Take a Virtual Vacations while Corona has us locked up!

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! vr headset
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!VR headset

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!

Virtual Honeymoon & Couples Resorts launch Virtual Destination Wedding

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 reality wedding

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!Couples Resorts

 

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!

virtual reality

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

Virtual Destination Wedding

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

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.
Los Cabos
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.

Cabo

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.

Los Cabos

 

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.

Los Cabos

 

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.

Cabo San Lucas

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.

Care Travel

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

Lanai

Lanai – The smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, Lanai offers big enticements to its visitors. Only nine miles from Maui yet a world away, this island can feel like two places. The first is found in luxurious resorts where visitors can indulge in world-class amenities and championship-level golf. The other is found bouncing along the island of Lanai rugged back roads in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to explore off-the-beaten-path treasures. You’re sure to find serenity, adventure and privacy on Lanai.
Lanai

Perfect Weather: Tropical averaging 75-85* degrees

Main City: Lanai

Time Zone: Lanai Standard Time 5 hours behind US East Coast & 3 hours behind Pacific time – they do not observe daylight savings time.

Language: English/Hawaiian

Top Highlights:

*Hiking Lanai – Miles of breathtaking, uncrowded trails make this island paradise a hiker’s dream, from easy cliffside walks to intense hikes through other worldly rock gardens.

*Hulopoe Beach Park is a sweeping crescent-shaped beach located on the southern coast in Hulopoe Bay, fronting the Four Seasons Resort in Lanai. Most accessible on the island for great surfing.

*Polihua Beach –Take a 4-wheel drive adventure about an hour northwest of Lanai City to find two miles of pristine and  blissfully empty coast perfect for sunbathing or beachcombing.

*Snorkeling- Strap on your mask and explore Hulopoe Bay’s crystal-clear tidepools, or book a trip to the Cathedrals to scuba dive in amazing underwater lava tubes.

*Whale watching- Each year, scores of majestic kohola (humpback whales) travel to Hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young in the winter and spring, before returning to Alaska for the summer.

Experience Lanai, contact Virtual Honeymoon to find a Lanai Specialist today!

Molokai Island

Molokai Island – Hawaii’s fifth largest island, Molokai is only 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point and is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world and the longest continuous fringing reef. Molokai remains true to its island roots, with a high percentage of its population being of Native Hawaiian ancestry who continue to preserve their rural lifestyle thanks to their love of the land. forest to the black sand beaches, this island is a natural wonder of unrivaled expression in the powers of nature at work!
Molokai island

Perfect Weather: Tropical averaging 75-85* degrees

Main City: Lanai

Time Zone: Molokai Standard Time 5 hours behind US East Coast & 3 hours behind Pacific time – they do not observe daylight savings time.

Language: English/Hawaiian

Highlights

*Kalaupapa National Historical Park–  Take a quite ride on a Historic site accessible by scenic mule ride on the northern tip of Molokai
*Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove- Historic coconut grove in Kaunakakai across from Church Row across from Church Row, visit Coconut Grove, an ancient Hawaiian coconut grove planted in the 1860s
*Halawa Valley- Historic Hawaiian valley with towering waterfalls on Molokai’s East End, Hike into the East End’s classic cathedral valley to see the Hawaii of long ago.
*Papohaku Beach Park- At three miles long and 100 yards wide, this is one of the largest white-sand beaches in all of Hawaii.
*Kaunakakai– Take a sport-fishing charter, for some once in a life time fishing experience.
*Kalohi – During winter months, whale watch in the Kalohi Channel.

 

Experience Molokai island, contact Virtual Honeymoon to find a Molokai Specialist today!

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island – ‘Big Island’ the youngest and the largest of all the islands and it’s still growing! The home of one of the world’s most active volcanoes and tallest sea mountain. From the green rainforest to the black sand beaches, this island is a natural wonder of unrivaled expression in the powers of nature at work!
Hawaii island

Perfect Weather: Tropical averaging 75-85* degrees

Main City: Hilo

Time Zone: Hawaii Island Standard Time 5 hours behind US East Coast & 3 hours behind Pacific time – they do not observe daylight savings time.

Language: English/Hawaiian

Highlights:

  • Hawaii Volcano National Park- Home to Kilauea Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
  • Kailua Village- Lively, historic gathering place in the heart of quaint town of Kona, with shops, eateries, pubs.
  • Hilo- Home to dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests and blooming gardens; the geographic flipside of the volcanic kohala coast.
  • Holualoa- This is a great place to taste the rich flavors of 100% pure Kona coffee, a rare commodity exclusively grown in north and south Kona
  • Kahua Ranch- Located in town of Waimea, in Cowboy country where stop signs read ‘Whoa’ instead of ‘Stop’ a working ranch to explore the scenic landscapes by horseback or ATV.
  • Volcano Winery- Since 1986, this beautiful winery utilizes local fruits, macadamia nuts & tea to blend with traditional wine grapes that transforms their wines to perfection, stop and taste before visiting the Volcano!
  • Beautiful Beaches- Kohala Coast known as South Kohala is nestled amongst the jet-black and rust-red lava rock fields amongst the breathtaking black sand beaches. Hapuna Beach is Hawaii’s white sand beach and been rated on numerous international top ten lists and offers good conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing and snorkeling.

Exclusive Inclusions: Sample of VIP Perks* at one of our Preferred Resorts:

      • Free wedding website & honeymoon registry
      • Daily buffet breakfast for 2
      • Luau for 2
      • Sunset cruise

Experience Hawaii island, contact Virtual Honeymoon to find a Hawaii Specialist today!

Maui Island

Maui Island-  The magic isle and second largest hawaiian island, but with low population, making it very desirable with its diversity and attractions, there something for everyone here! From its heavenly beaches to its scenic wonders its no wonder why Maui has been voted best island several years now!

Maui

Perfect Weather: Average yearly temperature is a tropical 75-85*degrees

Main City: Wailuku

Time Zone: Maui Island Standard Time 5 hours behind US East Coast & 3 hours behind Pacific time -they do not observe daylight savings time

Language: English~Hawaiian

Highlights:

  • Road to Hana- leads you through tropical rainforest, with dramatic scenery of flowing waterfalls and plunging pools, experience old hawaii first hand.
  • Haleakala National Park- Maui’s highest peaks 10,023 feet above sea level, morning sunrises are unforgettable
  • Lahaina- Hot spot on the west, historic whalers village with shops, restaurants & marina, catch some great tours leaving from here.
  • Molokini- A small island a few miles off of Maui’s southwestern coast, great for snorkelers and divers.
  • Wailea- South shore of Maui, known for its world class golf courses and crescent-shaped beaches.
  • Beautiful beaches- Kaanapali Beach on the west is Maui’s famous beach known for its powder white soft sand, and Makena Beach on the south is known as Maui’s ‘big’ beach, the largest beach on Maui.

Exclusive Inclusions: Sample of VIP Perks* at one of our Preferred Resorts:

  • Free wedding website & honeymoon registry
  • Luau for 2
  • One sunset dinner cruise for 2
  • Daily breakfast for 2
  • VIP cocktail reception
  • Room upgrade & late check out (based on availability)

Experience Maui island, contact Virtual Honeymoon to find a Maui Specialist today!

 

Oahu Island

Oahu Island-  The ‘Heart’ of Hawaii with its timeless beauty blended with todays modern luxuries. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to a diverse population and the contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering historic Oahu so enjoyable

.Oahu island

Perfect Weather: Average yearly temperature is a tropical 75-85*degrees

Main City: Honolulu

Time Zone: Oahu Island Standard Time 5 hours behind US East Coast & 3 hours behind Pacific time – they do not observe daylight savings time

Language: English~Hawaiian

Highlights:

  • Pearl Harbour- National Historical Landmark features five historic sites memorializing the December 7, 1941 attack.
  • Diamond Head- Formed more than 100,000 years ago, a popular hiking spot with panoramic views of Waikiki and Oahu’s south shore.
  • North Shore- During the winter months, this legendary surf mecca attracts the best surfers in the world.
  • Polynesian Cultural Center- A ‘must see’ hawaiian attraction, interact with the people from the South Pacific Islands, experience a canoe pageant and authentic Luau.
  • International Market Place- Famous shopping features over 130 carts, shops and artisan stands in an open-air setting under the banyan trees in the heart of Waikiki.
  • Beautiful Beaches- World famous Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Known in Hawaiian as ‘spouting waters’, it is the best area for learning to surf.
  • Turtle Bay- Protected from large waves and surf, this beach, located on Oahu’s northeastern tip, great place to snorkle.

Exclusive Inclusions: Sample of VIP Perks* at one of our Preferred Resorts:

    • Free wedding website & honeymoon registry
    • $50 Aloha Credit toward food & activities
    • Chilled bottle of Champagne & Chocolate Strawberries
    • Room upgrade & late check out (based on availability)

Experience Oahu island, contact Virtual Honeymoon to find a Oahu Specialist today!

Romanced by Bora Bora

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. Bora Bora beach

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…………….Tahiti

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. bora bora
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. Bora Bora
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
Bora Bora

VR videos helping agents close sales

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.

vr 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

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!

2018 trendsetter of year

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-

Virtual Destination Wedding won 2018 trendsetter award

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 Destination Wedding- Wedding Planners

 

Virtual Honeymoon is excited to announce the launch of Virtual Vacationing

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!

virtual vacationing

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!

find your clients destination match, pick your brand

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

Virtual Honeymoon in TravelWeek news!

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.

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

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

Virtual Honeymoon launches sister sites

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

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

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

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

Virtual Destination Wedding

       Destination Wedding Planners

Virtual Vacations

     Travel agents selling Vacations

Try before you Fly with Virtual Honeymoon!

“Try before you fly” using Virtualhoneymoon.com!
Virtual Honeymoon is a Interactive Destination Matching tool, that Travel Specialists use for those time-consuming clients that are “all over the map!”
The intuitive tool uses algorithm + scoring technology software, to virtually match each client to their top Destinations, where they can virtually experience it before they book!
Virtual Honeymoon just partnered with Travel weeks Xplr VR company based out of Canada, using their VR + 360 videos.

Clients can now “virtually experience” their destinations they match to, thus travel specialists closing the sale!

Try before you fly!

Here’s a great example of using this technology to work smarter and close the sale from a Virtual Honeymoon affiliate:
“I had a appointment with a Destination Wedding couple on Wednesday night, they both took the Virtual Honeymoon quiz and matched to BVI and Jamaica!”  The groom was excited about Jamaica, the bride wasn’t sure, but was open to exploring. I put the VR headset on her, set to Jamaica with sound on and within 2 minutes she was SOLD!!!! “I wish I would have videoed taped her, she was smiling, looking up down all around, laughing, gasping with excitement!” The groom was trying to pull headset off her, he was so excited to try it! He got his turn and was like a little kid, pointing in the air, spinning around, smiling, etc….within about 10 minutes, they BOTH fell in Love with Jamaica for their beach wedding and honeymoon!
 
“This interactive tool SAVES TIME, gets clients EXCITED & ready to BOOK!
 
Today’s travel consumers are tech savvy, and expect brands to be as well!
Virtual Honeymoon + Xplr VR technology is revolutionizing the way “smart agents” sell travel!

Virtual Honeymoon offers white label sites, allowing  agents to personalize their agencies, helping them work smarter!”

Robin Hawkey is the owner/visionary of Virtual Honeymoon.
She won 2016 Trendsetter Award for “Best Targeted Marketing idea” and was featured in Travelage West.
This year, Virtual Honeymoon is up for Travvy Award and Magellan Award.

Romance Travel Specialists- Are your couples all over the Map?

We would like to share with you a new VR “award winning” interactive tool that will save you time and help you WORK SMARTER!

Virtualhoneymoon.com

                                                  Try Demo now! click the box above to start.

Virtual Honeymoon was created to use on your couples that have NO idea where to go on their Romantic Getaway!
The perfect client to use this VR interactive matching tool, is one that is “all over the map” or says something like, “we don’t’ know where we want to go, just some place warm and tropical.”
This interactive tool SAVES TIME, gets Couples EXCITED & ready to BOOK!

By implementing VR (Virtual Reality) and 360* Videos, agents can now not only match the couple to their top destination but let them virtually experience it! 

“How cool would it be to take Virtual Honeymoon tool to a Wedding fair, try on the couples that don’t know where they want to go on their Romantic Getaway, they can take our fun interactive test, get their destination match and then the agent put a VR headset on them to jet away to virtually experience say Jamaica! Agents better have their deposit forms ready!

vr

How it works:
By answering a series of carefully thought out, fun, interactive questions about their likes, preferences, budget etc….the intuitive VR tool will match the clients to their top two Destinations based on their answers selected. The tool will then show their top two matched destinations side-by-side with descriptions of each, from there they can select one (or both) to experience, a beautiful page opens up with destination information, photo, video, links to explore! The system can track each clients Q/A data and when activated, emailed direct to agent, for follow-up!

Robin Hawkey is the owner/visionary of Virtual Honeymoon and loves to share her passion for Romantic Travel. She has won numerous Travel Awards, with the most recent as 2016 Trendsetter Award for “Best Targeted Marketing” and featured in Travelage West. see article here: Travelage West