Travel Niches: Babymooners
by John Hawks

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Depending on which magazines you read, a "babymoon" is a restful or rejuvenating trip taken by expectant parents before the actual birth of the child -- the couple's last chance to escape and spend time together before the happy arrival. Other experts describe babymoons as trips that include a newborn baby in the traveling party.

Where do you find prospects for these types of trips? Your immediate sales, of course, may come from your current client base -- especially customers to whom you sold destination weddings and honeymoons. If they're expecting (or if they've just welcomed a new child), and they enjoyed the job you did for them on their wedding or honeymoon, then they're primed to work with you on this very next getaway!

Also, you can network with baby stores, toy stores, or other local retailers who also serve this market. And, you may find leads from baby announcements in local papers, church bulletins, and other publications.

What types of trips work with this niche? Cruises, of course, provide you with a wide range of options -- from romantic sailings for an expectant couple to family-friendly trips on ships that accept newborn infants (check ahead to be sure!). Many hotels -- especially resorts and boutique properties -- can combine lodging with add-ons like massages, spa treatments, and local activities to make the perfect getaway for expectant couples.

Here's the # 1 key to planning successful babymoons: Plan ahead! Give your clients complete details in advance of the trip -- everything from hotel confirmations to directions to nearby attractions -- so that the last things they'll worry about are the logistics of their trip. If the babymoon includes the new infant, contact the hotel or cruise line as far ahead as possible to arrange in-room bassinettes, baby supplies, and (especially) babysitting services. And, confirm these arrangements before your clients leave home. Nothing sabotages a well-planned trip (or your reputation as a savvy travel agent) as much as a babysitter who doesn't show up or your clients' midnight scramble around the neighborhood searching for a convenience store that stocks diapers.

(One final note: Here's a great WebMD article with advice on health concerns to address before your clients go on a babymoon getaway.