Everyone knows how much work planning the wedding can be for the bride and groom, but people often overlook the effort it takes to plan and execute the honeymoon of your dreams.  Luckily, businesses like Custom Travel Professionals out of Clinton can be there every step of the planning process to ensure both the bride and groom get everything they've ever wanted out of their honeymoon. We got the opportunity to chat with Jill Hiers, owner of Custom Travel Professionals about planing and executing a wonderful honeymoon. Keep reading for Jill's tips and advice that you need to know before you start planning the ultimate romantic getaway. 

{Tell me a little bit about Custom Travel Professionals.}
Custom Travel Professionals is located in Clinton, MS.  We have been in business since July 2011. We are an nationally award winning agency for sales and service. Custom Travel Professionals has 22 agents all over the country, all with different specialties.  My personal specialization is in honeymoons and destination weddings.
{How did you get into the travel agent business?}
There are certain times in life when a career chooses you. This is one of those instances. I was planning vacations for my friends when I was approached to do it for a living. That was over 11 years ago. This career for me is a dream come true. I do what I love every single day.
{What is your favorite thing about working as a travel agent?}
The best part of my job is getting to create a vacation experience for my clients that is the envy of their friends.
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{What is your advice for determining the budget for the honeymoon?}
Be realistic.  Airfare to exotic destinations can range from $850 and on into the thousands. Keep an open mind to alternate destinations if your budget is limited. You don't have to go to Moorea for over-the-water bungalows. You can now find them is easier to reach locations like Mexico, Jamaica, and St. Lucia.
{How long should a honeymoon be?}
The average honeymoon is usually between 6-7 nights. The couple may determine that more time is needed for destinations like Europe or Asia due to the length of flights, etc. Other couples may choose shorter time frames due to budget or work constraints.  There are no rules here. At the end of the day, a honeymoon is an opportunity to celebrate becoming man and wife, and that celebration is a reflection of the couple.
{Where is the best place to start with planning?}
The best place to start is with the ideal honeymoon.  When you close your eyes and imagine that place- the sights, the sounds, the food, the culture, etc., what does that look like.  For some, it is an all-inclusive on a tropical beach and others, it is a castle in Ireland.  My job is to create an experience that lives up to (and exceeds) those expectations.

{Do you have any favorite honeymoon destinations?}
This is a hard question.  I have lots of favorite destinations, but ultimately, it is about what the couple want.  My current favorites are:
St. Lucia - it offers lush rain forests, beautiful volcanoes, and stunning beaches. There are some real bucket list resorts here like Jade Mountain with sweeping views of the sea and the Pitons.
Riviera Maya, Mexico - You cannot beat the value that Riviera Maya brings.  This is where affordable luxury abounds! Some of my favorites here are UNICO 20 87, El Dorado Maroma's Palifitos, El Dorado Casitas Royale, and Grand Velas.
Thailand - I love this option for adventurous couples who have 10 or more days for their honeymoon. There is so much to see and do here from elephant farms, temples, tiger sanctuaries, and floating markets.
{Why use a travel agent when planning your honeymoon?}
 A travel agent is an expert in travel. We have been there in most instances and can give you first hand advice. We are your advocates if travel issues arise.  Our clients become so much more than clients, they become friends. 
{How structured should the honeymoon be?}
That really depends on the couple and the destination.  In destinations like Thailand where you are traveling to several areas of the country, that would need to be scheduled more than destination where lounging on the beach is the main objective.
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{Can you provide any general tips in regard to planning a honeymoon?}
-Start planning at least six months prior to travel so that you have more availability to choose from. 
-Choose a travel professional that meshes with your personality.  A good travel agent will be your go-to for years to come.  
-Be open to all suggestions and hear the reasons why your travel agent thinks that destination or resort may be the best fit for you.
-Be realistic about your budget. 
-Have an idea of what you are looking for so that the travel professional can match you with the perfect destination and property.

Custom Travel Professionals is located in Clinton, Missisippi at 807 Monroe Street by appointment only. 
Visit the website for more information and feel free to call Custom Travel Professionals at 888-220-0915 

Every February, adults are given permission to play after hours at the Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) during MCM’s signature fundraising event, Ignite the Night. This annual, adults-only evening has a whimsical and exciting new theme each year. Each gallery comes to life with festive food, mesmerizing music, and amusing activities like photo booths with quirky costumes, mysterious guests, and creative cocktails. Hosted by MCM Partners, a group of volunteers and donors who support the museum, this “snappy casual” affair is not your typical party. It is imaginative, entertaining and, most importantly, fun!
On Saturday, February 17, 2018, join us as we celebrate the Birthplace of America’s Music – from Delta blues, to church choir gospel, to hill country and gulf coast rock n’ roll – guests are sure to hear their favorites throughout the night. On this special evening, guests can bid on silent auction items featuring some of Mississippi’s finest attractions, enjoy a taste of the state’s favorite culinary offerings, and show off your best moves! Wear your dancing shoes and keep your eyes peeled – there may even be a King sighting!

Purchase your tickets here!
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All LEE Industries purchases, both from stock and special orders, will be 20% off the day of the event and the week following.
“Lee Loves Local is one of our favorite events of the year. We enjoy teaming up with some of our favorite small businesses for a day of excitement and local love that we can share with our clients and friends,” says SummerHouse owner Lisa Palmer.

In 2017, SummerHouse | Ridgeland played host to a nationally highlighted LEE LOVES LOCAL event, which was co-produced by Traditional Home magazine and featured on multiple news outlets, design blogs, and publications.
Please visit www.summerhousestyle.com for more information.