Couples can wed with a destination wedding, such as at this chapel at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort in Fiji. (Photos by Eric Slatkin)
It’s difficult enough to pick the date and choose the ring. Nobody needs the added stress of deciding where to go for a perfect honeymoon. So why not call a travel agent?
“We’re definitely pretty knowledgeable because we deal with so many people each day and we know the questions to ask,” Eric Slatkin, travel agent for AAA Pasadena said.
Your agent should start by asking what you want to get out of your trip; are you seeking adventure, do you like nightlife or would you prefer quiet time together? He or she should also ask what kind of accommodations you like, from simple to luxurious.
Tropical and romantic? Hawaii and Tahiti are the most popular places to go, and they also are the best spots year round. Tahiti is so well known as a honeymoon location that Slatkin advises prospective vacationers that it’s a couples’ place.
Other hot spots include Fiji and the Caribbean.
Mexico, Cancun and Las Vegas are good choices for couples on a budget. Vegas is perhaps the most popular because you can have the wedding there and take side trips out from the city. Other places to consider are San Francisco and New York City.
When the tide goes out to reveal the “sand spit” in Fiji, the Royal Davui Island Resort boats honeymooners to the spot for lunch and leaves them there to relax for 2-3 hours.
The cost of a honeymoon can vary depending on how long you plan to stay and how posh you want to go. Typically, though, couples should plan for a minimum of $1,500-$2,000 for a three to four night getaway, Slatkin said. Cancun would be around $2,500 per week, while Hawaii costs between $2,500-$3,500. A trip to Tahiti can range from $4,000-$12,000, but you can comfortably enjoy six to seven nights there for as little as $5,000.
If you have a little more money to spend, Slatkin suggests that you consider a Mediterranean cruise or a visit to Paris, Greece or Italy.
Destination weddings are a good way to plan your event and vacation with little hassle. They include the wedding ceremony, reception and honeymoon in one locale, plus your wedding party and guests can also enjoy a vacation. Sandals resort in the Caribbean is the most popular place for a destination wedding, followed by Tahiti.
Some honeymooners like to go on unusual outings, such as the Galapagos Islands. Recently, Slatkin helped a couple book a trip that included nights in Buenos Aires, Santiago and Ushuaia, from which they took a four-night cruise around Cape Horn and the Antarctic region.
Slatkin’s favorite vacation site is Fiji.
“I love the culture, I love the people, I love the waters of Fiji,” Slatkin said. “You can get away and feel like you’re totally away. It’s such a fantastic destination to go to. You’re practically going to the other side of the world.”
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www.aaa-calif.com.
– Michelle J. Mills
