A number of new ideas have surfaced in honeymoon travel trends. Whether it’s creating a honeymoon travel registry or going green on a getaway trip, e-tools and travel agents can assure the trip of a lifetime.
Register for honeymoon travel
Knowing that the honeymoon is destined to become a treasured travel experience, many couples register for gifts of travel instead of toasters and flatware, receiving hotel nights or excursions rather than crock-pots or towels. The vacation of a lifetime can be much more affordable using available registry options.
Many of today’s honeymooners already have established homes stocked with most of what they need to begin a life together. The current trend is to develop a wedding Web site attached to a registry where friends and family can visit to discover the couple’s honeymoon travel plans and give the gift of travel. Options include local excursions, bottles of champagne, romantic dinners or spa treatments. Flat rates are also available for purchase to offset the honeymoon’s air, car and hotel costs.
Many travel agencies include a registry option on their Web sites, which operates as a funds bank that only the couple can access. They can direct the use of the funds through PayPal into their personal bank accounts. When they receive a gift of travel, they will be notified by e-mail so they know whom to thank. They can subsequently forward the money to the travel agent or supplier.
Plan a green vacation
Looking to waste less wrapping paper and ribbon? Another trend is to organize a green vacation.
Many people are eco-conscious and want to make as little impact on the environment as possible, even when planning a honeymoon. Eco-friendly travel – also referred to as ecotourism, ecotravel or green travel – is tourism that promotes a sustainable environment. By its nature, travel is an opportunity for people to experience the environment, but those same travelers may also pose a threat to it.
Ecotourism can help preserve the environment while supporting the local economy. By visiting healthy ecosystems, tourists offer a powerful incentive to countries to conserve and protect biodiversity that attracts visitors.
For resources and more information, visit www.sendusoff.com/ecofriendly.htm.
Take a cruise
A cruise provides the backdrop for a memorable and cost-effective honeymoon. If your heart is set on the romantic destinations of Europe, such a trip can be much more affordable if your stateroom, meals and entertainment are all prepaid and provided on the ship.
It’s obviously much more convenient to unpack once and disembark every day or two to visit sites as the ship travels from port to port.
Cruise lines offer shipboard credit for sale to well-wishers wanting to ensure that the bridal couple avoids a large balance due at the end of the honeymoon. Shipboard credit can be purchased to cover all costs, from spa treatments to shore excursions, beverages and shopping in the boutiques.
Travel agents have access to the best cruise deals that include outstanding upgrades and amenities for honeymooners.
Book a honeymoon
Get acquainted with travel options by visiting the Web site of your local travel agency. Many have affiliate booking options, so if you know what you want, you can book it and rest assured that your travel agent will handle changes or unforeseen problems.
Visit blogs that offer insights and testimonials on hotels or destinations. It’s valuable to learn if other honeymooners enjoyed their trips to places you hope to visit.
TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.com) is a useful tool for both agents and travelers. Travelers who have recently experienced your dream destination update the site constantly. Many attach YouTube mini-travelogue videos so that you can actually preview your spot before booking.
It could also be helpful to shout out to friends on Facebook – you may discover someone who can offer rare insight on what to pack or where to dine, as well as view pictures posted on their pages to whet your appetite.
Some honeymooners may be happy lazing on the beach, while others want to explore shops and museums. Whatever your ideal honeymoon may be, use informative e-tools to establish a registry before you send out save-the-date notices, knowing that your travel agent is there to make your dream trip a reality.
Shannon Murphy is controller at All Horizons Travel, 160 Main St. in Los Altos. For more information, call 941-5810.
