Sandals honeymoon: travel agent & destinations?

I booked on my own on the website. You can also chat with an agent while on the site. It was easy and they were helpful. The website breaks down every resort and the options there, I used that to make my decision. I also googled top 10 Sandals resorts.

I suggest not using an agent to book a Sandals resort. We used one, and I really wish we hadn't. It's just as easy to book it online. The resorts are wonderful though. Here's my suggestions:

-Jamaica: the most budget friends. I would suggest doing a resort in Montego Bay (Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay, or Carlyle) because they are only 5 minutes from the airport and you can shuttle between them whenever you want. Montego Bay is larger, has a younger crowd, and is more of a party atmosphere. Royal Caribbean is where we stayed and is smaller, more intimate, the guests are slightly older (mostly mid to late 30's), but the resort is still large enough to have a wide selection of restaurants and activities. Carlyle is a tiny boutique hotel. We didn't go there ever because it's tiny. I've also heard great things about Whitehouse from people of all ages and personalities, but it is a several hour drive from the airport. The last thing we wanted to do when we got to Jamaica was get in a van and drive 3 hours. Ochi is also pretty popular but it's really big and also has the party atmosphere.

-Bahamas: inexpensive to get to, but the resorts are more expensive. I've heard good things though.

-St. Lucia: From what I've heard, Halcyon is similar to Royal Caribbean in size and atmosphere. La Toc is the party place and Sandels Grand St. Lucian is great for all personalities. You can bounce between all the resorts in St. Lucia, but they are 30-45 minutes apart, unlike Montego Bay, where the resorts are only about 10 minutes.

I don't know much about the others, but I do know they are more expensive. DH and I were on a budget so we chose Jamaica. If I did it again, I would've booked Montego Bay instead of Royal Caribbean because we are more the party type, but we still did party it up at the pub at RC and having the ability to find quiet, secluded corners of the resort was awesome.

We worked through a travel agent and booked sandals ochi in Jamaica. She did all the work of looking up flights and the different room and payment options for us. When she gave us a quote we compared to booking online and it was always the same or more than what she quoted us.

Also, for your first drink-order a Dirty Banana. That's all you will drink for the whole rest of the trip.

We booked Emerald Bay Bahamas 10 minutes from the airport. We've also stayed at Montego Bay and it's 10 minutes away from the airport.

I guess I am biased, because I am a Sandals Certified Specialist, which means that I know the resorts like the back of my hand, and know them personally because I have been to them. But the question you should really ask your self, is, "Why not use an agent?"

Not many people know that when it comes to Sandals, all agents are going to be the exact same price as booking it on your own. So, why wouldn't you want all the extra benefits that comes with using an agent? Things like extras, and the support you will receive before, during, and after your trip.

What you should be looking for is a "Sandals Certified Travel Agent," so you aren't missing out on the rest of things that people booking direct will not be able to experience.

-A good Sandals Certified agent can match their couples to the right Sandals for them. There are so many Sandals, and each has it's own unique characteristics, and features.

- Do you really know the difference between the 17 plus room categories for each Sandals, and which one is perfect for you? A Certified Sandals agent will be able to choose the right room category easily.

-Great travel agents will be there for you to assist with online check-in, prepare you for what to expect at the airport, give you packing tips, tips on Sandals, and help you, should anything go wrong.

- Arrive and get the wrong room, and the front desk can't help you? Call your agent! Many of us have personal relationships with Sandals Management, and our suppliers, so we can get a resolution faster than you going at it alone.

- Miss your flight or your connecting flight? Sorry, but a travel agent will be better helping you with that.

-Know which tour you shouldn't miss, and which one you can pass on? An agent can help suggest tours and activities, and help you with pre-booking, so you don't miss out.

-Agents will help you with online check-in's, provide resort information, arrange tours, excursions, and maps. We'll even assist you with packing lists, and helpful destination and trip information. Many of us are 24/7 while you travel, and truly care about our clients. We are not a call center dealing with thousands of people a day.

As always, there are good and bad agents out there. So, vetting an agent is important. Check out their reviews, and talk to them to get an idea of what they will do for you.

Good luck,

Kimberly Jacoby

Romantics Travel

www.romanticstravel.com

I'm seriously considering the Regency la Toc on St. Lucia. I really want to take advantage of the play at 3 option and the FH doesn't want to go to Jamaica.

Did you have a butler? Was it worthwhile? I'm addicted to the idea, but not sure about dropping a few extra g's for the butler and love nest. Opinions?

Also, because it is hurricane season, honeymoon insurance?

Bump!