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The Best Places to Honeymoon in 2015-16

By U.S. News & World Report

Where is your perfect honeymoon hideaway?

Walking down the aisle is serious business (not to mention a little stressful), which is why a honeymoon is the perfect way for couples to celebrate their newlywed status and unwind after the big day. Since it’s the first trip as a married couple, picking the right honeymoon spot is essential. To help you and your new spouse kick off married life, U.S. News took into account accommodation options, activities and the overall romance factor of various destinations to determine the best honeymoon getaways. From tropical paradises to cultured metropolises, these postnuptial hideaways are sure to suit a variety of couples.

Read more: Best Honeymoon Destinations in 2015-16

20. Anguilla

Anguilla is perfect for newlyweds looking for an authentic Caribbean experience. With an embargo on cruise ships, casinos and big-name resorts, there will be nothing in the way of enjoying the low-key beachfront with your spouse.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Anguilla

19. Madrid

Honeymooners seeking a culture-filled European getaway should look no further than Madrid. Spain’s largest city may not give couples much seclusion, but the tapas are meant for sharing and flamenco dancing will ensure newlyweds stay close.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Madrid

18. St. Vincent & The Grenadines

With secluded hideaways and small secret bays, this network of 32 islands makes the perfect playground for newlyweds. Another plus: The region’s off-season coincides with prime wedding season — May and June — which means lower room rates and fewer crowds.

Read more: Best Things to Do in St. Vincent & The Grenadines

17. St. Martin – St. Maarten

Couples looking for an adventure should head straight for St. Martin — St. Maarten. The dual-governed island (by the French and Dutch) has a “live and let live” philosophy that includes semi-nude beaches, heart-pumping water sports and casual open-air restaurants called lolos.

Read more: Best Things to Do in St. Martin – St. Maarten

16. Florence, Italy

Florence serves as the ideal springboard for a honeymoon set in the Tuscan hills of Italy. Teeming with history and art, the city overflows with romantic charm. Couples can spend their days roaming the cobblestone streets, dining on the robust cuisine and sipping fine wines.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Florence

15. Seychelles

For many couples, it doesn’t get more remote and secluded than Seychelles. This group of 115 islands set in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa is known for the enormous boulders that scatter the postcard-worthy beaches. But newlyweds beware — this dream honeymoon won’t be cheap. Stick to exploring one island to save in this expensive destination.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Seychelles

14. Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos is well-suited for honeymooners seeking a higher-end Caribbean getaway. The crystal clear waters are lined with luxury resorts, but you and your better half will likely spend more time below water than above it thanks to the island’s superb snorkeling and scuba diving. Don’t forget to try the conch fish that are farmed here.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Turks & Caicos

13. Crete

Couples looking for a vacation that boasts plenty of diverse options should look no further than the Mediterranean island of Crete. The largest Greek isle offers beaches, mountains, forests and modern cities, all with breathtaking views and friendly locals.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Crete

12. Venice, Italy

Venice has long been known for its romantic atmosphere. This Italian city urges newlyweds to get close — whether it’s on one of the gondolas, along the narrow cobblestone pathways or at Piazza San Marco, known for being one of the world’s best places to watch the sunrise.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Venice

11. Kauai

Honeymooners looking for quiet relaxation on the Hawaiian islands should settle on Kauai. The northernmost island in the chain offers astonishing natural beauty without the tourist traps. Couples can cuddle up on expansive beaches or explore Waimea Canyon or Kalalau Trail on foot.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Kauai

10. Martinique

This French-Caribbean island is known for its natural beauty: from more than 100 species of orchid to an active volcano on the horizon, there is no place quite like Martinique. Honeymooners can explore the rugged landscapes of the north, the romantic beaches in the south or the historic sites on the west coast of the island, but be warned — all this luxury comes with a high price tag.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Martinique

9. Paris

Many couples have the City of Light at the top of their dream honeymoon list. And it’s easy to see why: Paris’ indescribable ambiance is practically made for amorous duos. Although lovebirds can no longer place a lock on the Pont des Arts bridge, those looking for a sophisticated metropolis have found their match.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Paris

8. British Virgin Islands

Those looking for exclusivity — and those with deep pockets — should head to the British Virgin Islands. The duty-free group of 60 islands is known for its private luxury. If an entire honeymoon on BVI is out of your budget, many find it’s perfect for a daytrip from neighboring Caribbean islands like Anguilla and the U.S Virgin Islands.

Read more: Best Things to Do in British Virgin Islands

7. Fiji

Located more than 2,500 miles southwest of Honolulu and 1,700 miles from New Zealand, Fiji offers newlyweds ultimate seclusion in the middle of the South Pacific. The main island is famous for its bures — beachfront and over-the-water wooden huts with thatched straw roofs — but there are more than 300 isolated islands for couples to explore.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Fiji

6. Bali

Bali is the honeymoon answer to a real life paradise. Well-appointed accommodations in huts above turquoise waters, exotic landscapes with green forests and volcanic mountains, and a welcoming culture all combine to satisfy couples looking for a serene postnuptial getaway.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Bali

5. Tahiti

Twosomes looking for an off-the-beaten-path, yet romantic, getaway should head to this island in French Polynesia. Well-known for its aquamarine coastline and lavish resorts, Tahiti also boasts delectable French cuisine.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Tahiti

4. Maui

The most-visited of the Hawaiian Islands for the newly married, Maui is home to popular five-star resorts and world-class beaches, plus authentic island experiences like hidden forest waterfalls and cultural activities. Couples can take a drive on the Road to Hana for photo ops of breathtaking views.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Maui

3. Maldives

Honeymoons in the Maldives are all about luxury. The islands are made up of 26 unique atolls formed by coral in the British Indian Ocean. Resorts here promise personalized service and unique cuisine, but keep in mind that all this pampering doesn’t come cheap.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Maldives

2. Bora Bora

Tahiti’s sister island is smaller (it’s only 6 miles long and 2 miles wide), but despite its size, Bora Bora still offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Outside of your romantic overwater bungalow, you’ll find pristine lagoons, 4×4 excursions and a natural aquarium dubbed the “lagoonarium.” The main industry here is tourism, so expect to be treated like royalty — for a price.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Bora Bora

1. Santorini

The No. 1 place for sweethearts to get away is Santorini. Offering the perfect mix of peaceful island culture, mouthwatering cuisine, fine homemade wine and a nearby metropolis, the Greek isle will help you create lasting memories as a newly married couple.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Santorini

More from U.S. News

The Best Honeymoon Destinations

The Best Affordable Honeymoons in the USA

The Best Caribbean Honeymoons

The Best Places to Honeymoon in 2015-16 originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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