Take a Virtual Vacations while Corona has us locked up!

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Virtual Honeymoon

Its Spring time, a time for new starts, a time when people are looking forward to getting out of their houses for some much needed vitamin D, a time when people have waited all winter to go on their Vacations they saved all year for. But instead our global enemy, Corona has us locked up!

Sadly, their our engaged couples that were looking forward to their weddings and honeymoons after over a year of planning, their having to reschedule their weddings and honeymoons. After all the money they put out for invitations, rentals, not to mention their dream wedding dress they can’t get refunded! Yes, this is trying times we are all living and experiencing together, were scared, but hopeful that a cure for Corona virus will be found soon!

As we wait out the Corona pandemic at home, we’re keeping our spirits high by dreaming about future travels!

We here at Virtual Honeymoon have been using and promoting VR (virtual reality) Travel for over 4 years now, said Robin Hawkey, owner of Virtual Honeymoon. We have been preaching this to travel agents we work with to get on the next big marketing trend in travel, which is VR!
Just like when the online travel sites tried to take over the travel industry, the travel agents that stayed alive and prospered, took their travel business online as well!
At the start of the most recent wave of excitement about VR, when Facebook splurged $2bn to buy headset pioneer Oculus in 2014, some pundits wondered how long it might be before virtual tourism would replace the need for physical travel altogether. That challenge never materialized — VR is not meant to replace traveling nothing will replace physical travel but VR is meant to inspire people to dream about different destinations, and what it would be like to travel there, its the next best thing to being there and the biggest marketing platform the travel industry will ever see!

When this Corona enemy is dead and gone, travel will resume!

In the meantime, Virtual Honeymoon has launched today in recognition of National Virtual Vacation Day, a public group called Virtual Vacations, where the public can join this free group on face book and be able to match their top destinations and virtually travel to pretty much anywhere they can dream. We will have Destination Specialist aka travel agents, that have physically traveled to these destinations on hand to answer questions and inspire travelers to travel again, we will have access to some rock bottom package pricing you won’t be able to get through online travel sites.

So grab your favorite beverage and join us in your favorite arm chair for some breath-taking virtual vacations!

If you have a VR headset, you can download our partner app at https://explorvr.com/app
Otherwise, you can still enjoy 360 tour right on your laptop or smart phone.

To help get you inspired right now, find your top two Destination matches on Virtual Vacations website and then join our virtual party on facebook!

Romantic Croatia for Couples

Posted on November 21, 2019 by Virtual Honeymoon

EXPLORING CROATIA!

Here is Croatia as located in relation to other countries. Due to it’s proximity to Italy, it’s an easy 1-2 day stop-over in Venice for honeymooners. When you have time, read up on the fascinating history. In the mid 1990’s I personally witnessed part of this history taking place while working in Albania just to the south of Croatia. Croatia only recently joined the European Union in 2012, going from communist state to a free republic.

LAND AND SEA:

Dalmatian Coast Photo credit: DestinationsMagazine

There are several ways to explore. Many cruise ships sail the Adriatic Sea either departing Venice or on the way to Venice. Cruises will stop in the ports of Dubrovnik and sometimes Spit. Reminder – don’t plan to visit Dubrovnik when the ships are in port as it can become very crowded. When you hear of the Dalmatian Coast, it is a narrow area along the sea from Rab, Croatia south to Kotor, Montenegro. It’s name comes from the Illyrian tribe called the Dalmatae who inhabited it in 100 BC.

Yachting the beautiful islands can feel like your own private place. Here’s a sample itinerary: Dubrovnik – Korčula – Metković – Split – Krka Waterfalls / Šibenik – Zadar – Rab – Opatija. This can also be combined with a land portion. You can also sail on a themed cruise, like wine, yoga and more.

Katrina cruise yacht

Stunning, breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, traditional culture and laid-back style. This new, sumptuously designed and fully air-conditioned Deluxe superior vessel with spacious en-suite cabins is the perfect way to experience the beauty of this long stretch of Croatian coastline. On the move, relax on spacious decks or swim in the crystal clear Adriatic Sea during stops. When we dock, explore small waterfront towns and wander.

Seeing the many sites on land, just the two of you (not a big tour group) will create your own memories. We work with several suppliers that are based in Croatia so you have the best experience. They will arrange either a self drive car and/or a private driver. Ferries are included to get to the islands. Many of the daily options are done independently or can be included as part of a group, like kayaking.

Different types of itineraries can be customized to your interests. Biking, hiking, wine, food, active and still be romantic for a honeymoon. Croatia also welcomes the LGBTQ community.

MOVIE MAGIC:

Many movies have been filmed here, below are some of the more popular ones. How much fun could Game of Thrones fans have on an excursion to play-act scenes right in the very spot where filmed? There’s an Instagram moment!

Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Robin Hood (2018)
Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
Knightfall (2017– )
Captain America (1990)
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
Mama Mia II (2018)
National Park Plitvice Lakes by Pixaby

The park is a series of 16 lakes connected by beautiful waterfalls. It is surrounded by untouched nature with many animals & rare birds.

Sunset in Zadar by Pixaby

Head to Zadar (a small town with Roman ruins) for one of the most awesome sunsets in the world. What could be more romantic than that? There is more than that, the history combines many eras, the city belonged to the Republic of Venice until 1943. Ugljan, an island with nice beaches is just a short boatride off the coast.

Zadar is know for having the most beautiful sunset in the world. What could be more awe-inspiring than enjoying that! There’s also many beaches and lively markets.

ZADAR – solar-powered work of art that explodes with an array of brightly colored lights – The Greeting to the Sun. The glass surface changes hues as you & your partner dance across it.

The Greeting to the Sun consists of three hundred multi-layer glass plates in the shape of a circle 22 meters in diameter. It is conceived as a spatial installation in the form of an amphitheater surrounded by stone blocks with a presentation of all Solar System planets and their orbits.

Take a boatride to Island Brac (pronounced “Bratch”), one of the largest islands known for its famous beaches. However, check out the rare olive trees from which olive oil is made dating back to the 1600 ac. Also check the white stone buildings from Roman times, now used worldwide. Popular beaches are Bol and Zlanti Rat.

Private and romantic spots are all over Croatia. Besides the Platvice Falls and Zadar, it’s easy to find some private beaches of Hvar (H-var) town on the island. Couples can hop a boat to one of the Pakleni Islands.

Pakleni Islands and Hvar by Pixaby

Strossmayerova in Zagreb by Pixaby

If in Zagreb, take a stroll hand-in-hand along this tree-line promenade or find the fairy-tale street of Tkalčićeva, which snakes up from focal Jelačić Trg, was once the flowing stream of Medveščak. The first Croatian wine shop (Vinoteka) was born 30 years ago which gave birth to a renewed Croatian wine scene with many wineries in the country.

The coastal cuisine is Mediterranean infused with Balkan influences. Lots of fresh seafood drizzled with olive oil and rosemary. Hearty stews with gnocchi are common as is eggplant made with roasted red capsicum.

TIDBITS OF INFO:

No Visa for US citizens staying under 90 days.
Currency is the kuna. They are not yet on the euro.
Croatian is official language, English is widely spoken.
The climate on the coast is Mediterranean with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Inland may have colder winters.
History, culture galore, mixed with great food, wine, and adventure.
Beautiful and inexpensive!

There are so many places to explore with private beaches and yachts covering the many islands. This will be your truly memorable honeymoon.

Written by: Katie Cianciolo, Dreamcatcher Destinations

Virtual Honeymoon & Couples Resorts launch Virtual Destination Wedding

Posted on August 4, 2019 by Virtual Honeymoon

Virtual Honeymoon has been preparing for the launch of Virtual Destination Wedding for a while now, in preparation of proving that in order to go to the next level of marketing with wedding venues and resorts, you have to be up on the latest technology, which is VR (virtual reality) It’s the next best thing to being there!!!!!

Virtual Honeymoon just launched a pilot program, Virtual Destination Wedding, where they are working with two selected resorts that specialize in destination weddings, in two different destinations. They have had dozens of resorts/brands around the Caribbean and Mexico apply, but the first in their launch was in Jamaica at the Couples Resorts, a favorite of Virtual Honeymoon owner, Robin Hawkey!

Robin Hawkey owner of Virtual Honeymoon hand selected their top Virtual Honeymoon affiliates to travel to Jamaica, site inspect all 4 of the Couples Resorts and help with the launch of Virtual Destination Weddings.Virtual Honeymoon also brought their team of partners who are experts in VR(virtual reality) Photography and Videography to capture the Couples Resorts beauty in their rooms, all their amazing amenities and outstanding and unique wedding venues. virtual honeymoon affiliates
Meet our Romance Travel Exerts above from left to right, Michele Botnick of Lucky n Love Travel, Brooke Stark of Couples Resorts, Kathleen Scallion of Somerset Tours & Travel, Connie Van Hoff of Tranquillity Vacations, Dianne Meyers of Beyond Events & Travel, Mindi Phillips of Beloved Getaways, Cindy Berre of Cindy Berre Travel, Beth Anderson of Journey’s Imagined, Robin Hawkey of Virtual Honeymoon and in front is our brilliant VR photographer, Igor Bjekic of VR Tech Lounge.

Virtual reality videography

Meet our brilliant VR Videographer, Edward of Elite Media Concepts

With a average over two million weddings per year in the U.S. alone, with couples spending over $72 billion on weddings and $8 billion on honeymoons, Virtual Honeymoon can help Resorts and Venues capitalize on a big percentage of those weddings by literally dropping a couple into the wedding to experience it without being there, thus doubling wedding bookings!

“This interactive tool saves time, gets your clients excited and ready to book!”

Virtual Destination Wedding is an interactive destination matching tool, Destination Wedding planners use on those time-consuming clients that are “all over the map” find their top two destination matches and virtually experience it before booking, thus closing the sale!

Virtual Destination Wedding software is very intuitive, using scoring + algorithm to search & match destinations…with combining 360* VR technology, we are revolutionizing the way smart agents sell travel!!!

Romance in Los Cabos

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Virtual Honeymoon

Whether you’re going for your honeymoon, anniversary, or to pop the question, if you love the beach and sun, Los Cabos is a great place for lovers.

There are numerous “adult only” resorts in Los Cabos that offer romantic dinners on the beach, tequila tasting, dancing under the stars, seaside swimming pools, beautiful beaches and stunning views of either the sunrise or sunset.

While at your resort, don’t pass on a spa day! Get pampered together with a couple’s massage followed by time in your private jacuzzi tub filled by your butler. Have room service deliver an incredible dinner for two with champagne. Or…dress and meet on the beach for a private, romantic candlelit dinner prepared just for the two of you.

For the more adventurous….

Whale watching is an amazing experience. Humpback whales come each year for feeding and to give birth (December-April). Take a ride out into the ocean on a catamaran and view these amazing creatures in their natural habitat up close and personal.

Explore the county by horseback or even better yet, camel back. You’ll have the opportunity to see gorgeous, untouched beaches, 20-foot cacti and desert flowers in the back drop. Along the way, be sure to look towards the ocean for the humpbacks that swim close to shore for your delight. Riding gives you the freedom and delight to see things you’d never view from a car or bus window.

Hit the town, either Cabo San Lucas or San Jose Del Cabo, for an afternoon of window shopping or looking for those special souvenirs. Stroll hand and hand and view the products of local artists. There are many little restaurants and bistros along the way to stop for a taco and a bottle of local beer, or get adventurous and try a mango margarita, the spicy salt on the rim is what makes it extra tasty.

The best time of year for warm weather to visit Los Cabos is May to mid-July (after the spring breakers) and mid-October-December. August and September can be rainy. January-early March expect cooler weather, especially in the evenings.
These are just a few of the many things you can see and do in Los Cabos, we love sharing this beautiful destination with you as one of many options for a romantic getaway.

For more information on planning your romantic getaway or honeymoon contact: Laura at romanticescapesbylaura.com

Island of Maui

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Virtual Honeymoon

The island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands with a population of just over 117,000. Maui has a thriving tourism industry and is one of the most popular islands to visit, featuring alluring attractions like the massive Haleakala volcano, the bustling whaler village of Lahaina, the magnificent humpback whales, the infamous stretch of road to Hana and its numerous family-friendly resorts and inviting white-sand beaches. Maui is also the largest island within Maui County, which is comprised of three other islands: Lana`i, Kaho`olawe, and Moloka`i.

Quick Facts:
Climate:
Year-round temperatures range between 70-90° F with 50% humidity, generally cooler in higher elevations

Top Maui Island Picks

Road to Hana – A meandering drive on the road to Hana, a classic Hawaiian small town, is full of hairpin turns, one-lane bridges and breathtaking island views.Pools of Oheo – A series of seven beautiful pools fed by waterfalls.Iao Valley State Park – Visit the 1,200-foot Iao Needle or hike in the 4,000-acre valley.

Haleakala National Park – Go on an excursion to the “House of the Sun”, an active but non-erupting volcano.

Molokini – A small island just off the southern coast of Maui creates a paradise for snorkelers and divers looking for beautiful coral and tropical fish.

Whale watching – Calm, clear, shallow waters create the perfect environment to attract whales during the winter season (December – May). Visitors will find a variety of options for whale watching experiences departing from Lahaina which can be followed by a visit to the town’s shops, art galleries and restaurants.

Go to a luau – Rich with Hawaiian history, the shores of Maui are the perfect setting to experience a traditional luau, including a main course cooked in the earth accompanied by live music and a hula dance sharing Hawaii’s stories.

Golfer’s paradise – With 14 courses to choose from and several options falling onto various best course lists, golfers can tee off near ancient lava flows, palms trees or an ocean mist.

Upcountry – Paniolos, also known as Hawaiian cowboys, spent their time in the small Upcountry town of Makawao, where you’ll find famous cream puffs at T. Komoda Store in addition to other boutiques and galleries. While in Upcountry, make a stop at Maui Wine for a tour and tasting – we recommend the pineapple wine.

The day trip to Molokini is a must. The snorkeling is fabulous!

Home to nearly 250 species of tropical fish, Molokini is one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Snorkeling at Molokini crater is truly a unique oppourtunity as there are only 3 volcanic calderas including Molokini in the entire world.

I Was there is January and the mother whales were teaching their babies life lessons. What a treat to see a baby whale learn to dive! They were breaching, just having a wonderful time. The best part, we sat on the beach to watch them! Take a trip to HaleakalaFor a sunrise view and a bike ride down the volcano. Or you can do what I did, and to at sunset. 4:00 AM is too early for me. Beautiful. If to go up at sunset, be sure to go to Mama’s fish house. Exceptional seafood. The menu will tell you who caught your dinner, and the boat involved. On the waterfront. Pricy, but well worth the trip.

The Iao Valley State park is very lush and may be a bit foggy. There is an entrance fee, but you can drive in a bit for the beautiful views.

You must go to Lahaina, the major tourist area. The cruise ships stop here. A lot of restaurants, casual and upscale. I can be very crowded, but there is a local bus that gives free transportation, or your hotel may do it.

If you are a member of a yacht club, bring your card, and have dinner at the Lahaina Yacht Club. Over the water, for a wonder sunset!
Any time is good to visit Maui. It can be windy especially in the winter months.

Your special day deserves a special place and Maui provides an idyllic setting for the wedding of your dreams. Whether you’re planning a casual beach wedding on the shores of West Maui or a lavish ceremony in a five-diamond resort in Wailea, Maui meets every expectation.

You’ll find an impressive list of venues and resources, and expert wedding planners will attend to your every need. Nothing is spared to make sure your special day turns out exactly as you imagined. So let Maui’s specialists take care of the details so you can concentrate on what matters most: each other. Learn more about Maui wedding photographers, planners and venues.

Written by Claudia Augustson of Riviera Vacations

For more information on Maui or any Hawaiian Island getaway, contact Claudia Augustson @ rivieravac@cox.net

Don’t know where to go on your next getaway? Find your Destination match here

Romanced by Bora Bora

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Virtual Honeymoon

Labeled as the most romantic place on earth, Bora Bora screams honeymoon and destination wedding. Romance, Romance, Romance which can steer travelers away unless going there for a monumental trip as opposed to going for a summer vacation. When I went there; I wasn’t going on a honeymoon, having a monumental anniversary or attending a destination wedding and my trip surpassed all of my expectations.

If I’m being honest, it brought tears to my eyes, gave me an expressionless face, and left me feeling a way I have never felt before. So is the label right? Is it a place that really needs that special romantic occasion to truly be enjoyed?
Not so much!!! Seeing the Bora Bora waters for the first time brought me to tears and had an effect on me that no other destination ever has and future destinations are going to have to work hard to live up to.

Granted, this was my #1 heaven on earth place to visit. Was on my bucket list ever since I can remember so you can only imagine my excitement pre-trip; but nothing prepared me for what I would feel when I got there. Mesmerized, in aw, speechless, and totally in love. I was romanced by this small island in a way no man has ever romanced me. I was transported to a place words can’t even describe. I had finally found my soulmate. A place that made me feel secure, giddy, and wanting to experience and share more.
In that moment I realized first hand why the tiny island of Bora Bora is known as the island of romance and that realization has nothing to do with a honeymoon, a wedding or even a significant other. I could spend months alone in Bora Bora and never once be lonely, feel lost, afraid, or unhappy. This tiny little island pulls you in, wraps you up in it’s beautiful blue waters and whisks you away to places you couldn’t even imagine even existed. (And let me tell you, I have an imagination like no other and even I couldn’t have imagined this!!!), so grab your favorite glass of wine and enjoy the love story That is Bora Bora…………….

Yes it is true, couples you have found your ideal destination, but this little island is perfect for the whole family and solomooners alike. The small island of Bora Bora is only 18 miles in circumference, but it’s home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and waters that don’t discriminate, they love your little coconuts and solos as well as the love birds.
As a solo traveler, allow yourself to embrace mana and be swept away by the luxurious pampering resorts with overwater bungalows and thatched rooves we’ve dreamt of for our ultimate retreats. Spend lazy days sunbathing while watching the sharks and sting rays swim by your bungalow. Your little coconuts will think they are living in a real life storybook when you let the azul waters wash over them and embrace them in this carefree, picture perfect lifestyle.
The captivating, majestic Mount Otemanu, sharply rising almost 2,400 feet above sea level, lush tropical slopes and valleys, transport you to a paradise that will forever be burnt into your mind allowing you to continue your love affair with Bora Bora long after you are thousands of miles away.
Your resort will be located either on the southern end of the main island or on its own motu (islet in the lagoon). The water is the key to what will keep you active when you want to venture from your lounge chair or spa treatment. The turquoise lagoon surrounded by picture-perfect white sand beaches is your playground for such unique experiences as shark feeding. You stand in the shallow lagoon far enough away but yet close enough to watch your guides hand-feed the sharks. Explore the lagoon via glass-bottom boat, motorboat or jet ski, or just snorkel from your bungalow or off the beach anywhere on the island. Diving is also huge attraction because Adventure off the coast and to the interior roads on a hike or 4X4 accompanied by a local guide. You’ll be treated to unbelievable overlook views. Be sure to make some time to shop for local and international original art, Tahitian pearls, perfumes and oils, and precious wood handcrafts.
Most meals will be eaten at your resort, where you’ll be treated to world-class dining, complete with some of the best water views you’re ever going to see. Many of the properties also offer after-dinner Polynesian shows, incorporating the cultural flavor into your stay. Cuisine here is as you would expect — lots of local seafood, fruits and vegetables to enjoy.
Don’t forget to have at least one of those over the top experiences like a gourmet picnic on a private beach or a sunset cruise with four-course dinner aboard a private catamaran. We can’t forget the ultimate in room service, breakfast by outrigger canoe brought to your overwater bungalow or villa. The flower-decorated canoe brings with it fresh fruits, pastries and juices by a welcoming resort staff member.  International flights land at Faa’a Airport in Papeete on the island of Tahiti. Flight time is just under eight hours from Los Angeles and about 12 hours from New York’s JFK with a swift 51 minute flight from Papeete to Bora Bora and your life with forever be changed. Air Tahiti Nui is Tahiti’s national carrier.
The Bora Bora airport is built on a motu; making resort transfers by private motorboats from the airport which sets the tone for your amazing experience that is yet to come causing your little coconuts to ask why all resort transfers can’t be by boat!!!!
Whether you are traveling for romance, celebrating yourself, or introducing your coconuts to a real-life fairy-tale setting, Bora Bora will check all the boxes and when you visit; may your sleep be peaceful and restful, and may you wake by the warmth of the sun refreshed and ready for each new day of possibilities in paradise!!!

**Photo Cred – My Own!!
Miki Taylor of Taylor & Co. Travel

VR videos helping agents close sales

Posted on January 19, 2019 by Virtual Honeymoon

A growing number of travel advisers are reporting that virtual reality (VR) is helping them close sales more often and faster, and several said they’re considering ways to put the technology in their clients’ hands with branded headsets to make it more accessible.

“You know, you can talk up a resort, you can talk up a destination, but letting them experience it for themselves like they’re really there gets them very excited about trips,” said Michele Botnick, owner of Lucky N Love Travel in Roswell, N.M.

Botnick is among the agents using a product developed by Virtual Honeymoon, a company owned by former agent Robin Hawkey, who created a set of interactive, online quizzes to help clients narrow their preferred destinations.

The service now offers quizzes for honeymoons, vacations, anniversary trips and weddings (including venue matching). Agents who sign up for the service also get access to VR content for which Hawkey partners with a Canadian company, Explor VR.

A number of Hawkey’s agent clients, including Botnick, have begun bringing VR headsets powered by smartphones to bridal shows. They have prospective clients take Virtual Honeymoon’s quiz, which takes into account personal preferences and budgets to determine two recommended destinations. They then showcase one or both destinations on the VR headset.

“It literally is doubling their sales,” Hawkey said. “They are closing sales quicker, and it gets the clients really excited.”

Hawkey has seen agents’ use of VR increase in the past year or so, a trend she attributed to the increasing quality and affordability of headsets.

VR has existed in some form for decades, but the market for headsets designed for consumer use has exploded in recent years. At first, headsets required expensive computers to run, but versions that utilize a smartphone have become very common.

Some cost less than $20, among them the Google Cardboard, a smartphone-powered headset. Sets that run off smartphones range in price and quality.

Newer entrants even run as standalone systems, not requiring a smartphone. Among those is the Oculus Go (starting at $200). Higher-end headsets requiring the use of a computer cost hundreds of dollars for the headset alone.

Companies in the retail travel space have been experimenting with VR in recent years. For example, Virtuoso several years ago beta-tested the use of high-end headsets in member agencies. The consortium found that interest varied greatly among members, and VR efforts are now member-driven.

One of those interested members is Direct Travel. Vicky DiMichele, digital marketing manager of leisure at the agency is Willoughby, Ohio, said it plans to introduce VR this year using Oculus Go headsets.

Guests viewing content from Virtual Honeymoon at a bridal show.

The idea is to place headsets in offices with walk-in leisure business. She would showcase videos from suppliers but is also considering creating her own VR content, especially from familiarization or adviser-incentive trips. That could also be useful for agents, DiMichele said.

Largay Travel of Waterbury, Conn., another Virtuoso agency, was an early tester of using high-end headsets in agencies, but Scott Largay, director of marketing, said the agency ran into issues with content development.

The agency was attempting to create its own content and app, but Largay said he found that limits to the amount and quality of content “was very restrictive to what we were looking to do.”

Companies producing VR content weren’t able to produce the caliber of content Largay wanted, he said, and those that could were “astronomically priced.”

“Virtual reality will be a big part of the travel industry moving forward, and I will be there with my headset on when it happens,” he said. “But it’s just not right now.”

While some have taken a step back from VR, Virtual Honeymoon’s Hawkey is doubling down on the technology and encouraging resorts to start filming weddings with it.

She works with several VR companies, and each has agreed to record at least one complimentary mock wedding as long as the resort hosts the production (and, of course, arranges the event). Hawkey said she has several resorts interested and that she believes they will see a direct impact on bookings if agents showcase weddings virtually.

She said other resorts would likely follow suit and pay to have their own mock weddings recorded in VR.

“The reason that we’re doing that is to prove how powerful viewing VR weddings really is and to show how that venue is going to double, if not triple, their weddings by doing something as powerful as a virtual wedding,” she said. “Because then you can literally drop the couple into the wedding without being there.”

It’s not a cheap prospect. In addition to the mock wedding, VR videos feature other aspects of the property to give viewers a better feel for what they will experience. Hawkey estimated that recording one property costs between $7,500 and $10,000, a price driven not only by the effort to videotape at a resort but also the costs of expensive professional equipment and the editing process.

The expense involved in VR is what led Camille Sanders, owner of Chic Romance Travel in Fresno, Calif., to partner with Virtual Honeymoon to offer VR to her clients instead of trying to create her own program and content.

“It’s very expensive to produce,” she said. “It definitely is better to partner with somebody.”

Like Lucky N Love’s Botnick, Sanders brings headsets to bridal shows.

“I feel it really sets me aside differently than anything out there, especially with other local agencies,” Sanders said. “It’s something different to offer.”

Miki Taylor, founder and CEO of Taylor & Co. Travel in Auburn, Ala., lives in a college town and brings the headsets to many local events. She said VR has gone over very well with clients, especially students, for whom Taylor plans many spring break trips.

“If I had a storefront, I’d have [headsets] on every station,” Taylor said. “Every agent would have them, and they would use them to sell. It sells itself.”

Both Sanders and Botnick are also considering purchasing branded headsets that are inexpensive, foldable and easily mailable to clients around the country, who can use their smartphones to view VR content.

Hawkey said VR is a powerful technology for agents to have in their arsenal.

“I just feel it in my gut,” she said. “If agents don’t get on with the technology, they’re going to be the next ones out of business.”

Virtual Destination Wedding wins Trendsetter of the year award 2018

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Virtual Honeymoon

We are excited to announce Virtual Honeymoon’s sister site, Virtual Destination Wedding won Trendsetter of the year 2018 award for best targeted marketing idea!

Virtual Honeymoon won this honor for Trendsetter of year in 2016 for best targeted marketing idea as well!

While Virtual Honeymoon software runs both virtual matching sites, Virtual Destination Wedding goes a step further in not only matching a couples destination but helps plan their wedding, this helps wedding planners and destination wedding specialists work smarter!

Virtual Destination Wedding story-

What does Trendsetter awards mean? Each year, the TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards recognize travel agency leaders who make an impact on the industry and the community. Two finalists in each category are invited to and honored at the WAVE Awards as guests of their sponsor.

Entries are reviewed and voted on by the sponsors and editorial staff of TravelAge West. Furthermore, suppliers who sponsor the Trendsetter Awards do so not just for publicity – they support the travel agent community and wish to honor those who are making significant strides in the industry.

See the Trendsetter winners in all categories by checking out the July issue of Travelage West Magazine honoring all the recipients held at The Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Ray, California
A huge thank you goes out to Travelage West for our award and Celebrity Cruise line for honoring us with a Europe Cruise, we are so excited!

Virtual Destination Wedding is honored to work with over 200 Destination Wedding Specialists in US and Canada!
If your a travel agent specializing in romance travel or wedding planner, find out how you can work smarter @
VirtualDestinationWedding.com

“This interactive tool saves time, gets your clients excited and ready to book!”

Destination Wedding Specialists & Wedding Planners can try our demo-site below:

Virtual Destination Wedding- Wedding Planners

Virtual Honeymoon is excited to announce the launch of Virtual Vacationing

Posted on May 18, 2018 by Virtual Honeymoon

We are excited to announce the recent launch of Virtual Honeymoon’s newest addition – Virtual Vacationing – on April 10 at the Travel Agent Forum in Las Vegas,
along side their VR partner ExplorVR, Virtual Vacationing was launched with some 700+ travel agents attending!

Travel agents specializing in Vacations

While Virtual Vacationing’s main concept is interactive destination matching for Vacations, the new site does not focus on romance as the other two sites do,
Virtual Honeymoon and Virtual Destination Wedding.

“We realize that not all getaways are about romance, sometimes it’s about vacation travel with family and or friends and they too can be confused about where to go on their getaway.”

The perfect client to use this interactive matching tool, is one that is “all over the map” or says something like,
“we don’t know where we want to go on our getaway, maybe some place warm and tropical?”

Virtual Vacationing is an interactive destination matching tool, Travel Specialists use on those time-consuming clients that are “all over the map” find their top two destination matches and virtually experience it before booking, thus closing the sale!

This interactive tool SAVES TIME, gets Couples EXCITED & ready to BOOK!

Our software is very intuitive, using scoring + algorithm to search & match destinations, combining 360*VR technology, we are revolutionizing the way SMART TRAVEL AGENTS sell Travel!

If your a Travel Specialist and are interested in finding out how this VR interactive destination matching tool can help you or your travel business,
check out Virtual Vacationing, they are offering a 30% discount through the month of May 2018 for all their brands.

To find out more information and select the best match for your business, check out all their brands and become a affiliate and start working smarter!

For questions or to set up a appointment, email us at info@virtualhoneymoon.com

Virtual Honeymoon in TravelWeek news!

Posted on April 21, 2018 by Virtual Honeymoon

Robin Hawkey, owner of Virtual Honeymoon, was recently interviewed by Travel Week about how she came up with the concept for this VR interactive matching tool, and how its solving problems for hundreds of Travel specialists in the Romance Travel industry, as well as plans for growth.

Travel Week is the travel industry largest and most trusted media source in Canada!
See below a copy to article.

Virtual Honeymoon launches sister sites

Virtual Honeymoon launches sister sites, partners with ExplorVR amid company growth

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Posted by Travelweek Group

TORONTO — Here’s a common scenario: You ask your wedding clients where they would go on their dream honeymoon, and they respond with a bunch of destinations in quick succession. Bali. Italy. Tahiti. The list goes on and on.

But there is a fun and easy way to whittle down the options so that your clients are left with a destination that best suits their needs and preferences. Virtual Honeymoon is an interactive destination matching tool used by agents with indecisive clients. Using intuitive software and an algorithm to search for and match destinations, the tool matches couples with their top two destinations, allowing them to ‘test drive’ these locales and help agents close the sale.

Robin Hawkey- Owner of Virtual Honeymoon

Started and owned by travel industry veteran Robin Hawkey, Virtual Honeymoon kicked off in January 2015 for year-long testing before launching its affiliate program in March 2016. Hawkey says the idea came to her after “years of frustration of working with couples that were all over the map”, which resulted in wasting weeks of valuable time, sometimes only to lose them to the Internet.

“When couples have no idea where to go on their getaway, or say something like ‘We just want to go some place warm and tropical’, that usually leads to seeing every tropical island and comparing them all. We call [these couples] ‘tire-kickers’ or ‘time-wasters’ for using travel agents as a human resource tool,” she tells Travelweek.

How it works is simple: Clients answer a series of fun, interactive questions, the tool then matches them to their top two destinations based on their answers. After clients fill out a contact form, all the questions and answers, including their matches, are emailed directly to the travel agent who will then follow up directly.

The tool costs $24.95/month, or $239.52 per year with a savings of 20%.
You can access the site at virtualhoneymoon.com.

To enhance the experience, Hawkey has added a virtual reality component to the website’s destination pages. She’s teamed up with ExplorVR to allow clients to pre-experience their matched destination. Virtual Honeymoon’s affiliates have already used VR headsets and videos at wedding fairs where clients were able to test-drive their destinations on the spot.

“I think [VR] is so beneficial as most millennials want to be involved in the planning process. VR is the next best thing to being there!” said Hawkey. “I also feel that the agents who don’t get on this VR trend will be left behind – literally!”

Devin Kinasz, President & CEO of ExplorVR, adds: “Virtual Honeymoon is embracing VR technology and partnering with ExplorVR to give their agents access to exciting destination experiences. We are very excited to partner with Virtual Honeymoon because they align with our values of being a forward-thinking company that embraces technology.”

Virtual reality acts as the perfect selling tool in the destination wedding and honeymoon market as it allows clients to “try before they fly”. As Hawkey puts it, all couples want their weddings and honeymoons to go off without a hitch, so the best way to ensure that the destination matches their vision is to virtually travel there ahead of time.

“There is on average over two million weddings per year in the U.S. alone, with couples spending over $72 billion on weddings and $8 billion on honeymoons. The romance niche is such a great niche to get into to build your entire travel business,” said Hawkey. “If an agent does a great job on the wedding or honeymoon, and builds a good relationship with their client, they will do all their travel-related activities such as anniversaries, babymoons, graduations, family trips and more, not to mention the referrals to all their friends getting married. This creates a booming business that will continue to grow and prosper.”

With business booming, Virtual Honeymoon launched its sister site – Virtual Destination Wedding – at the Love Mexico event in Cabo last December. Operating much like Virtual Honeymoon, the new site not only matches clients with their top two destinations but also helps plan the wedding. And like its sister site, it costs $24.95, or $239.52 with a 20% discount.

Looking ahead, Hawkey is preparing to launch the company’s newest addition – Virtual Vacationing – on April 10 at the Travel Agent Forum in Las Vegas. While its main concept is the same as interactive destination matching, she says the new site does not focus on romance as the other two sites.

“We realize that not all getaways are about romance, sometimes it’s about vacation travel with family and friends and they too can be confused about where to go on their getaway,” she adds. “We are so excited to be at the Forum with our VR partner, ExplorVR. They have really helped our vision of bringing virtual travel to life, allowing clients to virtually experience their destination match before booking and, thus, closing sales!”

“Test drive” one of our demo-sites below and find the best match for your business:

Travel agents specializing in Romance Travel

Destination Wedding Planners

Travel agents selling Vacations

Try before you Fly!

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