Posted on: October 15, 2006
Itinerary for Disaster?
Couples often disagree on what constitutes a honeymoon – here's how to make sure both parties get their dream vacation
By Timothy R. Schulte
CTW Features
Set goals for your honeymoon to keep your big getaway full of smiles.
Planning a honeymoon sometimes can make the trek down the aisle look like a cakewalk. If the happy couple cannot agree on the perfect getaway location, they’re left with an itinerary for disaster.
“I would say there is always some conflict,” says Howard Green, CEO of MoonRings, Inc., Chicago, a special occasion planning and travel agency. “Each person has a slightly different perspective on their ideal honeymoon.”
In general, says Green, the bride tends to be more influential on what she wants to do, where the groom is more laid back. But the destination investigation cannot begin, though, until the couple has had an open, frank discussion about what their goals are for the honeymoon. If both people are hip to the idea of relaxing with fruity drinks on a warm beach, all is hunky dory; when the couple’s interests are the complete opposite there’s a bigger problem.
“If their interests are really divergent you need to find something that will satisfy both their interests,” Green says.
Activity pace tends to be a big issue; one wants to lie by the pool and the other wants to sightsee. If it turns into a battle where one person wins and the other loses, however, the dour disposition of the runner-up is going to make the experience miserable for the both of them. Some destinations end up pleasing both sides, says Green. Take, for instance, the Greek Isles: resorts, pools, water activities, old world culture, ancient sites and ruins. Or Hawaii: You could spend the day on the beach and in the water or hiking up mountains and looking into a volcano.
The way to work through the process is by setting priorities. When couples come into MoonRings, Green says one of their relationship managers will try to get the top five goals from both the bride and the groom. After that they “play a little Dr. Phil and compare what their interests are,” says Green.
Equally as important as where the couple goes is how much honeymoon they can afford.
“The budget itself could be an area where they need to compromise,” Green says. “One person’s idea could be a complete splurge and one person may not put a premium on the hotel experience.
“A great first step is to sit down and have a general discussion about what’s important. Where do we want to go? How much are we comfortable spending?" he says.
Of course, established travel compatibility is a huge help, too, says Green, noting that the number of couples who have previously traveled together is less than one would expect.
As they say, practice makes perfect.
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