Couples not skimping on travel plans

In 2009, it looks like the sky's the limit for honeymoon travelers.

Despite months of gloomy economic news, brides and grooms getting ready to walk down the aisle are not scrimping on their post-wedding plans. Honeymoons are still hot, cruises are still happening and destination weddings incorporating both the nuptials and honeymoon are gaining in popularity.

"I don't know if people are waiting for tax money to come back or they're just not afraid to go, but people are spending the money to travel," said Patty Hanshaw, owner/manager of Travel Doctors in Huntington. "We're seeing lots of Cancun trips, lots of cruises and destination weddings to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic."

The biggest travel destinations for Tri-State brides are Cancun and all-inclusive packages in Jamaica. A direct charter service from Cincinnati to Cancun makes the first a reasonable choice -- in terms of distance and money.

"It's a really great deal because it's not too far to drive and the prices are very reasonable," Hanshaw said.

People are flying the friendly skies again this year because lowering fuel costs have dropped the price of airline tickets from California to Hawaii and everywhere in between.

"Just yesterday, I booked a flight out of Charleston to Hawaii for only $500. Tickets to California are only around $300," Hanshaw explained.

One of the biggest trends for area couples looking to tie the knot is to take the entire show on the road. Resorts such as Sandals in Jamaica offer all-inclusive packages and free weddings to guests.

"You have to watch the fine print because some places require you to be there three or more business days before you can get married. A few places require all of your paperwork to be translated into their language. And, each island imposes taxes on the weddings, which will add up to around $500," Hanshaw said. "With that said, there are wedding planners at these resorts who can guide you through all of this and made it as easy as possible.

"The best thing about the destination wedding is that it's a combination of a dream wedding and a dream honeymoon," she continued. "We're noticing here that a lot of brides aren't wanting the huge wedding. They're just wanting to enjoy the experience and have a good time."

For brides on a budget (and let's be serious, who's not on some type of budget?), travel is still a possibility -- it just requires a little more creativity and the willingness to stick closer to home.

"We see a lot of second marriages where folks can't leave for a longer honeymoon or there are children involved, and there are still lots of great options," Hanshaw said. "We see a lot of folks still doing Myrtle Beach and taking the family, driving to Gatlinburg because there's so much to do or heading to Florida and going to Disney World.

"Wherever your dream destination takes you ... plan it the right way. Contact your local travel agent to take the guesswork out of planning your most important day," she said.