Honeymoon vacation packages are being offered online, and also by some brick-and-mortar travel agencies. What are the best and worst features?
As with any travel package, you can get a cheap price if you buy an all-inclusive bundle of travel and accommodation. But the resort may reserve their best rooms for guests who book directly.
A package described as “honeymoon” may include romantic extras: a Jacuzzi; rose petals; a souvenir; or some other luxury features to make you feel special. But if you ask about a cheap package – without that magic word, “honeymoon” – you may find you are paying more for the upgrade than it is worth. Consider buying your champagne separately.
The agency that packaged the deal has done its research – whether it is an online agency or a person you visit. All the features have been reviewed: the airline; the resort and the rooms; night spots; cruises; and meals in all-inclusive plans. This saves you a lot of time and effort. You should consider, though, whether you are getting any inferior products or services simply because the provider pays a higher commission to the travel agency. It can still be wise to spend some time learning what is being offered directly by the hotels or airlines, so you have an idea of the quality and price you can obtain for yourself (yourselves, since both of you are on honeymoon).
Here are some ideas for spots that are well-known for romantic honeymoon vacation packages.
Cruises have long been the preserve of the well-preserved anniversary celebration. However, an increasing number of honeymoons sail into marriage. The Caribbean is popular since it is so close, yet somewhat exotic. You should be able to find cruises lasting four to fourteen days. The Caribbean has great weather all year; cruise ships will set their courses to avoid hurricanes from the time they begin to develop.
Cruise the Western Caribbean to see Mexico’s Yucatan coastline or Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica.
Short Eastern Caribbean cruises depart from Florida port cities. (Starting in New York or other cities on the eastern seaboard will add time and expense – but if that is where you are starting, and have the budget, go for it). You will likely visit spots in the Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, and other north-eastern islands.
Puerto Rico is a common starting point for Southern Caribbean cruises. The smaller cruise ships tend to stay in this area. Ports of call include Aruba, Antigua, and Barbados. Unless your ship departs from a Florida port, you should expect to fly to Puerto Rico and “lose” a day there, to ensure smooth and stress-free boarding. Some all-inclusive honeymoon vacation packages include this time; others may trust their airlines to get you to the port in time.
Staying in an all-inclusive resort is an alternative to taking cruises. For example, the Sandals Inn, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, offers their “Ultra All-Inclusive experience” for couples only. This particular resort is relatively cheap because they do not have exclusive use of a large beach. They do include meals, drinks and access to other nearby Sandals resorts.
If you are looking for luxury spots in Jamaica, Round Hill Hotel touts “classic luxury”. They offer quiet beaches, gardens and a spa; you can upgrade to an “All-Inclusive Platinum” plan to make this a perfect example of the many romantic honeymoon vacation packages available.
