SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Aug 02, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) — In honor of the high season of weddings and honeymoons, averaging a quarter of a million nuptials each summer month, brides and grooms reveal everything from what gets packed (and what doesn’t!) to their dreams and fears on the most important trip of their lives. According to a joint poll conducted by leading travel Web site Travelocity and Modern Bride magazine, one in four honeymooners can’t seem to disconnect from their phones, faxes or alarm clocks and one in three will call home during the trip.
Even more surprising is that nearly one in 10 respondents felt “the more the merrier,” inviting friends and family to actually join them on their honeymoon. To understand what goes into planning for the big vacation, the survey of nearly 6,000 Travelocity respondents revealed that despite “groom tradition,” only one in three grooms even lends a hand with trip planning. And, instead of going through the family’s trusted travel agent or taking a best buddy’s advice on where to go, the majority of respondents threw caution to the wind, saying they were unfamiliar with their chosen destination before venturing out.
“Tis the season for honeymoons, so they’re top of mind all summer long, but especially this year since I just returned from my own,” said Amy Ziff, Travelocity editor-at-large. “I know firsthand what a bride struggles with in thinking about, planning and taking her honeymoon. Will it be all it’s supposed to be?” According to Ziff, the best news is that with proper planning a honeymoon can be amazing at absolutely every budget. And, more couples are taking the planning into their own hands to ensure this.
Remembering back to her recent honeymoon in June, Ziff recalls the anxiety associated with planning such an important trip. When asked what respondents’ biggest honeymoon nightmare would be, one in four said “disappointing hotel accommodations.” In fact, with an extra $1,000 spending money, one in five said they would use the extra cash towards upgrading their hotel accommodations first and foremost.
Ziff suggests that upcoming honeymooners leave nothing to chance. “Whether booking on your own or through a travel agent, go over the itinerary with a fine toothed comb. Book at a reputable hotel and read customer reviews to make sure it’s suitable.”
Although some destinations will always be a mainstay for honeymooners, when, where and how newlyweds choose to enjoy their honeymoons were a little surprising. Additional survey details were as follows:
When
— Despite Americans’ complaining about wanting more time off, 85 percent would not exceed two weeks – one month away on their honeymoons, even if their jobs were unaffected
Where
— The majority of top honeymoon destinations are beach locations including: Hawaii, Mexico and Florida
-- When asked what would be their ideal honeymoon experience:
-- Nearly 50 percent said it would relaxing on the beach with
a cocktail
-- Twenty three percent said cruising to exotic ports
-- And 13 percent said it would be touring the countryside
and enjoying the B&B experience
How Much
— Budgets don’t disappear just because it’s the honeymoon, as 20 percent would spend less than $500 per person for airfare and hotel combined
— But 30 percent admitted to spending closer to $1,500 to upwards of more than $3,000 per person
About the Travelocity Honeymoon Poll: The joint poll, conducted from February 21 – March 7, 2006, consisted of responses from 5,844 Travelocity members. The poll was issued in conjunction with Modern Bride magazine, a leading directory for wedding planning, to understand the planning considerations and preferences for honeymooners. Complete survey details can be found at www.travelocity.com/honeymoonpoll.
About Travelocity: Travelocity(R) is committed to being the traveler’s champion – before, during and after the trip – and guarantees everything about a customer’s booking will be right. If it’s not, Travelocity will work with its partners to make it right, right away. This customer-driven focus, backed by live 24/7 phone support, great prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity the fifth largest travel agency in the U.S. – booking $7.4 billion in travel worldwide in 2005. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates Travelocity Business(SM) and GetThere(R) for corporate travelers, lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE:TSG), a world leader in travel commerce.
SOURCE: Travelocity
VOLLMER Andrea Collins, 212-715-2222 andrea@vollmerpr.com or Amanda Borichevsky, 972-488-4790 amanda@vollmerpr.com
