Auburn travel agent discusses popular honeymoon destinations

June, July and August are the biggest months for honeymoons, as newlyweds celebrate their love with a warm, tropical getaway both domestically and internationally, according to Katie Bodden.

Bodden is a 10-year veteran travel agent and currently works with Travel Travel, a travel agency in Auburn.

“Couples should begin planning at least six months in advance when planning honeymoons,” Bodden said. She said this allows for a payment plan versus paying a lump sum, and avoiding waiting until the last minute will help couples enjoy the getaway they want at a cheaper price.

She said the average cost for a seven-day honeymoon starts at about $2,500 domestically and about $3,000 internationally.

“It is important for people to know that there are no all-inclusive packages domestically,” Bodden said. “When people take these trips [internationally], it’s not to sight see. It’s because there are all-inclusive adult resorts available.”

She said it important to have all required travel documents ahead of time if traveling internationally, especially a passport. Bodden said a passport generally takes six to eight weeks to be processed and returned.

She said although many couples like to travel far for their dream honeymoon, local Gulf Coast beaches are a great getaway for those who want to stay local and save money, while still enjoying the beach. She said the average cost of staying local can be up to $1,500 less expensive than other trips.

“We have some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, and they are right here at our fingertips,” Bodden said. She said she would recommend Sandestin in Destin, Fla., because it is a great location with many activities including the nightlife, dolphin encounters, deep seas fishing and dinner cruises.

Bodden provided the top five domestic trips and the top three international honeymoon getaways of 2014.

Top Five Domestic

• Oahu or Maui, Hawaii

“It’s the exoticness and the idea that you don’t need a passport,” Bodden said “It’s domestic, but you get that island feel without living the county.” She said a 7-night getaway to Hawaii would start at about $5,000 which would include flights and accommodations. She said things to do while visiting include attending a luau, visiting Pearl Harbor, snorkeling, take a helicopter ride around the volcanoes and even learning to surf.

• Disney World/Orlando, Florida

“It’s within driving distance for most, and no passport is needed,” Bodden said. “There are so many resorts that give it the honeymoon feel and not a family vacation.” She spent her honeymoon there, and said she enjoyed being able to have so many activities at her fingertips. She said things must-dos include, visiting downtown Disney, Universal Studios, Discovery Cove, Sea World, Aquatica and the City Walk. Bodden said a honeymoon to Disney starts at about $2,000 depending on accommodations.

• Key West, Florida

“This is for the couple that wants the island feel but still have something to do like diving and deep sea fishing,” Bodden said. She said many think this is a beach destination, but it is more of an island vacation, and Duval Street is a must-do with its many bars and restaurants.

“You have a town you can walk around and do what you want and feel safe doing it,” Bodden said. She said a trip to Key West would start at about $3,000 which includes flights and night accommodations.

• West Coast, California ( San Francisco and Napa areas)

“It’s a great way to experience the West Coast, but still have those honeymoon resorts that couples are looking for,” Bodden said. She said when visiting the West Coast, couples should visit wineries and vineyards, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Warf, Ghirardelli Square, and 17 Mile Drive. The west coast exploration honeymoon starts at about $3,000 including flights and accommodations.

• New York City

“It’s not your typical destination, but more for the couple wanting to explore a new city together and there are a lot of things to do,” Bodden said. She said newlyweds should partake in activities including taking a horse drawn carriage by Central Park, see a Broadway Show, visit the Empire State Building and the World Trade Center, dine around Little Italy, take a ferry to see the Statue of liberty and visit Times Square. She said a trip to New York starts at about $3,000 including flights and accommodations.

Top Three International

An all-inclusive honeymoon starts at about $4,500.

• St. Lucia, Caribbean Islands

Bodden said the Caribbean is their agency’s top honeymoon getaway. “It has that exotic island destination with adult only resorts,” she said. When visiting here, Bodden said newlyweds should visit La Soufriere Drive-In Volcano, the Pitons and enjoy a sunset cruise.

• Riviera Maya, Mexico

Bodden said this trip like most other international trips appeal to honeymooners because it is all-inclusive. She said newlyweds can look forward to visit the Mayan ruins, Tulum, Chichen Itza and a lot of adult only options.

• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Bodden said this is not only a newlywed getaway, but it also has great shopping. She said this trip appeals to many because of the non-stop flights from Atlanta, and they have beautiful beaches. It also offers water attractions including party boats, deep sea fishing and swimming with dolphins.