Bliss Honeymoons Is Launching a Sober Travel Program
Bliss Honeymoons & Destination Weddings has brought on veteran Caribbean travel writer Joe Pike to lead its new Sober Travel Program, tapping a two-decade industry name to build out alcohol-free honeymoons and romantic getaways across the Caribbean and Mexico.
Pike, a regular CJ contributor since 2019, joins the agency as it expands a planning service aimed at sober-curious couples and anyone seeking a getaway built around wellness and connection rather than resort bars and party-focused excursions. Bliss launched the program in April.
“Joe brings two decades of Caribbean expertise to Bliss,” said Laura Frazier, owner of Bliss Honeymoons. “When we launched this service, my goal was to show couples that an alcohol-free getaway can be every bit as romantic, adventurous, and unforgettable as any other.”
Pike is currently in Bliss’ in-house training program, run by advisor Kelly Chartrand, and is expected to complete his certification toward the end of June. “Our training goes far beyond destinations and resorts,” Chartrand said. “I teach every new advisor how to listen, anticipate a couple’s needs, and design trips around genuine connection.”
Pike has spent 20 years writing and producing travel content. He spent 12 years at Questex Media Group, including 10 as senior editor and Caribbean expert for Travel Agent magazine, where he also covered Mexico, Central and South America, Bermuda and Hawaii. He later served as senior editor and director of the Millennial Travel Forum at travAlliancemedia and TravelPulse. Beyond Caribbean Journal, he has written for Travel Market Report and Insider Travel Report.
His work has earned a string of industry honors, including the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Marcia Vickery-Wallace Memorial Award for Excellence in Travel Journalism in 2009 and the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Inner Circle King Award for Best Feature Article in a Trade Publication in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2016. His feature on marketing the Caribbean to the LGBTQ market took the top prize at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Travel Media Awards in 2016.
Pike holds a master’s degree in newspaper, magazine and online journalism from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and began his career as a newspaper reporter at the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey.
“I’ve had a lot of success as a writer, and now I’m very excited about using that inside knowledge of the Caribbean and Mexico to help others enjoy what I’ve experienced,” Pike said.
Once Pike completes his certification at the end of June, couples will be able to book Caribbean and Mexican getaways with him at blisshoneymoons.com.
