Finding Your Perfect Destination

When it comes to booking your all-important honeymoon, the advantages of working with a travel agent are infinite! If you haven’t nailed down a destination, an agent can help you pinpoint a locale based on your interests and budget. Plus, agents can offer deals you might not find on your own. After all, it’s their job to correspond with tour operators, be aware of promotions and do the research you’d be doing if only you had the time.

Buying airline tickets or surfing for vacation packages online may suit the Internet-savvy consumer in you. Yet even the convenience of cyber-shopping can’t compare to the peace of mind that comes from talking to an experienced professional. They’re also your saviors when travel plans go awry.

You might want to forego the initial attraction of low-cost honeymoon planning that permeates throughout the Internet. What sounds like a terrific bargain at a luxurious resort usually ends up being far more expensive due to hidden fees, taxes and charges that these websites fail to mention upfront. Full service travel agencies, on the other hand, do not charge extra fees for their time, expertise and, more importantly, their vast knowledge of locations around the world. Remember: The price a travel agency quotes is typically the full price you will pay, without any surprises.

Before you and your fiancé meet with an established travel agent, decide what type of trip you’re interested in and approximately what you want to spend. The more specific your destination and activity wish list, the less time you’ll waste on dreams that are beyond your budget.

Don’t forget to ask your agent about the nitty-gritty details of your trip, including airport connections, bus and taxi services, tipping, foreign currency conversion, and safety concerns such as government-issued travel advisories and warnings. Most importantly, get a phone number that you can use for after-hours emergencies (at the airport the morning after your wedding, for instance) and on your trip (preferably toll-free or collect if calling from outside the country).

Because there are no dress rehearsals for honeymoons, view your travel agent as you would any other wedding professional. Look for an agent who seems knowledgeable about properties and destinations around the world – not just a few regions.