Advice from travel advisor, Leslie Bryant.
Travel is Leslie Bryant’s passion, and she prides herself on creating amazing travel experiences, journeys, and lasting memories for her clients no matter where their travels may take them. Designing and crafting honeymoon memories is an important part of Leslie’s business.
She has nearly 25 years of experience in the travel industry and has been traveling and exploring the world since then, bringing the knowledge gained on her journeys home to share with her clients. Leslie has created relationships with industry professionals throughout the world, and with these connections and her experience, she is able to take vacation dreams and turn them into reality, creating truly extraordinary trips.
What’s the best advice about honeymoon planning for a bride-to-be?
Your honeymoon is as important as your wedding. It’s the beginning of your life together and the start of many, many memories and shared experiences. Plan your honeymoon in advance—at least six months—for best pricing and availability. Start a discussion about the destinations you might want to visit, what you want to do, and how much time you have. Set your budget, and then contact your travel advisor.
How can the services of a good travel agent help?
An experienced travel advisor can set your mind at ease by offering personalized travel planning, value for your dollar, VIP treatment, and more. The Internet is a good source for research, but it can be extremely overwhelming and misleading with all the information and choices that are available. An advisor will assist you in cutting through all the clutter and will maximize the value of any trip through his or her connections and knowledge. You want your honeymoon to be perfect, and relying on pictures from the Internet compared to relying on a professional, who has firsthand knowledge of a destination and hotel, can make a world of difference. You do not want any surprises when you arrive at your destination.
When you collaborate with a professional travel advisor, he or she will draw upon firsthand experience to craft the perfect honeymoon based on your interests, passions, needs, and budget. As a travel advisor within the Virtuoso network, I am able to use my personal connections and relationships to get my clients special amenities and upgrades, as well as exclusive access to private tours, events, and more— all at the best value for your dollar. The global expertise I’ve developed through personal and business travels and the connections I have throughout the world offer my clients extraordinary experiences with once in a lifetime moments and memories.
What are the key things to consider when planning your honeymoon?
If you’re planning a big wedding, take into consideration the type of honeymoon experience you will enjoy directly following your special day. I most often find my honeymooners want to relax, and they find that an exotic beach destination is the best fit for that goal. If you’re active and are feeling a bit more adventurous and ambitious, other destinations may suit your desires. If you’re undecided on your destination, this is where a travel advisor can assist you to choose the best options based on your criteria and ultimate needs.
What are the most common honeymoon-planning challenges?
Finding the time to plan your honeymoon with all that wedding planning in front of you can be overwhelming. This is where your travel advisor can give you the peace of mind you need, saving you time, finding the best value, and designing a honeymoon based on your criteria. Once the initial planning has begun, you can relax and enjoy knowing that your advisor specializes in worldclass customer service, with 24/7 availability before, during, and after
your honeymoon!
What are the hottest destinations and/or types of honeymoons you’re seeing right now?
Exotic island destinations such as Tahiti, Fiji, and Thailand for their amazing beaches, private island experiences, and unique accommodations such as overwater bungalows and bures seem to be the most popular right now.
Soft adventure honeymoons have remained strong on the radar, especially to destinations such as Africa, Peru, New Zealand, and Costa Rica. For those not wanting to travel as far, U.S. and Canada–based honeymoons such as Montana and British Columbia offer “glamping” experiences and majestic natural beauty. Lastly, I’m also seeing a resurgence in cultural and historical destinations in Europe.
How to Agree on a Destination
Your honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the destination you
choose should be well-thought-out and, of course, agreed upon. He may want a honeymoon full of activity and adventure, but she may be thinking of relaxation on the beach and spa time. Try to compromise, and choose a destination that will allow you to relax and regenerate for a few days after the wedding—because you will be exhausted! Then, seek your activity, touring, and adventure (after
some quiet time together). Think of your favorite things to do together
and places you’d like to explore that will include something you will each enjoy. You want your honeymoon to be romantic, special, and fun—as this is truly a new beginning for the two of you in your journey through life together.