Tuesday

Time to talk Honeymoons! Q&A with the Toronto Wedding Examiner.

Hello my lovely couples! We have been sooo busy here at WeDDings Jubilee with Wedding Season off to a wonderful start and Honeymoon Season getting busier and busier everyday. I apologize for my absence in blogging, but planning and managing our weddings takes up most of our time these days! Over the last few weeks we've been prepping for the summer season of weddings, planning rehearsal dinners and of course, booking honeymoons through our sister company Travels Jubilee! Below is an interview we were honored to do for the Toronto Wedding Examiner on Honeymoons. Hope it gives you some fresh ideas on selecting your honeymoon destination!

We’re getting ready for the Summer and Fall wedding season here on the Toronto Weddings Examiner page and of course we are interviewing some truly amazing Wedding Pros to give you advice and tips to have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.

But what about the wedding aftermath? That wonderful first getaway you spend as newlyweds! Today we have Denise Georgiou-Newell from Travels Jubilee to give you great insight on following your dream wedding with a dream honeymoon.

At Travels Jubilee, they love travel. The way they see it, travel is a lifestyle and there is a place fit for everybody. From dream honeymoons, memorable proposals and unique destination weddings to lifestyle travel like photography 'safari's', yoga retreats and everything in between, they are happy to assist you in any way they can.


Honeymoon planning with a professional is a fairly new idea among the Wedding industry. What are some of the perks to getting a Honeymoon Planner or specialist?

A Honeymoon Planner who is also a Travel Agent is of great value to planning a honeymoon. They know that choosing a honeymoon destination is not just about finding the cheapest All-Inclusive or the most popular resort. It’s about planning to find the perfect honeymoon taking into consideration: budget, likes and dislikes, the couple’s personality and lifestyle. Not everyone wants a beach honeymoon in the Caribbean or a Cruise on the Greek Isles; many couples really want an unforgettable special trip customized for them.

With so much information on the Internet, it’s easy for couples to get lost in the Abyss of information. With Travel and Wedding professionals really stepping up their game and getting educated, they are able to share that knowledge with their couples and truly advise based on the Couple’s best interest.

With the summer and fall wedding season just around the corner, what are some of the trends you have been noticing with honeymoons?


Couples are really customizing their honeymoons. They are leaning towards what I like to call ‘Bucket List Travel’, basically, a once in a lifetime trip. I’ve been finding couples are more inclined to experience a culture or explore the destination rather than just laying on a Beach.

What are some of the most popular destinations right now to honeymoon in?


Honeymoon trips and tours to places in South Africa, India and the South Pacific have gained in popularity this year. However, the Caribbean and European destinations remain quite popular.

Honeymoon Specialist

Were there any big differences in trends this year vs. last year for Honeymoon Locations?

Last year I found a lot of my couples either postponed their honeymoon for a year or two or opted for All Inclusive resorts. This year, it seems Couples are heading to more exotic locations, opting for private or customized tours and really putting in the time to find the perfect honeymoon.

For the luxury couple what are some locations that you would recommend? And why would they work best for the luxury couple?


There are some magnificent locations for couples looking for a Luxury options. Two of my current favorites:

The One and Only Ocean Club in Cape Town, South Africa although all of the One and Only Ocean Clubs are fabulous.

The new Marina or Riviera Ships of the Oceania Cruise lines through the Greek Isles and Eastern Europe or even the Caribbean and the Panama Canal would be very romantic.

Both choices are extravagant; from the cuisine they serve, the wines they carry, the art, and the chic and elegant designs and of course the service. Both offer options that would suit any discerning couple and offer services that go above and beyond all expectations.


What about the budget conscious couple?


The budget conscious couple can also enjoy some amazing honeymoon locations without sacrificing beauty, quality or service. A resort like Hotel Tentaciones in Zihuatanejo, Mexico is a perfect example.

When planning a honeymoon what advice do you give to couples in regards to waiting vs. going immediately following the wedding?


I often hear Couples say that they used the first half of their honeymoon to recover from the wedding and the second half they really enjoyed but it went by so fast.

In my opinion the best thing to do is wait a few days or so after your wedding to depart on your honeymoon. Take a short ‘time-out’ or ‘recovery’ period to breathe a sigh of contentment. There are always a few loose ends to tie up after the big day and it’s always nicer to get that out of the way so you can really enjoy your honeymoon.



What are some locations that couples have been overlooking? Are there some hidden gems out there?


I find that couples are overlooking some absolutely stunning locations worldwide, in Switzerland, Morocco, Portugal and even Greece. One such place is one very romantic location in Europe: Lucerne, Switzerland. It is truly one of the most scenic destinations in the world that offers incredible sites, excursions (Biking, Golfing, and Skiing), dining experiences and 5 Star accommodations.

Another place, (my personal favorite destination in the world) is Halkidiki, Greece. People forget that there is more to Greece than just the Greek Isles. Greece is full of hidden Gems that are remote, gorgeous and full of serenity. Halkidiki, an amazing peninsula in Northern Greece is known for the absolute best sunsets in the World, the most amazing and sparkling waters and truly a treasure in ultimate romance. One of my favorite locations is Danai Beach Resort Villas.


What about the couples that prefer to stay closer to home? What are some great ways to honeymoon in the GTA?

Couples forget how many great places we have close to home. Toronto is a hub for some of the best culinary experiences and Theatre Productions worldwide. Book your stay at one of the world renowned Luxury Boutique Hotels perfect for the newly married couple. Features like rooftop whirlpools, loft style two storey rooms and luxurious marble clad suites fit for royalty really set a magnificent mood. There is a lot to do in the GTA that suits all tastes. Spend the week as a Tourist and go on a Harbour Dinner cruise, soar above the city by going up the CN Tower; you can also visit one of the great distilleries and the Museums. Our city is so full of culture and amazing options for every couple.

Is there any other tips and advice you’d like to offer?


To book your honeymoon with a professional that understands your needs, please contact me here:

Email: dnewell@tpi.ca
Company Phone: 647-348-6265 
Website: www.travelsjubilee.com
Twitter: http://wefollow.com/TPITravelChick

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