Honeymoon Travel Trends on the Today Show

July 9, 2009 by Jeanne

Many people choose to get married in the summer months so it’s not surprising that the Today show did a segment on honeymoon travel trends. I was expecting the focus to be on inexpensive trip ideas but the travel expert said that newlyweds haven’t been cutting back on their vacation plans. Fortunately, some good “value” plans were mentioned. Here are some useful details from the segment:

Destination weddings are very popular. At the Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort in Rose Hall, Jamaica you can get your wedding and honeymoon combined. For just $259/night, your package will include the ceremony, flowers, accommodations and officiator! That’s incredible but you haven’t heard the best thing yet! You will also get a complimentary three-night stay to celebrate your first anniversary! It’s really an incredible deal!
Giving back – ecologically-conscious newlyweds can go to the Tortuga Bay Hotel in Punta Cana and work with marine biologists and wildlife biologists to help the environment while they enjoy their honeymoon. The fourth night is free so the rate ends up being $435/night.
Extended honeymoons – while couples used to typically go away for 5-7 days, the trend now is to vacation for 10-12 days. Taking a South American cruise can be a great way to take a longer break without having to stay in one place or spend a lot of money. Oceania Cruises is offering two-for-one deals, $1000 off and free roundtrip airfare. It comes out to less than $200 per person per day.
Finding more value – In Mexico, The Tides Riviera Maya offers two night’s accommodation for the price of one and, for $300/night, it includes breakfast. In Florida, for less than $75/night, you can stay at the Naples Grande Beach Resort, which is a beachfront Waldorf Astoria property.