Looking ahead to the traditional wedding season, ASTA has sent bridal publications a list of tips for consumers planning a honeymoon. The tips include the suggestion that brides-to-be visit TravelSense.org, ASTA's consumer website, for a directory of travel agents in their area who specialize in a particular destination or type of travel.
ASTA frequently issues travel tips for consumers, according to a spokeswoman.
"Wherever you choose to spend your honeymoon, there's an ASTA travel agent who can help you plan the perfect trip. Whether it's a Caribbean cruise, relaxing at an all-inclusive resort or taking in the wonders of Paris, there is a travel specialist for every destination and type of travel imaginable who can ensure that your honeymoon is memorable for the right reasons," said ASTA President and Chair Chris Russo.
Among the tips are these:
• Begin early and share the planning. To ensure that both parties enjoy the honeymoon, they should consider making all the decisions together.
• Define "ideal." If just one person will be doing the planning, he or she shouldn't assume that because they have always dreamed of honeymooning in a tropical paradise that their soon-to-be-spouse shares that dream.
• Set a tentative budget. Talk about expectations and priorities from the beginning.
• Decide what type of vacation (all-inclusive resort, cruise, adventure vacation, cultural trip) is wanted, then narrow down the list of destinations accordingly.
• Splurge on accommodations. No matter what type of vacation package a couple chooses, this is not a place to cut corners.
• Brides: Use your maiden name. Unless a couple is planning on taking a delayed honeymoon, the bride won't have time to change the name on her passport and driver's license. She should use her maiden name on visas and airline tickets so they match what appears on official documents.