There’s no shortage of options for honeymoon travel – Galesburg Register
GALESBURG — What’s your travel style: lounging on a warm, sunny beach or exploring a new city? Perhaps you’re an outdoorsy type who wants to hike in the mountains?
Travel agents send clients to all corners of the world, and honeymoons are no exception.
“Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Cancun tend to be the top three. They offer deluxe all-inclusive resorts — that means all meals, beverages and non-motorized water sports are included,” said Kari Painter, owner and travel agent at Far Near Travel in Monmouth.
All-inclusive trips also are popular at Always Travel in Galesburg.
“A lot of people do Apple Vacations because they’re all-inclusive, and some even do destination weddings,” said owner and travel agent Becky Patterson.
Italy, Greece, Las Vegas, Hawaii and Disney vacations are always a big hit, she added.
“With Hawaii, a lot of people go just to Oahu and some go to Maui. It depends on what you want to do,” she said.
Looking for a more out-of-the-box honeymoon?
“One of my favorites is Costa Rica,” Patterson said. “It’s a beautiful country and there are more all-inclusives there now. It’s also an eco-friendly destination.”
Some of Patterson’s clients have traveled to Ireland for bed-and-breakfasts and self-driving tours, while others have ventured off the beaten path to Asia.
Are you looking for a big-city experience? Painter said she sends plenty of couples to Paris, Rome and London. She also recently sent a couple to Germany, where they started in a city and ventured off to different areas to explore their heritage.
For the big kids at heart, Painter said Disney is a fun spot for honeymoons, especially when it comes to deluxe dining and upscale wine selections.
Can’t pick just one spot? Cruises take you to several places in one trip, with the added bonus of all-inclusive meals, Patterson said.
“You go to all these destinations, and if there’s something you like, you can go back to it later for an anniversary,” she suggested.
For couples lacking the time, or money, to plan an international trip, there are plenty of places to see right here in the United States. In Florida, there’s Tampa, St. Petersburg, Fort Myers and the Keys, or for something closer to home, Nashville and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, are beautiful areas, said Patterson, who hails from that state. There’s also California Wine Country or New York City, she said.
Patterson and Painter advise couples to start planning their honeymoon nine months to a year in advance.
“It never hurts to start planning a year out at least,” Painter said. “Just because you start then doesn’t mean you have to book then. But it gives you time to price various different destinations, and to study the destinations your travel agent recommends.”
Planning early also is a smart financial decision.
“The sooner you know, the better you are to find deals when they’re available,” Patterson said.
Added Painter, “If you do end up booking 10 or 11 months in advance, we don’t need all the payment upfront. Usually companies require a deposit that will vary in price, with the remaining balance due 60 to 45 days prior to travel.” So, she explained, booking ahead means you’re “locked in and worry-free about getting something available, and you can make payments.”
Far Near Travel and Always Travel both offer gift certificates and honeymoon registries — an ideal gift for those couples who already have all the flatware and fine crystal they need.
Robyn Gautschy: (309) 343-7181, ext. 265; rgautschy@register-mail.com
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