Wedding ceremonies and guest lists aren't the only plans changing for engaged couples getting ... [+]
Thousands of couples are postponing, canceling or drastically paring down wedding celebrations due to COVID-19 and subsequent health and civic recommendations. With abridged nuptials, come revised honeymoons. Many couples are choosing to replace air tickets to a far-flung locale with a trusted vehicle to a new destination within driving distance. But instead of years or months to plan, many couples now have just weeks to plan such a special trip. For advice on how to book and enjoy a road-trip-friendly honeymoon this season, luxury travel advisor Beth Jenkins Washington, a Senior Travel Advisor for McCabe World Travel, a Virtuoso agency, shares her recommendations.
What should honeymooners keep in mind before booking a drive-to honeymoon during this time?
Honeymooners should ask similar questions as they would planning this special trip any time: How do we like to spend our days together? What activities do we enjoy doing together, or what would we like to learn to do together? How can we spend this time decompressing and just enjoying one another? Even if honeymooners may be disappointed not to be jetting off to an exotic destination, these questions can help the couple and their experienced travel advisor to narrow down amazing domestic ideas. If you like to cook or want to learn to cook together, you don't have to go to France - you can do so where farm-to-table is a way of life, like the very special Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. If you are interested in wine-tasting, you don't have to go to Italy - you can consider Oregon or California wine country. There are socially-distant activities like golf, tennis, kayaking, and hiking that honeymooners can practice or learn together at many destination resorts.
Is there a sweet-spot for length of drive-time? Is there value in planning a route along beautiful roads?
This is definitely a conversation to have in advance! Some people have a longer tolerance for road trip time than others, so make sure both partners are on board with the destination. If you want to go further afield, consider making it a multi-stop trip. There are wonderful routes that offer several honeymoon-worthy destinations along the way. If you're in the Northeast, consider a New England coastal drive from Chatham Bars Inn to Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. In the Southeast, combine the foodie and history-buff friendly city of Charleston (Zero George Street Hotel is perfect for honeymooners looking for privacy), then head out to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island to spread out on 10 miles of beach. Keep heading south to Montage Palmetto Bluff where you can continue enjoying a private escape, outdoor water activities, and even a day trip to Savannah. The West Coast has one of the country's most scenic drives along the California Coast, from Monterrey to Big Sur, where Post Ranch Inn and Ventana Inn are sought after adults-only retreats. Out west, ski destinations also double as some of the best summer destinations for hiking and being outdoors. Consider the Montage or St. Regis in Deer Valley, Utah. Beaver Creek, Vail, or Aspen make a beautiful drive from Denver.
How do you identify romantic destinations/properties best suited to social distancing?
If you're looking for romance, consider an adults-only destination like Twin Farms in Vermont, which also offers 300 acres for guests to enjoy. Triple Creek Ranch in Montana is an adults-only hideaway with outdoor activities spread over thousands of acres.
Are there any elements to look for in rooms and suites to ensure peace of mind in with sanitation offerings?
Hotels and resorts are adopting increased health and safety practices both in common areas and in-room. In luxury hotels this can be expected, but it doesn't hurt to ask in advance about the new policies. Rooms are being treated with deep cleaning, and many hotels will be offering guests the ability to take sanitation into their own hands - literally - by offering disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer.
How about amenities?
A great travel advisor will make sure that your honeymoon amenity is customized to your preferences, instead of a standard fruit plate. Through their relationships at the hotel, your advisor can arrange romantic touches reminiscent of your special day, and even secure upgrades to enhance your stay. If you have any sensitivities or aversions, make sure you communicate that to your travel advisor or the hotel in advance. This is great advice any time, but especially in this delicate time.
How will the fine dining experience change? Is there anything that couples can do to make sure it still feels luxurious and special?
While it is yet to be seen what local policies and guest preferences may affect dining experiences, luxury hotels and resorts are certainly adjusting their service experiences with guest health and safety as a priority. Instead of a breakfast buffet, hotels may be offering only made-to-order or plated service. Once again, communication of preferences in advance of your stay can avoid unmet expectations.
How should couples prepare for a backup plan in case of a second wave?
It is crucial to check the current policies before you book your driving-distance vacation, or work with a travel advisor whose job it is to stay on top of this information. In-the-know travel advisors know the opening dates of top domestic hotels and resorts for honeymooners, and have the local connections to let you know what it's really like there. Even if you can drive there - are there quarantine regulations in place or stay-at-home orders that would affect your experience? Make yourself aware of the cancellation policies and book the most flexible rate. You may consider a cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance plan, and make sure you read the fine print.
