Honeymoon Ideas for Friends

lea2012

In answer to your original question here's a few places that I would suggest looking at first.

Playa Blanca - Lanzarote - I think there is a full post on the forum somewhere about PB but it's a reasonable sized resort with great beaches, some really nice hotels and a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants. It's easy to get round the island and lots to see and do as well and airport transfers are not too long either.

Agios Nikolaos, Crete - again lots of restaurants and bars, centred around a lake and the beach / marina. Crete itself has plenty to see and do and a slightly more continental feel than Spain.

Salou / La Pineda / Cambrils - these three resorts run alongside each other on the costa dorada. Salou is the biggest and has a great beach and is quite british so might be a good start for a first holiday abroad. La Pineda and Cambrils are both a little quieter. The main reason I'd suggest this area is because it's only an hour from Barcelona which is great for a day trip or they could even combine the two and spend a couple of days in Barcelona too.

Majorca - quite a few resorts in Majorca that would suit. Take a look at Palma Nova if you want something busier or Cala d'or, Puerto Pollensa or Porto Cristo.

Hope these help.

MasterPoo

blindman wrote: »

Because they want genuine advice based on their needs and not a TA's comission?

Why on earth would a TA not base a holiday on a Client's needs and purely on commission?

With such an important holiday, i.e. honeymoon, I would be hesitant, purely because if I arranged everything for them, if anything goes wrong, I'd feel so guilty. For a TA it's part of their job.

OP, will you be booking somewhere where golfing is an option? Would they like to go on excursions? I'd suggest you get the basics first, like what does the bride want to see, maybe she has always wanted to go see the Colosseum/Sistine Chapel, ask them for THEIR requirements, what is on their wish list? Asking strangers on a Forum for ideas for someones HONEYMOON is just madness!

Good Luck OP, I hope it all goes without a hitch and you eventually find something suitable.

MasterPoo

Maybe the Bride hates cruising or isn't a beach person? So many basic questions you need to find out, even if it's meant to be a surprise!

blindman

MasterPoo wrote: »

Why on earth would a TA not base a holiday on a Client's needs and purely on commission?

Because Ultimately "Travel Agents" are "Sales Consultants" with little or no qualifications.

it doesn't matter if qualifications weren't your forte at school

how to close a sale

The Op can quite easily ask pertintent questions as suggested by MSE'rs here and as he knows this couple (as opposed to a TA) should be able to
sort out a holiday to their needs.

Andypandyboy

I would never use a TA for something as personal as a Honeymoon.

The only time I would use a TA now is for a cruise, they can access discounts and onboard credits that I can't due to block bookings and consolidations. For everything else, experience has shown me that I can do it cheaper and better myself.

blindman

Andypandyboy wrote: »

I would never use a TA for something as personal as a Honeymoon.

The only time I would use a TA now is for a cruise, they can access discounts and onboard credits that I can't due to block bookings and consolidations. For everything else, experience has shown me that I can do it cheaper and better myself.

And then, do not use the UK TA-use the USA ones as they can give far better discounts.

kaggi

MasterPoo wrote: »

I cannot understand why they just don't use a TA? Get a professional involved???

They don't know what they want to do apart from go abroad on honeymoon, so a TA wouldn't be much help to them.

kaggi

duchy wrote: »

If she is in her fifties and never been abroad - ever then perhaps the question is why not . If she has a fear of flying for example then Eurostar might be a better option . Or maybe she is very fair skinned so doesn't like hot weather places .

Might help you understand what type of holiday would suit them

My understanding is she has never been abroad as she was raising her children as a single parent so the finances weren't there as oppose to not wanting to go abroad.

kaggi

MasterPoo wrote: »

Why on earth would a TA not base a holiday on a Client's needs and purely on commission?

Asking strangers on a Forum for ideas for someones HONEYMOON is just madness!

Good Luck OP, I hope it all goes without a hitch and you eventually find something suitable.

They don't know what they want so there is no point in me asking them, they just trust me to arrange something they would enjoy as I know them well (and the groom has enjoyed every other holiday I have booked for him). Therefore, asking strangers on here is not madness, I am trying to get ideas of what to ask, or options to give him from people who have maybe done something similar. I am not going to blindly follow all suggestions, I am just looking for some suggestions. But thanks for the good wishes, there have been some good suggestions so far.

Archergirl

How long do they want to go for, what is the budget?