Post # 1
Member
48 posts
Newbee
Hello Bees,
I hope wedding planning is going well for everyone 
Due to unexpected financial losses my fiance and I have had to drastically cut down the budget for our 5-day September honeymoon to $1500 (flights & hotel), leaving from the D.C. area. We are hoping to go somewhere warm and with a beach. Right now we are leaning towards Florida (excludng Miami). We are looking for beautiful white sand beaches (not too crowded), with a couple of other interesting things to do besides laying on the beach.
Below are some places I have seen mentioned on the forums, and would greatly appreciate your input on which one you recommend:
- St Petersburg
- Clearwater
- Naples
- Key Largo
- Little Torch Key
- Amelia Island
- Ft Myers Beach
- Siesta Keys
- Panama City Beach
- Destin
If you think we can find a non U.S. destination within our budget, I am also open to those suggestions. Thanks!
Post # 2
Member
231 posts
Helper bee
amazinluv : have you ever considered going to Antalya, Kas in Turkey. The flight is a little long only for 5 days but it will be in your budget. It is super cheap amazing has beaches and food.
Post # 3
Member
1580 posts
Bumble bee
I’m a huge destin fan. If you’re able to rent in the right neighborhood, you have access to some really beautiful priate beaches (Frangista beach is what you’re looking for – quiet, white sands, clear water!)
Post # 4
Member
1385 posts
Bumble bee
I live a few hours away from Destin and it is absolutely beautiful! Have you looked at Seaside near Destin? I had friends who honeymooned there, it is a very quiet community.
Post # 5
Member
3091 posts
Sugar bee
Destin has always been one of my favorites. The sand is so white and soft, and the water is a lovely blue-green color. St. Pete is also lovely. If you’re into art, the Dali museum is enjoyable and is in St. Pete. Panama City Beach is nice, but I have always thought of it as less of a romantic place and more of a place for young partiers. I haven’t been there in quite a while, so I could be way off.
Post # 6
Member
48 posts
Newbee
crnnc : I actually leaved in Turkey years ago and actually did go to Antalya. Most beautiful beaches I have ever seen!
Going to Turkey on vacation has come up in previous conversations and Turkey is not a country my fiance is interested in.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Post # 7
Member
48 posts
Newbee
libellules : Thanks for your suggestion, I will look into the beach you mentioned! What do you think is the best website to find rentals on?
Post # 8
Member
48 posts
Newbee
bee123456789 : Thanks a lot for your suggestion. I have not looked into Seaside, but I will surely do so now!
Post # 9
Member
48 posts
Newbee
lulubelle2017 : Wow, seems like Destin is one popular place! I will definitely research it more and put it at the top of my list.
Funny, I thought one of the Keys would be at the top of list
Post # 10
Member
7887 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
We honeymooned in St. Petersburg. It was very pretty, and there were lots of different places to explore. There’s also Honeymoon Island nearby, which you can explore for the day. It would be especially fitting to visit there during your honeymoon.
Post # 11
Member
48 posts
Newbee
craigslistgirl : first off, I like your name
Thanks for your input. Can you please tell me where you stayed in St Petersburg and your recommended places to explore?
Post # 12
Member
48 posts
Newbee
Anyone have any thoughts/experiences to share about Sanibel Island?
Right now my top choices are:
- Destin
- St Petersburg
- Sanibel Island
- Clearwater
Post # 13
Member
7887 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
amazinluv : We stayed at The Birchwood, which was awesome! We even got upgraded for free. It was busy season, so we were only able to stay one night there. We ended up staying at a few different places, but the Birchwood was the fanciest. There are lots of different beachfront and parks to explore.
Post # 14
Member
134 posts
Blushing bee
Have you considered Cuba? It’s usually where people from where I am goes to when they want nice cheap vacation in the sun. Some places in Mexico can be really nice too!