Honeymoon Should Be Trip of a Lifetime

NEW YORK —  If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, the last thing you want is to be “left at the altar,” or in this case, the departure gate.

With couples planning their honeymoons an average of seven months before their “I do” date, there’s always a chance that the best made plans could fall flat because of unscrupulous or poorly financed tour operators.

On average, couples spent $3,256 on eight-day honeymoons in 1994-95, according to a new survey of honeymoon habits by Modern Bride magazine. Of those who honeymooned in the continental United States, the average cost for travel, accommodations, food and extras was $2,336. Those traveling outside the continental United States spent $4,079.

A travel expert says that the further in advance couples plan, the greater the possibility that something might go amiss, such as the tour company or charter group going out of business and making off with their money.

While this is at best a small possibility, any wrench in the works of a long-planned honeymoon is unacceptable.

*

To avoid possible mishaps, Modern Bride travel editor Geri Bain recommends using a reputable travel agent, paying by credit card and buying trip protection insurance.

With more than 70% of respondents to Modern Bride’s honeymoon survey saying they use travel agents, Bain said it’s always wise to get recommendations from trusted friends or family when choosing someone to help plan a honeymoon.

“Recommendations are the first best line,” Bain said. As with any service provider, if you don’t like the travel agent, look for another, she said.

“A honeymoon should be what you want it to be, not some abstract fantasy picture. . . . If you hate the beach, go to Paris.”

Use a credit card whenever possible, Bain suggests, regardless of whether you book your own trip or use a travel agent. Credit card companies generally won’t make you pay if there is no service. Especially if you book far in advance, use a credit card to protect against paying in advance for a trip that might not materialize.

According to Modern Bride’s survey, which has been conducted every four years since 1973, 78% of honeymooners fly to their destinations. Bain suggests using a consolidator, or group packager, to save on air fare.

“But this is an area for scam artists, even though most [consolidators] are legit,” she said.

A safeguard against possible air fare rip-offs is to select a consolidator who comes recommended by a travel agent who has used the company before. Again, avoid paying in cash.

Trip protection insurance, which can reimburse the cost of a trip that is canceled or for some reason falls through, costs around 1% of the trip cost. If you get trip protection insurance, don’t buy it from the company organizing the tour. Get it from an independent insurance company, Bain said.

Read the policy’s fine print. Make sure the trip insurance covers bankruptcies and other ways a company can go out of business.

Honeymooners are now tending to book more exotic and involved trips, Bain said, because many couples, often in their late 20s or 30s, have traveled before. Engagements, an average of 14 months long, the survey said, also have given many couples time to get to know each other and share many leisure activities.

For those considering an exotic or activity-packed honeymoon, package deals including air fare, hotel and some meals may be a good way to control costs.

More than 55% of the survey’s respondents said they planned to take a honeymoon package, and Bain emphasized that packages “don’t constrain what you do.”

“All-inclusives in Jamaica or the Poconos are very popular. It’s fun to be someplace where you don’t have to open your wallet.”

She suggested that couples ask whether the resort is appropriate for honeymooners, because some destinations such as Club Med might appeal to different groups, depending on the location.

“At resorts that cater to honeymooners, you’ve had so much wedding on your mind, so much emotion planning a wedding, that you want to talk to other couples. . . . Some lifelong friendships have been formed at these resorts.”

*

About 4.3% of couples got married last year at their honeymoon destination, the survey showed, with a higher percentage among second- or third-time marriages.

The reason: If couples come from different regions, it’s a convenient way to meet geographically scattered families and have a vacation at the same time. Having a wedding away from home also “defuses tension,” Bain said.

Generally the hotel or resort will help locate someone to perform the marriage for those who have decided to marry at their honeymoon destination.

Marriages at honeymoon destinations, even outside the United States, are legally recognized under U.S. law.

Some pointers to help avoid common honeymoon mistakes:

* Remember to book a double bed.

* Don’t make reservations for an early flight the day after your wedding.

* Don’t skimp on accommodations.

* Set a honeymoon budget.

* Don’t ignore cost-saving travel packages.

* Consult a travel agent (who may have an inside track on special deals).

* Tell the hotel or resort that it’s your honeymoon. You may be treated to some perks, on the house.