How a Travel Agent Organizes Your Dream Destination Wedding

Ready to contact us and learn more about organizing your dream destination wedding? In 2022, destination weddings now account for just over 25% of the US wedding market.

Weddings and vacations, they are both great generators of excitement. Mix the two together, and you can start planning for something truly special. Destination weddings are growing in popularity as couples choose to tie the knot in majestically unforgettable style.

Destination Wedding Statistics & Inspiration

On average, couples getting married abroad will stay at their destination for 7 days, with guests staying on average for 4 days. Some couples choose to change resorts for their honeymoon. This way, if needed, they have more privacy from the rest of their party after the wedding. Along with the resort, in the Caribbean and Bahamas, it’s not uncommon for couples to change islands between their destination wedding and honeymoon. This gives them a completely fresh local, to experience both.

In 2022, the average cost of a destination wedding can be cheaper overall, compared to upwards of $30,000 average for domestic weddings.

May is the most popular month for a destination wedding, followed by June and July. This is important to remember in your budget planning, as May, June, and July can be the high season in your destination, which means it can be the most expensive time to book.

In 2022, destination weddings now account for just over 25% of the US wedding market.

Why people choose a destination wedding?

Destination weddings cost far less than those held domestically.

It is more likely to stand out, and be a unique experience and wedding that you and your guests will never forget.

It’s often much easier, as people opting for destination weddings will almost always involve the services of a travel agent, who based on your needs, will have the best recommendation for destination, resort, time of year, and relationships with on-site wedding planners.

There is a hugely romantic and exciting feel to getting married in an exotic location. For your guests as well! The excursions alone, mean you’re spending more time with your friends and family doing things you might not have access to at home. For example, zip-lining, sailing, horse back riding, rock climbing, spas / massages, cenotes, whale watching, the list goes on and on!

Instead of just 1 special day, the celebrations can be extended across several days. South Asian / Indian wedding celebrations are known to last from a week to 2 weeks!

The scenery of your destination will likely present the opportunity to get some beautiful media – video and photographs, for you and your guests.

It is much easier not to invite unwanted guests, who would expect or require an invite to a wedding held domestically.

Organizing a Destination Wedding

A destination wedding travel agency can help guide you through all of the following!

1) As a couple, brainstorm and come up with a wide-ranging list of possible wedding locations.

2) Whittle this down to a shortlist by going into further detail about the finer pros & cons of each location you’ve selected.

3) Make a final choice on your destination, and enlist the help of a wedding travel agency to book that location.

4) Decide who will be invited to the wedding. Once you have final numbers, organize the travel arrangements.

5) Select a theme for the wedding, whether it’s an overriding color scheme or a theme based on something such as a famous TV show or film.

6) Get yourselves and the wedding party sized up for everything that you will wear on the day of the wedding.

7) Complete any admin tasks related to the wedding, this can be taken care of by a travel agent wedding planner if you’re unsure about some of the finer legal points.

8) Organize the food. Selecting the cuisine that’s indigenous to the country of your wedding adds to the destination wedding vibe, or at least have a few similar options.

9) Organize the finishing touches, such as music, cake, make-up and photography.

10) Enjoy every minute of your perfect destination wedding, starting from when you get to the airport!

Tips for Organizing Destination Weddings

Have an on-site wedding planner. We organize someone for you! They typically are an employee of the resort and have 100s, if not 1000s of destination weddings under their belt. There are some specifics which they can do with ease, but would likely cause you enormous hassle if you took them on yourself. However, only enlist their help for jobs that very much require their expertise.

Find out about the legalities of getting married in the destination of your choice.

Carefully consider what travel plans (flights, connecting transfers, etc.) would be most convenient for you and your guests.

Consider taking out wedding insurance to protect against unforeseen obstacles, natural disasters affecting your destination.

Confirm the dates, and notify your guests as early as you can. They will need to plan for taking time off work, as well as saving up for the wedding. 9 months is a good ball park.

Visit your proposed destination to get a first-hand opinion of whether or not it is suitable for your wedding vision.

Ensure that you have arranged any essential documents, valid passports, visas, birth certificates, affidavits / statutory declarations.

Ready to take the next step?

We have been booking destination weddings since 2002. At All Inclusive Weddings, we offer free consultation! Please contact us today to learn more.

5 Steps to a Fabulous Destination Wedding on any Budget

• The best time to get married
• Insider secrets to free perks
• The one thing that will make or break your budget

1) Choose a destination that it is easy and affordable to fly into
The destination you choose can often make or break your budget. You might be dreaming of an uber-exotic out-of-the-way destination for your special day, but that might also mean uber-expensive flights and uber long travel days which may end up being a hinderance for you, your fiancé or your guests.

On the other hand, there are plenty of locations that are uber-exotic, but for a variety of reasons are
surprisingly easy and affordable to get to. A professional travel expert (like me!) can be a great guide to finding these not so well known locations. Please don’t forget to also pick a location you love. Regardless of your budget, this is your wedding, your special day, and you want to have nothing but joy-filled memories of this special day. Choose a location that you absolutely love and that appeals to your aesthetic, way of life, and look and feel of your wedding. You want your guests to go home feeling like the entire event was completely your style!

2) Take advantage of wedding credits and other perks offered at your destination

Did you know that hotels and resorts that cater to destination weddings will offer you wedding credits based on the number of rooms booked for your event? Did you know that it’s even possible at some destinations to have your wedding or honeymoon completely free based on the size of your group?

Wedding credits can be applied towards your costs, such as your accommodations, local wedding related government fees, or extra special perks like a fine bottle of champagne or a romantic catamaran trip around the island. Just like airline miles and credit cards perks, some are much better offers than others. A travel agent who specializes in Romance Travel can help you choose a property that will give you the most wedding credits based on the number of rooms booked.

3) Be open to getting married during the week, as opposed to a Saturday

Many venues offer lower rates for weekday weddings. You and your guests are already likely taking some time off for the wedding, so planning a destination wedding during the week is typically much easier than trying to schedule a traditional wedding during the week.

4) Choose flowers, food and favors that are easy to find locally

Shipping or traveling with your flowers, food or wedding favors is expensive and can be a real hassle. You might even run into restrictions when it comes to fresh flowers or foods depending on where you are traveling. Forget the hassle and choose these items that are unique to your destination.

Choose flowers, food and favors that are easy to find locally Part of the beauty and fun of a destination wedding is choosing flowers, food and favors that match the theme of your destination, to design the entire experience for you and your guests to be immersed in the locale.

Local souvenirs make the perfect favor for destination weddings. Find a local, high-end gift shop that sells tasteful souvenirs or consider giving local delicacies – wines, coffees, nuts, candies…
almost every location has some culinary treat that they are known for – with a quick online search or phone call to your wedding travel agency, you can come up with a wonderful, memorable wedding favor your guests will love.

5) Talk to your Travel Agent about negotiating special upgrades and perks based on the size of your wedding

…and make sure your guests understand how to book under your contract.

Your Travel Agent is an invaluable resource to you when it comes to negotiating group contracts with destination wedding venues. What this means for you is freebies and concessions such as upgrades, parties, etc. for booking a certain number of rooms.

You want to communicate with your guests and make sure they book with your Travel Agent so that their travel is booked properly and will count towards the guaranteed minimum number of guests that your Travel Agent negotiated for you so you don’t lose your perks.

There is nothing worse than negotiating a killer deal with a resort based on the number of guests you will have, only to get there and realize it was all for naught since half of your guests didn’t book their rooms under your contract! There are some resorts that now even charge the couple for guests that don’t book inside the negotiated group contract. Ouch!

As your destination wedding travel agency, we can help you communicate this clearly to your guests and you have our word that they will be treated to the exact same luxury experience that I will provide you.

Mark and Casey Simpsen’s Destination Wedding at UNICO 2087

Casey and Mark didn’t want a typical hometown wedding, their dream was to tie the knot in a tropical destination surrounded by their closest friends and families. More than eighty of their loved ones made the trip down to UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya for a week full of endless celebrations and memories that will last a lifetime.

Casey and Mark shared their favorite moments from their special week with us, keep reading for details from the beautiful couple.

Why did you choose a destination wedding?

We are both from the same hometown and have been to countless weddings there. We felt like we had seen all the venues multiple times and wanted to do something different.  We also don’t get to see our friends very often and wanted to make our wedding a vacation opportunity for friends so that we could spend multiple days with them. UNICO 20˚87˚’s all-inclusive experience and special price when staying 5 nights made this possible! Most of our friends and family stayed 5 nights, so we were able to have an extended celebration with our loved ones!

It was surreal being surrounded by our friends and family in such a picturesque venue. It was the most fun I’ve ever had at a wedding: the beach/pool in the morning, a beautiful ceremony, fun reception with amazing dj/LED dancefloor, fireworks to close the night, and then the club! It was the best day of our lives!

Which venue did you select for your special day?

We got married in the gazebo, and it was beautiful and dream-like!  We liked that the gazebo was somewhat excluded from the rest of the hotel, so it felt very private. Not to mention, the view of the beach and ocean in the background was breathtaking!  I also liked that it wasn’t on the sand, so I could wear high heels with my wedding dress.

What was your favorite thing about your big day?

Everything was perfect! The gazebo was the perfect setting for the ceremony and looked gorgeous with the flowers on the arch. The reception was so fun! The DJ was incredible, and the fireworks during the last song made the evening feel like a perfect dream. It was the icing on the cake—the perfect send off! Also, Maribel was so attentive and had everything set up exactly as we had discussed. I didn’t have to worry about a thing all day!

Our favorite memory was watching our friends and family having so much fun dancing and enjoying themselves in the tropical environment while celebrating our marriage!

What was the best part about the planning process?

Lia setup an Onsite Wedding Coordinator for us, Maribel. Meeting with Maribel when we arrived at the resort was so helpful. She was so patient with us and spent so much time answering our questions and finalizing many details about all of our weekend events. She really put us at ease which allowed us to enjoy our weekend with friends and family without any worries. She went above and beyond our expectations by adding special details to our events that perfected the set up—things we hadn’t even thought about!

Travel Agent: Lia Vincent – All Inclusive Weddings

Onsite Wedding Coordinator: Maribel Ramirez Fernandez

Which was your favorite amenity?
The day bed and the bath tub on the balcony were great for relaxing. One day we came home, and the room host had drawn a bath with rose petals and set out champagne. We thought that was very romantic and gave us a moment of peace away from all the wedding festivities. Having the room host to contact was very helpful. All of our requests and questions were taken care of quickly! The room service was amazing and being able to use the Unico app made it so easy!
Also, everyone was a big fan of the clothes steamer supplied in the room. It worked great for everyone’s wedding attire and multiple people purchased it once they returned home!

New Resort, Secrets Moxche – Adults Only

Step into the world of luxury surrounded by a tropical oasis at the all-inclusive Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen. Immerse yourself in an ambiance unique to the Yucatan peninsula with our seven shimmering pools, plus three man-made cenotes and one interior beach-inspired designed for intimate gatherings. All 485 lavish suites offer a contemporary experience with an earthy feel including luxurious amenities, stunning views, an in-room mini-bar and more! The resort is located within Corasol, a gated residential community with an 18-hole golf course designed by PGA-Legend and a member of the Hall of Fame, Nick Price, Gran Coyote Golf Course, and a mere 40 minutes from Cancun International Airport.

View our: Secrets Moxche Guide & Wedding Packages PDF

Secrets Resorts & Spas

From AMR Collection, for all-adult romance, Secrets Resorts are a great option.

Secrets Resorts & Spas offer adults an extra measure of romance and sensuality in exquisite luxury beachfront settings. Guests immerse themselves in Unlimited-Luxury® where everything is included. This plus elegantly appointed rooms and suites with 24-hour concierge and room services, multiple gourmet restaurants and lounges serving top-shelf spirits, elegant amenities and endless day and evening activities, provide the ultimate backdrop for unparalleled pampering, romantic rendezvous and lasting memories for couples and honeymooners.

The Unlimited-Luxury® experience includes:

  • Limitless access to gourmet à la carte dining options without reservations required
  • Unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits
  • Unlimited natural fruit juices and soft drinks
  • 24-hour room and concierge services
  • Pool and beach wait service
  • Daily refreshed mini-bar with soft drinks, juice, bottled water and beer
  • Daily maid service
  • Endless daytime activities and live nightly entertainment
  • Theme parties, oceanfront bars and entertainment venues
  • No wristbands required
  • All taxes and gratuities

The Perfect Guest for Secrets Resorts & Spas:
Adults seeking an extra measure of romance in exquisite and luxurious setting. Desiring upscale accommodations, elegant amenities and excellent services.

Ideal for:

  • Honeymoons
  • Adults-only weddings
  • Anniversaries
  • Engagements
  • Vow renewals
  • Romantic escapes
  • Spa retreats

Adults-Only • Romantic • Luxurious • Sophisticated • Elegant

What makes Secrets Moxché in Playa del Carmen unique?

I had the honor of visiting the brand new build, Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen, in the heart of Riviera Maya. The word, Moxche, comes from a tree growing in this area and they have incorporated the wood throughout the property. The attention to every detail is evident from the ocean view the moment you arrive. This resort is 5 minutes north of Playa del Carmen in the gated community of Coracol. It sits right between Royal Haciendas, timeshare place, and Sandos Caracol. It opens on April 18th, 2022. The resort has 483 suites, which are all oversized, starting around 600 square feet.

There is also a tower called “Impressions”, which is a step above Preferred Club. It is sold as a separate hotel. This section, as I keep calling it, since it’s right there, is slated to open August 1st, with 200 additional suites. At Secrets Moxche there’s a huge variety of suites with their standard suites being nicer than suites at its competitors. There are swim out suites, master suites and more. The swim outs went in a new direction with a divider between each room, making it an impressively large private pool on each room. This category is going to be so popular, especially with honeymooners.

The entry level room is a jr. suite tropical view. There are options for a king or 2 queen size beds. The Preferred Club status will get you extra amenities in your room like a stone soaking tub on your balcony, stocked wine cooler, Nespresso machine, daily stocked snacks and the extra bathroom amenities. I love having all these little extras in my room because I seem to forget something and they think of it all. This also gives you access to the rooftop observatory, which I will go into detail about next.

There are 3 rooftops, which they are calling observatories. On top of the main lobby is just for Preferred Club guests. It has an infinity pool, drink and food service. It is jaw dropping. It gives a view of the entire property and the ocean. The observatory on the roof of Impressions has double the size of infinity pool and is closer to the beach for a straight ocean view. The 3rd roof top is for weddings. WOW! It will be the #1 venue for privacy and views. They have also brought over Carolina, from Secrets Akumal, to have the best of the best wedding coordinators for this new property. I’m so excited for our future brides to have this amazing option. It’s going to book up quickly so we need to start reserving dates for now and 2023.

The gastronomy is being taken to a new level with this new resort. There are some similar experiences like The Market which is located off the main lobby with that picture perfect view of the whole property. They also have added new restaurant concepts such as personalized teppanyaki and indoor/outdoor seating at most restaurants. There are new names to restaurants here as well. I think I’m the most excited about Dos Almas which is Mexican Soul Food. I don’t know if I had a favorite food group before I heard of this restaurant but I’m pretty sure I have found it. They also will have a tequila tasting menu and taco bar. Impressions will have 3 restaurants exclusively for their guests but they also have access to all the restaurants on property.

It wouldn’t be a Secrets without an amazing spa and Secrets Moxche is no exception. The spa is located in a quiet section to the front of the property (further from the beach) with an impressive entrance with banyan trees. There are 16 cabins and 6 master cabins. There’s a his and hers side with sauna and steam room with an outdoor area for everyone. The outdoor area has an impressive hydrotherapy area with all the water massage you could hope for. I almost enjoy the spa experience before the massage more than the actual massage so I can’t wait to get back here and try it out.

As I brag to being a “honest, tell it like it is” travel agent I want to address the beach. This is going to be a hurdle for those that are die hard perfect beach lovers. This stretch of beach is not known for perfection and is prone to seaweed especially during the spring and summer. Secrets Resorts have always been diligent about cleaning to the best of their ability but mother nature sometimes is a real witch. If this is a deal breaker for you then I would encourage you to come November – February. I do want you to hear me out though. This resort is exceptional. They have overly over compensated with tons of pools. One of them even has a sandy beach so you can put your toes in the sand without ever stepping outside the resort. They have 2 natural cenotes on property too which are cool and refreshing. There are also multiple pools with swim up bars.

Have I talked you into this yet? I am hard to impress and I was giddy. Every time I turned the corner I was like saying, “Oh wow I love that. I want my house to look like that! How did they do that? Where did they shop?” and on and on. If you’re an avid all inclusive traveler we decided this is a mix between Atelier and Unico 2087 which makes is even more perfect.

We spend our trips touring hotels so we can be the best travel agents possible. We would love to help you plan a vacation to Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen. It’s one of a kind.

how to become a travel agent

A big misconception in the travel industry, someone has to be “certified” or go to school to become a travel agent. You don’t technically need either to become a travel agent. You just need a travel agency to allow you to sign-up and use their credentials to sell travel.

How to Become a Travel Agent  GuideHere is where I say…BUT, do you want to work with a travel agency that accepts everyone with 0 qualification requirements? I don’t want to talk bad about these agencies, but in my opinion it really waters down the agency community. It creates poorly trained (or not trained at all) travel agents out in the communities we live in that use our designation as “travel agent” that for example I have sat next to people on a plane and they respond cautiously, “But are you a REAL travel agent?” I know exactly what they are talking about.

I am going to go into detail on how to become a REAL travel agent and how to be successful in my opinion. This is how I run my travel agency. We have quickly risen to the top. We are recognized by companies such as Disney Destinations, American Airlines Vacations, Apple Leisure Group, Delta Vacations, and more as a top travel agency in the United States.

Learn More About Joining Us!
1) Find an agency that will mentor you.

At Vincent Vacations, we train people that have never been in the travel industry before. I will say there is a lot of misunderstanding in what we do. A lot of people think that because they can navigate Expedia, then they too can be a travel agent. This is not the case.

Once a client has gotten to the point of selecting where they want to go, what hotel they want and what dates…putting in the names and birthdates of the travelers is the easy part. It’s something most middle school kids could do. The hard part is helping them select the resort or hotel. Helping them navigate the cruise options or what they should do while at Walt Disney World to know how many days to book. It’s building a rapport with the client so they trust and value your opinion on all of these things. There is too much information out there and people come to a travel agent to help them narrow down their search. Finding an agency that values training and knowledge is KEY. We train in groups. We do an introductory 3 day training with business development managers from hoteliers and cruise lines so the newbies (as we call them) can hear the passion and information from the sales reps we work closely with. Another benefit I see with the group trainings, you start to build relationships with the other agents. They are learning things for the first time just like you. Everyone will likely have the same questions and be at the same stage for at least the first little bit. You start to build this in the training so the group training is non-negotiable for me. I do get a lot of requests to just watch the recorded trainings or sign up without it but then this start of community would be lost. This industry is made up of 2 different types of travel agents. A brick and mortar agent who works full time in an office and an independent contractor (IC). The independent contractors don’t have the benefit of working in an office. The idea of the office, where you can quickly bounce ideas off each other, and learn from each other. At Vincent Vacations our IC team is a community. As part of how the agency mentors our team, we are big on this community with helping each other. We do a weekly team meeting via ZOOM, team building activities, a yearly retreat, awards party, FAM trips (I’ll talk more about FAMs in another section) and we have a private Facebook group where everyone can utilize to brainstorm.

2) Travel where you sell, and share your experience.

This can be an expensive job at first. I joke with some of the agents to see what their spouses think of their new job. It can be difficult at first but it’s so important. We are a traveling agency. I put a lot of emphasis on this and when sales reps come to me and say, “how can we get more business” I am always saying, “Take us on a FAM”. A FAM is a Familiarization trip. It is when travel agents travel together to tour hotels or resorts or experience a destination. A FAM trip can be a short weekend trip to Mexico where you see 15 hotels in 3 days or a tour of Italy. There’s not really a specific category but they are so important. When you meet someone and you can speak confidently about a destination it can be a game changer on closing a sale. “I was just in Cancun and I would love to tell you about the airport experience and my top 3 hotels I think you would love when we are working on your trip.” Do FAM trips cost money? Most of them, yes they do. They are typically very discounted. They are a lot of work. I have never been so tired than on a FAM trip where we went from hotel to hotel in the heat seeing every room category. We started taking pictures of the name of the hotel so we could wrap our brain around which pictures are which. When you’re done you’re always so glad you went. You make new friends, build relationships with the hoteliers and gain so much knowledge. Share your pictures on social media. Save some. Share a little a at time. Create albums of your FAMs so you don’t forget and it can become such a resource. You will be glad you did.

3) Maximize Social Media

Someone recently asked in a social media group I am in if I let my clients be “my friend” on social media. My answer without hesitating is YES. If you want to be successful, the quickest path and least expensive path is through social media. Picture this…….you book someone a trip to Mexico. You’re new and inexperienced. You might not have shined during the booking process but you did a fine job. Will the client remember to call you in a couple years when they are ready for their next trip? IFFY. If you’re connected on social media will they? YES! Of course not guaranteed but think about it. They start to feel like they know you. They see you traveling for your job as an agent. They see you posting reviews of hotels, other client experiences and treating it as a profession.

We also encourage all of our team to build a Facebook group. This is where they can put together travel inspiration and example trips, (we provide the content to our team for a lot of this), people can ask questions and you can run it like a business. Agents with a travel focused Facebook group consistently sell more travel than those who don’t have one. The ones with 2-3k people in their groups have more business than they know what to do with.

This only works if you treat social media as a business. What image do you want to portray? Keep social media positive. Keep it lighthearted. Post funny pictures of your kids, your weekend cooking venture and your travels. Do not post your family drama. Do not post politics. Politics is sure to alienate half of your audience. Be intentional. Who do you admire on social media? Why do you admire them? Is it because they complain, post low quality photos and rant nonstop? Of course not. Everyone on your social media is either a client or a potential client. Once you emerge yourself into this thought process you will see an uptick in business.

4) Join a Referral Group

Referral groups can be so helpful when you immerse yourself and use it to your advantage. This is where you will refer other members of the group to their businesses and they will return the favor. It’s a great way to expand your network outside of what you already have. If you don’t know of any, this is a great time to start one. This way you can set the rules and expectations.

5) Never stop training.

This is huge. This job is fluid. Everything is always changing. There’s always a new policy or even a new destination to learn about. There are conferences that will help you focus on your niche and become an expert. For example if your focus is romance travel then conferences like Love Mexico or Romance Travel Forum should be on your priority list. There are cruise conferences like Cruise World or RiverView Conference if you want to focus specifically on River Cruises. The training is as important as networking at these events. This is where you will meet other agents that also have this focus. Agents with a core group of agents that they can bounce ideas off of are much more successful than those who isolate themselves.

Becoming a travel agent has blessed me and my family so much. After the pandemic we joke that it’s not for the faint of heart but as travel returns I have seen the need for professional travel agents more and more. The value has been shown over and over and it’s a profession not going away. We are here to stay.

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Trafalgar Travel Agent

What’s hot for Trafalgar Tours in 2022?

I personally have traveled with Trafalgar twice. Once to South America for their 7 night, Highlights of Peru itinerary, and once to Italy for a Tuscany focused itinerary.

The Tuscany was a girls trip with a group of travel advisors. Can I start off my saying that Tuscany with a group of friends exploring vineyards, making our own pasta and trying olives and drinking wine. It was magical. Peru was a couples trip. We traveled with 4 couples. An unexpected joy of Peru was no jet lag! They are just straight down, so we didn’t need any time getting use to the time change…..Lima is on central time zone. They were such opposite styles of trips which makes me point out that Trafalgar has so much to offer.

Here’s the inside scoop of what it’s like to travel with Trafalgar and what is trending in 2022.

Who goes on a Trafalgar Tour?

One of the big questions we get as a Trafalgar Travel Agency is who goes on these tours? More specifically, “Is it all old people?”. My quick answer is, “everyone” and let me explain. One the tours I have traveled on there are people of all ages. There are families traveling with their children (typically 10 has been the youngest), couples, girls trips, and retired people. It will 100% depend on the destination, time of year and length of tour. Younger people will have a stricter schedules so they are more drawn to the 7 – 10 night itineraries and families typically travel during school breaks.

Where does Trafalgar travel?

Trafalgar has tours all over the world. I especially loved our experience in Peru and it was my first time to the continent. I would love to go back and try their Argentina tour or Brazil. They have tours on 6 of the 7 continents.

Do I have any free time to explore on my own?

The short answer is, “YES!” but the long answer is, “It depends on the tour you select on how much go go go it is.” There are some tours where you are doing a night or two in each city and your are covering multiple countries in 10 days. These ones will still have some free time but it will be more limited. The itinerary we did in Peru had for example an included walking tour of Machu Picchu but then the rest of the day we could explore on our town. In Italy we had a walking tour of Pisa for example and then an hour to explore and take funny pictures. We had the same experience with like at The Vatican for example. There was a tour but then free time. It was always a good balance where I would have wanted the tour either way and free time for pictures and to grab a drink but not too much where we just sit around and wonder what’s next. In both destinations we had most evenings free where we would dine in local restaurants. The guide with us would give us recommendations which were always so spot on.

What kind of hotels can I expect?

Trafalgar uses 3.5 and 4 star hotels with good locations where you will be able to easily walk to restaurants. I have appreciated this so much. They include breakfast at the hotels. They are a middle of the line guided tour company so I did not see as many recognizable American brands like Hilton or Marriott. We stayed in local hotels and some with some quirkiness. We laughed so hard at the one in Rome that one of the rooms had the shower in the bedroom instead of the bathroom. In Peru we stayed at the base of Machu Picchu in the town. The hotel was trendy and in a perfect location where we walked out to the pedestrian street with all the cute shops and restaurants. We ate dinner and then wandered and found am open air café that we played cards until late. All the hotels have been clean and were ones I would stay in again. Your guide stays at the same hotel with you.

How much does a Trafalgar Tour cost?

The cost of a Trafalgar tour can vary based on destination and what is included. To give you more of a specific example, Best of Italy is 13 days for $2925 per person, based on double occupancy. Highlights of Peru which is the tour I did starts at $2425 per person, based on double occupancy. This one has a higher daily average rate since it also includes inner country flights. For the best pricing consider traveling not during peak season like when kids are on a school break or over a holiday.

Are there any discounts I can get for a Trafalgar Tour?

Yes! Trafalgar offers a generous 10% savings for paying in full a minimum of 6 months prior to your tour date. They also offer Last Minute Deals so they can fill tours with a few spaces here or there. This is perfect for those with a flexible schedule.

How do they handle Covid testing?

Do you have uncertainty about navigating the ever changing protocols? Trafalgar is a great opportunity to travel with ease. Are you worried about where you will test to return to the United States? Trafalgar sets all of this up for the guests and makes it where it doesn’t become an entire day interruption. They have boots on the ground in each destination they have tours which makes all the changes something they adapt to and incorporate to make the vacation experience still top notch.

What is Costsaver? Is it the same as Trafalgar?

Costsaver Tours are part of the same corporation as Trafalgar Tours. They use the same coaches but there are a few differences. Costsaver is going to be more of a sold 3 star hotel experience. Of course still clean but just more basic and likely to not have extra services like a pool or spa. While Trafalgar includes a lot of touring and typically several meals during the tour, Costsaver is going to be very basic tours and more free time. They will have optional tours you can purchase ala carte. This is a great option for someone that has traveled but likes the idea of not having to coordinate travel between cities so they can maximize their vacation. Costsaver tours still have the same knowledgeable guides. A Costsaver guest is the all about the destination and not as much about the perks of luxury hotels and dinners.

What is Insight Vacations?

Insight is also part of the Trafalgar family. They are going to be a step up from Trafalgar. They are going to be in hotels in city center locations with brands you will likely recognize. I have toured with Insight as well and for example we stayed at the Hilton in Vienna. It was a great location. The big thing that stands out with Insight Vacation is they take out seats on the coach to give everyone more leg room. They are going to have 40 seats instead of 48 – 50 which makes me call Insight “Premium Economy” of guided touring. They also have more inclusions. For example if you are in Venice, you are going to do a gondola ride. This would be an optional add on for a Trafalgar Tour or Costsaver. This is included with Insight Vacations. One sect of their touring companies that I am kind of obsessed with is the Country Roads tours. This takes you on the scenic path. Country Roads of Italy or Country Roads of France for example will have you staying in quaint towns and is all about the scenery and immersion. They are going to include things like a cooking class or wine tasting. It’s a great option after you have checked of the big cities and want to go back and experience the countryside.

What is hot for 2022?

With tourism in Europe returning before some of the other continents, it has quickly become the front runner for Trafalgar Tours. There are pandemic restrictions being lifted right and left which has allowed for more ease of travel. Trafalgar has also curated more tours in the United States. This might be something you would say, “why when there’s not a language barrier? I could just do it myself so why?” These are valid questions but think of it this way…….you could just sit back and relax and be on vacation. This is something when we have traveled with groups they point out loving about guided touring. We don’t have to think about how to get to the next place or where we will eat dinner or even what are we looking at. We are being taken around by a guide who will help us with all of those things so we can just soak it all in.

Are vaccines required for Trafalfar, Costsaver and Insight Vacations?

As of April 23, 2022 when I am writing this blog article yes they are required. They also will go off of the countries policies so for Peru for example they are also requiring a booster if applicable since it’s a requirement of their country. We are hoping these requirements will loosen in 2023 to allow for more travelers to experience their wonderful tours.

We have travel agents who specialize in Trafalgar trips and tours.
Trafalgar is an expert covering tours in all 7 continents and over 300 trips.

Our owner, Lia Vincent, has experienced Trafalgar first hand having gone on the Highlights of Peru trip. This is an 8-day guided tour of Peru, covering from Lima to Machu Picchu. Lia has also booked several clients with Trafalgar!

What the tour company has to say about this tour we chose: Our most popular holiday in Peru, the ancient allure of Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley meet the buzz and bustle of Lima and Cusco in time spent with Insiders who share personal tales of their beloved country.

You’ll enjoy Insider moments like… learning to weave in the Sacred Valley, watching centuries-old dyeing techniques, passed from mother to daughter, as the weavers keep their Andean traditions alive. Meeting the curator of the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art at the Larco Museum in Lima. And hearing tales of Dr. Diez Canseco’s illustrious ancestors, as you tour his mansion, a traditional country house, and settle down to a home-cooked Peruvian meal with him.

View more about Lia on her profile.

Trafalgar travel agents near me
Trafalgar tours, 2022 information
Trafalgar travel agency near me

Founded in 1947, Trafalgar Tours is a leading escorted tour operator. They are based in Geneva Switzerland and London, England. They maintain 8 regional offices.

All Inclusives

All Inclusives Resorts
As a full-service travel agency, we sell Disney, cruises, and much more – but our biggest seller is all-inclusive resort vacations in Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.

What is an all-inclusive resort vacation? This means your time on the resort property, all day and all night, you get to enjoy a service and style that go above and beyond. All-inclusives, at no extra cost to you, typically include in-room dining, top-shelf cocktails, sprawling pools, and non-stop entertainment, including amenities exclusive to adult guests. 5-star accommodations, beach activities, land sports, free Wi-Fi, and all taxes and gratuity included. So ditch the wallet, this is paradise.
And we act like it!

All-inclusive resorts try to capitalize on the white sands and stunning tropical views ideal for every guest, where the experience is better than a beach — it’s your fantasy playground. Enjoy out-of-this-world, all-inclusive amenities with first class restaurants, bars and lounges, championship golf, and sprawling pools and in some cases, family friendly resorts include a water park with slides, splash pads, food trucks, snack bars, an adults-only pools with a swim-up bars and more. To add even more, live shows while the headliners in your crew enjoy exclusive amenities reserved for
adult guests. For groups, all-inclusives are the perfect ideal for every event, event space and
ultra-chic wedding collections for your special day. Bottom line, it’s all top-shelf. Enjoy!

Sandals Resorts All-Inclusive

16 AWARD-WINNING all-inclusive resorts – All boast 5 star and luxury included!
Sandals has received numerous awards, including Condé Nast Traveler’s Annual Readers’ Choice.
✓ Unlimited food, cocktails & more
✓ Free golf, water sports & scuba diving
✓ Best beaches – Book today!
Vincent Vacations is a top selling travel agency for Sandals & Beaches Resorts. Sandals is the adults-only option, while Beaches is family friendly.
Read more about Sandals on our Sandals Resorts All-Inclusive Guide.

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Destination Wedding Locations – A Romance Guide to Luxury Destinations

Endless romance AWAITS!

We want to make sure you fall in love with your destination wedding location and the resort that matches your vision for your perfect destination wedding package!

We understand those extraordinary moments, the ones that truly take your breath away, the ones that stay with you forever. Whether it’s the first time you see one another as you walk down the aisle, or the view from the beach where you celebrate that special anniversary or renew your vows.

All Inclusive Weddings assists in making those stunning experiences, creating lifelong memories for you to love and cherish. We are honored to be a part of your celebration because you deserve an experience as amazing and unique as your love.

WHAT MAKES THE PERFECT DESTINATION?

Selecting your destination is the first step in planning a trip to celebrate your romantic milestone. You want a location that sets the tone for your special occasion and represents the love you have for one another. If your celebration includes more than just the two of you, also consider a place your guests will cherish – loaded with all-inclusive luxury and exciting activities.

DESTINATION DECISION MAKERS

BUDGET: No need to break the bank. Determine what you are willing to spend. We will work with you and your chosen destination resort to create a one-of-a-kind experience within your budget.

BACKDROP: It doesn’t have to be a fantasy! Visualize your dream location and choose a destination that meets your unique criteria.

STYLE: Beach breezy? Nature lovers? History buffs? Define your style as a couple and select a complementary destination.

SEASONALITY: Are you celebrating a certain date? Is there flexibility? Some destinations have great promotions during low seasons.

Viva MÉXICO!

EAST COAST

The eastern coast of Mexico bordering the Caribbean Sea is home to the popular resort destinations of Cancun, Riviera Maya and the island of Cozumel. This region on the Yucatan Peninsula offers some of the best and most romantic beaches in the country, championship-caliber golf courses and an incredible mix of ancient Mayan and traditional Mexican culture — it’s a place every couple will want to experience.

TIME ZONE:
Eastern Std. Time (GMT-5)

KNOWN FOR:
Snorkeling, Cenotes, and Mayan Culture

POPULAR LOCATIONS:
Cancun, Cozumel, Riviera Maya, Tulum

PACIFIC COAST

The sparkling sapphire sea, majestic mountains and cactus-dotted desert landscapes make the Mexican Pacific Coast one of the most beautiful destinations. Luxury resorts, top-notch Mexican cuisine, world-class golf, exciting nightlife and adventures in nature are just a few of the many reasons to celebrate your special occasion here.

TIME ZONE:
Mountain Std. Time (GMT-7)

KNOWN FOR:
Golf, Scuba Diving, Whale Watching and Sport Fishing

POPULAR LOCATIONS:
Huatulco, Los Cabos, Nuevo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit

Discover THE CARIBBEAN

ST. MARTIN

This elegant island shares the cultures of two countries. To the south is the Dutch side, with its cosmopolitan capital of Philipsburg, duty-free shops, glitzy casinos and nightspots. To the north is the French side with its chic boutiques, cafés and amazing views. Couples can discover it all and each other in St. Martin.

TIME ZONE:
Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4)

KNOWN FOR:
Festive Nightlife, French Cuisine and Outdoor Markets

POPULAR LOCATIONS:
Anse Marcel, Maho Beach, Orient Bay, Phillipsburg, Simpson Bay

CURAÇAO

Slip away to Curaçao, a Caribbean paradise that thrills and inspires. From delicious local eats and exciting outdoor excursions to a wealth of cultural gems throughout the area, this destination appeals to everyone on your guest list.

TIME ZONE:
Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4)

KNOWN FOR:
Colorful Skyline, Island Cuisine, Diving and Dutch Influence

POPULAR LOCATIONS:
East End, Jan Thiel, Pietermaai Smal, Westpunt, Willemstad

Dive into the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Dominican Republic has picture-perfect beaches and every kind of activity and entertainment imaginable. From a catamaran to Soana Island, to the rich history and heritage at Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, couples find the perfect backdrop for their special occasion in the Caribbean region.

TIME ZONE:
Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4)

KNOWN FOR:
White Sand Beaches and Merengue

POPULAR LOCATIONS:
Cap Cana, La Romana, Macao Beach, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Uvero Alto

Experience JAMAICA

Beyond the sand, Jamaica has soul-stirring beauty with lush forest along misty mountain peaks and hidden waterfalls. A fusion of smoky, fresh and tropical island flavors await your discovery. Couples find themselves swaying to the soothing, rhythmic music the country is famous for. Friendly smiles and open arms welcome you under the warm island sun. Jamaica is a treat for all the senses.

TIME ZONE:
Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)

KNOWN FOR:
Reggae, Rich Culture and White Sand Beaches

POPULAR LOCATIONS:
Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio

Adventure in CENTRAL AMERICA

COSTA RICA

Costa Rica’s motto, pura vida, is a way of life that has the country ranked as one of the happiest and the greenest countries in the world. Tucked between the countries of Nicaragua and Panama and the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, Costa Rica is a land of incredible biodiversity with volcanoes, cloud forests and tropical wildlife, national parks — ideal for adventure-loving couples.

TIME ZONE:
Central Std. Time (GMT-6)

KNOWN FOR:
Rainforests, Adventure and Biodiverse Wildlife

POPULAR LOCATIONS:
Arenal, Cahuita, Corcovado, Gulf of Papagayo, Playa Copal, Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero

PANAMA

Best known for its landmark canal, Panama wows with Instagram-worthy backdrops for your celebration, including lush rainforests, mountain cloud forests and 3,500 miles of Pacific and Caribbean coastline. There are more than 1,500 islands off the Panama coast, making it a cocktail of ecological wonders, rich history, fine dining, culture and nightlife. Create an experience for your guests that is utterly unique.

TIME ZONE:
Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)

KNOWN FOR:
Panama Canal, Natural Beauty and Vibrant Culture

POPULAR LOCATIONS:
Bocas del Toro Islands, Casco Viejo, El Valle de Anton, Panama City, Playa Bonita, Santa Catalina

Other Popular All Inclusive Wedding Locations

FALL IN love WITH OUR recommended locations! There are so many to list! Other popular locations can include: Turks and Caicos, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia and so much more!

Know your destination? Explore the ideal resort brand for your romantic milestone! Finding a resort that matches your unique style as a couple will make the occasion even more special.

FREE WEDDINGS AT SELECT LOCATIONS!

We can help you find the perfect location for your destination wedding! How do you know if a place is right for your special day? Answering the following questions can help. How many rooms does the hotel have, and how many are available for the days you want? What types of guest rooms are available? What facilities does the hotel or resort have for a wedding? Does the hotel or resort have a standard wedding package? Can it be customized? Do you have an on-site coordinator?

Please contact us today at All Inclusive Weddings to learn more about our locations and services!

Destination Wedding Etiquette

Dot your ‘I’s’ and cross your ‘T’s’ with our guide to destination wedding etiquette!

You said, “yes” to forever. Then, you started imagining your big day in a romantic locale. Now, you’re probably trying to figure out how you can get all of your friends and family there while keeping a smile on their face.

With all the components that go into a destination wedding, the stress can be overwhelming. From organizing a guest list to making sure everyone knows where to be and when, staying on cloud nine might feel like a constant struggle.

But, fear not – no matter how many guests you have coming and what their expectations are, we’re here to make sure you have a stress-free celebration that everyone will talk about for years to come. After all, just because weddings can seem complicated doesn’t mean they have to be – it’s all in your approach and preparation.

More interested in seeing a cost / pricing guide for all-inclusive destination weddings? Check out our Destination Wedding Cost – Packages Pricing Guide!

We’ve gathered all the tips, tricks and insight from our experience in the industry to walk you through the entire journey from start to finish before you even pack your bags. So, go ahead and trade your worries for joy knowing you’ll have everything you need to give your guests the time of their lives at your destination wedding.

You will notice all-inclusive destination weddings open up many features not possible with a traditional wedding, but they have their own challenges you need to keep in mind. Going through my own destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta, our romance travel agency, All Inclusive Weddings, was born out of wanting to help other couples navigate the difficulties, and communicate what’s actually involved!

create your wedding website

Websites have soared in popularity over the past few years and for good reason – guests have all the information they need in one accessible location, freeing up the time that would be spent answering countless calls and texts. Creating a website is also a great opportunity to tackle the often-touchy subject of finances – give your guests a gentle heads-up on what they’re expected to pay for, so no surprises come up later on.

THINGS TO INCLUDE ON YOUR SITE

FLIGHT INFO
Direct visitors to sites where they can get deals on airfare

TRAVEL TIPS
Share your personal suggestions for effortless travel.

LODGING
Encourage your guests to stay at the venue by providing your group code.

YOUR STORY
Get everyone excited by sharing your love story along with any sentimental pictures.

INSIDER TIPS!

TIP 1: Use A Template

No need to start building from scratch. There are plenty of sites that are setup and ready
to fill in with your personal flair.

TIP 2: Introduce Your Wedding Party

Give your wedding party a shoutout by including their photos and a brief bio on your site.
Since they are the ones assisting you throughout the week, this will give your guests some
familiar faces to turn to for questions, while you and your other half are busy socializing.

Your website will be full of personal information, times and dates, so keep it all
secure with a password requiring visitors to sign in before viewing any content.

send out save the dates

Now that your website is created, let your guests know to mark their calendar with a Save-the-Date card. For destination weddings, it’s best to give as much notice as possible – between nine and 12 months heads-up is appropriate. This may seem too far in advance, but remember your guests
need to evaluate travel costs and take time off.

Don’t forget the plus one – Typically, those in the wedding party get a plus one, but consider your other guests’ relationship statuses – long-term and live-in partners may expect to come along. Be clear
exactly who the invitation is addressed to, so recipients don’t extend it at their discretion

build an itinerary

When traveling abroad, endless details can overwhelm your guests. Creating an itinerary that includes meet-up times, locations and contact information will allow everyone to get everywhere stress free. A good rule of thumb is to list any event that you have covered. Your guests can relax knowing these activities won’t cost anything extra.

Strength in numbers – Having a wedding team to help you with planning will ease worry and resolve confusion. Many all-inclusive resorts even offer a dedicated “entourage” when you book your
wedding at any of their resorts.

send out invitations

With all your details finalized, it’s finally time to get those formal invitations in the mail. You should aim to send these two to three months before your wedding date, as you want to provide ample time to tie-up any loose ends.

BEACHWEAR OR BLACK TIE?

DRESS CODE

List your expected dress code for the rehearsal dinner and ceremony. Nobody likes showing up under or overdressed, especially when a change of clothes could be thousands of miles away.

RSVP DETAILS
Don’t forget to give your guests a deadline to respond by. Otherwise, you could be waiting for responses, delaying your final accommodations. In your formal invitation, you should also include the actual location of your venue, rather than just the country or city – guests will appreciate having solidified details.

INSIDER TIPS!

TIP 1: Match Your Themes

Pick a theme that complements the overall look and style of your wedding. A ceremony in the garden may call for a floral invitation, while a seaside wedding may work well with pastels.

TIP 2: Mention Dietary Restrictions

Include a section that allows guests to check off any preferences or allergies, so you can plan special arrangements accordingly.

welcome guests with a surprise

After months of planning, days of preparing, and hours of traveling, your guests have finally arrived for your big day, so make them feel at home! This is the perfect opportunity to thank them for coming with a welcome kit in their rooms. Local snacks and beer, sunscreen, water, and an itinerary are essentials for your destination wedding.

GO ON A GROUP OUTING

The Caribbean has much to offer in the way of fun. We think Island Routes Caribbean Adventures is one of the best ways to get around. Live life on the wild side with ziplining and raft excursions, or dip into the Caribbean vibe with local music or festivals.

INSIDER TIP!

Capture the Moment – Bring a disposable camera on your group adventure and capture the day. These photos are awesome keepsakes for you and your guests to hold on to.

say goodbye in style

When the festivities are over and it’s time to say goodbye, the emotions can really set in. Take advantage of being with your loved ones with a final hoorah. Brunch on the beach is an awesome way to hangout with everyone, reminisce about the week, and show your appreciation before they head off.

A smooth destination wedding is all about taking care of your guests’ needs and making them feel appreciated. A little bit of planning can go a long way to keep your guests smiling the entire trip.

NOW IT’S TIME TO TURN YOUR WEDDING INTO AN UNSTOPPABLE PARTY!

LOGISTICS OF LOVE

When planning your destination wedding, don’t forget all the details that come along with international marriage. Each island has its own specific requirements, but here are some things to keep in mind:

• Confirm your destination’s residency requirements. Many islands in the Caribbean have laws regarding how long you must be there before an official marriage ceremony can be performed. Remember this, as it may affect your travel window.

• If you’re looking to have a religious ceremony, reach out to your wedding planner to find possible options. Depending on the island and venue, you’ll want to see what accommodations are available.

• Double-check your documents because each island requires its own specific set of paperwork to officiate a marriage. When in doubt, check with your wedding planner and the local government to make sure you’re good to go.

• Make copies of all required documents and keep a set in your carry-on. In the event your luggage gets temporarily misplaced, you’ll still have everything you need.

To learn more, contact us at All Inclusive Weddings today! In business since 2013, we can make sure your destination wedding or other romance travel is a success!

More Information

As far as the expectation of who pays for what at a destination wedding, if you arrange the event and you expect your guests to attend, you typically pay for it! This means if you have a reception after, the resort will charge you usually based per person or per table. This is a cost you would not anticipate your guests paying. The groom has plans for a zip line excursion with his groomsmen? This would be an event paid for and covered by the groom / the wedding party hosting.

There are ways you can help lower your guests bill at the resort of your choosing. One of the ways is finding and working with a great travel agency / travel agent, who knows the ins-and-outs of group contracts. There are even airline discounts offered for blocked group travel.

More interested in seeing a cost / pricing guide for all-inclusive destination weddings? Check out our Destination Wedding Cost – Packages Pricing Guide!

Engagement-Moons – The hottest new trend in proposals!

It’s safe to say, every bride has felt heart-fluttering giddiness just thinking about the love of her life getting down on one knee to pop the question. Some envision it in the quiet recesses of their home, while others see it on the beach at sunset.

Wherever your big moment happens, be sure to revel in every second of it! Then, when you can’t get enough of celebrating the news, consider extending the excitement with an engagement-moon.

Skyrocketing their way to popularity, engagement-moons are the perfect place to spend quality time together and even recreate an engagement photoshoot. Capturing a solid photo during your real proposal can be difficult in all of the excitement, so hiring a professional photographer during your travels is a great alternative.

Not only will you walk away with an entire collection of cherished memories to share with friends and family, but you’ll be working with killer backdrops and a stress-free atmosphere.

One more thing: we recommend detaching from technology for a bit to avoid any post-proposal pressure and get a great, personal reset that will have you well-rested and ready for the wedding planning process!

Embrace the island with an adventurous photoshoot that speaks to the lush scenery!

Being able to celebrate this amazing moment with my best friend and the love of my life, while in such a beautiful place, made this the trip of a lifetime. the staff and people we met at sandals south coast made us feel like family from the moment we walked in. because of them, it’s a trip we’ll never forget. thank you sandals for making this special moment in our lives that much more memorable
-Sarah Jessop & Tyler Lafontaine, Chicago Illinois