Honeymoon

[oofta]

My (future) wife and I want to go on our honeymoon during the last week in August. Looking to spend around $2500-3000. Any recommendations? We are thinking probably a All-Inclusive in western Mexico is the best idea for the budget and the fact that is during hurricane season in the Carib.
:taco:

[ORLYLOL]

Are you looking for something specifically tropical?

[oofta]

Are you looking for something specifically tropical?

Yeah, we would prefer tropical.

[mlschop]

All-inclusive Mexican resort for $2500-$3000? Is this including airfare and everything? If so, you probably limit your choices.

[oofta]

sorry, not including airfare we got the freq flyers for that

[ORLYLOL]

I'd have to suggest not going to western Mexico. At least not Puerto Vallarta, I went there once and was very disappointed. My inlaws went last year and had the same reaction.

While it isn't tropical, the azores are pretty amazing and you may be able to get some good rates with the portuguese economy being way down

[oofta]

what didn't you like about PV?

[Dr T Non-Fan]

I suggest not anywhere in Mexico.
Where are you coming from?
Never mind: Hawaii, FTW.

[ORLYLOL]

The water in the bay was brown and dirty, so we had to take a cruise out of the bay to find any clear water. There wasn't really much good local food, most of it was just american style mexican food (with the exception of going out to some author's villa where the food was amazing). Felt like we were getting ripped off trying to do anything (more than usual at resort type places). The whole atmosphere of the area just didn't have the feel of a resort town, sort of like going to LA and expecting Hawaii.

[Actuary321]

Don't pick Yuma, AZ the first week of August.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

The water in the bay was brown and dirty, so we had to take a cruise out of the bay to find any clear water. There wasn't really much good local food, most of it was just american style mexican food (with the exception of going out to some author's villa where the food was amazing). Felt like we were getting ripped off trying to do anything (more than usual at resort type places). The whole atmosphere of the area just didn't have the feel of a resort town, sort of like going to LA and expecting Hawaii.
Well, you can go to Waikiki expecting Hawaii and getting LA.

When I wrote "Hawaii" in my previous post, I meant Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Lanai, etc. Not shitty high-rises in Waikiki.

[Listeria]

Bali?

[The Biz]

I went to Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica last year (Late June/early July)...we had a great time and plan on going back for our 1 year anniversery and would highly reccomend. The people were great, resort was great (great food and drinks...all inclusive) and plenty of activities outside the resort if desired.

[oofta]

I went to Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica last year (Late June/early July)...we had a great time and plan on going back for our 1 year anniversery and would highly reccomend. The people were great, resort was great (great food and drinks...all inclusive) and plenty of activities outside the resort if desired.

I have a hesitation toward jamaica due the the storm season. But otherwise, would love to go there.

[Samir]

Aruba, outside the hurricane belt.

[oofta]

Aruba, outside the hurricane belt.

interesting...

[The Biz]

I have a hesitation toward jamaica due the the storm season. But otherwise, would love to go there.

What? You are afraid of a little hurricane?

[SamTheEagle]

Aruba, outside the hurricane belt.

And if you find Natalie's skeleton, you'll be famous!

[oofta]

What? You are afraid of a little hurricane?

:shutters:

[Anon67]

You can get some good deals for French Polynesia from LA if you are on the west coast (or have the miles to get there). I totally recommend Bora Bora or Moorea for a honeymoon or even Tahiti. You probably won't get a 5 star hotel for $3000 and not much there is all-inclusive but it's a lot nicer. Of course, the flight is about 8 hours from LA so that might be an issue for you. FP is a lot nicer than Hawaii.

[lipman]

Belize might be worth trying. I would be scared to do anything in Mexico right now, given the state of affairs down there.

I can also recommend Sandals resorts, we went to the one on Antigua for our honeymoon and loved it.

[Gentle Giant]

Re: hurricane season and western Mexico, be aware that tropical storms hit the western coast of Mexico, too.

[figure 8]

Speaking from personal experience, I highly recommend St. Lucia. They did have a hurricane this year, but they are far enough south that it is a not-too-common thing (I think they have one like every dozen years or something? It might not even be that common).

One of the places we stayed at was just awesome. It was up in a mountain (maybe it was technically a large hill) that overlooked the water, and the rooms there had no wall on the side that was overlooking the water. It was just open air. We absolutely loved it.

[Actuary321]

Speaking from personal experience, I highly recommend St. Lucia. They did have a hurricane this year, but they are far enough south that it is a not-too-common thing (I think they have one like every dozen years or something? It might not even be that common).

One of the places we stayed at was just awesome. It was up in a mountain (maybe it was technically a large hill) that overlooked the water, and the rooms there had no wall on the side that was overlooking the water. It was just open air. We absolutely loved it.Boy, you are good.

http://www.hurricanecity.com/city/saintlucia.htm
How often this area gets affected?
brushed or hit every 3.48 years

Average years between direct hurricane hits.
once every 13.90 years (10h)

Statistically when this area should be affected next
affected in 2010
This is just a statistical average & does not mean the area will be affected by that year

Last affected by
2010, Oct 30th Hurricane Tomas passes just south with 80mph winds while moving west. .

[greenman]

Kauai

Go online and find someone who has a rental condo 50 yards from the water. Much cheaper than a resort, and you'll have some room to spread out with a kitchen, sitting area, bedroom, and nice balcony.

[Omikron]

I'd definitely lean toward Hawaii if airfare is covered.

[oofta]

We would love hawaii. The only hesitation I have is that neither of us is 25 yet, and wouldn't be able to rent a car. How possible/expensive is getting around hawaii without a car?

[greenman]

We would love hawaii. The only hesitation I have is that neither of us is 25 yet, and wouldn't be able to rent a car. How possible/expensive is getting around hawaii without a car?

You can rent a car under 25. You just have to pay a bit more. And you do need a car. Public transportation either sucks or is non-existent or both.

I used this site. They book you at a better rate than the companies are advertising. http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/

I highly recommend a convertible. Yes it is more expensive, but so worth it. It's your Honeymoon.

[greenman]

I also know 2 people who have stayed here (http://www.kiahuna22.com/). All loved it.

[AmandaHugNKiss]

Speaking from personal experience, I highly recommend St. Lucia. They did have a hurricane this year, but they are far enough south that it is a not-too-common thing (I think they have one like every dozen years or something? It might not even be that common).

One of the places we stayed at was just awesome. It was up in a mountain (maybe it was technically a large hill) that overlooked the water, and the rooms there had no wall on the side that was overlooking the water. It was just open air. We absolutely loved it.

May I ask where you stayed? My wife and I are looking for a place to go next fall and St. Lucia was on the list.

[oofta]

Has anyone been to Costa Rica? From what I've read, it seems like it usually rains for an hour or so most days in August, but is extremely nic the rest of the time. (fyi NOT San Jose)

[AmandaHugNKiss]

We went to belize for our honeymoon and it was fantastic. We had a private bungalow right on the beach. There were activities (we went kayaking, touring mayan ruins, and horseback riding) and they were a lot of fun. Everything was included, although I think the resort we stayed at no longer offers unlimited drinks anymore, but there is still some type of alcoholic package. The food was pretty good, but after a week, we were longing for a home-cooked meal (as I'm sure you would if you ate out for 8 days). The package offered 5 excursions for 7 nights, which we thought was too many. So, we got a modified package that was slightly cheaper with 3 tours. We paid around 3500, but I'm sure you could get something under 3500 if you didn't get the private bungalow. IMO, it's worth the extra money. PM if you interested in the name of the resort.

[figure 8]

May I ask where you stayed? My wife and I are looking for a place to go next fall and St. Lucia was on the list.

http://www.ladera.com/Home/tabid/443/Default.aspx