Is the most popular choice the right choice for YOU?
With so many choices for Honeymoons these days, how do you know what is the right choice for you?
is it about the perfect sunset photo shoot on the perfect beach?
Caribbean? - Hawaii? - Mexico? - Florida? - South Pacific? - Europe?
There are many, many possibilities for destinations to choose from when you are thinking about your Honeymoon or Destination Wedding, and there are many factors to consider-
- How much time can you afford?
- What do you want to experience?
- How does budget play into it?
- Do you need a passport?
- What about safety?
- Resort - Tour or Cruise?
EZTravelPad can help you quickly narrow down your choices to the most suitable, and offer you expert advice as to what else you should be thinking about - after all, an expert knows more- right?
So what are the most popular choices for Honeymoons these days?
Well, in my experience the vast majority of couples that I talk to want to experience something unique- something that neither of them have experienced before so that they can make new memories together, and in general it is usually ranked something like this-
- Tropical - Romantic - Beach
- Cruise
- Close to home - a romantic Bed & Breakfast 2-8 hour drive from home
- Tour Europe
So let's look today at #1 - Tropical resort This can mean Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, South Pacific, somewhere even more exotic...
By far - about 80% of EZTravelPad clients choose either Caribbean or Mexico. Many people make their selection based on preconceived ideas about safety - affordability - beauty - status.
Obviously safety is a paramount concern. Nothing is more important to EZTravelPad - and all of our travel partners - than your safety! Many people see negative press about Mexico or specific Caribbean islands and rule them out. I am not here to change anyone's mind - I am here to help you make the best choice possible given your particular wants, needs and desires. I happen to love Mexico, and the value that it presents to the US traveler, so would urge you to consider it - or if not, then it's a really big world with plenty of other choices!
Budget & Value-
Sometimes price and value are confused. At EZtravelPad we always strive to acheive the maximum value for our clients. One of the best ways to acheive MAX value is by selecting an all-inclusive resort. Most all-inclusive resorts are located in-
- Cancun / Riviera Maya area of Mexico
- Jamaica
- Dominican Republic
At an all-inclusive resort (and there is a very wide variety ranging from budget to luxury) typically food and beverages plus entertainment and non-motorized water sports are included in the price.
Some resorts - such as Sandals Resorts also include motorized water sports such as water sking & scuba diving- even golf....unlimited! Sandals Resorts are very good and are located in Jamaica, Bahamas, St Lucia and Antigua
Palace Resorts are another great choice. Palace Resorts are located in Dominican Republic and throughout many areas of Mexico. Palace offers $1500 in resort credits that can be used for scuba, tours, spa, romantic dinners, golf & more. This is a great value and allows MAX flexibility & choice!
There are some other great choices as well...
BUT- all-inclusive resorts are not necessarily for everyone. If you are the type that wants to get out and experience the destination to it's fullest - meet the people - eat the food - live the culture, then an all inclusive resort experience is probably not the best choice. If you are the type who likes fine dining offering tremendous choice and is not afraid to pay for it, then a more "Americanized' resort may be your best option, and they exist EVERYWHERE.
You may be interested in a destination like Hawaii or South Pacific or Europe where all inclusive resorts simply do not exist - no worries, at EZTravelPad we are completely familiar with all types of EP resorts- from high-rise in Hawaii to private-island in French Polynesia. Consider this- will the OTA (online travel agency such as Expedia, Orbitz, etc) personally email the sales manager at the resort and let them know to expect you - and what to expect from you? Unlikely
Choice
So is your Honeymoon or Destination Wedding all about the beach?
the party?
the food?
the tranquility?
the adventure?
the spa?
the service?
the destination?
the room?
How you answer those questions plays a very important role in determining which will be your best choice, and it is very difficult (if not impossible) to make the right choice based on the price and photos you find on the internet.
Adults Only vs Family Friendly
Often times Honeymoon couples want their Honeymoon experience to take place at an adults only resort. There are great options here, and again, Sandals leaps to mind as they are exclusively for adult couples only. Honeymoon couples make up the majority of guests at a Sandals Resort. Sometimes, particularly if a Destination Wedding involves children, then the adults only aspect is not possible. in that case there are still many, many choices- but I want to suggest that a primary concern at that point should be service - you want your most important vacation to go flawlessly and a more service oriented (and often higher end) resort may be the best choice.
How Can You Make The Most Informed Decision?
Here is the best advice you will receive- work with a travel professional....especially a travel pro that specializes in Romance Travel. In most cases the cost will be the same as you would achieve doing things yourself on the internet or going directly to the resort/airline/cruiseline....plus you will most certainly experience a higher grade of service and impartial advice to help you make the best choice.
Experience
Experience can mean many things. Is someone who has worked behind a desk for 20+ years your best source for feedback? Is your cousin, who went to Jamaica on her Honeymoon the best source for info? My belief is that experience is best when it's broad, and part of that broad base of experience is only achived by getting out and seeing - getting out and experiencing destinations and resort brands first hand - on the ground.
I have personally spent 33 days out of country this year alone- in 5 different countries - 8 different islands - visiting well over 60 different resorts, all in an effort to help my clients make the best choice possible when it comes to THEIR most important vacation. It's hard work, but it is so rewarding!
At EZTravelPad we work with select wholesale vacation packagers - and directly with resorts to insure that you achieve the best possible value AND service. Work with a travel pro that you trust, that knows the destinations, and that understands what it is that you are trying to experience. At EZTravelPad we like to think of ourselves as "Your friends....in the travel business" - so when it's time to make your plans make the call or send the email - you'll be glad that you did.
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