Your best Honeymoon ideas

[Steve]

Our wedding is April 2011 in Iowa. I have one main job, and it's to plan the honeymoon.

We've kind of been all over the place with the destinations we've discussed: Europe, Vancouver, BC, the pacific NW in general, Austrailia, Caribbean islands...

We haven't set a budget yet, but we aren't rolling in cash.

Any good recommendations/advice?

Have you looked into Orcas Island in the San Juan chain? You could combine several of your potential destinations into a reasonable trip. Fly into Seattle, take the ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island and spend 2-4 days. There are a number of fantastic bed and breakfast type lodging available at a decent price. You can then take a ferry to Canada - dock in Sidney and spend a few more days in Victoria. There is so much to see and do in that general area and you can customize your trip to spend time in the areas that interest you the most. You will find some fantastic natural beauty, eat some great seafood, meet some real people, and not come close to feeling like you are stuck in a tourist trap. I'm not sure what the weather is like in April, but I believe that it is moderate for most of the year. We did a similar visit in August and you can't ask for any better weather than what you will find at that time.

[GrindingAway]

Any good recommendations/advice?

Not sure if you are into it but I'd recommend some sex. (Can I say that here?)

[EJ4CY]

We did an all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic for a week. I was totally against this idea initially, because I'm more of the type of person who likes to get out and see the sites/history etc. Also, I figured if we were spending a ton of cash then I wanted to go somewhere that I had always wanted to go.

I was wrong. The all-inclusive was an awesome break after all of the chaos of the wedding. I would very strongly consider this option. We would wake up, order room service breakfast, go to the beach by 10, have beverages delivered to me all day on the beach, eat dinner, have a few more drinks, then sleep and repeat. It was awesome.

This is spot on... My wedding is 12 days away, we are doing the same type of deal in Punta Cana. I may suggest applevacations.com. They were extremely cheap to book it through, and there is a lot of info on thier website.

[Kitkat]

Or at the far end of the spectrum, if you and the wife can do without the faux romanticism of most honeymoons, instead of blowing all those thousands on a trip to merely fry in the tropical sun, put the money to better use and buy a home. I've heard a little rumor that there are some really good bargains out there. Cheers.

[cyrevkah]

You guys should also consider travel time. Do you want to spend time flying to whereever and back. The further you go the more travel lag you'll have. (or issues with connections)

We stayed at The Brass Lantern in Greenfield, IA. It was like a guest/pool house and we could travel to nearby places or just swim all day.

[ianoconnor]

Not sure if you are into it but I'd recommend some sex. (Can I say that here?)

This comment and your username go together quite well...

[redrocker]

Branson MO

[Stormin]

Punta Cana supposedly has awesome beaches. But most of the people I know that have gone there, have pretty much stayed at the AI resort and not ventured out. Jamaica is somewhat the same way.

You mention that money might be an issue. Check out ALL your options. Depending on what you want to spend, you can have a great 1 week honeymoon for amounts of $1,200 to $2,000 per person.

I am kind of partial to the Playa del Carmen area and the Mayan Riviera. White sand and blue water and a close flight. And would think that some of the more upscale resorts would be worth considering. They come in all price ranges and luxury classes. Consider the REAL resorts, (Royal and Gran Porto Real), the Riu Resorts, the Iberostar resorts, Palace resorts, Secrets resorts, Dreams resorts, etc. See what they offer for honeymoon specials. Some give some great free upgrades.

Lots of activities as well. Snorkeling, Scuba diving, deep sea fishing, visiting ancient ruins, zip line tours, swimming with dolphins, ATV jungle tours, swimming in cenotes, etc.

Figure out what you want. There are tons of great options.

Here is the Royal Playa del Carmen website. Jacuzzis in rooms. Upscale. And yet within walking distance to Playa for shopping and bar hopping if desired.

The Royal Playa del Carmen, Luxury All Inclusive Playa del Carmen Hotel|Mexico

In looking at prices, they are discounting right now.

[terryk]

My wife and I went canoeing in the boundary waters for a week then got a honeymoon suite in Grand Marais for a couple of days on the Lake Superior shore. If you're an "outdoorsy" couple this is the way to go - just you, the wife, and the water.

I love Grand Marais, will be there this Sunday. That said, April is a little early, inland lakes may still have ice on them.

[GoCubsGo]

Colbycheese- We're not real outdoorsy, but we're big fans of being in the nature. Your idea sounds like a good time.

Ah yes, a fan of "indoor nature." Well, your honeymoon should be the perfect time to experience that! Alternatively, maybe someday they will complete the indoor rainforest near Pella...

[jaretac]

My fiancee and I just booked our hotels for our honeymoon in Oregon. We are going to the beach for a couple of nights and then Crater Lake. I'm really looking forward to it.

[cyhawkdmb]

I love Grand Marais, will be there this Sunday. That said, April is a little early, inland lakes may still have ice on them.

+2 for lovin Grand Marais... It is AWSOME...... but yea april would be early....

[Clone9]

Where did you stay? We have been to the Moon Palace in Punta Cana and it was great. I loved the Dominican.

Excellence Punta Cana. We paid for one of the nicer normal rooms, but for some reason we got bumped up to the absolute best suite that they had. It was 1200 sq ft, 2 jacuzzis (one on the balcony), 2 40+ inch TVs, a living room, dining room, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, and a shower ROOM. It was un-freakin'-real. I mean, our hotel room had a freakin' hallway.

I guess my advice might be a little biased towards this place.

[jaretac]

We did an all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic for a week. I was totally against this idea initially, because I'm more of the type of person who likes to get out and see the sites/history etc. Also, I figured if we were spending a ton of cash then I wanted to go somewhere that I had always wanted to go.

I was wrong. The all-inclusive was an awesome break after all of the chaos of the wedding. I would very strongly consider this option. We would wake up, order room service breakfast, go to the beach by 10, have beverages delivered to me all day on the beach, eat dinner, have a few more drinks, then sleep and repeat. It was awesome.

I'm hoping that wasn't all you did

[thatguy]

Went to my folks place in Cabo. It was pretty awesome. Snorkled under the rock they filmed the Goonies at.