VIRTUOSO® HONEYMOON TRAVEL SPECIALISTS IDENTIFY TOP HONEYMOON TRENDS
AND THE TOP TEN BUDGET-FRIENDLY SPOTS FOR MODERN BRIDE

Our network of 6,000 honeymoon travel specialists have weighed in on the top trends in how and where newlyweds are traveling.

1. Recession-Resistant
Honeymoons are the one of the strongest travel categories. Saying anything is recession-proof is a bold statement these days, but all indications show that brides and grooms are willing to make concessions on other parts of their wedding – maybe a less expensive dress, a DJ rather than a band – but they won’t skimp on their honeymoon because of the memories that come with it. And the mentality is that they can spend it now, and make the money back later – so newlyweds are still spending.

2. Destination Weddings
JAMAICA – Also a great value destination, according to our experts, and also represents a trend we’re seeing – the rise of the destination wedding. Combining a wedding and honeymoon, cuts down on the individual expenses of each and provides the wedding experience of a lifetime while not draining your bank account.

Where to stay: Best value going…

• The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica
• Nightly accommodation
• Daily Breakfast for two
• $100 Daily Resort Credit
• Complimentary Wedding Ceremony & Ceremony Location
• Wedding Specialist & Wedding Concierge
• Minister
• Signature Bouquet & Signature Boutonniere
• Complimentary three-night 1st anniversary stay
• Starting at $259/night

When to go: NOW through Dec 20, 2009
Why? An unbeatable wedding, honeymoon and first anniversary celebration!

3. Giving Back
Newlyweds want to share their happiness by making sure they do something good for the areas where they’re honeymooning. Whether it’s supporting the environment or local communities, travels want to have a positive impact on the areas they visit.

Where to stay:

• Tortuga Bay Hotel, Punta Cana – Dominican Republic, which is also a great value destination according to our network –Recently awarded the “Tourism for Tomorrow” award by the World Travel & Tourism Council for their ecological programs, this resort is setting an example throughout the Caribbean to preserve its environment.
• Volunteer with wildlife biologists in monitoring the highly endangered Ridgeway’s Hawk, which has recently been reintroduced in Punta Cana – track the hawks using radio collars, document feeding habits and feed the hawks. July – December
• Volunteer with marine biologists in the Coral Gardens project. Coral Gardens consists of rescuing pieces of endangered Staghorn and Elkhorn corals that have fallen off reefs and attaching them to metal frames in selected grow-out sites. Volunteers work to collect and attach corals to the racks, clean algae and fire worms off of racks, and in certain seasons trim corals and replant them onto the reef. September – May
• Plant a tree, come back every anniversary to see how it’s progressing; come back with your family and plant another tree as a family project.
• Forth night free when booking a minimum of 3 nights
• Special pricing on golf & spa
• VIP “whisking service” through immigration and customs at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) with transportation to Tortuga Bay and use of the private VIP Lounge at the airport upon their return.
• Golf privilege at the new Tom Fazio Corales Golf Course within the PUNTACANA Resort & Club.
• Starting at $435/night when staying 4 nights – compared to $580/night for normal rate & $900/night for the same room during the peak season.

When to go: NOW through Dec 22, 2009
Why? These exclusive 15 villas offer butler service, interiors designed by Oscar de la Renta, 5 miles of white-sand beaches, use of a private golf cart, and still it’s the right thing to do!

4. Longer Honeymoons
New trends include taking longer honeymoons. Whereas the typical honeymoon used to be 5-7 days, we’re now seeing couples travel for 10-12 days. Again, honeymoons are proving one of the most important elements of the wedding. Cruises also hit on another trend we’re seeing – the desire for all-inclusives. Not only can you control your budget, but you don’t even have to carry a wallet!

Oceania Cruises:
Samba Rhythms – Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires, Argentina being one of the hottest and most affordable destinations right now.

• 12 day voyage – Sails from December 10th to December 22nd 2009
• Includes two nights in Buenos Aires where the ship acts as your hotel
• Includes an overnight in Rio de Janeiro onboard
• Brochure Fare for a stateroom with veranda starts at just over $9,000 a person
• Virtuoso special promotion offers:
• 2-for-1 cruises fares + an additional $1,000 price reduction
• Pre-paid gratuities (over a $300 value)
• $500 onboard credit for shore-excursions and onboard purchases
• Welcome bottle of wine
• Roundtrip airfare from over 20 cities in the US and Canada
• All of this for less than $200 per person per day.

5. Value!
Tightening your belt does not mean compromising your dream honeymoon. In fact, there’s no better time to plan a honeymoon because of all the value you can find. We’ve brought you the top 10 budget-friendly destinations, according to Virtuoso honeymoon travel specialists, which are featured in this month’s “World’s Best Honeymoons” issue of Modern Bride magazine.

A. Best Ultimate Value – MEXICO
Always a honeymoon favorite, it now offers some of the best pricing you can find. Take advantage of the fabulous beaches, unparalleled warmth and culture, and the exceptional values.
Where to stay:

• The Tides, Riviera Maya – Located about 30 minutes south of Cancun, this is a honeymooner’s paradise! Secluded villas, stunning beaches and a great spa await. As does a stay-one-night-get-the-next-night-free special, With a savings of 50%, a stay at this 5-star resort starts at $292.50 per night, including breakfast. $585/night or $700/night in peak season.

When to go: NOW through Sept 30, 2009
Why? Unheard of value, and easy airlift to Cancun no matter where you live in the country.

B. FLORIDA
Those wanting to stay a little closer to home, look no further than sunny Naples. Florida came in at the number 5 value destination for good reason. Home to some of the country’s most beautiful resorts, those on a budget will have an elegant honeymoon that won’t break the bank!

Where to stay:

• Naples Grande Beach Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection - Nestled upon the sun-drenched beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, with marine life, exotic birds, a wildlife preserve and pristine beaches, this resort embodies a playful, “modern Florida” luxury and a chic yet comfortable vibe. Guests enjoy luxurious accommodations, championship golf and tennis, fine dining and an endless array of activities.

When to go: NOW through Sept 30, 2009
Why? Rates starting at $99; 4th night free, making the rate $74.25 per night for 4 night min; even an upgrade to next available room category if available. Compared to $309/night or $489 in peak season.