Friday, May 26, 2006

Honeymoons, Destination Weddings & Romance Travel
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Q. Where's the best place to go on a romantic holiday?

A. That depends alot on your interests, how much you want to spend, and the time of the year you want to travel. Do you like warm weather? Consider the Caribbean, South Pacific or Hawaii. Looking for adventure? How about Costa Rica or Mexico? Want a sophisticated European holiday like a stay in Paris or Rome? How about something really exotic such as Malaysia, Thailand or Bali? We have narrowed the world down to 45 of the most romantic destinations and this can be found at www.romanticplanet.ca.

Q. We're on a budget for our honeymoon. Where should we go?

A. I strongly believe 'budget' and 'honeymoon' should NOT be in the same sentence. This is your ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME vacation - a time to get completely spoiled and a time to be inspired and be in awe of one another. Most times with travel, you get what you pay. You definitely don't want to skimp on your honeymoon because you will be creating memories on this trip that will last a lifetime. This doesn't mean you should get the most expensive hotel on the block either. A good travel agent will be able to provide you the honeymoon of your dreams, without breaking the bank. Traveling at low season for the destination of interest can save you hundreds of dollars. Maybe consider staying 5 nights instead of 7 nights if it's a fancy (and expensive property) or spend your first 4 nights in the least expensive room category and then splurge for the oceanfront or luxury honeymoon suite for the remainder of your stay. Usually if you are open and honest with your travel agent about your budget, they will try and find the best possible destination and hotel that will fullfill your dreams.

Q. Can you book a trip for us or send specific information on hotel and airline rates?

A. Yes. We do, however, encourage you to contact your local travel agency and ask that they book your romance travel package with Romantic Planet Vacations Inc. We are the only wholesale tour operator in Canada to specialize in honeymoons and destination weddings worldwide.

Q. How can we avoid hurricane season?

A. Hurricane season in the Caribbean and is now June 1 - Oct. 31. The chances are still slim that one will land on your front step, at your hotel, at your location, at your country, at that time of your trip but it's important to always be aware that it CAN happen. If you are still set on the Caribbean for this time, you may want to consider countries that are less likely to be hit such as Aruba (because it's located lower than the hurricane belt) and Turks and Caicos (because it's located higher than the hurrican belt).

Q. Should we go with all-inclusive or EP?

A. An all-inclusive package includes activities, all meals, and drinks. They are most popular in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cuba and Jamaica. However, they can also be found in Antigua, Bahamas, BVI, St. Lucia, Puerto Rico, Fiji, Costa Rica, and Bali. Many like the all-inclusive feature for the value and peace-of-mind of not having to carry your wallet everywhere. Those who like the EP (European Plan or hotel room only) like that they don't feel restricted to just eat at the hotel and can explore cuisine outside the walls of the resort. They also like variety and quality of food over the common buffet-style of food found at all-inclusive resorts. A good middle-ground is staying at an EP hotel but ordering their meal plan for a couple of days.

Q. Where is the best place you've been to?

A. This is by far the most difficult question that I can answer as each place has offered so much. I very much enjoyed Malaysia for it's high standards in accommodations, prestine beaches, culture and cuisine. I loved the Cook Islands for it's quaint feel - like you were just one of the locals, the Dominican Republic for the people, Rome for it's romantic aura and history, London for all of the action and shopping, Panama for it's beauty and untainted landscape, Australia because it felt just like 'home' and many, many, many more.

Q. What are the wedding requirements for various countries?

A. We have added this to our web-site at http://www.romanticplanet.ca/weddingrequirements.html

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

WHAT WILL MAKE YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING PERFECT

So you have decided to give up on the traditional stay-at-home, big fancy wedding and take the plunge and travel out of the country for your special event. This sounds like a great idea! Whether you decide it's a private occassion with just you and your loved one or an event in which all of the family and friends are invited, here is a list of things that will aid you a having the most successful destination wedding.

•Find Expert advice: Everyone knows the internet is an excellent source for researching the destination and hotel but leave the expert advise to your travel agent. They are easily accessible and are there if you should ever encounter problems. They keep up-to-date and knowledgeable about the destination and the product and can also find you travel deals that may otherwise be found. As this may be your first time in planning a destination wedding, it may be their hundredth time so their experience and expertise will benefit you in the end. Be sure to ask the agency who is their designated destination wedding expert and work with them in planning and booking your holiday.

• Choose the right destination: Choosing the right destination is key in making your wedding dreams come true. Do you want to exchange your vows on a beach in the tropics or a historic castle in Europe, at a world famous landmark or in a quaint and secluded retreat? Whatever you choose, make sure that you don't stray from that original dream that has been dancing in your mind since the engagement.

• Choose the right property: Choosing the right property is as important as choosing the right destination. Many people look at the bargain hotel in the list of hotel options but avoid the ones more up the ladder but that are probably going to give them more of a positive lifetime memory. Aspects to look at are a hotel's star rating, it's location (beachfront, close to shopping etc.), how big of a property it is with the facilities to suite your needs, and if it is well experienced in planning weddings.

• Choose the right time: Things to look out for are peak travel times, such as holidays, when the resort is at it's busiest and the likelyhood of the free room upgrade for the bride and groom are next to nil. Although the chances are slim that a hurricane will land up on your doorstep, at your hotel, at your destination, on your wedding date, it is still important to be aware that the hurricane season in the Caribbean is from August to October. Eventhough you may seek the sun and sand, you may want to pay attention also to the hot season of the destination or you may melt away in your wedding dress out there on the beach.

• Book early: When it doubt, book as soon as the rates become available. Anything from six to eight months in advance of your wedding date should suffice. You also don't have to wait for everyone to get it together. Like the old Pied Piper would say, "Lead, and they will follow."• Stay on budget: Although this is your dream holiday and once-in-a-lifetime special day, you don't want to be grumbling for years afterwards as you continue to pay off the trip. Stay within means. If you're flexible and work with the experts, you will find the perfect place and wedding package that will be sure to please and that won't break the bank. This doesn't mean down-sizing or giving up what's important for you, it just means then changing dates, duration of the stay, destination, or hotel that will suite your budget.

• Stay focused on your dream: After months of planning, many people begin to loose their main dream and focus especially given all of the steps and factors of planning a wedding. As soon as you have decided to make your wedding a destination wedding, you and your spouse together should write out a list of what would make your 'dream destination wedding' come true. When you're about to book, re-visit the list and ensure these items are still being met.• Do what makes you both happy not what makes everybody else happy: Although auntie Grace may need an operation at the time of your wedding or mother-in-law claims she will melt away if the ceremony is on a beach, you have to keep in mind that this is your wedding day, not theirs. In most wedding plans you will not be able to satify everyone so why is it any different for a destination wedding? Like chicken or don't like chicken. Like the Bahamas or don't like the Bahamas. It's all up to you. For those who then can't (or won't) make it, you can have a party for all on your return.

• Go with the flow: One of the greatest aspects of planning a destination wedding is that it's less stressful than planning a wedding at home. Keep up with this mindset and things will flow better. Many places down South have quite a laid-back attitude so let it rub off on you too. If the icing on the cake in the middle layer ended up chocolate and not vanilla, let it be. If you're working with a reputable hotel with an on-site wedding coordinator, they will ensure ALL of your wedding dreams come true. If something does go astray that isn't palatable, let the wedding coordinator know immediately and it will be fixed.

So good luck and enjoy not only the wedding itself, but the process of planning it. The day should be as unique and special as you are and offer you a lifetime of memories and stories to talk about at the dinner table for years!

Author: Laurie Keith
copyright 2006

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Take the honeymoon Quiz

Visit http://www.romanticplanet.ca/news7.htm to download a honeymoon quiz. This will help you and your travel agent in selecting the best destination and best accommodations for one of the most important trips you are ever going to take.

Monday, May 22, 2006

Guide To Selecting The Perfect Destination For Your Wedding

With so many incredible destinations and hotels to choose from, how is it possible to find the one place on earth that is absolutely perfect for your destination wedding? This guide is sure to help.

1. Select your interest category: It is important to first know what you want and then stick to it. Do you see yourself getting married on a beach, in a historic fairly-tale castle, at a famous landmark, or under-water while scuba-diving? We, at Romantic Planet Vacations, have create three main interest categories to help you narrow down your search.

Beach/Relaxed: If you envision yourself getting married on the beach, you're not alone. 54% of couples planning a destination wedding also want the same. This category will satisfy those looking for shopping, dining out, spas, all-inclusives, lounging by the beach, water-sports and scenery. Our destination recommendations for these beach-seekers are Fiji, Cook Islands, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Mexico, St. Lucia, Barbados, Turks & Caicos, Hawaii, Jamaica, Aruba, Antigua, Bahamas, Bali, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Puerto Rico, St. Martin/St. Maarten,Tahiti, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Adventuous/active: This is for the couple who want a little more action on their trip. 23% of destination wedding couples are planning a trip to places that offer more for hiking, snorkeling, biking, scuba-diving, island hopping and more. Our destination recommendations for these fun-seekers are Costa Rica, Australia, Belize, Africa, New Zealand, South America, Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, Mexico, Hawaii, and Fiji.

Sophisticated/trendy: Favorites for this category include cruises, large hotels or castles, culture, museums, history and shopping. 16% of destination wedding couples have this in mind when exchanging their vows. Our destination recommendations for these culture-seekers are England, Italy, France, Greece, Ireland, Spain, New York, Turkey, Austria, Australia, Canada, Monaco, Portugal, Scotland, Switzerland, USA, with the best city stays as Paris, Rome, Venice, San Francisco, Sydney, London, New York, and Las Vegas.

2. Research the wedding requirements: The wedding requirements for the various countries may also hinder or encourage your ideal destination choice. For example France requires a residency of 1 month before your wedding date but no residency is required in Greece. A full list of wedding requirements for each country can be found at http://www.romanticplanet.ca/weddingrequirements.html

3. Select your date: It is important to know when high, shoulder and low season are for the destination(s) that you are interested in. Generally speaking, any holidays such as Christmas, New Year's and Easter are going to be peak high season worldwide, and therefore you will pay peak high season rates. Other high seasons will be the summer months for Europe, Australia, Fiji, Cook Islands, and Tahiti and Winter for the Caribbean and Mexico. Another factor is the hurricane season which runs from August to October in the Caribbean. If you still want the Caribbean during these months but are concerned about the hurricane season, then countries that are considered less likely to be in the path are Aruba, Turks & Caicos and North Coast Dominican Republic.

4. Know your budget: Certain destinations are less expensive than others, usually because of it's access and if they offer all-inclusive properties. If you are on a tight budget, than you may want to consider countries in which charter flights go to from your city such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica. On the same token however, one may lower the amount of nights from seven to five, for example, on those packages that are flying with a regular scheduled airline, and thus lowering the over-all cost of the trip. Generally speaking, the longer the flight, the more expensive the package will be. If this is a concern, it would be important to look at destinations within easy flying distance from you.

Hopefully the four steps above have aided you in narrowing your options to one to three destinations for your wedding. The next thing to look at is the hotel that will host you and your guests and which will aid you in creating your spectacular event. Every property listed on http://www.romanticplanet.ca/nonflash.html or in the brochure are well-experienced in planning and performing weddings and offer a highly romantic and memorable experience. To help you select the hotel that is right for you, we have added four more steps.

5. Star rating: Hotels are rated on their facilities, comfort levels, service and price and this is seen in their star rating. Properties with a four and five star rating is recommended for your destination wedding, as this is one of the most important days of your life and a good quality of hotel will be sure to make it a dream come true. However, if budget is a concern, many reputable and quality 3 and 3.5 star hotels are also available. It is recommended that you go through the Romantic Planet Vacations brochure and cross out any that do not meet your star rating requirements or alternatively go through the web-site at www.romanticplanet.ca.

6. All-inclusive vs. EP: Many hotels and resorts these days offer an all-inclusive plan which includes meals, activities and entertainment. EP, or European Plan, offers room only. The latest trend shows that 43% are now wanting non-all-inclusive properties for the quality and variety experience whereas 31% want all-inclusive properties for ease of mind and affordability. The other option is to choose a hotel that is EP with an optional meal plan or all-inclusive feature. The latter works best for larger groups in order to please everybody's interests and budgets. Something to keep in mind however, is at an all-inclusive resort, the reception dinner is included (unless you want a private function with a set menu).

7. Mega Resort vs. Quaint Hotel: Another aspect when choosing the right hotel is knowing what you want out of it. The benefits of a mega-resort is in it's facilities. Such places offer many different restaurants and bars, fitness centres with top-notched equipment, kids clubs to entertain the kids in the group, activities coordinators and nightly entertainment so you're never bored, a variety of wedding locations - some with even a wedding gazebo, tour desks and many more. The benefits of booking a quaint hotel however, is it's personalized service, a less of a chance that there will be another bride walking around the hotel on 'your' special day, the feeling of closeness with you and your wedding guests and in some cases, the opportunity to rent out the entire hotel.

8. Availability: Once you have found the right destination and right hotel for your special day and before you send out your invitations, be sure to check on the availability of the airfare and hotel with your dates of interest. It is recommended to book the wedding date and time, airfare and hotel for at least the main wedding party, at least 6-8 months in advance to ensure you get the hotel and date of choice.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your travel agent or Romantic Planet Vacations at 866-247-8123 or travel@romanticplanet.ca.

Author: Laurie Keith copyright 2006

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

ROMANCE TRAVEL - A BIG INDUSTRY


ROMANCE TRAVEL - A BIG INDUSTRY

Canadians must be romantics at heart - at least they are when it comes to travel. Canadians will spend an estimated $12 billion on romance travel this year alone, which is highest it's ever been. These romance-seeking couples are flocking to beach destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean and the South Pacific and romantic city stays such as Paris and Rome in droves, leaving their children, friends and families at home.

The destination weddings markets have also hit a record high. An estimated 10% of all weddings by Canadians are made outside of the country and this is expected to climb another 22% within the next 15 years. Hence the start-up of a new wholesale tour operator to solely specialize in honeymoons, destination weddings and romantic retreats. Romantic Planet Vacations Inc. officially opened it's doors on February 14th, 2005 (yes, Valentine's Day!) and sells romance travel packages to 45 of the most romantic destinations worldwide. "With the average destination wedding group size of 46 people, destination weddings is good business." states Laurie Keith, Director of Sales for the company.

With more than 31% of all adults going on a romantic trip this year it's no wonder there's an increase in boutique hotels and hidden gems that specialize in serving couples. From mega-all-inclusives like Couples Resorts in Jamaica and Dreams Resorts in Mexico to unique hideaways like Rendezous in St. Lucia, many hotels have turned adult-only to ensure tranquility and peace to it's amorous guests. It's also the reason for the increase in private terraces with outdoor showers, suites with their own private plunge pool, and packages to include champagne, flowers and chocolates for those celebrating special occassions.

For more information of romance travel packages, please visit
www.romanticplanet.ca
copyright 2006