S and FDIL have asked for some help in exploring honeymoon options. They are getting married June 2016 and are on a “limited” budget (not sure exactly what they are looking to spend) but would like to take a “bucket list” trip - a trip they might not normally take. Now, neither of them are world travelers so most anything will be “new”.
They will be leaving from Ohio. They talked a little bit about Hawaii but honestly, I think that they would probably do better price wise and waste last traveling time going to the Caribbean. I’ve been looking a little bit on Costco vacations at their packages which include flight, transportation, hotel and limited activities. But really, I have never been to the Caribbean myself so don’t know St. Thomas from Aruba from Bahama from Grand Caymen…you get the picture!
They are looking for a relaxing vacation but both like to be simply active - enjoy the water, hiking, leisurely biking, seeing some sights - but mostly will look forward to some beach time and good food.
If there top 3 priorities are:
Price
Beautiful beaches and water
Outdoor activities beyond laying on the beach
Where do you suggest they consider? Where should they shy away from?
Also, for you seasoned travelers who have booked through Costco - good experience or no???
Abasket, let me put a plug in for Hawaii!! If they can travel during off-peak times, they can find some deals on accommodations and airfare. A package is a convenient way to book travel, but IMO, when it comes to Hawaii, buying separately can be a better deal. In Hawaii, I would get accommodations through VRBO (so you know exactly the view you are getting), car - through Costco, and look for airfare elsewhere. And they can stop at Costco on the way to their condo and buy some nice munchies and champagne. That’s where we usually get the biggest savings - by not drinking out.
Kauai is beautiful and has so much of what they are looking for activity-wise.
Ok, not what you were looking for, but at least I’ve bumped the thread up with my off-topic post.
Thanks BB!!! I know I can trust your island advice! I know they would LOVE to make this trip. A concern is time - such a long flight process from the midwest. They can board a plane here in the morning and be on the beach south by mid afternoon - with little/no time change! I don’t think they have ruled Hawaii out - but logistically…
I would not recommend Hawaii from Ohio. The travel is just brutal and the time zone adjustment ruins the trip for many easterners and Midwesterners. Check out St. John. I think it is the best island in the Caribbean. One reason is that cruise ships don’t dock there. It is very laid back. There is a range of accommodations, but a large percentage of the island is unspoiled national park. The water and beaches are gorgeous. You take a ferry there after flying to St. Thomas. I like to shop on St. Thomas, but it is more commercial and I think St. John has a much better atmosphere. I have spent a lot of time in the US Virgin Islands.
Hurricane season in the Caribbean is June 1 to November 30. I know people who gambled and had their honeymoon cancelled due to a hurricane. With busy lives, they never rebooked the trip.
DD and her H took their August honeymoon in Aruba since Aruba is out of the hurricane belt. They loved the place they stayed: http://www.bucuti.com/
We were in Anguilla last April and there were several honeymooning couples where we were staying. Our hotel/resort has water activities for free and there were lots of activities on the island. Amazing food and restaurants on every beach. We had a kitchen in our room so we ate breakfast and lunch in our room. Hubby prepared frozen drinks from the blender and we kept drinks in our room i.e. no tab at the bar and we only ate once a day so costs were kept to a minimum. My husband, who thought he wanted agazillion activities and things to do every day quickly changed his tune after three days and I could hardly get him to leave the beach! The honeymooning couples raved about the nightlife and things they found to do.
Anguilla has THE most amazing beaches and water that I have ever seen. It was my understanding that in the spring and summer it is off season and it seemed quite affordable when comparing it to a lot of all-inclusive type places.
I do not know when hurricane/storm season is on Anguilla though so that would be something to look into.
If they are looking for a nice getaway at a more modest orice, they should check out the many resorts in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Lots to do in San Juan…great to visit Old San Juan. The resorts are nice, and you can often get package deals for resort and airfare. It’s not a trek from Ohio.
Another option would be Cancun where there are many all inclusive resorts at many price points.
+1 on the hurricanes. I too know a couple who had to be evacuated to higher grounds and spent their entire honeymoon huddled in a shelter with other travelers. That said, early June is better than September!
I agree with MOfWC that travel to Hawaii could be a major headache if it has too many connections (just like travel to the Caribbean for us, West coasters, lol). One possibility is to break it up into pieces with a stopover on the way there. I gather whale watching in San Juans is pretty good
St. John is beautiful if they are into nature and hiking as well as beach time. There is a down to earth resort there with tree houses - maybe it’s called Concordia? Not sure.
Puerto Rico also has a lot to offer and it’s a larger island, so much to explore. There’s caves, zip lining, rock climbing, as well as Old San Juan.
If hurricane season is a concern, maybe check out the pacific side of Costa Rica. Although to be honest, I don’t know if there are weather issues there in June as well.
St John is one of the most beautiful islands in the Carribean with good flights to St Thomas from everywhere. Do not stay anywhere on St Thomas… but St John is gorgeous. However, St John does not have big nightlife, gambling, casinos, etc. It is for laid back adventure. Incredible snorkeling and you can take sailing or powerboat day trips to all kinds of different islands and the Baths, which is a natural wonder. Just don’t go to the Baths on a cruise ship day - it is mobbed. Maybe splurge on a private boat day trip to hit the great spots.
For St John, it is best to find a private villa or condo. There are very few hotels and there are lots of cute little one bedroom places - but June 15 is starting high season.
The issue with Aruba or Anguilla is that they are low lying desert type islands. They don’t have that lush tropical feel, although the waters and beaches are beautiful. On all Carribean islands you will find a ‘wet’ side and a ‘dry’ side, similar to Hawaii.
I will admit though, I don’t have a lot of experience staying in hotels or resorts on the islands. Spent over 25 yrs sailing through most of the islands on a sailboat, so it is a different perspective.
Another possibility is Tulum or Playa del Carmen area south of Cancun. Beautiful places to stay and it might be more reasonable. You fly into Cancun (so you can get cheap flights), but get out of the Cancun area and go south. Once again, not lush tropical but incredible beaches and some interesting adventure - caves, ruins in Tulum, snorkeling. Snorkeling does not compare to some of the Caribbean islands.
Don’t forget to factor in the reduced number of flights during the summer months.
Grace Bay at Turks and Caicos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The most affordable way to be beach front is to stay at the Club Med. Because it was built early 80’s it is in need of updating so I have heard the pricing can be extremely reasonable.
Puerto Rico was a surprisingly fun vacation for DH and me. We loved walking around Old San Juan, beaches, rainforest hiking, the Arecibo telescope etc. We don’t do “adventure travel” like zip lines any more but it’s certainly available.
We just returned from St Kitts and Nevis and really enjoyed that, but it might be a little low key for honeymooners. My son and his GF just returned from a fun vacation at Punta Cana (alas NOT a honeymoon, but that’s a topic for another thread!) where they stayed in an all inclusive resort that had lots of fun things to do as well as quiet pools and beaches. They enjoyed not having to worry about money while they were there, so they could just enjoy themselves.
Another option might be a cruise? There are several that stop at multiple islands - you wouldn’t get the full island experience obviously, but could choose day trips that take you outside the tourist shop area.
The beaches and water are nicer in the Caribbean than in Hawaii but the geography in Hawaii is breathtaking. From the Midwest, I’d definitely go to the Carribbean. So close. I’ve been to: Grand Cayman, Bahamas, Bermuda, St Lucia, Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, St Thomas, St John, BVI, St Maarten (none on cruises; have actually vacationed there). I’d recommend T&C (unless it’s windy), Anguilla (but yes it’s a low lying desert island) or St John (probably the most accessible and affordable of the ‘easier’ islands to get to). T&C is my favorite by far. pm me if you want more opinions (I have plenty lol).
+1 for St. John. But I wouldn’t say June is high season at all. That tends to be the winter months.
I have young family members who have stayed at Concordia many times and love it. It’s an eco village so if they are looking for that kind of vibe, they should check it out.
I suspect any island in the Caribbean would be fine. We spent several Thanksgivings in the campground at Cinnamon Bay. They have cottages so you have a roof over your head and can eat cafeteria style or cook on campstoves they provide. There are plenty of more upscale resorts on the island. There are nice bars and restaurants and art galleries in St. Amelie, but you go there for the snorkeling primarily. There is some pleasant hiking and you can sail and kayak as well.
That’s where we usually get the biggest savings - by not drinking out.
