India has emerged as the most popular wedding destination for Americans, attracting an average of 24,197 monthly searches. Following India, couples are drawn to Nigeria with 6,583 monthly searches and Ethiopia with 4,518 monthly searches. Among US states, Rhode Island shows the strongest interest in international weddings.
New data from engagement ring specialist Mark Broumand has pinpointed the most-searched wedding destinations by Americans. The study analyzed over 900 search terms related to international wedding destinations over the past year, revealing the top locations US residents are considering. It also identifies which US states show the most interest in specific destinations based on average monthly search volumes.
India tops the list with an average of 24,197 monthly Google searches from the US. It is the number one choice in 45 out of 50 states, including major states like California, New York, and Florida, each generating up to 3,541 monthly searches. The estimated costs for a wedding in India may set you back approximately ₹200,000 ($2,391) for the venue, ₹800,000 ($9,580) for catering, and ₹50,000 ($598) for photography. Popular venues for Indian weddings include Zenana Mahal, Lebua Resort, and Coconut Lagoon.
Rank
Country
Average Monthly Search Volume
1
India
24,197
2
Nigeria
6,583
3
Ethiopia
4,518
4
Lebanon
3,696
5
Italy
3,608
6
Puerto Rico
2,554
7
Jordan
2,277
8
Poland
2,274
9
Germany
2,177
10
Nepal
1,923
Africa is the top continent for international weddings, with an average of 5,185 monthly searches. Nigeria stands out with a higher volume of 6,583 searches per month. Texas leads the states interested in Nigerian weddings, followed by Illinois and New Jersey. Marriages in Nigeria can be categorized as “Special Marriages” when one or both partners are not Nigerian citizens, which typically incurs a fee of ₦37,000.00 (approximately $25.60).
Ethiopia is another popular African wedding choice for US couples, with an average of 4,518 monthly searches. While Colorado and Minnesota show some interest, Maryland leads with the most average monthly searches. Couples planning a wedding in Addis Ababa can expect to find small wedding packages for around 100 guests ranging from ETB 10,000 (approximately $174) to ETB 50,000 ($870).
Lebanon ranks fourth with an average monthly search volume of 3,696. It is popular among US couples in Indiana, Michigan, and Oklahoma, where it ranks as the third most searched wedding location. Lebanon only recognizes marriages performed by religious officials, such as churches or Islamic courts, so civil marriages cannot be legally obtained in the country.
Italy rounds out the top five with an average monthly search volume of 3,608. This romantic country is the second-most searched wedding destination in states like Alaska, Maine, and North Dakota. With its stunning landscapes, Italy offers a variety of venues, from historical villas like Villa di Maiano to charming Masseria estates like Masseria Grieco. Venue costs range between €2,000 ($2,159) and €15,000 ($16,196).
Completing the top ten are Puerto Rico with 2,554 monthly searches, followed by Jordan (2,277), Poland (2,274), Germany (2,177), and Nepal (1,923).
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for Mark Broumand said:
“With wedding costs in the US skyrocketing to an average of $33,000 this year, a 14% increase from last year as reported by Forbes, it’s no wonder many couples are seeking more budget-friendly destination weddings.”
“However, careful planning is key. Understanding the legalities and requirements of your chosen destination is crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free celebration. By familiarizing yourselves with these details beforehand, couples can focus on creating a truly magical and unforgettable wedding abroad.”
Rome: Italian honeymooners’ dream. Explore history, romance, and timeless charm in this iconic city, the perfect start to an unforgettable getaway.
A recent study by travel experts at Amalfi Coast Tours highlights Rome as the top honeymoon destination in Italy for the upcoming wedding season. The research, utilizing data from Ahrefs, investigates which Italian locations are most frequently searched by couples planning their honeymoon.
The study also evaluates the cost-effectiveness of these popular destinations by analyzing accommodation prices from booking.com and Airbnb. This comparison aims to identify the best value for a week’s stay in July.
Italy’s charm, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and favorable climate, continues to draw honeymooners. This study assists newlyweds in finding the most sought-after and budget-friendly destinations for their romantic getaway.
Rome emerges as the top-searched honeymoon destination, underscoring its status as a premier Italian holiday hotspot. Its popularity is evident with 600 global searches per month, and the average cost of accommodation for a week-long stay in July for two people stands at around $1,461.
Sharing the limelight with Rome is Sicily, also boasting 600 global searches monthly. However, honeymooners can enjoy a more budget-friendly experience here, with average costs totaling just $620 per week—a significant $841 less than in Rome.
Taking the third spot in terms of popularity are Lake Como and Sardinia, iconic Italian locales garnering a monthly global search volume of 450. They differ notably in cost: a romantic retreat in Lake Como averages $1,096 per week, while in Sardinia, it’s a more economical $766.
Tuscany secures the fourth rank, drawing an average monthly search volume of 400. Accommodation for two adults for a week in this picturesque region costs around $820 on average.
Rounding off the top five is Venice, a renowned vacation spot that captures 300 honeymoon-related searches per month. The average cost for a week’s stay in this enchanting city is approximately $1,277.
Sure, here is the information formatted in a table:
Dream Location
Interest Level
Cost Estimate ($)
Popularity Rank
Eternal City
600
$1,461
Sicily
600
$620
2
Lake Como
450
$1,096
3
Sardinia
450
$766
4
Tuscany
400
$820
5
Venice Enchantment
300
$1,277
6
Florence
200
$1,294
7
Naples
150
$618
8
Sorrento
100
$1,477
9
Amalfi
70
$1,496
10
At the tail end of the rankings lie five destinations: Cilento, Salerno, Umbria, Matera, and Revello, registering no searches specifically related to honeymoons. For accommodations, prices range from an average of $626 to $1,701 per week.
Positano takes the second-lowest spot in honeymoon searches, with an average volume of 40, yet it boasts the highest price tag at an average of $3,423 for a week’s stay for newlyweds.
Puglia, also known as ‘Apulia,’ lands as the third least sought-after destination, with an average search volume of 50 and a weekly price tag of $699.
Cinque Terre, a picturesque coastal region with five charming villages along the Italian Riviera, comes in as the fourth least searched-for destination. It sees an average monthly search volume of 60 and offers an economical stay, averaging around $833.
Capri shares the same search volume of 60 but stands out as notably more expensive, ranking as the second most costly destination at $2,817 for a week’s stay.
Verona, nestled in the Veneto region, rounds off the bottom five honeymoon destinations, with an average search volume of 70. Couples looking to stay here should expect to pay around $974 per week on average.
Location
Search Attention
Typical Cost ($)
Placement
Ravello
0
$1,701
20
Matera
0
$615
19
Umbria
0
$510
18
Salerno
0
$632
17
Cilento
0
$623
16
Dream Locale
40
$3,423
15
Coastal Haven
50
$699
14
Five Village
60
$833
13
Capri
60
$2,817
12
Verona
70
$974
11
Speaking on the findings, Travel Expert from Tours & Tickets, Magdalena Petrusic said, “Rome’s position as the most sought-after Italian honeymoon destination reflects its charm for couples wanting a romantic and culturally rich experience.
“This study not only emphasizes Rome’s popularity but also offers valuable insights into the affordability and desirability of Italy’s top honeymoon spots, helping couples make informed decisions for their dream getaway – especially if they’re looking to switch things up rather than visiting the capital.”
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Italy’s allure, shaped by its rich history, captivating culture, and breathtaking landscapes, beckons countless travelers. Strategically selecting your travel dates can help you sidestep the overcrowded and pricier peak summer months.
Travel specialists from Pompeii Tours & Tickets have pinpointed the optimal times to explore Italy’s renowned sites without the crowds and at a more favorable cost. Their recommendations are grounded in an analysis of TripAdvisor reviews, Google trends, and climatic data.
May:Visit the Castello Aragonese in Taranto this month for stunning Mediterranean views. This seaside fortress, pivotal to the city’s charm, served various roles historically, initially erected as a naval base. It sees minimal traffic in May, with only 6% of its annual visitors, compared to 17% in its busiest month, August.
Also in May, Palazzo Conte Federico in Palermo and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome are highly recommended.
June:June continues to favor visits to Apulia and Sicily, with the Castello Aragonese and Palazzo Conte Federico maintaining their allure. Rome’s iconic Colosseum ranks third, ideal given the near-perfect average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius.
Constructed between 72 and 80 AD, the Colosseum stands as the largest ancient amphitheater to date, a historic venue for entertainment and a global symbol of architectural prowess.
July:For those eyeing a July getaway, Naples emerges as a prime destination. The Galleria Borbonica and the Catacombe di San Gaudioso are less frequented this month, both sites earning top ratings and showcasing a significant drop in visitor numbers to about 7.8%.
The Galleria Borbonica, an ancient military tunnel, and the Catacombe, a paleo-Christian burial site beneath Naples, offer unique insights into the city’s past.
August:Rome is particularly appealing in August for those looking to avoid earlier crowds. The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain are less crowded despite high TripAdvisor activity. Remarkably, the Colosseum welcomed fewer visitors in August compared to July, with a notable decrease in numbers.
August also promises the least rainfall in Rome, averaging only six days of rain throughout the month.
September:September marks an excellent time to visit, with cooler, sunnier days. The Castello Aragonese, the Colosseum, and the Galleria Borbonica are September’s top sites. The weather is typically 2 to 4 degrees cooler than the ideal 25 degrees, making it more comfortable for exploring.
When visiting, packing for the heat is crucial, and don’t forget to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, hoping for a return to Italy’s stunning vistas.
Here’s a table outlining the top three landmarks to visit in Italy from May to September, based on the optimal times for avoiding crowds:
Month
Rank 1
Rank 2
Rank 3
May
Castello Aragonese, Taranto
Palazzo Conte Federico, Palermo
St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome
June
Castello Aragonese, Taranto
Palazzo Conte Federico, Palermo
Colosseum, Rome
July
Galleria Borbonica, Naples
Catacombe di San Gaudioso, Naples
Colosseum, Rome
August
Colosseum, Rome
St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome
Trevi Fountain, Rome
September
Castello Aragonese, Taranto
Colosseum, Rome
Galleria Borbonica, Naples
Magdalena Petrusic, travel expert from Pompeii Tours & Tickets, commented on the findings: “Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time adventurer, if you want to experience Italy and see as much as you can of it on your journeys, all these landmarks should be on your itinerary at some point.
“While Italy is one country, the history, culture and customs can differ greatly depending on where you go. If you want to follow the data provided and visit the centre and Southern parts of the country prepare yourself for later meals than you might be used to, as well as a warm and affectionate welcome from the locals. In fact, hugs and kisses are perfectly acceptable and expected even on first meetings, as well as little gestures of politeness such as smiling back to passers-by”.
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VisitEngland has partnered with AccessAble to help hospitality and tourism businesses in England enhance their accessibility. By utilizing AccessAble’s Your Accessibility Guide portal, these businesses can arrange and pay for a professional to either guide them remotely or visit their venue to conduct an assessment. The outcome is a quality-assured Detailed Access Guide, which will be published on AccessAble’s website—used by over six million people annually. Participants also receive an Accessibility Improvement Report.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:
“Our research confirms that today’s travellers with health conditions and impairments want detailed descriptions of venues’ accessibility to help make decisions. These new guides provide clear, quality-assured information, supporting them to make the best choices. By making these user-friendly guides available on AccessAble’s website, attractions, accommodation providers and other tourism businesses can tap into this valuable market further. I encourage tourism businesses in England to sign up via the portal.”
Minister for Disabled People Health and Work Mims Davies MP said:
“These new guides are a welcome move forward in improving access to the fantastic sights our country has to offer, helping disabled people make informed choices and supporting our hospitality and tourism businesses to tap into a vital market.
“With initiatives like our Disability Action Plan and National Disability Strategy, this Government is committed to making the UK the most accessible country for people to live, work and thrive. It is excellent to see VisitEngland and AccessAble working together to further this vision and tackle the barriers preventing disabled people from benefiting from, and contributing to, every aspect of our society.”
Dr Gregory Burke Founder and Executive Chair of AccessAble said:
“For 25 years, listening to the lived experience and expertise of disabled people has been at the heart of everything AccessAble does.
“Disabled people have been contacting us to say they are facing a postcode lottery when it comes to accessibility information. At the same time, we have had significant numbers of venues across the UK asking to join our service.
“The Your Accessibility Guide portal is our answer. We are thrilled to be working in partnership with VisitEngland to enable tourism and hospitality businesses to provide quality assured accessibility information.”
To encourage participation, VisitEngland is offering discounts to businesses that register through this new portal, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tourism is a vital sector in England, supporting numerous small-to-medium enterprises and employing 2.6 million people. In 2022, it contributed £66 billion to the economy through domestic tourism spending.
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airBaltic, the Latvian national airline, has announced that its passengers’ top travel destinations from Riga this June are Pisa, Thessaloniki, and Brussels. The airline has identified these popular routes through an analysis of ticket sales and travel patterns, highlighting an increasing interest in a diverse range of destinations during June 2024.
Currently, airBaltic operates two weekly flights to Pisa and Thessaloniki, and up to two daily flights to Brussels from Riga. Other popular routes include Naples, Keflavik, Pristina, and Billund. This summer, travelers are showing a growing preference for destinations that offer a mix of cultural, leisure, and business opportunities.
airBaltic provides both Economy Class and Business Class on all flights. Business Class offers an extensive full-service package, which includes priority check-in and boarding, a front-of-cabin seat with an adjacent free seat for added privacy, a three-course gourmet meal, unlimited beverages, and faster disembarking upon arrival.
In 2024, airBaltic expanded its network significantly by adding 17 new routes, including eight from Latvia, four from Estonia, four from Lithuania, and one from Finland. This expansion enhances connectivity from all its bases more than ever before. This year, airBaltic will operate 130 routes from its bases in Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Tampere, and seasonally from Gran Canaria, offering a wide array of connections throughout Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus region.
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This year has been transformative for Herbert Hernandez, the renowned lead guitarist of the famed Filipino rock band, 6cyclemind. In addition to his musical achievements, Hernandez has earned accolades as an award-winning creative director and co-founder of the esteemed GIGIL creative agency, demonstrating his vast skills and successes in multiple arenas.
6cyclemind, deeply embedded in the dynamic Filipino music landscape, has enchanted global audiences with its heartfelt rock compositions and evocative lyrics, boasting nearly a million followers on Facebook.
For nearly fifteen years, Hernandez has played a crucial role as the lead guitarist, guiding the band to widespread acclaim and influence, resonating both locally and internationally.
6CycleMind Concludes Thrilling 2024 USA Tour
Hernandez and 6cyclemind recently completed an exciting U.S. tour with Banda ni Kleggy, delighting crowds in key cities like those in California, Chicago, and Atlanta in March 2024.
Their dynamic performances reached a high point at the historic BAL Theater in the Bay Area, sparking anticipation for their future performances.
“Our journey wouldn’t have been possible without the love and dedication of our fans,” Hernandez said. “We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to share our music with the world and to continue doing what we love.”
Throughout its distinguished career, 6cyclemind has released five albums under Sony Music Philippines and cultivated a dedicated global fan base. Their music breaks cultural boundaries, connecting listeners of all backgrounds with its universal appeal.
The band recently introduced its latest track, “Nandiyan Pa Ba?” featuring collaboration with notable artists and already achieving significant streaming success on Spotify.
Beyond their musical output, 6cyclemind has significantly influenced the Philippines’ cultural scene. As icons of Filipino rock, they have significantly shaped the musical landscape and inspired new generations of artists.
“God says be steady and just have faith,” Hernandez expressed. “Everything happens for a reason. He had it all planned. Thank you for everything, Lord! Thank you to the families and friends who support our work.”
Herbert Hernandez: A Blend of Music and Entrepreneurship
Hernandez has navigated a successful path as both a musician and a business innovator. Through his leadership at GIGIL, he has driven the agency to impressive achievements.
In late 2023, GIGIL Philippines was honored as the Philippines Agency of the Year by Campaign Brief, reflecting the agency’s commitment and innovative spirit. Last year, they expanded their creative influence to the United States and Canada, broadening their impact in North America.
Hernandez credits his success to steadfast faith and the support from those close to him.
Herbert Hernandez excelled academically, graduating Magna Cum Laude and at the top of his Advertising class. His career soared with significant early contributions at JWT, leading to his role as Creative Director at DM9JaymeSyfu. His ascent continued as he became the Executive Creative Director at Y&R Philippines, establishing himself as a preeminent figure in the advertising world before launching GIGIL.
Looking ahead, Hernandez is enthusiastic about the future prospects for both GIGIL and 6cyclemind, committed to pushing artistic limits and delivering memorable global performances.
Now, the time for event registration has come. It’s opened for Culture Days 2024, this yearly three-week national celebration of culture, arts, and creativity will start from September 20th and will continue through October 13th, 2024, all over Canada.
Now, all organizations, individuals, groups, and communities can opt for registration to present interactive arts, experiences related to heritage and culture to everyone who takes part as an effort of the countrywide network of free events, activities, presentations, workshops, and many more.
Experienced Locally, Observed Nationally
The year 2024 throws light on 15 years of Culture Days, for an event, it’s an important landmark that has been worked as a catalyst for attracting communities under one roof to support, enjoy, and take part in the arts. The anniversary follows Culture Days’, 2023’s biggest celebration on record with more than 4.4 million people all over Canada taking part in over 3,000 events.
The Executive Director, Culture Days National, Shannon Bowler, said that they are quite excited to introduce event registration for Culture Days for this year, their 15th anniversary. This annual cross-country event inspires the public to learn and win the significance of culture and art and motivate year-round support of local creators, artists, and organizations. All of them make vital contributions to their communities and improve their daily lives.