Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 12, 1995 TAG: 9502100022
SECTION: YOUR WEDDING PAGE: 22 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Grenada is turning into a major honeymoon destination, said Mary Lynne Conner of Rainbow Tour and Travel Inc.
What's the attraction?
"It's warm," Conner said. Located just north of Venezuela, Grenada has fine hotels, 45 different beaches and reasonable rates.
In fact, whether it's Jamaica, the Bahamas, Virgin Islands or Mexico's Gulf Coast, the Caribbean seems to be the first choice among overseas destinations for Roanoke-area honeymooners.
Apparently, most newlyweds want to leave the mainland far behind. In fact, the most popular domestic destination is Hawaii, and many travel agencies offer special Hawaiian packages.
The tropical weather and the sandy beaches "spell out 'romantic'," Conner said.
Hawaii is the first destination many customers ask about, agreed Whitney Conley of Travel Masters.
Why the exotic locations?
"They want to have the vacation of a lifetime," Conner said.
The island of Aruba, also off the coast of South America, is becoming very popular, she said. And right now, because the peso has been devalued, Mexico is a "real inexpensive tourist destination. Everybody's going," she added.
Candie Thomlinson of Hopkins Travel said Jamaica is popular with her clients because many of the hotels there are for couples only and no children are allowed.
But many honeymooners, rather than seeking privacy, are "looking for things to do," Conner said.
"They want new experiences," said Bill Schaaf of Travel Connections.
Cruises are very popular, Thomlinson said, because "everything is included. It's the best buy for your money." For one price, passengers get food, lodging, entertainment and a chance to visit several destinations.
Interestingly, almost no one asks about a European honeymoon, and only about 25 percent of all couples stay on the U.S. mainland, Schaaf said.
Disney World is becoming a popular U.S. destination, Conley said. "They gear a lot of things toward adults," she said. There are fine restaurants and hotels, and of course, plenty of entertainment.
Other popular U.S. mainland destinations are Myrtle Beach, and Florida, Schaaf said.
Most couples have a general idea of what they want to do and where they want to go, Conner said, but if they don't, a travel agent can suggest destinations.
Schaaf said he often recommends the Caribbean island of St. Lucia.
"It's a nice island," he said. "You have to go there to appreciate it."
For a fairly modest honeymoon trip, the average couple can expect to spend about $1,000 per person, Conner said, but there are special packages through which a trip to the Bahamas, for instance, can cost as little as $300 per person for air fares and transfers.
Conley said a trip to Hawaii often runs from $2,500 to $3,000 a couple, but trip prices are really determined by "where they go and where they stay."
Conner recommends that couples begin planning their honeymoon at least a year ahead of time, but no less than six months before they want to leave.
"The further ahead they start, the better," Conley said. If a couple waits too long, "they may not get the best rates."
To help newlyweds make their dream vacation possible, Rainbow Tour and Travel offers a honeymoon bridal registry. Friends and family can make contributions toward the trip so "they don't have to go out and shop," Conner said.
Even if there aren't enough contributions to pay for the entire vacation, Conner said such a gift can be useful for upgrading a trip the couple has already planned.
"They can get more than they anticipated," she said, "and this opens up some doors for the kids who are struggling."
Conley advised honeymooners to take out trip insurance. Although no one likes to think of a wedding being canceled, sometimes, illness or another crisis can prevent a couple from following through with their plans. There are penalties involved in cancellations, she said, and insurance can help offset them.
by CNB