ASTA Offer Tips on Planning Destination Weddings

As the summer travel season approaches and couples are planning destination weddings, ASTA has some tips to get the planning started. ASTA’s consumer website, http://www.travelsense.org/, can prepare couples for what a destination wedding includes and how to find a local travel agent to make their wedding dreams come true.

If a couple decides to have a destination wedding, it should be an enjoyable, non-stressful experience. ASTA recommends the following tips to couples planning their destination wedding. It recommends using a travel agent. Let an expert travel professional assist in planning your destination wedding and take the pressure off. Think about these tips before you pick an agent:

ASTA advises checking credentials. Many agents have been trained in business management, travel and tourism or geography. Others have supplemented their agency experience with extensive education and training courses. Some travel agents are Destination Wedding Specialists, Certified Travel Counselors (CTC) through the Travel Institute or Master Cruise Counselors (MCC) through the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

ASTA advises asking friends, neighbors and relatives who use an agent they trust. You may want to visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent’s willingness to listen and answer questions.

ASTA suggests setting a budget and deciding what you would like to splurge on, and what you should save on. Couples planning a destination wedding often save money because it is a more intimate affair. Let your friends and family know well in advance so they can plan. Get necessary documents in order and look for package deals.