When I think back on my dreamy destination wedding in Split, Croatia, I know it was the perfect choice for me and my husband. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t come with all sorts of hurdles we had to overcome to make it down the aisle. From language barriers to flight logistics, there were endless details to consider that wouldn’t be part of a typical wedding, and it’s important to have a plan. If you’re considering a destination wedding, below are some questions to ask yourself before you make the commitment.

Related: Top 6 Unique Destination Wedding Locations in Canada

Will There Be a Language Barrier?

Depending on where the destination is, there’s a good chance you won’t speak the local language. As much as Google Translate can be helpful in a pinch, you want to make sure you know exactly what you’re agreeing to when signing any vendor contracts (especially when they’re for thousands of dollars!). One of the first steps when researching your destination wedding is to find a bilingual wedding planner. They should be fluent in both English and the language spoken at your destination, so that they can help you navigate the fine print.

If you aren’t working with a wedding planner, it may be worthwhile to hire a translator for any important documents. The bottom line: you want to feel confident signing them!

Will It Actually Be Cheaper to Have a Destination Wedding?

There’s a myth that destination weddings are cheaper. Although this can be true, it’s certainly not always the case. Before making any major commitments, set up meetings with a few local wedding planners to let them know your budget and wish list. Ask for a cost breakdown to give you an accurate idea of expenses. Plus, comparing quotes from a few different planners will give you a more well-rounded idea of costs.

Related: 12 Tasteful Ways to Display Wedding Photos in Your Home

What Will the Tipping Culture Be?

Many countries do not have the same tipping culture as North America, and this can be a major consideration when mapping out your wedding budget. In Canada, you’re generally recommended to tip 15 to 20 per cent for your wedding vendors, including caterers, hair and makeup, florists and so on. This means that if you’re planning a $50,000 wedding, you’ll need to set aside at least $7,500 for tips alone! In my case, there was no tipping expectation in Croatia, so I got to set aside that budget for other precious things on my wish list (like a gelato cart for dessert!).

Will You Be Devastated if Someone Can’t Attend Your Destination Wedding?

Destination weddings inherently involve travel, which means that sometimes guests won’t be able to attend — particularly if they’re not fit to fly. For my destination wedding, I quickly realized my grandfather wouldn’t be able to make the trip to Croatia and it was tough to make the call. Ultimately, I chose to have a courthouse ceremony in Canada so that he could still watch me get legally married. It ended up being a really fun and special way to spread out the celebrations!

Related: 10 Unexpected Sunny Destinations for Your Winter Escape

Can Your Guests Afford to Attend a Destination Wedding?

As much as your big day is all about you and your partner, it’s also about ensuring a great experience for your guests. It’s important to be mindful of their budget, and consider how much their flights and accommodations might cost. If this feels like a barrier for you, don’t lose hope! There are many ways you can get creative to make it possible for your guests to attend. In the case of my wedding, I knew flights would be on the more expensive side, so we told guests that wedding gifts weren’t necessary. You could also look into discounted flight and accommodation prices for group bookings, or evaluate your budget to see if you can cover the costs for any essential guests.

Can You Afford a Multi-Day Affair?

Although not necessarily required, destination weddings often entail more than just the main wedding ceremony and reception. Because guests have travelled far to attend, it’s customary to throw a welcome dinner or cocktail party, and sometimes post-wedding day events. You want your guests to feel like the trip was worthwhile; adding touches like this can make the wedding feel more like a travel experience than a singular event. When breaking down your wedding budget, think about what you could realistically spend on additional events, and what could give guests the best possible experience without breaking the bank.

Related: 13 Historical Canadian Buildings That Double as Dream Wedding Venues

Ultimately, remember that no matter where you get married, a lot of planning and coordination will be involved regardless. While you shouldn’t let that deter you from the destination of your dreams, being realistic about your budget and expectations is essential. Ask yourself these questions and do your research in order to making sure the day is as successful for you as it is for your guests.  Happy wedding planning!

We love to score a good deal at Costco when shopping for our favourite groceries and home items. But did you know Costco has a whole department dedicated to travel, too? Whether you’re planning your next big all-inclusive family vacation or just looking to book a flight, hotel or car rental for an upcoming trip. Read on for absolutely everything you need to know about Costco Travel.

Do I Need a Costco Membership?

Yes, Costco Travel is exclusively available to Costco members. According to Costco, they “use their buying authority to negotiate the best value in the marketplace, and then pass on the savings to Costco members.”

Does Costco Travel Have Better Value?

Just like your favourite grocery items and home goods, there’s a good chance that you’ll get a good deal on travel from Costco, too. They have a team of skilled travel buyers who carefully select their travel offerings.

Unlike other travel sites that often add on unexpected fees right when you’re about to check out, Costco Travel uses upfront pricing on their website. This way, you’ll always know what to expect and be able to clearly understand the overall cost of your travel plans.

Even though there are good deals to be found, just like shopping at Costco, it’s important to do the math on your own and see if any other travel sites are running better promotions.

Related: Top Rated Canadian Resorts According to TripAdvisor 

Can I Get Any Extra Deals on Costco Travel?

There are a couple ways you can get extra deals on Costco travel. Currently, you’ll earn 1% cash back on Costco Travel purchases if you use the CIBC Costco Mastercard or CIBC Costco Business Mastercard. Additionally, if you’re a Costco Executive Member, you’ll get a 2% Reward for purchases made directly from Costco Travel. This applies after travel is completed.

If you’re planning on taking advantage of either of these deals, be sure to read the fine print to ensure you qualify before making any purchases.

What Kinds of Trips Can I Book?

The Costco Travel selection is super extensive. They break their offerings up into packages (flights, hotels, and cars), all-inclusive vacations, cruises, rental cars and hotels. In terms of destinations, they offer trips to major cities in Canada and the US. Plus a wide variety of European cities and tropical destinations including the Caribbean, Cook Islands, Fiji, Tahiti and Costa Rica. Be sure to keep an eye on their “Deals” section, which offers special promotions and pricing.

Costco also has a whole section dedicated to theme parks. So whether you’re looking to book a Disney World family vacation or trip to Universal Orland Resort, they’ve got you covered. This is a particularly great option for families, as you can find theme park vacation packages that include your flight, accommodations, theme park tickets, transportation and even meals in some cases.

Related: 10 Unexpected Sunny Destinations for Your Winter Escape

Are Costco Travel Offerings Vetted?

One of the perks of booking with Costco travel is that they have a dedicated team of skilled travel buyers who does the groundwork for you. They vet hotels and tours, so you don’t have to. It prevents you from ending up in a sketchy hotel or getting ripped off on a tour. Talk about a stress reliever when traveling!

 

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of an all-inclusive resort is probably a tropical destination. But did you know that Canada is actually home to some of the finest all-inclusive resorts in the world? Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes, relax at the spa, or get a taste of the finest Canadian cuisine, read on for the best Canadian all-inclusive resorts, as rated by Trip Advisor users.

Shamrock Lodge, Muskoka Lakes, ON

For the quintessential Canadian cottage country experience, you can’t beat the Shamrock Lodge in Muskoka Lakes. Located on the iconic Lake Rosseau, this family-owned and family-friendly resort is a perfect vacation destination year-round. Did we mention you’ll find many celeb cottages on this lake, too? The resort features 400 feet of natural sandy beaches with gorgeous lake views to enjoy in warmer months. Plus, a heated pool perfect for winter! In addition, many reviews mention repeat visits to the property, the friendly and accommodating staff, fantastic location and gorgeous grounds.

Related: Winter Escapes: 8 Unique Hotels Worth Visiting During Winter

Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, AB

Considering that Banff is one of Canada’s top tourist destinations, it’s no surprise that this gorgeous and historic resort made the list. Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fairmont Banff Springs is one of the highest rated in the country. The property is styled after a Scottish baronial castle for a positively royal feel. It also offers guests stunning mountain and valley views alongside world class restaurants and bars. Not to mention a championship golf course during the summer, epic skiing in the winter and an award-winning Fairmont Spa. For instance, reviewers describe their time at the resort as “a magical experience” and “one of the loveliest places to stay on the planet.” Yes please!

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, Jesmond, BC

Whether you’re going horseback riding or enjoying a fabulous massage at the world-class spa, this stunning ranch in the mountains has it all. Perfect for outdoor adventurers and homebodies alike, this ranch offers cozy cabins to snuggle up in. Exceptionally attentive staff and an in-house chef will be cooking up 5-course meals made with local ingredients nightly. Plus, it’s dog-friendly so your pup can come along and enjoy the scenery too! One reviewer says they’ve been to many luxury resorts around the world, yet this resort stands out — talk about high praise!

Related: 10 Hotels That Feel Like a White Lotus Hotel

Bonnie View Inn, Haliburton, ON

This affordable and historic lodge has been a mainstay in Haliburton since it was established in 1924. Family-owned and operated, it’s situated along 500 feet of southern exposure on picturesque Lake Kashagawigamog. This makes for great swimming in the summer and skating in the winter. If you’re looking for the classic Canadian “up north” experience without the Muskoka price tag, this charming and quiet property is just the ticket.

Club Med Québec-Charlevoix, Petite-Riviere-Saint-Francois, QC

Did you know you can get the Club Med experience without even needing your passport? This first-if-its-kind Club Med ski resort in Quebec has breathtaking views of the St Lawrence River and surrounding mountains. With that in mind, many reviewers comment how affordable it is considering the value of the experience. It’s also super family-friendly, offering kids and teen clubs, ski school for kiddos and kid-friendly menus in addition to the adult offerings. And for the grown-ups, the ski-in and out location can’t be beat. Plus, in the summer, there are endless trails to be explored whether hiking or mountain biking. So, what are you waiting for?

Related: 10 Unexpected Sunny Destinations for Your Winter Escape

Ste Anne’s Spa, Grafton, ON

Just 90 minutes outside Toronto, this incredibly charming all-inclusive spa is housed in an 1800s heritage fieldstone country castle. Health and wellness are the priority at this destination spa, where you can book a wide variety of wellness classes and spa treatments. For instance, you can explore the spacious and private spa cottages, or go for a peaceful stroll in their 500 acres of sprawling countryside. Reviewers refer to the thermal pools, meals and treatment included in the facility. And don’t forget the wellness classes: some reviewers raved about the unique experience of meditating in -10C weather. So, whether it’s for a romantic weekend or a fabulous girls trip, a stay at this tranquil oasis sounds downright lovely.

Knight Inlet Lodge, Black Creek, BC

Animal lovers, this one is for you. Case in point: this remote floating lodge is known worldwide as Canada’s premier grizzly bear viewing destination. It offers a wide range of activities for guests including hiking, kayaking, marine wildlife tours and whale watching. Additionally, many reviews praise the kind and attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure guests have a comfortable stay and get to see a wide range of wildlife. As one reviewer puts it: “Stunning scenery, grizzlys and other wildlife — what more do you want?”

Related: Canada Is Among the World’s Most Popular Destinations

Moulin Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa, Wakefield, QC

If you’re looking for a charming French experience without leaving the country, this heritage country inn is for you. Set right on the river 24 acres next to Gatineau Park, the hotel offers the very best of Quebec hospitality. You’ll hear the gurgling waters of the La Pêche river and the MacLaren Falls whether you’re enjoying their full-service spa or snuggled up in their fireplace lounge. In addition, reviewers say the location is unbeatable because it’s tucked away in nature but nearby to the charming town of Wakefield. In other words, it’s the perfect vacation.