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| Kathryn Boydston Rollins |
We asked Millennial-aged travel advisors where they’re sending their Millennial clients for their destinations weddings and/or honeymoons. Here’s a selection of options from agencies across the country.
Kayla Torgerson of Travel Beyond in South Wayzata, MN, says her affluent clients in their 20s and 30s are typically interested in accommodations that offer great value for money. “When I’m planning these types of trips I will often offer a circuit of properties under the same brand name [for example, more properties in South Africa or Explora Lodges in Chile]. By booking a circuit these young clients still get a very high-end experience, but at a discounted rate,” says Torgerson, echoing the trend of clients in this age range looking for accommodations that are “centrally located, offer special amenities, and have local flair and personality.”
Kathryn Boydston Rollins of CSB Travel, LLC in Houston, TX, just enjoyed her own destination wedding at Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN. She finds overall, however, that her clients show the most enthusiasm for the Caribbean and Italy to celebrate their honeymoons.
“I receive frequent requests for St. Lucia, Anguilla and Turks & Caicos,” says Boydston. “Mukul Beach Golf and Spa on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast has hit my ‘It List’ and is all of the talk among clients my age.”
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| Kayla Torgerson |
Ashley Lancer of Valerie Wilson Travel in New York cites “boutique” and “authenticity” as part of her clients’ preferences, and when it comes to honeymoons, “South” is hot; as in South Africa, Southeast Asia, the southern isles of Greece, the southern tips of Turkey and the southern coasts of Italy. “Some of the top hotels within those places are Canaves Oia Hotel, Palazzo Avino, D-Hotel Maris, Trisara, Six Senses Yao Noi and The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai,” says Lancer.
And some are seeing that when it comes to destination weddings, all-inclusives simply offer the most convenience.
Emma Brumbaugh of VIP Vacations Inc. in Bethlehem, PA, says that clients her age are showing a lot of enthusiasm for Karisma resorts, AMResorts and Palace and Hard Rock because of what they offer wedding groups such a complimentary room nights, free private events and upgrades.
“Other clients my age who aren’t interested in destination weddings are showing a lot of enthusiasm for the adults-only, all-inclusive resorts, more specifically, the Secrets brand because of the 3G [Groups, Gatherings & Getaways] and Girlfriend Getaway promotions. My age group loves technology so the Secrets App is a nice benefit,” reports Brumbaugh.
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| Kristin Bartkus |
Kristin Bartkus of CTA Travel in Cerritos, CA, also sees romantic, adults-only, all-inclusive properties as being popular with her peers.
Millennials are just starting their careers so they appreciate the value that the all-inclusive properties offer, with food, drinks and many activities included in their price,” she tells us. “Many of my clients are getting married and looking for romance on their honeymoon. Some of the most popular properties include Sandals, Paradisus and Excellence.”
Lindsay Barrie of Bliss Honeymoons in Columbus, OH, echoes these sentiments and notes that the El Dorado and Secrets resorts are top sellers for her agency.
“Our under-30 clients are most interested in being spoiled and getting the best value. Great food, rooms with interesting features, top-notch service, and especially, complimentary honeymoon packages are all at the top of the list,” she says.
Barrie is particularly bullish on the romance market and expects it to be a boon for her business for a long time.
“Luckily, people continue to get married, and brides- and grooms-to-be continue to see the benefit of hiring a travel agent to help them plan the perfect honeymoon,” she says.