Q&A with Real Couples

CHRIS & SARAH

Honeymoon location: Sandals Halcyon in St. Lucia

Why did you and your fiancé choose this location?
When searching for a honeymoon location, we wanted something that would provide us with a good mix of adventure and relaxation. We also wanted somewhere out of the country with a beautiful beach. Our travel agent recommended St. Lucia as a location that would address all our wishes. We also wanted a resort that was quiet and less of the party scene, as we were looking for plenty of relaxation after planning our wedding. Sandals Halcyon could not have been more perfect! It was quiet and relaxing, but we also had the option of traveling to the other Sandals Resorts on St. Lucia for different food and entertainment options.

What were your favorite parts of your honeymoon?
Our day on the catamaran cruise. We took a catamaran out to different parts of St. Lucia where we toured the island, made stops at waterfalls, swam in the mud baths and ate fresh coconut. On the way back, we enjoyed too many delicious rum punches! We also enjoyed a couples’ massage in the beautiful garden beside the beach. It was so relaxing to free the stresses of wedding planning together and was one priority on our honeymoon bucket list. We could not have been happier with our experience.

What is one unique tip you have for couples taking a honeymoon?
Do not be afraid to go over your initially planned budget, because it is something you and your significant other will remember forever. Even though it may be a bit more expensive, if it is something you really want to do, do it. The memories will last you a lifetime, and in 10 years, you won’t remember the cost of that extra excursion that really made your trip.

How did using a travel agent make honeymoon planning better?
Our travel agent was incredible to work with. In fact, we had such an amazing experience that we used her to help us plan our trip to Italy for our two-year anniversary. When planning your trip, tell them everything you are looking for! She helped us pick the perfect honeymoon destination and made our experience completely stress-free. We did not have to worry about transportation or accommodations. It was a wonderful trip, and we will continue to use a travel agent in the future because our honeymoon experience was so flawless.

JULIA & GEORGE

Honeymoon location: St. Lucia

Why did you and your fiancé choose this location?
We wanted to relax on the beach, but also have the adventure of mountains and rainforest to hike, a volcano to see and experience the culture of being in another country. It was also nice to be in a similar time zone to cut down on traveling time.

What were your favorite parts of your honeymoon?
We loved hiking the largest mountain in St. Lucia, Gros Piton, and taking a catamaran around the island.

Favorite part of the destination?
We loved meeting the people of St. Lucia and learning about the history of their country.

What is one unique tip you have for couples taking a honeymoon?
Sandals did a wonderful job of making us feel taken care of with the food, drinks, activities and the overall beauty of the resort, but it is important to do some excursions outside of the resort to take in the culture of St. Lucia.

How did using a travel agent make honeymoon planning better?
Our travel agent made sure we were prepared for the whole process. This trip was one of our first trips outside of the country, and our first experience at an all-inclusive resort. Our travel agent helped us make sure we had all our documents and health screenings accounted for while traveling internationally during the pandemic. She gave a great recommendation on where to stay, made sure that all our transportation was taken care of and helped us find vetted excursions for what we wanted to do. 

 

SAM & SARAH

Honeymoon location: Athens & Mykonos Greece

Why did you and your fiancé choose this location?
We wanted a scenic location that was also focused on relaxation.

What were your favorite parts of your honeymoon?
The scenery, people and atmosphere were so beautiful, amazing and romantic.

Favorite part of the destination?
Enjoying the scenic evening sunsets from our amazing suite. We had a stunning view of the Aegean Sea from our suite and loved watching the beautiful sunsets and boats out on the sea every night.

What is one unique tip you have for couples taking a honeymoon?
If you’re booking excursions, remember to leave a few days with nothing booked to really enjoy and relax with your partner.

How did using a travel agent make honeymoon planning better?
Having our travel agent book and plan everything for us was so easy and convenient. She had everything ready and sent to us before we took off on our honeymoon. Even during our trip, she would send us messages with updates on our flights. She made it easy and relaxing for us and was a huge help through all of it.