Honeymoon Planning with Travel Counsellor -Mandy Walsh

For this post, I teamed up with Travel Counsellor-Mandy Walsh to focus on all things Honeymoon planning. Mandy celebrated 25 years in the travel business this month. Tailor-making holidays & multi city adventures are Mandy's passion and making each trip personal to each client is of utmost importance to her. With this level of experience and expertise, you can guarantee that you are in safe hands with Mandy and planning your Honeymoon will be stress free. 

Choosing your Honeymoon location is just as important as choosing your venue, it is right up there on the list of importance. It is your time away together from all the wedding planning and hype.         

Mandy Walsh receiving her award at the wedding Journal  reader awards 

As a honeymoon specialist, Mandy can offer advice and tips on the best options available, with a host of exclusive destinations and services for couples looking for a truly unforgettable experience. Mandy runs her own travel business from home and is available to her customers around the clock, at a time, which suits them.

Mandy says that she was thrilled to receive the 'Mrs2Be Brides Choice Award' for the Best Honeymoon Supplier. I am the only supplier that has won this award consecutively for 3 years. This is an award for exceptional quality of service and customer satisfaction, recognizing excellence in the Wedding Industry. I have also just won the Wedding Journal Readers Award 2018 for Best Honeymoon & Wedding Destination Supplier.

Top Honeymoon tip from Mandy, your honeymoon especially, should be one of the most memorable and magical trips you take. Just like your wedding day it reflects your personality, I believe that your honeymoon should too.

 Honeymoon planning advice from Travel Counsellor -Mandy Walsh.

For this part I asked Mandy some Honeymoon planning questions mixed in with questions that I received from brides to be and past brides across my social media platforms. Enjoy and happy planning.

Most popular HM destinations? 

Every year the ‘trends’ change – the USA combined with Mexico is always strong and definitely Bali, Safari’s and the Maldives are super popular including stopovers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Where is hot for 2019? 

Similar to 2018 so far. The USA combined with Mexico – variations of a week on the beach combined with New York, Las Vegas, Miami and Caribbean Cruises , Safari’s in South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, the Maldives & the Seychelles are super popular including stopovers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to make the honeymoon even longer. Very rare that anyone just goes to the one destination for the full honeymoon anymore.

Kandholhu Duplex

What is the average cost of a honeymoon? 

Everyone’s budgets are very different and depending on the month of travel costs can vary but certainly €5-€7k would be classed as ‘average’. This year I had a honeymoon that cost €23,000!

Do I need insurance for honeymoon? 

Travel Insurance should always be purchased regardless, whether it be your honeymoon, mini-moon or just a holiday. No one knows what tomorrow will be bring!

Best Locations for bringing children on honeymoon? 

Many Caribbean resorts are now proving very popular for a ‘family-moon’, Europe, and Orlando still prove popular choices.

I love a cruise what do you recommend for honeymoon? 

Oh where to even start – Med, Caribbean or Alaska the world really is your oyster. There is nothing like taking in several fabulous destinations in one trip without needing to be continually packing and unpacking. Picture this…. watching the sunset over Santorini as you sail away whilst enjoying a vino on your private balcony.

When do I need to book my honeymoon? 

The airlines only release seats 11 months in advance or 333 days to be exact but no harm getting ideas prior to this to help with what you think you would like or dislike even

Where are the best spots for travelling around, if you do not want to stay in the one location? 

The States is very popular for this type of honeymoon, as are destinations like Bali combined with the Gili’s, Malaysia and its islands and even Greece or Croatia  for some island hopping (think Mamma Mia -WOW)

  

Kuramathi Water Vila with Jacuzzi

 Destinations that offer something different, what if we love adventure?

 You can’t go wrong with South Africa – starting in Cape Town, heading out into the vineyards, maybe some whale watching before hitting the beautiful Garden Route and ending it all in a fabulous 5 Star Safari with game drives included Or the amazing country that is Tanzania combined with the beaches of Zanzibar

Tips on getting upgrades & extras? 

As your personal Travel Counsellor I contact each hotel personally to notify them you are on honeymoon and provide any special touches that they can. Every property and destination is completely different and some go above and beyond. One thing is for sure it is a ‘myth’ that mentioning it’s a honeymoon increases the price. Properties in Mauritius for example give up to 50% off to honeymooners by allowing the Bride to stay for FREE!

Honeymoon on a budget best location? 

You cannot go wrong with a lovely 4 or 5 Star in Europe.

Mini-moon seems to be getting popular before the big honeymoon. Advice on getting the best deal if booking both?

They would be seen as separate and probably very different so like always PLAN ahead and book early to get the best deals. At the moment many airlines, resorts & cruise lines have some fabulous 2019 sales already started.

Mandy's top 5 tips for Honeymoon bliss… 

• Planning allows more time for me to get to know you so we find that perfect honeymoon  that is unique to you both and also to save and budget.
•  You must also remember to take the time of the year into consideration.
•  A taste of adventure and action combined with sun, sea and sand is possible so dream big.
•  Honeymoons are supposed to be romantic but even the most ‘intense’ love birds need a break so a popular choice is beach based chilling time combined with an exciting and vibrant city break
•  No one will remember those costly ‘favours’, the extra ‘flowers’ or ‘lighting’ but you will ALWAYS remember your honeymoon so just as your choice of venue reflects your own personalities your honeymoon should too

So there you have it some fab tips and advice from Travel Counsellor -Mandy Walsh. 

Perfect to get you started on your  planning journey.

 Any question's or advice contact Travel Counsellor -Mandy Walsh.   

Yours in Weddings Beauty & Fashion 
Mary Roche