Designing the Happily Ever After
For Joel Najab, romance travel is about far more than choosing a beautiful destination. From honeymoons and destination weddings to bridal group travel, he sees each journey as an opportunity to create something deeply personal - one that reflects the couple's story, travel style and the memories they hope to carry with them for years to come.
As a Travel Edge advisor, Joel shares how firsthand destination knowledge, meaningful connections with hotel and DMC partners, and above all - listening to his clients have shaped his approach to romance travel. He reflects on the evolution of the honeymoon, from multi-destination journeys and authentic experiences to food-led travel, and why today's couples are seeking meaningful experiences over simply checking destinations off a list.
Read on for Joel's perspective on what makes a celebration truly unforgettable, the importance of being part of the journey from planning to "I do," and why the future of romance travel is all about creating experiences that tell a story.
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I never set out to become a romance travel specialist. It happened naturally as my business grew and I found myself working with more engaged couples looking for someone they could trust during one of the biggest trips of their lives. Planning a honeymoon or destination wedding is much more personal than simply booking a vacation. Every couple has a different vision, and I enjoy learning what matters most to them so I can create an experience that feels uniquely theirs.
One thing that sets my business apart is that I make it a priority to experience destinations myself. Whether I am touring resorts, staying at boutique hotels, or exploring places like Peru and Chile, I believe firsthand experience allows me to make recommendations with confidence rather than relying solely on online research.
What do you enjoy most about planning honeymoons, destination weddings, and bridal group travel?
I love that every couple has a different story. Some dream of relaxing on a beach while others want to hike mountains, explore cities, or combine several countries into one unforgettable trip. No two itineraries are ever the same.
The most rewarding part is knowing these trips become lifelong memories. It is a privilege to help create experiences that couples will remember for years to come.
Have you noticed any emerging trends in romance travel over the past few years? What are couples asking for today that they weren’t a few years ago?
Couples are looking for experiences more than simply luxury. They still appreciate beautiful resorts, but they are also asking for authentic moments such as private dinners, boutique hotels, local culture, wellness experiences, and adventure.
I am also seeing more couples choose multi destination honeymoons instead of spending their entire trip in one place. Food has become a much bigger priority as well. Many couples now build their itinerary around destinations known for exceptional dining.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give an advisor looking to build a successful romance travel niche?
Travel as much as you can and make good content.
There is no substitute for firsthand knowledge. Clients can tell the difference between someone who has personally experienced a destination and someone who is simply repeating information they found online.
I would also encourage advisors to build strong relationships with hotel partners and destination management companies because those connections can make a huge difference when clients are celebrating important milestones.
Can you share one memorable client story or booking that perfectly captures why you love what you do?
One experience that will always stand out was a destination wedding I recently hosted at Riu Aquarelle in Jamaica. I had spent nearly a year working with the couple, coordinating every detail from guest travel and rooming lists to the wedding logistics with the resort.
Being there in person made all the difference. It allowed me to handle last minute questions, support the couple throughout the week, and ensure everything ran as smoothly as possible. Seeing months of planning come to life and watching the couple celebrate with all of their family and friends was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me that my role goes far beyond booking travel. I have the privilege of being part of one of the most important moments in my clients’ lives.
How do you help couples personalize their honeymoon or celebration so it feels truly unique to them?
I spend more time listening than recommending.
Before suggesting a destination, I want to understand how they like to travel, what excites them, what they want to avoid, and what they hope to remember years from now.
Sometimes that leads to a luxury all inclusive resort. Other times it is a boutique hotel in Europe or an adventure through South America. The goal is never to sell a destination. The goal is to find the destination that is the perfect fit for the couple.
What destinations or experiences are at the top of your recommendation list for couples right now, and why?
There are so many incredible destinations, but a few stand out to me right now.
Peru is perfect for adventurous couples who want to combine world class cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and rich culture into one unforgettable honeymoon. Italy continues to be one of my favourite recommendations because it offers an incredible blend of romance, history, exceptional food, and charming boutique hotels.
For couples looking to truly unwind, Bali offers beautiful private villas, wellness experiences, and outstanding value for luxury. Costa Rica is another favourite because it combines lush rainforests, incredible wildlife, and beautiful beaches, making it ideal for couples who want both relaxation and adventure in the same trip.
Every couple is different, so my recommendations always begin with understanding their travel style rather than choosing a destination first. That is what helps create a honeymoon that feels personal and unforgettable.
Looking ahead, where do you see romance travel evolving over the next few years?
I think couples will continue choosing meaningful experiences over simply checking destinations off a list.
People want travel that tells a story. They are looking for unique accommodations, incredible food, authentic cultural experiences, and destinations that feel personal rather than overly commercialized.
As advisors, our role continues to evolve. We are no longer just booking trips. We are designing experiences that clients could not easily create on their own.