhoods. Before you head out, check with hotel staff to be sure you’re aware of areas to avoid, and remember the hotel address in the event that you get lost - tucking a copy of the hotel’s business card in your pocket is always a smart strategy. And if you do happen to get lost, remember that everything is an adventure... and it will make a great story.

Staying in a large hotel can make it difficult to meet fellow guests, but hotel staff will usually be happy to introduce you to other travelers, assuming you want some company. Most resorts have activity co-coordinators, so if you get to know them, you’ll meet people in no time.

Talking to strangers could be easier than you think - and you may not have a choice in the matter. People generally don’t hesitate to speak to someone who’s alone, and some of your most memorable travel experiences may come from spontaneous invitations to join a group for a meal or special outing. A smile and a little eye contact go a long way, even if you don’t speak the local language. And while eating alone is something a lot of people don’t enjoy, there’s no reason to hide away in a hotel room with take-out food. Being comfortable on your own is a skill you can develop, and you can get started by choosing a lively cafe or bistro with lots of people. If you feel conspicuous, consider sitting at the counter, where you can enjoy a drink or watch your food being prepared. Take something to read, or simply indulge in people-watching.

Safety is important for any traveler, but more so if you are alone. Be aware of everything going on around you - watch the television, read the news, talk to your concierge or guide. When you walk, keep your head up and walk confidently. Pay attention to what the locals wear and dress like they do, so you fit in.

Talk to your travel agent about what to wear, cultural etiquette, and State Department or other government-issued warnings for your destination - understanding all these aspects of travel equally is important to maintain your safety. That said, traveling safely is easy with a little common sense: never leave your luggage unattended, don’t leave valuables in your room, don’t drink excessively or accept questionable drinks or food, and keep your money in a money belt worn under your clothes. Always have a backup plan and make sure someone is familiar with your itinerary - even if it’s a quick call or email back home. Once you’ve thought through all the safety scenarios, you get to relax and enjoy your trip.

On the bright side, even many destinations like Egypt no longer bat an eye at a woman who dines alone, and despite standard safety concerns, the 21st century offers any independent traveler new freedoms and opportunities they’ve never had before.

Traveling alone inherently means you’ll have many moments to think, meditate, or just let your mind wander. Keeping a journal of your experiences make take some discipline, but writing daily will fill the time en route to a new stop on your journey and will also be an invaluable record of your trip. If you’re so inclined, consider your journal just as important, or more so, than a camera in documenting your time - once you re-read where you’ve been and what you’ve done, you’ll have no trouble recalling your experiences.

Speak to anyone who’s traveled alone, and they’ll tell you that one of the best perks is that you can pick up and go whenever and wherever you want - complete freedom, no distractions, and endless possibilities. So if you’ve always dreamed of going somewhere, it may be best not to wait for someone to come with you. Just plan the trip and go - traveling alone is one of the most unique and fulfilling experiences any soul could ever have.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark

Travel  have fun and create wonderful memories for your family!

!

ALL THE GALLIVANTER’S

TRAVELING ALONE, “ME, MYSELF AND I”

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places.  When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Maybe you want to get away from your normal life for a while - to rediscover who you are, or just get some much-needed alone time. Maybe your relationship has ended, wreaking havoc on your plans for that dream trip to Africa. Maybe your best friend backed out of accompanying you to Asia, or perhaps for any number of reasons you’ve found yourself suddenly solo.

You can see the world anyway. Not only can you see it alone - you probably should, at least once in your life. Encounter moments and places and people with your undivided attention: snap shots of a skyline, a midnight drink in a basement bar, a haggle in a market - no feedback, no diversions, just the experience.

The truth is, most people find themselves without a travel partner at some point, whether by accident or choice. The prospect of going it alone can be daunting, but guides and help are always there when you need them, and the freedom of making your own decisions without having to consider a companion can outweigh any disadvantages.

This being the case, solo travel is a fast-growing trend. Both single and partnered people of all ages are more independent than ever, and they are reluctant to let the lack of a significant other or scheduling conflicts keep them from seeing the world.

Planning is the key to an unforgettable trip. Wherever you’re headed, do as much advance preparation as possible. Research your destination, and be aware of its culture and traditions; for instance, in many Middle Eastern countries it’s mandatory to wear appropriate clothing, and women are strongly discouraged from traveling alone. Knowing in advance how you’ll get from place to place will help make your journey safe and enjoyable.

For an independent trip, a travel agent can be your best friend. They are very familiar with single travelers, as now an estimated 1 in 4 travelers goes alone, according to the Travel Industry Association of America. Agents offer helpful suggestions, get you the best deals and values, and connect you with reputable guides.

Many tour companies that your agent works with now cater to singles and specific age groups, often employing staff of similar ages. Tours offer more flexibility than you may realize, too - you can join a tour that assists you with every aspect of your vacation, or one designed for completely independent travelers; again, you are joining a large and important part of the travel market, and your agent will know how to make sure you have the kind of experience you’re counting on.

Not sure what to do on your trip? Investigate Eco tours, spa vacations, and adventure travel like hiking, kayaking, or rafting. Learn to scuba dive or cook, bathe in a hot spring in Iceland, or go on safari in Tanzania. Even if you just want to relax on a beach - its 100% your decision, so work with your travel agent to create a trip you can really get excited about.

Cruising is also a great way for singles to travel. The range of activities is so extensive that there’s no avoiding making friends while you participate, you can’t get lost, and you can relax knowing you’re safe at all times. A variety of companies offer singles cruises - just ask your travel agent.

At first, travel can seem expensive for the singles, because many rates are based on double occupancy. The good news is that most companies can place single people of the same gender, or other criteria you find acceptable, in accommodations together, so you save on single supplements. And if you don’t want to share, you may be able to avoid paying a single supplement altogether by traveling during low tourist seasons, when companies are more flexible with their rates. Talk to your agent to uncover your options.

For budget travelers, hostels are great places to meet people. They provide clean and cheap accommodations, and there’s a good chance you’ll meet a fellow traveler with whom you can share grocery and laundry costs.

Also consider buying a travel guide geared toward single travelers. Restaurants and activities listed in these guides are typically frequented by other independent travelers, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet people, if you’d like. While you are traveling, read the local paper to find lesser-known activities and events, which are usually one-of-a-kind, authentic opportunities to learn more about a culture.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I wanted to be alone. Like contact with water and constructive relationships... I consider it essential to my life, to my well-being.
--Dan Fogelberg

Live, Love and Travel to create memories that will last a lifetime!

ALL THE GALLIVANTER’S

BY Clay Larroy

In the world of traveling, there are plenty of great resources available to both new and experienced travelers alike. There are many websites, guides, books, videos, and other resources available. By writing this blog I hope that I am providing valuable information about accessible travel. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL…NO LIMITS

Travel is about access to new and different possibilities. To those individuals with physical or medical disabilities, however, the word "access" takes on a multi-dimensional meaning. Accessible travel is a goal, an adventure, a state of mind. Increasingly, accessible travel is a concern for the tens of thousands of senior adults that are now seeking new experiences in all corners of the globe. As used here, "accessible travel" means travel that takes into consideration both the physical and cost hurdles that often face those with physical or mental impairment.

There is a growing awareness on the part of destinations and tour operators of the economic impact of failing to adequately compensate for accessible travel. As a result, more travel than ever falls into the general category of "accessible". Nevertheless, a bit of planning is always in order when deciding on a vacation, where you must consider issues such as wheelchair or scooter access or if restaurants allow service animals.

A good travel consultant is an invaluable ally when making accessible travel choices. Travel agents have professional research tools that provide inside information on the efforts that destinations have undertaken to accommodate travelers who need special access or assistance. Your travel consultant will contact tour operators that specialize in providing accessible travel. These tour operators have relationships with tourism offices, dining facilities, hotels and attractions and are the best possible resource in researching a trip. However, it is important to use a tour operator that has a reputation for solid customer service. Your travel agent’s research tools will quickly determine the top tour operators to use for any destination.

In planning, be sure to give your tour operator details about special needs you have as early in the planning process as possible. Just as importantly, however, let your agent know what you are willing to take on as a challenge. For example, many articles indicate that cobblestone streets or buildings without elevators are not suitable for wheelchair users. However, such decisions are best left to the traveler. You are the best judge of what is or is not appropriate for your own physical abilities. A frank discussion with your travel consultant will make sure that you receive the greatest possible value and that your expectations are met.

Travel can be physically taxing on any traveler. Speak with your physician about the best practices for visiting your selected destination as well as the particulars of your own condition. Doctors who are familiar with travel medicine can work with you to make sure all of the appropriate immunizations and special considerations of your destination (i.e., altitude) are taken into account.

If your condition requires special equipment such as wheelchairs, scooters or oxygen, your travel consultant can assist you with determining the best way to either ship your own equipment or obtain similar equipment at your destination. Most airlines and cruise ships are acquainted with the need to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, but vary on whether they must be checked or may enter the main cabin. Some airlines also require that batteries on motorized scooters be gel-batteries rather than wet cell, so ask your travel agent to find these requirements in advance. Knowing the airline and cruise ship policies in advance makes it much easier to cope with any requirements when necessary. Remember, too, that it may be difficult to get your wheelchair or scooter serviced in a far-off locale, so if possible, have your equipment serviced before traveling. Again, your tour operator will provide good indications of the availability of repair and supply services at your destination.

Likewise, undertake proper planning with regard to any medications you might need. It is best to travel with an adequate supply as well as with a prescription to acquire more medicines should the need arise. Always travel with your medical supplies, especially medicines, on your person, when possible to prevent problems arising from lost baggage.

Traveling with service animals can be difficult when crossing borders. Many countries have very stringent quarantine requirements regarding the importation of animals to prevent rabies and other canine diseases. Special vaccination requirements and paperwork may be in order. Likewise, make sure that any hotels, B&Bs or other accommodations permit service animals in advance. If possible, acquire letters from your accommodations in advance acknowledging their acceptance of your animal companions. Finally, do a bit of research on local veterinarian offices in case your dog requires any attention while traveling.

If you are traveling with a tour operator specializing in accessible travel, it is highly likely that your itinerary will take into account special considerations your condition might require. However, if you are not traveling with a specialist tour company, make sure that the rigors of the daily itineraries are suitable for your needs. In some instances, you may find yourself confronted with inaccessible buildings, museums, walkways or distances. Days may be long without adequate facilities for your comfort. Again, these aspects of a trip are yours to determine and choose, but to the extent that you can properly anticipate any obstacles early in the planning process, the better equipped you will be to handle situations as they arise.

The world is a big place, make it your own.

Links for successful travel

The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality

The Accessible Road

Accessible Journeys

Emerging Horizons

Special Needs Group

Amtrak

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Enjoy and travel to create great family memories!

HONEYMOON PLANNING, “FIRST STEPS”

BY CLAY LARROY

It doesn't matter if you take a trip across the state line or the border, being far from home can be exciting and also a bit stressful. When considering traveling, it is important to think of the best mode of travel. Traveling by car can offer many more sights and opportunities for side trips. Traveling by train can offer a chance to relax and get some work done if they wanted. Planes can cover ground fast but don't allow much movement and one cannot get off the plane in flight. Each mode of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages to be considered. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Planning a Hassle-Free Honeymoon

If you and your fiancé are just beginning to think about your honeymoon plans, a good place to start is agreeing on a specific destination. A recommended way to do this is to sit down together and compile a list of your top dream vacations. Choosing a destination and an itinerary that really works for your personality is also key. It’s easy to get overwhelmed at this stage, since you have so many possibilities, but you can narrow down the options by deciding if you’d prefer a tropical beach, big city, or a place known for adventure travel. Also consider if you want warm or cool weather, a distant land or someplace closer to home, a vibrant location with people to meet, or seclusion, where it will just be the two of you. Speak with your travel consultant about all of your honeymoon ideas, and consider including adventurous and unusual travel themes along with more popular options like mass market cruises and all-inclusive resorts.

Also remember that you may need to psychologically accommodate to your new status as a partner and a spouse, and with proper planning and smart travel choices, you can enhance your opportunity to bond without undue stress over logistics or other complications. Your travel consultant can always develop a customized honeymoon that provides not just a vacation experience, but a real journey for the two of you set in a locale that reflects your personalities and values.

Once you"ve decided where you want to go, your next step is to make a budget. Find out if you have any frequent flier miles or hotel discounts you can use towards your trip. Also think about putting all the wedding expenses on a single credit card that accumulates frequent flier miles for the honeymoon. The cost of your honeymoon will, of course, be the sum total of the accommodations, activities, transportation, meals, tips, souvenirs and other travel costs. Be candid with your travel consultant to make your honeymoon economically comfortable.

When considering your budget, know that all-inclusive resorts take care of most of your meals, athletic equipment, and tips. Some also include liquor and bar costs as well as resort-specific activities. These arrangements vary widely, however, with some including roundtrip airfare, so find out exactly what is and is not included in the price.

Also note that honeymoon packages offered by hotels, airlines, and wholesalers typically include special perks for newlyweds that you can’t get with standard packages. Your travel consultant will know to ask your hotel if special honeymoon packages are available.

Once you have a budget, decide when to go and for how long. Figure out how many vacation days you have and how many you’ll need before the wedding to take care of odds and ends at the last minute. Decide whether you want to leave immediately after your wedding, or wait a few days or weeks to give yourself more time to focus on the trip. If you don’t have very many vacation days, you may want to take a "mini-moon" the weekend of the wedding and then a longer, second honeymoon on your first anniversary. It’s usually a good idea to give yourself at least a day or two to continue the honeymoon after returning home, before you head back to work and settle into your everyday life.

Don’t forget to research the travel documents you might need for your honeymoon as well. U.S. citizens need valid passports for all air and sea travel to and from Europe, Asia, and Australia. As of January 8, 2007, passports are also required for travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Your travel consultant will assist with all of the necessary documentation, including documentation of your recent name change!

Be diligent about keeping copies of all correspondence, confirmation numbers, and invoices given to you by your travel consultant. Double- and triple-check all the plans to be sure that your departure and return dates are correct. Inform everyone along the way that you’re traveling on your honeymoon, so you don’t miss out on complimentary perks. Stay organized by creating a folder or notebook where you can keep all this information.

One last bit of advice: Have realistic expectations throughout the course of planning and taking your honeymoon trip. While it’s only natural for you to want your honeymoon to be perfect, bear in mind that travel is inherently an adventure. Approach your honeymoon with an open mind, and prepare to have plenty of laughs along the way.

There really are endless possibilities for honeymooners. Whether you decide to go on an exotic foreign expedition or visit a nearby luxurious resort, start planning early to make sure you’re right where you want to be... and then Bon Voyage!

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Go to a place where you're not going to be stressed, because a honeymoon itself can be a stressful thing.

Diane von Furstenberg

Travel to experience life and create amazing memories!

HONEYMOON PLANNING, “FIRST STEPS”

BY CLAY LARROY

Across the America many couples are having wonderful wedding after months of planning. The bride and groom will need a honeymoon to rest and recuperate.  Vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Couples that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Couples vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Honeymoons too often take a backseat to the arrangements and plans of the actual wedding, but you owe it to yourself to give honeymoon planning greater and more careful attention. After all, while the wedding is mainly for your family and friends, the once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon that follows is a private getaway for you and your new spouse to celebrate your marriage. Though you may spend a portion of your vacation relaxing and reflecting on this major life change, the honeymoon is most of all an opportunity to enjoy being a newlywed, spending quality time with your new spouse, and experiencing a romantic and exciting getaway.

Honeymooners have endless options. Following months of wedding planning, couples often retreat to a luxurious resort that caters to their every need, while others trek to an adventurous escape from their day-to-day lives. Whether a beach vacation, a safari, or a ski trip, the honeymoon should reflect your joint personality and wishes.

Keep in mind that perfect honeymoons don’t just happen, and planning requires thoughtfulness, patience, careful attention to details, and a lot of decision-making along the way. The more homework you do before leaving for your honeymoon, the more you will enjoy your special vacation.

Top Honeymoon Hotspots

Your honeymoon can be the most romantic trip you’ll ever take, and it can also be a lot of fun. Look for a destination that offers everything you want. Remember that there is no "ideal" destination - the personality of you and your partner will determine where on the planet your honeymoon should be. However, the following locations traditionally are considered the greatest spots to honeymoon and top many newlyweds" travel wish-lists.

Hawaii - Hawaii remains the number one destination for honeymoons year after year because of its romantic sunsets, magnificent beaches, and luxurious hotels. Visitors to Hawaii can also conveniently hop from island to island to experience just about any climate and adventure under the sun, including kayaking, mountain climbing, surfing, scuba, and even hiking in a rainforest.

Mexico - From the Yucatan peninsula to the Pacific Coast, Mexico is all at once romantic, adventurous, and laidback. A collection of spectacular land- and seascapes larger than almost anywhere else in the world, reasonably priced attractions and an easy-to-reach location make a Mexico vacation hard to beat. Honeymooners can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including eco-tourism, water sports, horseback riding, diving, and touring ancient Mexican ruins.

The Caribbean - The islands of the Caribbean have long been favorites for honeymooners. While we mention a few below by name, your travel consultant can assist you with destination materials that provide a wealth of information for helping you choose the perfect spot.

Bahamas - With over 700 separate islands, you’ll find numerous resorts with all the water sports, pampering, night clubs, fine dining, casinos, and beaches you could possibly want. Many amazing islands in the Bahamas can also be visited easily in one trip by booking a cruise. If you’re seeking a truly romantic paradise for your upcoming honeymoon, look closely at the Bahamas.

Jamaica - If you’re eager to just get away and relax after hectic wedding planning, Jamaica is the place to be. From the famous reggae music festivals to the beautiful shorelines, it’s easy to get into the Jamaican state of mind. Whether you stay on the island in a luxurious resort or simply visit for a couple of hours on a cruise ship stop, Jamaica’s culture of fun, sun, and romance will make you feel welcome.

Bermuda - Bermuda is a truly s sightseer’s delight, and couples are encouraged to rent a moped or take public transportation to see all the sights. Offering an array of ocean activities and charming historic towns, Bermuda provides a romantic and mysterious escape to an era of class and grace.

U.S. Virgin Islands - Replete with sailing, snorkeling, sports fishing, and tons of shopping, honeymooners have long been attracted to the Virgin Islands for an active escape.

Tahiti and the South Pacific - These islands are becoming an increasingly popular destination for couples (including celebrities) seeking an exclusive honeymoon experience and are the closest most ever get to a private island retreat. The sheer beauty and history of the land and the people allows couples to participate in awe-inspiring eco-tourism and cultural activities. Many also opt to stay in traditional style burés, some of which are directly over the water, to take advantage of the unparalleled views.

Continental U.S. - Many couples are drawn to distinctive locations throughout the United States. California, one of the most popular, offers marvels ranging from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to the glamour of Hollywood. Las Vegas, Nevada, always draws a lively crowd. Its incredible range of world-class hotels, casinos, entertainment, and shopping venues gives honeymooners an exciting vacation from home. New York, Florida, and Colorado are also very popular destinations for honeymooners, as they offer fun and romantic tourist attractions that welcome visitors year-round. Traveling within the U.S. is an excellent opportunity to experience the unique diversity for which America is world-renowned.

Europe - Europe has always been high on honeymooners" lists, in part because of the distinctiveness of each country and the many destinations couples can visit during their trip. From the majestic views of the snow-covered Alps to the Eiffel tower in Paris, Europe is filled with unforgettable history and romance.

Australia and New Zealand - If you’re looking for outdoor adventure both above and below the ocean bed, you’ll love the exceptional beauty of these lands. From snorkeling and scuba diving to bush treks and mountain climbing, honeymooners won’t find any more high-energy activities than these locations offer.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

That honeymoon phase is so much fun in real life, when you meet and discover somebody new and fall in love and chase them. The pursuit. And that climactic final moment of ultimate togetherness.

Lucas Neff

Travel to experience life and create spectacular memories!

DESTINATION WEDDINGS: THERE GOES THE BRIDE AND THE GROOM

Celtic Knots - Irish Destination Weddings

By Clay Larroy

The purposes of traveling are different for different people. There are some people who travel for the sake of pleasure. The people that are heavily burdened either at their domestic front or at their offices move too far off places for relieving their worries and anxieties. The poets and writers make a trip to distant places for collection of facts for their writings. Businessmen also visit various places to enquire as to whether there are scopes for expansion of their business. Travelling provides the benefit of sightseeing and gives pleasure to the visitor. In addition, it gives a scope to an individual to have firsthand knowledge of variegated people inhabiting the world. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

The official marriage process will start with your local minister, priest, or rabbi. The rules and regulations of having an actual legal civil or church wedding abroad can be daunting. Many couples choose to fulfill their legal and church requirements at home at a simple service, and then plan a personalized ceremonial celebration abroad. If you choose, however, to have a legal or church ceremony, the following information from the website of the Consulate General of Ireland may be useful in preparation for the process:

Getting married in Ireland is complicated but worth negotiating. Here are some tips to help you get through the formalities from a distance.

Three months’ notice - To marry in the Republic of Ireland, three months’ written notice of the parties’ intention to wed must be given to the registrar for the district in which you wish to be married. Occasionally, exceptions are given, but they must be applied for at the Circuit Family Court Office or the High Court Office. There is no cost for this service.

Residency - Residency is a must, whether for a religious ceremony or civil marriage, and requires at least one visit to Ireland prior to the actual ceremony to complete all the administrivia. Both parties must be over eighteen years of age on the actual wedding day to be married in the Republic of Ireland. To establish residency qualifications for marriage by license, one of the parties needs fifteen full days of residency, the other party need to reside in the area seven days before notice is served, and then the wedding can take place eight days later.

If the parties choose to get married without a license, the residency requirement is shortened (seven full days for each party), but the waiting period is much longer. Notice is served on the eighth day, but the marriage cannot take place until twenty-two days later. These requirements apply to the county of Dublin. Interested parties planning to be married elsewhere need to ask about the residency requirement in the district of their choice.

Registrars - In all cases of civil weddings, both parties must make an appointment with the registrar in their county of choice and produce all necessary documents which might include: Birth Certificates, if divorced, a copy of the Divorce Absolute (in English) and Birth Certificate. There are two sets of registrars, one for Roman Catholic marriages and another for Protestant and civil marriages. A list of registrars for the former is obtained from the health board of the area concerned, while the other is made up of a list of solicitors in each county. (Ask for form FLA.1.96.) Both lists are available from:

The General Register Office
Joyce House, 8/11 Lombard Street East
Dublin 2, Ireland

After making the registration, the planning of the ceremony may commence. For marriage in a Catholic church, it will be necessary to establish some linkage with that particular parish and church. Some residency will be required, so immediately after the registration is made would be the time to contact the parish priest who will know details of any other diocese qualifications. Of particular importance is the fact that divorced persons may not marry in a Roman Catholic Church; however a Church annulment permits a ceremony in the Church.

Marriages in a Roman Catholic Church proceed by one of four means: by Episcopal license; after the publication of banns; by ordinary ecclesiastical license, or on production of a certificate from a register of civil marriages.

The process is a bit different for Church of Ireland marriages where at least one of the parties must be Protestant Episcopalian. It should be noted that the Church of Ireland strongly discourages persons coming from abroad just to get married in Ireland.

A civil ceremony is an alternative to a religious ceremony and is more administratively convenient, if lacking in atmosphere. Aside from the three months’ notice of intent to marry, the residency requirements for the area in particular must be met.

Cost of the ceremony is relatively cheap--£32.50. This applies to both civil and religious ceremonies.

Listed below are some addresses which may be useful. Note the Dublin City and County Marriage Registrar’s office is scheduled to move. It is not listed in the telephone directory, however, a recorded message with the new address and telephone number should be on the line, and letters will be forwarded to the new address.

Dublin City and County Marriage Registrar
31 Molesworth Street
Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel.: (01) 676 3218

Circuit Family Court Office and High Court Office
Four Courts
Dublin 7, Ireland

Department of Foreign Affairs
80 St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel.: (01) 478 8022

Daunted? Don’t be. A few formalities put you on course for a much more challenging venture - the first year of marriage!

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“May your troubles be less,

And your blessings be more.

And nothing but happiness,

Come through your door.”

~ Old Irish Wedding Day Blessing

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!