Nearly 3 miles long and 300 feet wide, gold-sand Papohaku Beach is one of the biggest in Hawaii (17-mile-long Polihale Beach on Kauai is the biggest). It's great for walking, beachcombing, picnics, and sunset watching year-round. The big surf and rip tides make swimming risky except in summer, when the waters are calmer. Go early in the day when the tropic sun is less fierce and the winds are calm. The beach is so big that you may never see another soul except at sunset, when a few people gather on the shore in hopes of spotting the elusive green flash, a natural wonder that takes place when the horizon is cloud-free.

The beach cove that fronts the Kapalua Bay hotel is the stuff of dreams: a golden crescent bordered by two palm-studded points. The sandy bottom slopes gently to deep water at the bay mouth; the water is so clear that you can see where the gold sands turn to green and then deep blue. Protected from strong winds and currents by the lava-rock promontories, Kapalua's calm waters are great for snorkelers and swimmers of all ages and abilities, and the bay is big enough to paddle a kayak around without getting into the more challenging channel that separates Maui from Molokai. Waves come in just right for riding. Fish hang out by the rocks, making it great for snorkeling.

Just off Queen Kaahumanu Highway, south of the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, lies this crescent of gold sand -- big, wide, and 1/2 mile long. In summer, when the beach is widest, the ocean calmest, and the crowds biggest, this is the island's best beach for swimming, snorkeling, and bodysurfing. But beware of Hapuna in winter, when its thundering waves, strong rip currents, and lack of lifeguards can be dangerous. Facilities include A-frame cabins for camping, pavilions, restrooms, showers, and plenty of parking.

One of Hawaii's best spots for swimming, gold-sand Lanikai's crystal-clear lagoon is like a giant saltwater swimming pool that you're lucky enough to be able to share with the resident tropical fish and sea turtles. Too gorgeous to be real, this is one of Hawaii's postcard-perfect beaches: It's a mile long and thin in places, but the sand's as soft as talcum powder. Prevailing onshore trade winds make this an excellent place for sailing and windsurfing. Kayakers often paddle out to the two tiny offshore Mokulua islands, which are seabird sanctuaries. Because Lanikai is in a residential neighborhood, it's less crowded than other Oahu beaches; it's the perfect place to enjoy a quiet day. Sun worshipers should arrive in the morning, though, as the Koolau Range blocks the afternoon rays.

It might be notorious for its late-night party scene, swanky beach hotels with steeply priced drinks and the beachgoers who wear barely-there $300 swimsuits, but vacationing Miami-style doesn't have to cost a fortune.

From $3 beers to staying at a hostel for $34 a night to $7 bike rides along the Florida Everglades, visitors looking for deals have lots of options in the area.

Lodging

If you're adventurous and on a tight budget, consider staying in a hostel. Rooms can house anywhere between three and 14 travelers, sleeping on bunk beds, from $18 a night per person to about $40, depending on season and room size. Hostels in Miami Beach include Tropics Hotel & Hostel, 1550 Collins Ave., http://www.tropicshotel.com, Jazz on South Beach Hostel, 321 Collins Ave., http://www.jazzhostels.com/ and South Beach Hostel, 235 Washington Ave., http://www.thesouthbeachhostel.com.

For more conventional lodging, research your hotel at the one-stop shopping Web site http://www.miamihotels.com. Book a room while looking for nearby attractions, beaches and events.

Miami Beach

The Lincoln Road pedestrian mall is perfect for strolls and people-watching. You'll find dozens of restaurants and shops, along with locals walking dogs or weaving through the crowds on roller blades.

For a quick bite, check out Pizza Rustica (667 Lincoln Road, other locations on Washington Avenue), where you can get a huge slice of gourmet pizza for about $5. This is also a great spot for club-goers looking for something to fill their stomachs after a few drinks since it's open from 11 a.m. until 3 or 4 a.m.

At 625 Lincoln Road is a hidden gem popular with the locals. Snuggled between two stores is the narrow, tiny bar called Zeke's Roadhouse, which boasts over 80 bottled beers and drafts from around the world -- each just $3. No hard alcohol is sold here, and no outside food or drinks are allowed on the premises. Keep your ID handy since bartenders check it with each purchase. No ID, no beer. If you prefer to spend your time on the sand, the beach is walking distance (and free, unless you rent the pricey beach chairs). On your stroll, check out the Art Deco architecture and ritzy hotels. Or snap some pictures at the Casa Casuarina mansion where fashion designer Gianni Versace once lived, now a luxury hotel at 1116 Ocean Drive.

A drink at a trendy hotel bar on the beach -- the Delano, Setai, Shore Club, Gansevoort -- can cost up to $15, but you might just run into a celebrity. Owen Wilson was spotted at the Delano while filming "Marley & Me" with Jennifer Aniston. She reportedly spent time at the Mandarin Oriental.

Many restaurants in South Beach and other touristy areas automatically add a tip (usually 15-18 percent) to the bill.

Art

The Miami Art Museum -- 101 W. Flagler St., http://www.miamiartmuseum.org/ -- has a unique collection of different cultural traditions of South Florida. Adults pay $8, seniors $4, free for children under 12 and students with ID; free to all on the second Saturday of each month. Also on second Saturdays, local galleries and studios in the Wynwood Art District offer free wine (or beer) on a gallery walk, 7-10 p.m. The Wynwood galleries are open other days as well.

A short cab ride away, in the heart of Miami about a mile from downtown, is Vizcaya Museum & Gardens -- 3251 S. Miami Ave., http://www.vizcayamuseum.com/ -- built by agricultural industrialist James Deering in 1916. The landmark property includes a main house filled with treasures from around the world, a walkway lined with fountains and foliage, 10 acres of formal gardens and a hardwood hammock overlooking Biscayne Bay. Admission for adults is $12; children 6-12, $5; ages 5 and younger free.

Not far, in the Miami suburb of Coral Gables, is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden -- 10901 Old Cutler Road, http://www.fairchildgarden.org/ -- with an extensive collection of rare tropical plants. Stop by its verandah restaurant or garden cafe, or spend the afternoon drinking tea here. Adults pay $20; seniors $15; children 6-17, $10. Admission is pay as you wish on the first Wednesday of each month (next two, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3).

Entertainment and Food

Transit Lounge in the downtown area -- 729 SW First Ave., http://www.transitlounge.us -- hosts several local bands during the week that play Latin and funk music. A drink is around $6; open late (5 a.m.). If you get tired of dancing, sit along the walls adorned with paintings done by local artists and play that favorite game from childhood, Connect Four.

Calle Ocho, or Eighth Street, hosts Viernes Culturales or Cultural Fridays the last Friday of every month. The art and street festival spans four blocks lined with more than a dozen galleries, restaurants blasting Latin music and cigar shops -- some offering free drinks and appetizers. Stages are set up for live music. Organizers say the Latin festival attracts over 10,000 people to the heart of Little Havana. Dancing and cigar smoking is encouraged.

While on Calle Ocho, don't miss the Cuban food and coffee at Little Havana's famed Versailles Restaurant, 3555 SW Eighth St., a required stop for vote-seeking politicians -- including, most recently, Republican presidential contenders Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee.

Nature

The best way to see South Florida's alligator-infested waters is riding an airboat through the Everglades. Everglades Alligator Farm is about 35 miles south of Miami in Homestead, http://www.everglades.com, while Everglades Safari Park is about 15 miles west on the Tamiami Trail, http://www.evsafaripark.com/. Both places offer a chance to experience Florida's river of grass up close. You can even take a picture holding a baby alligator or watch an alligator show. The adventure, airboat and all, costs about $23 for adults, $15 or less for children. Both Web sites offer printable discount coupons.

Also in Homestead, Shark Valley Tram Tours -- http://www.sharkvalleytramtours.com/ -- rents bikes for $6.50 an hour. A 15-mile nature trail through the northern region of Everglades National Park takes two to three hours. If you'd rather rest your feet, a two-hour guided tram ride with wildlife viewing and a stop at the Shark Valley observation tower for a panoramic view of the Everglades costs $15.25 ($9.25 for ages 3-12). (Access to Shark Valley was limited in early October due to flooding, with tram tours suspended and bike routes limited, so check on conditions before you plan a trip there.)

The fee for car entry to Everglades National Park is $10, good for seven consecutive days, or $5 per person on foot, bike or motorcycle; http://www.nps.gov/ever/.

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Transportation

Miami lacks comprehensive public transportation, but there are economical ways to get around. You can't miss the big blue Super Shuttle vans from the airport to the beach and Miami hotels, $20 plus tip. The Tri-Rail is a convenient, affordable way to navigate the region, with stops including area airports, Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. One-way fares are $2-$5.50, all-day $4 weekend fare.

Taxis are widely available if you prefer not to rent a car. A ride from the airport to the beach can cost about $30-35.

All you need is love to tie the knot in Las Vegas. Well, you also need $55, valid identification and a social security number to get the license. But in comparison to a number of destination wedding laws, Las Vegas is pretty straight forward. There are no waiting periods or blood tests required. And ceremonies can cost as much, or as little, as couples want. Las Vegas also has virtually everything you need for your wedding, even if you feel like a traditional wedding. There are so many chapels to choose, and from wedding rings to wedding dress, there are a number of one stop wedding centers, both on and off the strip.

Have you considered exchanging vows dressed in renaissance costumes? What about a Star Trek wedding aboard the USS Enterprise? Las Vegas wedding venues range. Choosing where to hold your Las Vegas destination wedding can be a difficult decision thanks to the many types and styles of wedding ceremony available. Many chapels and hotel casinos offer a variety of ceremony themes. From a drive-through chapel on the Las Vegas Strip, to ceremonies presided over by an Elvis impersonator, to upscale affairs, Las Vegas has you covered.

These wedding chapels also have experienced and professional staff members to help make everything go smoothly and according to your wishes. For your convenience, most wedding chapels offer a variety of packages, from very simple to very elaborate. Contrary to popular belief, many people put as much effort into planning their Las Vegas destination wedding as they would if they were having it back home. Las Vegas resorts are providing some spectacular traditional weddings that can seat parties of 300 of the bride and groom's friends and family. With its endless entertainment possibilities, couples considering a Las Vegas destination wedding certainly don't have to worry about keeping friends and family busy!

Just be sure to get to the Clark County Marriage License Bureau beforehand. You must gain an official marriage license before going forward with your Las Vegas destination wedding plans. You must have this document before any legal ceremony can be performed. And with so many venue choices and entertainment options, it's no wonder Las Vegas has been one of the world's most popular destinations for weddings for more than 50 years. Last year alone, the Marriage Bureau here issued more than 122,000 licenses.

Las Vegas is local enough that you can invite a few guests, yet far enough away to transport you to another world for your big day. There's no question that the Las Vegas wedding is an integral part of the popular culture. Everyone has a Vegas wedding story, it seems, and everyone knows the long list of celebrities who have been married here, from Michael Jordan to Elvis to Britney Spears. So make your own mark on this town, and plan your Las Vegas destination wedding today!

Imagine yourself exchanging vows barefoot on the sand. Smell the white orchids of your bridesmaids' bouquets. The orange glow of a luxurious Hawaiian sunset streaks the horizon as your family and friends gather to celebrate your new beginning. Hawaii is a beautiful place, and a marriage here is an ideal way for a couple to start life together. Whether you’re a first time visitor to the Islands, or a seasoned Hawaiian enthusiast, you and your beloved are now wishing to celebrate a most cherished moment in paradise. Whoever you are, AMT American Express Wedding Division is ready and willing to service all you Hawaiian destination wedding travel needs. Our goal is to make your wedding day as free from worry as possible. Aloha and best wishes!

Now imagine a place dedicated to making your wedding day the incredible event you've always envisioned. Choose from ceremony and reception sites ranging from quiet beach fronts to lavish resort ballrooms in Hawaii. Leave the details to AMT-American Express Wedding Division, who will guide you in everything from luxury guest accommodations to combining your wedding package with your honeymoon package.

As for after the ceremony, what more can we say about one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world? You'll just have to experience it together.

But remember, for any person to lawfully marry in the State of Hawaii, a license for that purpose must be obtained from an authorized agent. Once the license has been issued, there is no waiting period before the marriage can take place. American Express Vacations makes it a point to remind their clients that marriage licenses and marriage certificates are different documents. The marriage license permits a marriage to take place. The marriage certificate indicates that a legal marriage has been performed.

The marriage certificate is prepared and filed by your licensed marriage officiant or performer with the Department of Health. A newly married couple receives one (1) certified copy of the marriage certificate at no extra charge, upon payment of the marriage license fee, which will be sent to the couple by mail (60-120 days) after the marriage has been performed. If a marriage certificate is needed sooner than this, you can apply for one or more additional certified copies.

With all the small details, it’s important to use American Express Travel to arrange the perfect luxury Hawaii destination wedding for you and the one you love. By organizing all the details to go through one agency, you can get the added benefit of group rates, special honeymoon amenities and you and your party are the first to receive complimentary upgrades.