Daily Hampshire Gazette from Northampton, Massachusetts (2024)

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Honeymoons: Somewhere for everyone By ANNE GITTINGER Gazette Intern Long gone are the days when honeymooners headed to Niagara Falls or the Pocono Mountains when the wedding reception ended. Now most newlyweds travel to the Caribbean for a week at an all-inclusive resort or on a cruise. But while the Caribbean may be the most popular choice, it is by no means the only option for couples heading out for their first post-nuptial vacation. Travel agents point to many reasons why vacations such as cruises are popular honeymoons. "There's nothing like sitting on the lido deck with a co*cktail in your hand and your other half beside you," said Peter Kistenmacher, owner of Northampton Travel.

"It's a wonderful romantic experience." A cruise or trip to an all inclusive resort, where meals are included in the price of the resort, offers a mix of fine dining and nightlife that newlyweds look for, according to Richard Tessier, owner of Easthampton Travel. "Honeymooners want a certain amount of privacy, and they also want to be able to party," Tessier said. The all-inclusive nature of these resorts and cruises also appeals to couples who are ready to relax after months of wedding preparations. "They want a hassle free vacation and as much included as they may," said Mary Jo Gaines, a travel agent at Uniglobe Enterprise Travel in South Deerfield. Exploring options Although travel agents said they expect that Caribbean cruises and allinclusive resorts will maintain their place as the most popular vacations for honeymooners, they said that some honeymooners stray away from the norm.

"I think there are so many more reachable destinations," said Kistenmacher. THE WHEREHOUSE? Weddings A One of a Kind Banquet Facility Bridal Showers Rehearsal Dinners Social Functions 109 Lyman Street Holyoke, Mass. (413) 534-3039 CALL FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUR. A Planning a Wedding, How to lIse ......1001 Reception or Weather ............1700 Rehearsal Dinner? Call Gazette LiNED) 5 8 4-3200 Buying your Mortgage Rate Hotline ..........6300 first home? Mortgage Rate Calculator ....6350 Refinancing? "People are exploring options more today than they did in the past. People are becoming much more unique in what they are Kistenmacher said he recently booked a two week trip to Australia for a couple and has had requests for places such as Costa Rica.

Tessier said he had a couple that wanted to go to Belize for an eco-tour, or ecological tour, where the focus is viewing the nature and ecology of the area. "Some couples are starting to get into more of the adventurous types of honeymoons," said Gaines. "I had a couple who wanted to go to a very romantic place like Tahiti where they could be secluded." A different scale Occasionally, couples choose the opposite of seclusion by bringing along the wedding party. Tessier said that last year his agency sent an entire family to the Greek Isles for a wedding and vacation. According to Gaines, most of the couples she runs across who bring the wedding party are on their second or third marriage.

"They're trying to do something different. They tend to look at marriage a little different than the under25 couple," said Gaines. "They are older people that have traveled and are probably more mature." While alternatives to the Caribbean often take honeymooners far away, others keep them closer to home. Travel agents say that some honeymooners choose to drive up to Maine or Nova Scotia for a smaller-scale honeymoon. In addition not every time of year is optimal for a Caribbean vacation.

"Fall honeymooners are concerned about hurricanes, so they look for things away from hurricanes," Kistenmacher said, adding that many resorts offer a hurri See 44 LUNT SILVERSMITHS Outlet Store More OUR BRIDAL REGISTRY MAKES EVERYTHING SO MUCH EASIER THE BEST TABLEWARE FOR YOUR HOME LUNT LENOX COUZON DANSK WATERFORD WEDGWOOD and much, much to off sugg. retail on most items. TWO FREE AIRLINE TICKETS with your purchase of $500 or more to over 40 honeymoon locations. Some restrictions apply. EXTRA DISCOUNT for one year after wedding date to complete your registry.

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