You and your S.O. may have traveled together in the past, but your honeymoon isn’t just any trip and that’s why you should be looking to hire a travel agent for your honeymoon. It’s most likely longer, more exotic, and more expensive than your previous vacations, meaning it deserves just as much careful attention as your wedding day. That’s where a travel agent comes in. Hiring a travel agent for your honeymoon will help make planning this once-in-a-lifetime trip almost as enjoyable as the trip itself.
Hire a Travel Agent for Your Honeymoon
Beyond just booking flights and hotel rooms, they can give you insight into the most romantic destinations, the best activities and excursions, and those memory-making moments that you might not experience otherwise. So let’s let the pros themselves walk us through all the reasons you should hire a travel agent for your honeymoon.
They’re Actually Affordable
This luxury service doesn’t have to eat up your entire budget before you’ve even boarded a plane. Each agent will price differently, with some charging initial fees, some charging fees on certain services, and others not charging any fees at all (and are instead compensated by the hotels and other travel suppliers they work with).
If clients want a more involved itinerary that includes activities, special experiences, and spa appointments, I charge an additional concierge fee.”
Of course, you’ll want to get an understanding of charges and fees before you’ve hired an agent or started booking, just like you would with any other wedding vendor. “Ask any travel agent you’re inquiring with to explain any fees that are included, whether their own or those of their partner service providers—especially if you’re going to be charged before the itinerary is completely to your liking,” says Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato.
Booking With Them Comes With a Lot of Perks
Sure, you can reserve a hotel room online yourself, but having a travel agent do the booking means you’ll get to enjoy the perks and upgrades they’ve secured with the properties where they have strong relationships. “Using a travel agent is the easiest way to get VIP treatment.” Stockton says. From special requests and preferences to in-room amenities (think a bottle of your favorite wine waiting when you arrive at your honeymoon suite), a travel agent will work behind the scenes to make your trip extra special.
“When booking through me, I’m also able to offer my clients perks like daily breakfast, resort credits, priority for available upgrades, and better prices than those listed online,” Bell explains. As Jacobson says, you can’t VIP yourself—but your travel agent can do it for you.
Outsourcing Your Planning Makes Your Life Easier
“Using a travel agent will save you time and money, as well as include added value through additional amenities,” says Bell. “I handle all of the logistics for my clients—giving them time to focus on planning their wedding instead.” And by working with a reputable travel agent affiliated with a name-brand agency, you’ll also get the VIP treatment that comes along with the relationships they’ve built with properties around the world.
They’ll Help You Find the Perfect Honeymoon Destination
Not sure where you want to go? A great travel agent has traveled extensively themselves, meaning they can point you in the direction of the best destination for you and your partner. “Travel advisors have first-hand knowledge and connections all over the world, so they can help you navigate it all. Remember: A hotel’s great reviews doesn’t mean it will be right for you.” A travel agent will get to know your preferences, your wants, and your needs, then use that to suggest an itinerary that you and your partner will love—from the perfect hotel to exciting tours and delicious restaurant reservations.
There’s a Lot They Know That the Internet Won’t Tell You
Is there anything worse than arriving to your amazing beachfront resort only to realize half the property is under construction, or to discover that the suite you reserved at a downtown hotel has views of the nearby parking garage instead of the city skyline? “A travel agent knows which rooms are in the best location, when the hotel pool is being re-tiled, and all sorts of other details you can’t find online, meaning we can either make the most of your stay or guide you toward a different property,” Stockton explains. A great travel agent will also connect you with the very best guides, tours, and local attractions. “We vet all of our private guides, pre-arrange transfers to avoid frustrating delays, and work closely with a local team to ensure seamless travel from inception to execution,” says Marchant.
How and Where to Find a Great One
Not sure where to find a great travel agent? Ask your wedding planner. “I partner with a number of planners to work on room blocks, bachelor and bachelorette getaways, and honeymoons,” says Bell. So if you love your planner, she or he may know a travel agent you’ll love just as much.
And in this day and age, all the top travel agents have curated Instagram accounts showcasing where they’ve been, where they love to go, and where they’re sending clients—so you can get a feel before you hire a travel agent for your honeymoon for whether their travel style is right for you before you even send an inquiry.