Post # 1
Member
879 posts
Busy bee
Fiance and I have been going over the extensive list of possible honeymoon locations. We nixed Mexico, Bahamas, Domician Republic, Jamaica and similar right away. At first we were considering the South Pacific (Fiji or ever popular Tahiti) but since we’re planning on June I’m concerned about rain. Also I’m afraid I’ll be bored. While Fiance is very much a socal relax on a beach type of guy, I’m an adrenaline junkie!
I read up about St. Lucia, but kept seeing that the beaches aren’t as great and there may not be a lot to do. Considered Maldives, Belize, Seychelles, even Panama (close friend went there and LOVED it!) but didn’t seem right. I even suggested Egypt or an African safari 🙂
My go-to location throughout this whole process has been Greece. One of my favorite places ever although I’ve never been to the islands. I was thinking of Santorini plus a couple others and then a quick trip to South Italy.
Just tonight I asked Fiance if he would want to visit Japan (being half Japanese) and we decided maybe a trip to Japan and then a detour into Kauai would be nice. So we will get in some adventure and also beach time…
What do you guys think? Greece/Italy (my choice) or Japan/Kauai (FI’s choice)? How did you decide where you wanted to honeymoon?
Post # 3
Member
1064 posts
Bumble bee
I would definetely go to Japan 🙂 Our choice was super-easy as there was only one possible – the return to Azores 20 years later (i spenf my first year in University there)
Post # 4
Member
3080 posts
Sugar bee
Both of your first two choices sound amazing. And I’d throw out the rest.
We based our decision (between Australia and Africa) on what we thought we would do or not do later in our lives. We decided on Africa because we plan on hopefully having children in the next couple of years, and we thought a safari in Africa with a couple of infants wouldn’t be ideal :).
Of the top two choices, I’m so torn. They are both amazing, but since you have already been to Greece (although not the islands), I voted Japan and Hawaii.
Post # 5
Member
2701 posts
Sugar bee
Tahiti! It’s sooo beautiful. Italy/Greek Isles is a close second.
I have no desire to go to Japan so that choice was definitely out for me!
Post # 6
Member
662 posts
Busy bee
They are totally different trips, so it’s really impossible to say where I think you should go!
For me, personally, Greece has always been top on my list of places to travel, and fortunately my DH and I are going to be there in a month!
If you want more of a relaxing, beach type honeymoon, between your top two choices, I think Greece is the way to go.
Post # 7
Member
5089 posts
Bee Keeper
I don’t think I’d want to go to Greece right now – their political and economic situation is pretty unstable.
Although I guess you’re not going for another year, so maybe it won’t be an issue by then.
Either way, I’d go to Japan and Kauai! That would be a perfect combo for me. Jealous!
Post # 8
Member
1368 posts
Bumble bee
Greece/Italy personally sounds like the most fun, but Japan/Hawaii would be great as well. Really, it sounds like you can’t miss on either account.
Greece/Italy sounds more netural and relaxing, while Japan could be a bit more special for your Fiance. What is more important to you guys?
Post # 9
Member
1373 posts
Bumble bee
- Wedding: June 2009 - Mountain Meadow/Mansion
I agree about Greece…it seems a little unstable right now (though this could easily change by the time you get married). Any of your options sound great, but the multiple location vacations (while amazing!) will not be as relaxing (especially when you have multiple looong flights) as staying in 1 place. Both DH and I are adrenaline junkies (hiked the Inca Trail last anniversary and planning an African safari/hiking Kili for the next), but for our honeymoon, it was nice to relax and enjoy a beautiful location (and we still got to surf, parasail and hike in Maui).
Post # 10
Member
1866 posts
Buzzing bee
I think Japan sounds like a great choice. Although I have also always wanted to go to Greece, I wouldn’t go right now due to the political and ecnomical turmoil that’s going on over there. My FH knew a guy who went there for his honeymoon and there was some sort of protest that prevented the guy and his wife from catching their flight home so they had to stay in Greece for an extra couple of days, which in and of itself isn’t bad, but if you didn’t budget or plan for it then there could be a problem!
To answer your question as to how we chose our Honeymoon location, we knew we didn’t want a long flight and we wanted a tropical area, so the caribbean was a perfect choice for us. We’ve always been to the DR and the Bahamas, so we chose St. Lucia b/c (contrary to what you have heard) I’ve heard it’s a great mix of both relaxing and beaching and then doing some other activities – ziplining, a lot of hiking around the Gros Pitons, visiting the volcanic mud baths, etc. Plus there is an amazing resort there (Jade Mountain) that we absolutely fell in love with when we saw it, so we’re almost going to St. Lucia more for the resort than the country itself!
But I don’t think you can lose with a Honeymoon to Japan. 🙂
Post # 11
Member
95 posts
Worker bee
OMG go to Kauai and Japan. 2 of the best trips of my life… That being said, I’m opting for Italy myself, but that’s because we are history/art nerds & total foodies (and bc we’ve already been to kauai & japan). We’re thinking of kicking it off somewhere relaxing like Amalfi coast, then doing adventures in Venice and Rome.
But back to Kauai/Japan. Kauai is probably the most relaxing place ever, it feels like you’re discovering a new world..and if you want a little adrenaline, take any of the amazing tours…we’ve snorkeled, riden horses on the beach, and driven “mudbugs” go-carts through puddles!
And Japan you can also have it both ways – in Tokyo, the Shinjuki and Harajuku areas are astoundingly dense with people, stuff, merchandise, technology…really cool to see such progressive culture in action and easy to get around on their subway system… and if you want peace and spirituality, you can go out to Kyoto where there are amazing natural landscapes, hikes, etc, ancient serenity.
Post # 12
Member
3967 posts
Honey bee
Is there a budget on these? I would love any of them, but could never afford to!
Post # 13
Member
168 posts
Blushing bee
I would suggest a safari in Tanzania or Kenya. Because you can do a few days at the parks and then hit Zanzibar, which is as much of a tropical beach paradise as you can imagine. Then you get your adventure fix and your Fiance gets to lounge on the beach.
Post # 14
Member
1949 posts
Buzzing bee
I wanted to do Greece on our honeymoon and our friends did. I reserached estensively before we decided it was just too much $$. I’ve done Italy and loved it! So that’s my vote.
If you’re looking for other suggestions: Galopogous (sp?) Islands!
Post # 15
Member
1866 posts
Buzzing bee
@shady_lane: Where did you stay in Zanzibar?? I agree, it’s paradise there! I went to tanzania for 2 weeks a couple years ago and zanzibar was one of our stops. 🙂
Post # 16
Member
58 posts
Worker bee
I personally would choose Greece. My Fiance and I are going to Sandals in St. Lucia. We wanted to go somewhere tropical and a place that neither of us had been to before, that was in our price range.. we made our decision pretty easily… good luck! I’m sure you’ll enjoy your honeymoon no matter where you end up going