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Boston Globe
05-07-2025
- Boston Globe
Why more newlyweds are honeymooning closer to home
'We had great seafood, cozy dinners, soaks in hot tubs and took walks along the water,' Repetto said. 'We came back refreshed, not exhausted, which is exactly what we wanted our honeymoon to be about.' Get Love Letters: The Newsletter A weekly dispatch with all the best relationship content and commentary – plus exclusive content for fans of Love Letters, Dinner With Cupid, weddings, therapy talk, and more. Enter Email Sign Up Married couples have traditionally used their honeymoons as an opportunity to take once-in-a-lifetime trips that have long been on their wish lists or to book stays at romantic resorts in the Caribbean or farther afield. More recently, however, many newlyweds have been opting for domestic honeymoons instead. Advertisement The shift can be attributed to several factors, including constrained budgets, limited time off, or a desire to avoid the complications of international travel. Many couples are also increasingly drawn to the idea of a more laid-back, relaxed honeymoon without the pressure of a packed itinerary. Domestic honeymoons and weddings have had a slight but steady year-over-year increase between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of this year, according to data from the Internova Travel Group, a travel service provider in New York that has more than $20 billion of travel sales a year overall. The data reflect sales from 20 travel agencies within Internova specializing in honeymoons and destination weddings. Advertisement When choosing where to go, couples appear to be looking beyond beaches, resorts, and other domestic honeymoon mainstays like Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Internova's data indicate that Massachusetts more than doubled its wedding and honeymoon travel sales, while Colorado, Arizona, and Utah also gained momentum as romantic destinations. New York City also had a significant rise in popularity, according to Internova, with bookings more than tripling. Other emerging city destinations for couples include Phoenix; Memphis, Tenn.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Austin, Texas; and Burbank, Calif. The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study, released in February, also indicated an incremental increase in domestic honeymoons. Of the nearly 17,000 US couples surveyed who wed last year or planned to marry this year, 41 percent opted for the United States as their destination, compared with 38 percent of couples asked in 2023. Florida, Hawaii, and California were the most popular states for these trips, with Tennessee and Colorado not far behind. In a recent survey of 400 engaged couples by the wedding platform Joy, nearly half said that they planned to have a domestic honeymoon. 'We're finding that many couples are making the conscious choice to simplify, to savor, and to stay grounded in the moment,' Vishal Joshi, the chief executive, said. 'The dream of faraway places meets the reality of time, budget, and logistics.' Related : Advertisement Speaking to this point, Caitlin Bell-Evans, 26, a nurse, and Erica Bell-Evans, 28, a middle-school special-education teacher, who wed last April and live in Philadelphia, took a 10-day honeymoon to Palm Springs, Calif., last November. They stayed at the Mediterranean-inspired Korakia Pensione during the trip and spent their days sleeping until 10 a.m., sitting by the hotel's pool, and visiting local spas to use the hot springs. Come evening, they enjoyed Mexican food with tacos and tequila and treated themselves to a few nicer dinners. Caitlin Bell-Evans said that they chose Palm Springs because the city's mountain and desert landscape offered a stark contrast to the East Coast and made them feel as if 'they really escaped.' 'It was so much less work to stay domestic,' she said. 'We put so much work into planning our wedding and were tired. Plus, I didn't have a passport and didn't want another thing to add to my to-do list.' She noted that they also thought domestic travel would be 'cheaper' than going abroad. 'We really feel that staying in the US was our way to give back to ourselves,' Erica Bell-Evans added. Some luxe domestic resorts also report a bump in honeymoon bookings. The Wauwinet, an oceanfront resort on Nantucket, introduced a 'happy honeymoons' package this spring in response to the rise in newlyweds at the property, according to Ashish Verma, the executive vice president of White Elephant Resorts, the resort's parent company. The offer includes two nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner. When they arrive, couples are welcomed with flowers, oysters, and Champagne. Kara Bebell and Harlan deBell are the brother-and-sister owners of the New York travel company the Travel Siblings, and planned Repetto's and La Bella's trip. They said that the United States had an abundance of resorts for newlyweds. 'Whatever experience couples find romantic to them, from wineries and small towns to beaches and glamping in the wilderness, there is something fabulous for everyone,' Bebell said. Advertisement The two suggest Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach, Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, and Faena Hotel Miami Beach, in the Miami area. 'These resorts have a Caribbean feel without leaving the country, and for the West Coast, it doesn't get more romantic in Laguna Beach than checking into the Montage,' deBell said. Wine lovers might consider Napa, Sonoma, and Healdsburg, which are among the wine regions in California. For couples seeking upscale camping with activities like fly fishing and hiking, Bebell and deBell recommend resorts in Montana, including Paws Up, a ranch resort in Greenough, or the Ranch at Rock Creek, in Philipsburg. They also recently planned a weeklong honeymoon to the all-inclusive luxury resort Twin Farms, in Barnard, Vt., which offers activities such as archery, ax throwing, cycling, hiking, canoeing, and pickleball. Caitlin Fogle, a travel adviser with Protravel in Miami, suggests couples plan their trips six to nine months in advance, if possible. 'You'll get better rates and hotel availability, especially on premium rooms,' she said. But she added that a memorable, last-minute domestic honeymoon was 'definitely doable.' Fogle also advises couples to splurge on one or a few extravagant activities. This might include a private cruise with a sunset dinner, a hot-air balloon ride, or a lavish private picnic in the middle of a hike. 'These extras go a long way in elevating your trip,' she said. Advertisement This article originally appeared in .
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Time of India
Why more newlyweds are honeymooning closer to home
Jennifer Repetto and Mark La Bella had planned on taking a weeklong honeymoon after their Dec. 27 wedding in Philadelphia. But instead of jumping on a plane to the Caribbean or some far-flung locale, the couple, who live in North Wales, Pennsylvania, headed off to coastal Maine. "We wanted to keep it simple and low-key and not change time zones," Repetto said. "The trip was about being with each other without spending a fortune." Their getaway began at Cliff House Maine in Cape Neddick on the southern coast, where they celebrated New Year's Eve. Repetto, 44, a middle-school math teacher, and La Bella, 51, an owner of a sheet-metal fabrication business, then drove a rental car 45 minutes north to the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort in Kennebunkport. "We had great seafood, cozy dinners, soaks in hot tubs and took walks along the water," Repetto said. "We came back refreshed, not exhausted, which is exactly what we wanted our honeymoon to be about." Married couples have traditionally used their honeymoons as an opportunity to take once-in-a-lifetime trips that have long been on their wish lists or to book stays at romantic resorts in the Caribbean or farther afield. More recently, however, many newlyweds have been opting for domestic honeymoons instead. Live Events The shift can be attributed to several factors, including constrained budgets, limited time off, or a desire to avoid the complications of international travel. Many couples are also increasingly drawn to the idea of a more laid-back, relaxed honeymoon without the pressure of a packed itinerary. Domestic honeymoons and weddings have had a slight but steady year-over-year increase between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of this year, according to data from the Internova Travel Group , a travel service provider in New York that has more than $20 billion of travel sales a year overall. The data reflects sales from 20 travel agencies within Internova specializing in honeymoons and destination weddings. When choosing where to go, couples appear to be looking beyond beaches, resorts and other domestic honeymoon mainstays like Hawaii, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Internova's data indicates that Massachusetts more than doubled its wedding and honeymoon travel sales, while Colorado, Arizona and Utah also gained momentum as romantic destinations. New York City also had a significant rise in popularity, according to Internova, with bookings more than tripling. Other emerging city destinations for couples include Phoenix; Memphis, Tennessee; Knoxville, Tennessee; Austin, Texas; and Burbank, California. The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study, released in February, also indicated an incremental increase in domestic honeymoons. Of the nearly 17,000 U.S. couples surveyed who wed last year or planned to marry this year, 41% opted for the United States as their destination, compared with 38% of couples asked in 2023. Florida, Hawaii and California were the most popular states for these trips, with Tennessee and Colorado not far behind. In a recent survey of 400 engaged couples by the wedding platform Joy, nearly half said that they planned to have a domestic honeymoon. "We're finding that many couples are making the conscious choice to simplify, to savor and to stay grounded in the moment," Vishal Joshi, the chief executive, said. "The dream of faraway places meets the reality of time, budget and logistics." Speaking to this point, Caitlin Bell-Evans, 26, a nurse, and Erica Bell-Evans, 28, a middle-school special-education teacher, who wed last April and live in Philadelphia, took a 10-day honeymoon to Palm Springs, California, last November. They stayed at the Mediterranean-inspired Korakia Pensione during the trip and spent their days sleeping until 10 a.m., sitting by the hotel's pool and visiting local spas to use the hot springs. Come evening, they enjoyed Mexican food with tacos and tequila and treated themselves to a few nicer dinners. Caitlin Bell-Evans said that they chose Palm Springs because the city's mountain and desert landscape offered a stark contrast to the East Coast and made them feel as if "they really escaped." "It was so much less work to stay domestic," she said. "We put so much work into planning our wedding and were tired. Plus, I didn't have a passport and didn't want another thing to add to my to-do list." She noted that they also thought domestic travel would be "cheaper" than going abroad. "We really feel that staying in the U.S. was our way to give back to ourselves," Erica Bell-Evans added. Some luxe domestic resorts also report a bump in honeymoon bookings. The Wauwinet, an oceanfront resort in Nantucket, Massachusetts, introduced a "happy honeymoons" package this spring in response to the rise in newlyweds at the property, according to Ashish Verma, the executive vice president of White Elephant Resorts , the resort's parent company. The offer includes two nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, one lunch and one dinner. When they arrive, couples are welcomed with flowers, oysters and Champagne. Kara Bebell and Harlan deBell are the brother-and-sister owners of the New York travel company the Travel Siblings , and planned Repetto's and La Bella's trip. They said that the United States had an abundance of resorts for newlyweds. "Whatever experience couples find romantic to them, from wineries and small towns to beaches and glamping in the wilderness, there is something fabulous for everyone," Bebell said. The two suggest Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach, Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club and Faena Hotel Miami Beach, in the Miami area. "These resorts have a Caribbean feel without leaving the country, and for the West Coast, it doesn't get more romantic in Laguna Beach than checking into the Montage," deBell said. Wine lovers might consider Napa, Sonoma and Healdsburg , which are among the wine regions in California. For couples seeking upscale camping with activities like fly fishing and hiking, Bebell and deBell recommend resorts in Montana, including Paws Up, a ranch resort in Greenough, or the Ranch at Rock Creek, in Philipsburg. They also recently planned a weeklong honeymoon to the all-inclusive luxury resort Twin Farms, in Barnard, Vermont, which offers activities such as archery, ax throwing, cycling, hiking, canoeing and pickleball. Caitlin Fogle, a travel adviser with Protravel in Miami, suggests couples plan their trips six to nine months in advance, if possible. "You'll get better rates and hotel availability, especially on premium rooms," she said. But she added that a memorable, last-minute domestic honeymoon was "definitely doable." Fogle also advises couples to splurge on one or a few extravagant activities. This might include a private cruise with a sunset dinner, a hot-air balloon ride or a lavish private picnic in the middle of a hike. "These extras go a long way in elevating your trip," she said. Andrew Gehrt, 36, the owner of a tree removal company, and Brittany Quay, 30, the director of a child development center, who live in Spartanburg, South Carolina, took her advice during their late-May honeymoon to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. At Fogle's recommendation, they splurged on privately guided tours of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks . They also golfed, explored downtown Jackson and soaked in a hot tub while drinking Champagne. "Most of our friends go to beach resorts in the Caribbean for their honeymoons," Gehrt said. "Ours was different. It was unique and definitely perfect." This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Travel Weekly
17-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
John Lovell will leave Travel Leaders Network for Virgin Voyages
John Lovell will leave Travel Leaders Network to take on a leadership role with Virgin Voyages. Lindsay Pearlman will assume his role of president. John Lovell Lovell has been with Travel Leaders parent Internova Travel Group since 2002, holding several leadership roles. According to Internova, Lovell will depart at the end of June. In a message to partners, Lovell confirmed his new role with Virgin Voyages. "This was not an easy decision," Lovell wrote. "Travel Leaders Network has been my home for more than 20 years, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together and grateful for the relationships we've built." Travel Leaders Network has nearly $20 billion in annual sales, Lovell said. At Virgin Voyages, Lovell will be a board member and senior advisor, the cruise line said in a release. In his new role, Lovell will shape commercial strategy, work to advance distribution capabilities and strengthen advisor programs, Virgin said. He will report to CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu. "Landing a leader like John Lovell is a monumental, defining moment for Virgin Voyages," Saverimuttu said. "When someone with his reputation, experience and a $20 billion portfolio chooses to join your team, it's a powerful signal that you're building something extraordinary." Saverimuttu added that Lovell will help deepen the cruise line's relationships with travel advisors. Internova CEO J.D. O'Hara wished Lovell success in his new endeavor. "John's commitment to supporting travel advisors and agencies has been key to solidifying our role as an industry leader," O'Hara said. "His legacy of compassion and service will continue to inspire us." During his tenure at Internova, Lovell founded the Family Bonds Foundation, Internova's charitable arm. Pearlman, currently Travel Leaders Network's senior vice president and COO, will head the network. He's been with Internova since 2019, first working with international partners then managing relationships with associate members. Before coming to Internova, Pearlman was co-president of Ensemble Travel Group and held executive roles at American Express.
Travel Weekly
06-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Global Travel Collection rolls out AI-powered platform
Global Travel Collection (GTC), Internova Travel Group's luxury arm, has introduced Atlas, an AI-powered platform that GTC estimates will save its 1,500 advisors more than 1.5 million hours of travel-planning time annually. "This is just the beginning," GTC president Angie Licea said in a release. "Atlas proves that AI can empower, not replace, human expertise." Atlas was developed alongside Microsoft using its Azure AI Foundry and Copilot Studio. The generative AI platform offers advisors a place where travel content is centralized and accessible via natural language prompts. It has integrated GTC's airline, hotel, entertainment and corporate travel systems. Speedy … and secure Advisors can query Atlas and obtain answers "in seconds," GTC said, "significantly speeding up the trip-planning process." GTC estimates Atlas will save advisors three hours of planning time per itinerary. Casey Soto, GTC's senior director of product management, said the tool will enable advisors to streamline workflows and enhance the service they offer clients. GTC advisor David Waldes, based in New York, has found that to be true. "What used to take 10 to 15 minutes per query now takes seconds," Waldes said. "Atlas spiders through our systems and delivers insights instantly." It's also secure, said Mark Munley, GTC's senior vice president and chief information officer. "The Microsoft ecosystem provides the enterprise-grade security and compliance we need, including built-in GDPR and PCI support, giving us confidence to scale," Munley said. GTC is looking to add monetization opportunities into Atlas, the host agency said. That includes featuring preferred partners within the platform.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Il Bottaccio, Relais & Châteaux Joins SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova Program
Collection includes more than 1,700 luxury properties that provide guests with special amenities MONTIGNOSO, Italy, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Il Bottaccio, Relais & Châteaux has been invited to join Internova Travel Group's SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova program, an exclusive collection of more than 1,700 luxury properties around the world. "We are excited to become part of the SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova family," said Mr. Antonio Mosca, General Manager of Il Bottaccio. "These properties maintain the highest standards of comfort and service, and it's an honor to be included. Internova travel advisors are known for going the extra mile for their clients and we do the same for our guests, so we're delighted to be partners with them. We look forward to offering their clients the special amenities that will make their stay with us even more memorable." Tucked away in a tranquil corner at the foot of the Apuan Alps, Il Bottaccio comes with its fair share of exciting history. It all started with a late 18th century mill, put in place by a wealthy citizen, Paquale Boldrini, who built a house around it in Montignoso. The name itself is quintessentially Tuscan and it refers to a basin where water is collected to supply mills and olive presses. Over the years, this fascinating building was acquired by a renowned heart surgeon, Gaetano Azzolina, who restored it and embellished it as a private home in the 1970s. Elio d'Anna, a mercurial, brilliantly witty, illuminated musician, philosopher and entrepreneur subsequently acquired it. The hotel opened in 1983 and entered the prestigious Relais&Chateau family in 1988. A home rather than a hospitality business, the idea behind it all was – and still is – that of offering respite and pleasure to gourmet travellers in search of matchless sensory experiences. The general atmosphere is one of enticing elegance and charm, epitomised by the highly unique décor, and yet an overall sense of familiarity embraces you as you step in, making every stay a memorable one. "We are thrilled to welcome Il Bottaccio, Relais & Châteaux into the SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova program," said Albert Herrera, Executive Vice President, Partner Relations for Internova Travel Group. "This is a carefully curated group of premium properties that offer exclusive privileges to our travelers. Our travel advisors know that their clients will enjoy a truly amazing experience when they stay at Il Bottaccio, Relais & Châteaux." Guests who book their stay at a SELECT hotel or resort by Internova through a travel advisor with ALTOUR, Andrew Harper, Global Travel Collection, Nexion Travel Group or Travel Leaders Network can enjoy amenities that are unique to the program. Based on availability, those perks may include resort credits, room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in and late check-out and basic Wi-Fi. To learn more about the SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova program, please visit About Il Bottaccio, Relais & ChâteauxNestled in the heart of Tuscany, Il Bottaccio Art Hotel is a haven of elegance and serenity, set within a beautifully restored 18th-century water mill. This exclusive retreat offers a refined yet intimate atmosphere, where history, art, and hospitality blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience. With only eight spacious and exquisitely designed suites, Il Bottaccio ensures the highest level of privacy and comfort. Each suite is a masterpiece, adorned with curated artworks, antique furnishings, and bespoke details that reflect the property's rich heritage and artistic soul. The warm ambiance, paired with modern amenities, creates the perfect balance between tradition and contemporary luxury. FACT SHEET Il Bottaccio is open year-round and has never closed since 1983. Guest amenities include a full service gourmet restaurant, Il Bottaccio Lounge Bar, a seasonal indoor pool, a beautiful garden and Otzium Wellness. Since 1st March 2022, the property only uses green energy and sets a high value on eco-sustainability and biodegradable measures. The unique setting of Il Bottaccio, suspended among the sea nearby and the Apuanian Alps, contributes to its original cuisine where the sea flavours combine with the musky aromas of the woods and the mountains. The food retains the Mediterranean light - airy and delicate, full-bodied and light. The perceptions, sensations and the emotions, which the place inspires, add a unique flavour to the food - Il Bottaccio has the quintessential qualities that turn professional catering into a form of Art. Ownership, Elio D'AnnaGeneral Manager and Executive Chef, Antonio MoscaLocation: Via Bottaccio, 1 - Montignoso - 54038 (MS), TuscanyContact:+39 0585 About Internova Travel GroupInternova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries. CONTACTS:Irina Manolea Email: Phone: +39 0585 340031 Elizabeth GaerlanEmail: egaerlan@ Phone: +1 212 944-1125 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Internova Travel Group Sign in to access your portfolio
