Why deliberate silver and China settings for that beloved bride and groom when you can give them three trees to offset carbon emissions…or eight nights in a luxury suite in southern Thailand?
The travel company Send us Off does all the legwork, setting up registries for the couple’s family and friends. It is run by a pair of lovebirds – Native Aussie Daniel Russo and world traveler Joanna Cade – who met and were engaged in the far off land of Dallas, Texas.
They figured they were rich in their supply of material goods for the house, and chose instead to focus on travel as a way to celebrate their own marriage. Later, their business was born over a bottle of Australian wine. Talk about compatibility! They both like to drink wine, travel and brainstorm business ideas.
Among the thoughtful eco honeymoon packages devised is a trip to Koh Phi Phi and other islands ravaged by the Tsunami of 2004. The island off the coast of southern Thailand is described as the most exquisite place the travel guides have ever visited. The couple traveled there and helped a local group with a beach clean-up, paining and construction, while still enjoying “the ultimate in luxury and pampering.”
The travel registry takes the financial burden off the couple for paying for the vacation while letting them think of the gift giver while savoring those memories of rock climbing or sipping that drink on the beach.
Here is a sample of the registry:
| Gift Name | Number Registered | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Eco-Friendly | ||
| Purchase of three trees, which will be planted to help the environment absorb the carbon our airplane flights have emitted into the atmosphere | 3 | $120 |
| Activities | ||
| A romantic, lazy day on our beach after all the travel to get to Phi Phi with a simple lunch and a fancy dinner in town | 2 | $45 |
| 4 days of volunteer work for the Help Koh Phi Phi Association – includes lunch and dinner meals we will have these days | 8 | $50 |
| Rock climbing – one of our favorite activities – which we will reward ourselves with after our days of volunteer work | 2 | $40 |
| Day trip snorkeling in gorgeous coral bays of the area including a catered lunch on a private beach | 2 | $35 |
| A day hiking all over the island’s hills and beaches, followed by a sunset couples massage on our private beach in front of our villa and a private candle-lit dinner served on our patio overlooking the beach at night | 4 | $50 |
| A day shopping in Phuket’s markets before we go home | 4 | $80 |
| Travel and Accommodation | ||
| Flights to the island of Phuket in Southern Thailand | 32 | $75 |
| One night at the Banyan Tree Laguna Beach Resort and Spa when we arrive in Phuket and another night for our departure | 11 | $100 |
| Ferry there and back to Koh Phi Phi island | 4 | $15 |
| 8 nights in a luxury suite at the Zeavola Resort on Koh Phi Phi island where we will have our own traditional Thai teak villa on the beach with a private pool and patio | 80 | $80 |
Other trips are available to Europe, Africa and the Lapa Rios private nature reserve in Costa Rica – built on a large tract of rainforest to support eco tourism.
To register, simply go to the site and fill in the blanks to help the company package the ideal romantic eco trip you envision. Just remember to squeeze in time for things money can’t buy: hugs and kisses, little love notes and plenty of rest in bed.