The holidays are a popular time for couples to get engaged-my son and his longtime girlfriend were one such couple over Thanksgiving-and it suddenly puts planning a wedding and a honeymoon on the to-do list.
Where you go on your honeymoon is a personal decision that fits the needs and wants of the happily married couple as well as their budget. There are so many destinations that a couple can consider when planning their honeymoon, so how do you choose?
From a private beach honeymoon to an active adventure, what is trending for the upcoming year? It all depends on which travel agent you ask.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Honeymoons
"I've seen a lot of clients searching for off-the-beaten-path locations," said Katiana Jolimeau of Trips Travel Agency in Virginia. "While I do have honeymoon couples that have done the all-inclusive honeymoon in Cancun, many want to tour Thailand, Kenya and Mozambique and venture off on a safari in South Africa."
With the Caribbean accounting for more than 50 percent of their honeymoon bookings-particularly Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and St. Lucia-Megan Velez of Destination Weddings Travel Group in Wayland, Massachusetts, said that couples are looking for the ultimate romantic resort getaway:
"We'll see an increase in exclusive honeymoon packages at adult-only locations that cater to things like candlelight dinners on the beach, beachside couple massages, champagne and rose petal turndown service and private balconies, etc."
Double Honeymoons
According to Velez, multi-destination honeymoons are also on the rise, which is easy for a destination wedding couples to take advantage of.
"They can get married in Punta Cana before jetting off to Jamaica for a honeymoon away from their guests," she said. "Or say 'I do' at one property and then enjoy a private vacation at a sister property in the same location for a change of scenery."
Immersion Honeymoons
Couples are also hoping to get off the beach and become more immersed in the culture of their chosen destination.
"They still want a luxurious and fun resort to return to, but there needs to be more beyond the resort," said Tom Karnes of LovinAway in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
With destination weddings remaining a hot trend for the upcoming year, honeymooning can often turn into a group event.
"Many couples are choosing to stay at their wedding resort and enjoy the first few days of newlywed bliss with their closest friends and family," said Gilbert.
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