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Virtuoso® has provided honeymoons of a lifetime for the lucky
couples who share their nuptials with America through ‘TODAY Throws
A Wedding.’ Our honeymoon specialists can
save you time, keep you on budget and get you the best value for
your hard-earned dollar.
"We Orchestrate Dreams"
Step into a marriage with a perfectly tailored honeymoon that will
set the tone for exploring the world together as a couple. Blaine
Travel's honeymoon specialists take this job seriously, we want you
to have the time of your life! And, we bring you a wedding gift as
well . . . each of our Virtuoso honeymoon offerings include
something special like extra free nights, guaranteed upgrades,
limousine transfers, full-day shore excursions, shipboard credits,
spa treatments or bar privileges with our compliments.
Virtuoso’s Top Honeymoons fit a wide span of budgets
and personal styles. Those looking for adventure can choose from
exploring ancient temples, rafting through white-water rapids,
touring by helicopter, paragliding, horseback riding, or snorkeling
with sharks and rays. Those seeking romance and magic may choose a
private candlelit dinner on a beach, their own private pool, an
overnight sailing on a luxurious junk, or even the magic of Disney.
If pampering is key, almost all of the honeymoons include the
ultimate in luxury, from couples massages and limousine transfers to
breakfasts delivered by canoe and extraordinary accommodations with
breathtaking views. And for those wanting to be on the move, a
selection of luxury cruises and multiple-destination offers are
perfect for those with wanderlust.
As a Virtuoso honeymoon travel
specialist we have weighed in on the top trends -- how and where
newlyweds are traveling.
1. Recession-Resistant
Honeymoons are the one of the strongest travel categories. Saying
anything is recession-proof is a bold statement these days, but all
indications show that brides and grooms are willing to make
concessions on other parts of their wedding – maybe a less expensive
dress, a DJ rather than a band – but they won’t skimp on their
honeymoon because of the memories that come with it. And the
mentality is that they can spend it now, and make the money back
later – so newlyweds are still spending.
2. Destination Weddings
JAMAICA – Also a great value destination, according to our
experts, and also represents a trend we’re seeing – the rise of the
destination wedding. Combining a wedding and honeymoon, cuts down on
the individual expenses of each and provides the wedding experience
of a lifetime while not draining your bank account. One of the
best values going… The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall,
Jamaica
3. Giving Back
Newlyweds want to share their happiness by making sure they do
something good for the areas where they’re honeymooning. Whether
it’s supporting the environment or local communities, travels want
to have a positive impact on the areas they visit.
An example:
Tortuga Bay Hotel, Punta Cana – Dominican Republic, which is also a
great value destination according to our network –Recently awarded
the “Tourism for Tomorrow” award by the World Travel & Tourism
Council for their ecological programs, this resort is setting an
example throughout the Caribbean to preserve its environment. Their
exclusive 15 villas offer butler service, interiors designed by
Oscar de la Renta, 5 miles of white-sand beaches, use of a private
golf cart, and still it’s the right thing to do!
Volunteer with wildlife biologists in monitoring the highly
endangered Ridgeway’s Hawk, which has recently been reintroduced in
Punta Cana – track the hawks using radio collars, document feeding
habits and feed the hawks.
July – December
Volunteer with marine biologists in the Coral Gardens project. Coral
Gardens consists of rescuing pieces of endangered Staghorn and
Elkhorn corals that have fallen off reefs and attaching them to
metal frames in selected grow-out sites. Volunteers work to collect
and attach corals to the racks, clean algae and fire worms off of
racks, and in certain seasons trim corals and replant them onto the
reef.
September – May
Plant a tree, come back every anniversary to see how it’s
progressing; come back with your family and plant another tree as a
family project.
4. Longer Honeymoons
New trends include taking longer honeymoons. Whereas the typical
honeymoon used to be 5-7 days, we’re now seeing couples travel for
10-12 days. Again, honeymoons are proving one of the most important
elements of the wedding. Cruises also hit on another trend we’re
seeing – the desire for all-inclusives. Not only can you control
your budget, but you don’t even have to carry a wallet!
5. Value!
Tightening your belt does not mean compromising your dream
honeymoon. In fact, there’s no better time to plan a honeymoon
because of all the value you can find.
Best Ultimate Value – MEXICO
Always a honeymoon favorite, it now offers some of the best pricing
you can find. Take advantage of the fabulous beaches, unparalleled
warmth and culture, and the exceptional values.
FLORIDA
Those wanting to stay a little closer to home, look no further than
sunny Naples. Florida came in at the number 5 value destination for
good reason. Home to some of the country’s most beautiful resorts,
those on a budget will have an elegant honeymoon that won’t break
the bank!
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