- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee boards
Good question- we don't know our budget... but we wouldn't want to go too crazy on someone else's budget. If we decided to go more extravagant, we would maybe go halfsies. I really want to do exotic (safari!!!) cause that's more my style. My fiance I think is pretty open, but probably more concerned about the distance.
I have been to Europe several times and it's always a wonderful time. You can definitely either do the touristy thing or hole up in a B&B for a week and just enjoy acting like locals and each other's presense. The dollar is growing stronger by the day, and Europe is actually getting a lot cheaper. If you go in the off season (any time that's not summer!) things are pretty cheap. I have been to Mexico/Carribean as well, and it's fun. We went on a cruise (Carnival) and it's very family-oriented- pick a more couples oriented line if you go that option. Some friends went to Sandals in the Carribean and they really loved it- I'm just not that into going to a "couples resort"- but they had an amazing time. We're going to Thailand for 2 weeks, which is probably outside of your distance requirement, but it's an amazingly good deal ($6k for 2 weeks, all inclusive) and definitely somewhere that won't be overrun by honeymooners. I am definitely more into the exotic vacations, which is why we decided to go to Thailand. We actually were originally planning on going to Costa Rica, because it's exotic, inexpensive, and closer, but just couldn't pass up Thailand in the end.
I would suggest checking out a site like www.frommers.com and click on their community- they have trip ideas, and you can see people's experiences in different countries. We went through American Express, because they offer great trip protection (no charges on cancellations, etc) and definitely had the best rates (we did LOTS of researching, all the websites). If you do AmEX, call their travel agents, because lots of times they can give you unadvertised specials or rates!!
Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions!! I've traveled pretty extensively throughout Europe and other places so let me know!
I would find out what your budget is.
Btw... is this the same in-law you said that dislikes you? It sounds like they have come a long way! This is good news right? =o)
Have your fiance find out what the budget is. Brainstorm. Consider the economy... In terms of what the exchange rate is in relation to the dollar before you go.
Places I have gone out of the country included, Spain and Australia. I loved them both!
There is so much you could do though within the U.S that might be more feasible... you could go to the Virgin Islands! Or to one (or several) of the islands in Hawaii!
Since you are planning on going to graduate school- you can wait to go on a more 'glamorous' vacation with your hubby after you graduate. Stay in the country for now- it's more affordable, and then later when you know how the economy is shaping up (depending on who our president is too) go out of the country! ;o)
Good luck!
I was born in Puerto Rico (my dad in service) and I love it there. No passport needed. There are some awesome places to stay and small inns too. Rent a jeep and visit the entire island coast to coast. Each area has its own flavor. It's about (I think..don't hold me to it) 75 miles long.
There are some gorgeous historical sites in Old San Juan intermixed with some nice resort areas. There is a rain forest (I hiked there and it's wonderful and amazing. Hiked a waterfall!). There's the beaches and surfers at Rincon (some of world's best surfing). One of my favorites is a bioluminescent bay near Farjado. I love walking down the cobblestones and seeing the beautiful old buildings in Old San Juan. Makes you feel like you stepped back in time.
It's so easy to get around. And there's so much history to be explored.
Such a beautiful island. And not that long a flight either! From where I live (atlanta) and many cities it's a nonstop flight of a few hours.
About the no-passport thing- there's a new requirement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative that everyone should know about- http://www.getyouhome.gov/- it goes into effect on June 1, 2009 for people traveling by land or sea. Everyone should know about it, especially cruisers!
Thanks for all the great suggestions, keep 'em coming! I do think we need some idea of a budget, because the range out there is incredible. By the way, our wedding is mid-July, so we would (hopefully) be going after that.
Sparkles- you're right! These ARE the same in-laws who were so-so on me before, things have definately warmed up considerably!
Love the ideas!
I think you'd love BELIZE. I just booked my trip there on a great deal of $144 r/t. I think it's going for $350 r/t right now but it still isn't too bad. Lots of adventures, locals and places to explore. Best of all, the plane ride isnt' too long :)
I am from Puerto Rico too- my family still lives there. The only thing about Puerto Rico from a mainland perspective & a personal perspective is that it is slightly difficult to get around if you aren't staying at a resort or don't have someone to help you get from point A to point B.
The reason being is that a) Puerto Rican drivers are liberal with the traffic rules. Red- means please stop, Yellow- means 'try to slow down- (but really) hurry it's turning red!' and Green- well the obvious. b)the island is jam packed with kick ass stuff- but it is just that- jam packed. I wouldn't recommend getting a rental car without insurance. I will just say that!
But besides that I second the Puerto Rico option. It's just incredibly humid and hot in mid-July!!!
That little island has tons to do!!! The fortresses (El Morro, San Cristobal), El Yunque (the rain forrest), Old San Juan (the oldest city), Camuy (caves!!! AMAZING)... to name a few. Puerto Ricans love their casino's and discotecca (clubs) @ the resorts. The beaches are amazing- the water is warm due to the proximity to the equador. (but that can be said too of Hawaii) Honestly though, Hawaii is cleaner than Puerto Rico. Some parts of Puerto Rico hasn't been taken care of as well as it could have been unfortunately.
The best resort I had been to is El Conquistador (I would have gotten married there... island is too humid for the fiance though)- it's nearest to the coast where you would depart to go to the Virgin Islands. It's an awesome resort! L-O-V-E it. Even the parrots are bilingual on the resort! They have horse back riding, boat rides to the virgin islands... St John, Viequez, and the palomar islands are the few virgin islands I went to and I give them all two thumbs up. If you stay at El Conquistador- you won't regret it for a second. If you go there- let me know so I can be super jealous!
I am so glad your in-laws warmed up! That is the best gift you could get! I am so happy for you!
Galina_Signature_ST9637.jpg (9.4 KB, 43 downloads) 2 years old
I have been to Belize and it is beautiful and the people are awesome. Plus there is no language or currency barrier. Tons to do - land, sea, ruins, etc. It's home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, and it's only a 2 hour flight from the US. It's tourist-y, but not nearly as tourist-y as say Hawaii or the Carribean.
Another option might be to go to Costa Rica.
large_image.jpg (34.4 KB, 31 downloads) 2 years old 
Hi! I have to chime in -- Belize is amazing!! We went there on a vacation this past March and it was the best week ever! We stayed on Ambergris Caye and loved every minute of it. If you consider it please feel free to PM me because I can recommend a million things to do.
We were really thinking of going back there but want to go somewhere we've never been for our honeymoon. For the posters who have been to Belize do you have any other suggestions of some place similar? We are thinking now something like Chile or Argentina!!
Interestingly, I have actually been thinking about Belize. I have been to Costa Rica (it was AMAZING) and would love to go somewhere in that vein again. My guy would like to go somewhere new to both of us, so Belize could be a good choice. I just went to the library and checked out just about every travel magazine they have!!! Oooh I love planning for a vacation!
Sparkles- thanks for your thoughts and well-wishes, it means a lot to me. His sister have yet to come around to me (that night never happen, we've got seriously different outlooks on things) but having his parents like me and show it (as much as they can) is so fulfilling.
DSC03366.jpg (45.1 KB, 75 downloads) 2 years old DSC03369.jpg (44.8 KB, 64 downloads) 2 years old DSC03362.jpg (49.6 KB, 61 downloads) 2 years old DSC03362.jpg (49.6 KB, 65 downloads) 2 years old DSC03368.jpg (43.2 KB, 66 downloads) 2 years old junko_yoshioka_diana_fshm.jpg (23.3 KB, 66 downloads) 2 years old
We were looking into Belize but the airfare was like $800 out of Boston per person. So we said no but if you do go I think you should go here:
<font color="#800080">http://www.robertsgrove.com/</font>
<font color="#800080">They have a private island you could go to too....</font>
And if you do go I want to hear all about it!!!
Emily Brooke ... Just an FYI (because I want as many people as possible to go to Belize!!) We flew out of Boston last March and the flights were about $600 -- which is a lot ... but if you go to Ambergris Caye instead of Palencia the "extra" round trip fair to get from Belize City to the Island is only $50 per person versus almost $200 per person.
We stayed in the Coral Bay Villas (www.coralbaybelize.com) and it was heaven on earth!! There are only 8 units, private beach (though Belize isn't known for it's beaches because of the coral reef), private dock, and a private consierge that helped us plan our week out perfectly!! We seroiusly did everything imaginable in 8 days and still can't wait to go back !! Everyone is beyond friendly and I can't say enough that it's a perfect place for a honeymoon! We kind of wish we hadn't gone before we got engaged so that we could go there again, but we want to do something different for our honeymoon!
We were planning on Seychelles. With the economy tanking the way it has, we've felt the need to scale back somewhat, and look towards something closer to home. Bahamas is a good choice, especially from the East Coast, and if you do some searching you can actually find a private residence to stay in for not too much cash.
We are outdoors folks and would love to have our pooch with us, so we may instead end up in Glacier National Park. There are some beautiful lodges there, and it would be a relatively short drive from the West Coast. But, oh, I still long for the Seychelles!
Oh yes ... the Seychelles look so amazingly beautiful ... but I fear that when someone asks what we are doing for our first anniversary we will answer "paying off our honeymoon!" haha ... We can dream though :)
Mexico or Belize come to mind when I first read your post. Just make sure about the weather and what their winter is. We went in June to Cancun and their winter was around the corner. Looking on the map, it really might be cool to take a cruise around the islands like Antigua and Barbados which can be cheaper then going on your own. My friends went to Antigua and St. Lucia and they loved the beaches and food! My future in laws are also giving us our honeymoon as a gift and it is exciting but hard because of the decision making! We don't know where to go either! Good Luck!
My husband and I went to Paris and Ireland. We drove all over the southern part of Ireland and stayed in a bunch of B&Bs. It was WONDERFUL, and we felt like we actually DID something. If you want to see photos from our trip, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12698507@N08/sets/72157607012932254/
We looked all over Belize, Vietnam, Tahiti, Argentina and Chile, and we decided to go to PANAMA!! It's just south of Costa Rica, so very similar, but I had already been there so I wanted something new and different. Check out the over water bungalow: www.eclypsedemar.com. Plus we are spending a few days in Coffee country and the jungle area: http://www.coffeeestateinn.com/. And a few days in Panama City and the Panama Canal. I can't wait!!
How about.. AUSTRALIA! I dont know what the time difference is, its probably alot.. but its really beautiful here and there is something for every season of the year. The Whitsunday Islands are gorgeous if you like islands too.
The absolute dream honeymoon would be 'Maldives'. November-February would be the perfect time to go! If you love the Ocean, Snorkeling and Diving and a romantic sunset with crystal clear water, a colorful underwaterworld and fine coral sand beaches then this your spot. I can highly recommend the Ari Atoll and the Hilton Rangali Island Resort.
You must log in to post.
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Create the honeymoon of your dreams.
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| MissBoPeep | 94 |
| ndreighton | 77 |
| hisgoosiegirl | 56 |
| beargoose | 55 |
| Mrs.KMM | 46 |
| akp0702 | 42 |
| BetterSherm | 42 |
| MrsBlueSeptember | 41 |
| MrsPom | 37 |
| Beckster329 | 37 |
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| mavideniz | 4 |
| rubyroad10 | 2 |
| jajabinx89 | 2 |
| eloping | 1 |
| mpc87 | 1 |
| chasesgirl | 1 |
| j_jaye | 1 |
| AstoriaKatie | 1 |
| SaraP2012 | 1 |
| creolebride | 1 |
Hello Hive!
My future father in law just today informed us that they'd like to give us the gift of a honeymoon, which we weren't sure we were going to be able to afford, so it's sooo exciting!!! Now the question is: Where? I'd really like to go outside the U.S (except perhaps Alaska?), but my fiance doesn't want to deal with too much jet lag, so probably going to the other side of the globe is out (we're on the East Coast). We're not that into resort-y vacations- I'd rather see the real people and places I'm visiting.
Where have you gone, or do you plan to go? Has anyone taken any particularly pleasant cruises? Any suggestions and ideas would be greatly appreciated!