Honeymoon Trends and Hot Spots

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the New York Times Travel Show at the Jacob Javitz Center. Over 500 exhibitors gathered for the public and trade to offer information about their destination and products. Some exhibitors included Homeric Tours, specialists in travel to Greece; Tourism Turkey; and Carnival Cruise Lines. Nearly all the islands of the Caribbean had a presence. SpaFinder.com had a long line of patrons waiting to receive a complimentary massage. For a special treat, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove presented "Wild Survivors," an entertaining show with penguins, a sloth, and a lynx.

I decided to attend The Knot’s Travel Seminar: Honeymoon Hot Spots: Trends in Honeymoon Travel from The Knot. The panel had representatives from Jamaica, St. Lucia and South Africa. Yes! South Africa. It may be hard to believe but it looks like honeymooners are really splurging on their romantic getaway and looking for something adventurous as well. There are very few places in the world where you can go on a jungle safari one day and have dinner under the stars the next (with park rangers standing guard of course). Couples are looking for more than just sand and surf at ultra-mega resorts. They are looking for a more personalized vacation where they can do the activities they enjoy (or thought of trying) or just enjoy each others’ company away from overcrowded pools and restaurants.

Speaking of enjoying each other’s company, couples are also looking at ultra-romantic spa getaways. According to SpaFinder, many couples want to able to take a massage together or book a lavish suite, complete with a Jacuzzi and spa room for a more private massage encounter. SpaFinder notes that when booking the hotel stay couples should also book spa treatments at the same time. Although there are many types of massages, many spas have simplified their spa menu as not to confuse clients. Couples can talk to their therapists and develop a personalized spa treatment based on certain pressure points, music, and spa products. But don’t fret: if you don’t see a watsu massage (that’s a water and shiatsu combination), that doesn’t mean it’s not offered. Most spa therapists are trained in a variety of techniques so just ask. Many hotels are also offering massage classes so that the spa/massage experience doesn’t end when the honeymoon does.

Looking for something more in tuned with Mother Earth? Opt for a “green” honeymoon. Hotels are beginning to make eco-friendly changes such as using recycled materials for pools, restaurants and furniture. Some hotels only offer bicycles as the mode of transportation in and around the property. Others are using alternative fuel options such as coconut oil to power their vehicles. Couples may also engage in charity work during their honeymoon to help the local community.

Whatever the option is, couples are urged to really research your interests, costs and activities to define the honeymoon that suits your wants and needs.

Note: www.vastvoyages.com offers a spa search with available online specials. Click on the Extras Tab and then click on Spa Finder to find your next spa getaway.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, USVI* - Book a 5 Night Stay in April and Receive $700 in Activities Incl. All Day Sail Outing, Sunset Cocktail Cruise, Scuba Lesson, Parasailing
Book by Mar. 31, 2008
Travel by April 30, 2008
*All-Inclusive Resort. Great for families!

Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico* - 4th & 7th Night Free
Book 4 Nights get 1 Nt. Free or Book 7 Nights get 2 Nts. Free
Book by March 30, 2008
Travel April 14 - Dec. 20, 2008
*Perfect for a destination wedding or honeymoon.

AMHSA Resorts, Dominican Republic* - Spring Sale, up to 35% off
Choose From 3 Resorts: Casa Marina Beach, Casa Marina Reef or Grand Paradise Bavaro & The Club Beach Resort Spa
Book Mar. 31, 2008
Travel by Sept. 30, 2008
*All-Inclusive Resorts.


Visit www.vastvoyages.com to book these and other fabulous getaways! Also don’t forget to sign up on our homepage to receive our Travel Deals and Steals sent to your inbox every week.

Winter Wonderland

All winter, not one snow-storm and this weekend, basically the entire northeast gets pummeled! I’m a summer baby so I’m definitely wishing it would go away and FAST! But there are those who live for the powdery white stuff, whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, or racing down a snow-filled mountain in a tire! Ski Magazine readers listed the top 10 Resorts in the East for 2007, which include Stowe, Vermont; Sugarloaf, Maine; and Whiteface, located right here in New York that includes Lake Placid, home of two Olympic Winter Games. There’s still plenty of time to hit the slopes on a weekend getaway and get lift tickets at your favorite ski resort so visit www.vastvoyages.com today!

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Last week’s Norwegian Cruise Lines Freestyle Resolution Sale has been extended for another week! From February 25 through February 29, you can receive up to $250 onboard credit on Bermuda and Caribbean sailings. This offer ends February 29 so visit NCL/VastVoyages to learn more and to book your cruise.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

SuperClubs Breezes Puerto Plata - VIP Summer Sale
Super Inclusive rates in the Oceanview room start at $92.00 per person per night, based on double occupancy.
VIP Includes: *Special rates on Upgraded rooms
Book by March 23, 2008
Travel June 1 to August 31, 2008
Minimum 5-night stay required.

Wyndham Sugar Bay, St. Thomas - SUNsational Savings
Receive up to 45% OFF on All Inclusive rates and up to 35% OFF on Room Only rates.
Book by March 31, 2008
Travel January 2 to March 31, 2009

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood - 2008 Rockin' Summer Promotion
Buy 3 nights and enjoy 4. Guest who stay three consecutive nights will receive the fourth night free.
Added Value: 2 x 1 breakfast coupon at Blue Plate Restaurant or Constant Grind per room per stay. Buy one entrance and get on free to enjoy an "Airboat Ride in the Everglades". Spend $35 at Hard Rock Store and get a FREE gift. Buy one get one free (burgers, salads and/or sandwiches) at Hard Rock Cafe, Mon. thru Thurs. only 11am to 4pm.
Book Feb 1, 2008 to July 30, 2008
Travel June 1 thru September 30, 2008
(This offer is valid on European Plan rates. Taxes will apply).

Visit www.vastvoyages.com to book these and other fabulous getaways! Also don’t forget to sign up on our homepage to receive our Travel Deals and Steals sent to your inbox every week.

Voluntourism

I was browsing around the net and found this great article about voluntourism and what it means. Lately, it seems like people want more than just a vacation. They want an experience. For some, that could mean a week-long safari in South Africa. For others, maybe it's two weeks teaching children how to read in Cambodia. I know for me, my ultimate experience would be a trip to the Galapagos Islands. I don't know what that would accomplish. I just feel like it would bring me closer to understanding evolution and marvel at the wonderful creatures roaming this Earth. Whatever the case, people are trying in some way to save our planet. I hope you enjoy the article and give it some thought next time you want to take a vacation.