Honeymoon packing tip #7 - Bold and beautiful bikinis

Heading off on a tropical honeymoon? Check out some of my favorite bikinis from J.Crew's spring/summer line up. I especially love how you can order different sizes for the tops and bottoms. Hello Caribbean, Costa Rica, Florida, Greece, Fiji, Australia...the options are endless.

Jersey Lomellina bandeau halter top and foldover wide-band hipster.

Solid twist-front bandeau top and solid twist-front bikini.

Jersey Lomellina ruched halter and hipster with flowers.


Solid underwire top with tie and solid retro hipster.

Free invites, ornaments and honeymoons. Oh my!

Feeling lucky???

Here are some great prizes to be won:

1) Globetrotting Bride's $100 Gift Certificate from Wedding Paper Divas contest - Need some invites, holiday cards, social stationary? Just pick your fantasy wedding destination and invite to enter. Deadline is Dec. 22.

2) Parisian Party's Holiday Giveaway offers up the chance to win these cute "Paris Party Girl" Christmas ornaments. Click over and share your favorite Winter in Paris memory before Dec. 14. This site offers fabulous inspiration for all things French and totally oh-la-la!

3) Remember my eco-friendly wedding gift idea from Trees Instead? Well, they've got a Green Wedding Contest running through December 28th. Three lucky couples will win Trees Instead Wedding Favors (one tree planted for every guest). The second prize winner will win an acre of planted trees and the first prize couple hits the jackpot with an acre of planted tress, a Lifetime Carbon Footprint offset and an ALL INCLUSIVE ECO-FRIENDLY 5-NIGHT HONEYMOON IN COSTA RICA.

I say, increase your odds and enter all three.

Destination wedding hotspot - Occidental Hotels & Resorts

There is nothing easier and more relaxing than a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort. If you're the type of bride who wants to bring the dress and leave the stress, Occidental Hotels & Resorts should be on your radar. Here's the scoop:

* Who: Couples who want an affordable, everything-included wedding. If you've dreamed of a ceremony in an authentic Mayan ruin or on a beach with 360° Caribbean views, you will not be disappointed. Your stay includes unlimited meals and drinks, activities galore, entertainment and all taxes and gratuities.

* What: Choose a resort, date and package online and a wedding coordinator will plan everything to suit your style and budget. From a beach vow renewal for 10 to an elaborate 200 person affair, several wedding packages are offered including everything you need (cake, champagne toast, judge, documents, decor, and flowers). Ask about free weddings and complimentary honeymoon packages.

* When: Most of these properties are ideal year-round destinations. I would avoid Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and the Dominican Republic during hurricane season (late summer - fall).

* Where: Properties are located in Mexico, Costa Rica, Aruba and the Dominican Republic.

* Don't Miss: Explore Chichen Itza, Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Tulum in Mexico. In Aruba, go horseback riding and take a Jeep tour.

* Stay for the honeymoon? Yes. Newlyweds staying three nights or more get extra perks like room upgrades, resort discounts, congratulatory in-room items, continental breakfast in bed and more. You can upgrade to a premium honeymoon ($250+ more) to add on extra amenities like a couples massage, candlelit dinner on the beach, etc.

* Booking: To plan a wedding or honeymoon, call 800-858-2258 or visit Occidental Weddings.

Last Travel Fling Before Wedding Bells Ring: Pura Vida Adventures, Costa Rica

Because I miss my summer tan, lets head over to Costa Rica, where you can discover the "pure life" in a fun-filled surf and yoga retreat geared toward women in their 20s through 50s. Here's the scoop:

• Who: Surfer gals who want to explore Costa Rica's coastline while enjoying beach activities, luxurious accommodations and daily doses of wellness, relaxation and pampering. No surfing experience or equipment required, just pack your sense of adventure to learn or improve your skills.

• What: Pura Vida Adventures offers a week-long retreat that blends world-class surf instruction, daily yoga sessions, deluxe beachfront villa or bungalows, rich cultural experiences, local cuisine and a one-hour private massage into a revitalizing adventure you'll never forget. Pristine beaches, breathtaking sunsets and good friends. What more do you need for a "surf camp" bachelorette bash? Pricing starts at $2,095 per person and groups over six receive a discount of $100 each. NOTE: Shorter trips are also available with a three-night minimum.

• When: The "dry" season is December - April and the "green" season is May - November but it is warm year-round.
  

• Where: The surf camps are located in the scenic village of Malpais on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Fly into Tambor or take a shuttle bus from San Jose.

• Don't Miss: Check out the area's expansive rainforest and beautiful waterfalls.
  

• Good for the Guys? Yes. CO-ED weeks are also available from February - August making this a great option for a bachelor outing or an adventure packed honeymoon.

• Booking: For more information or to book contact Pura Vida Adventures.

For additional Costa Rica inspiration, check out this Daily Candy travel story.