There’s the stress of planning a wedding, so why would you want to hassle with planning the honeymoon too? You might ask yourselves: Will our flights change or be canceled? Will the entry requirements change before my honeymoon? Will the hotel change its policies? Can money be lost if anything is postponed or rescheduled? What if we get sick and need to postpone our honeymoon? In a post-pandemic world, travel has gotten a lot more complicated, and going with a travel agent (for no extra fee) has turned into a major perk. Your honeymoon should be an unforgettable experience, which is why you need to have someone book on your behalf that knows the country at heart for an itinerary of the best: places to see, where to stay, and things to do to exactly execute your vacation vision.
That’s why we’re sitting down one-on-one with Louise Roe, a Belize-based, local travel concierge from ROEming Belize on why using a travel agent will make your 2022 honeymoon that much more enjoyable.
1. Why should couples consider using a travel agent for their honeymoon in Belize? Are there any added benefits now, especially amid the ongoing complications of the pandemic?
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Using a travel advisor to book your Belize vacation, no matter what the occasion, is really beneficial for a traveler in this current travel climate. We can help with local guidelines and manage any unforeseen changes to completely remove the stress from your vacation, especially since we’re located in Belize. And for a honeymoon, in particular, going with a travel agent will make all the difference.
2. What services are typically included with a travel agent?
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It’s our job as a travel agent to know about things that the average traveler won’t, and any itinerary that involves specific services could use the help of an expert. Every trip planned with ROEming Belize is bespoke; on one hand, we’ve planned honeymoons down to the tiniest detail: arranging transport by helicopter, luxury hotels, private experiences, and special moments throughout. On the other hand, we’ve also helped couples craft for singular moments during their honeymoon instead. From private waterfall picnics to a private helicopter tour over the iconic Great Blue Hole followed by lunch on a deserted palm-studded island. No request is too big or small, which is entirely the beauty of working with a travel agent.
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Once our clients are in-country, we’re also available for them around the clock—regardless of the hour—should they need anything or have any emergencies. It sets us apart entirely, considering it’s a person in the same country answering the phone to offer immediate help.
3. Generally speaking, what is the fee that you charge your clients as a travel agent? What should couples expect to spend when booking with you?
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We have no additional fees. Some agents charge a planning fee, but our team at ROEming Belize won’t charge anything outside your reservations for our services. Instead, we work from a commissions basis with the partners and suppliers we use—booking through a travel agent will practically guarantee money saved over doing bookings on your own. Indeed, our insider access and seasonal familiarity with rates mean we get the best possible price. And as destination experts, we are also savvy in sharing where to spend and where to save in the country.
4. Why is Belize a great location for couples to consider for their 2022 honeymoon?
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I’ve been asked this question before and I think in a funny way, Belize as a destination can be compared to a key component for the success of any marriage: it’s all about compromise. There is so much diversity and things to do in such a small country. So if your partner prefers adventure and you prefer lounging on the beach, you can do both in Belize.
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Even better, if both want a diverse honeymoon, then you can combine jungle, islands, and culture into a single itinerary, where travel between destinations is minimal. Belize is also a very intimate destination in the sense that it’s so unspoiled. Stargazing from your island cabana over the Caribbean Sea or a complimentary wake-up call by howler monkeys in the jungle are just a few highlights that can be enjoyed during your Belize honeymoon.
5. Some experts say that 2022 will result in the two-party honeymoon—AKA a short trip right after the wedding and a longer, more aspirational trip in the future. How far in advance should couples consider booking a travel agent for any kind of trip?
If your heart is set on Belize for a specific date or with a particular hotel, my suggestion is to plan at least six to eight months in advance. With many travel plans on hold this year and trips rescheduled due to the pandemic, 2022 is predicted to be a really busy year for travel. I suggest forward planning to avoid disappointment.
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It’s also helpful to note that many resorts now have flexible policies, so no matter how soon in advance you plan, there is always room for change–especially when you plan your trip with a travel agent who’ll handle all the rebooking and lobby on your behalf.
6. What sort of honeymoon trends do you predict to see this year in 2022?
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With the pandemic, many couples have had to make heart-breaking decisions to change their plans or put them on hold. So, I think flexibility in travel has to be guaranteed now. Privacy and seclusion, whilst always a trend for honeymooners, is even more in demand. Personally, I’ve seen a huge rise in private island honeymoons. Also, I think the pandemic has given couples the chance to reflect on their relationships and just how important their partner (and living life to the fullest) is. So when planning, they’re really looking for those ‘wow’ experiences.
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Whether it is booking the most incredible luxury hotel, like a treetop suite overlooking the jungle canopy, or an oceanfront cabana with a private pool. Or adding once-in-a-lifetime experiences to their Belize itineraries like snorkeling the second largest Barrier Reef in the world, climbing ancient Maya sites, and exploring sacred caves like the ATM Cave in Belize–ranked Number 1 on National Geographic’s list of “Sacred Places of a Lifetime”. Finally, I think the pandemic continues to bring to light how important responsible travel is. Travelers want to choose hotels and suppliers that are truly supporting the country they are visiting. Moreover, they want to learn about the country instead of just purely visiting. Even during a honeymoon, a travel agent can help accomplish that.
Header image courtesy Ka’ana Resort. Editor’s note: The author has optimized responses for readability.
