Where should I go for my honeymoon?

[BornBlue]

I am hoping to keep it around $5,000. Getting married on April 17th this year.

Your suggestions are much appreciated!

:hi:

[DarkTirade]

1. Are there any interesting places near where you live?

When my mom got remarried she was living here in upstate NY, so their cheap honeymoon was at Niagra Falls. Not too far, just a couple hours drive. Nothing too fancy or expensive. Just a hotel and a few days away and a nice natural landmark/tourist attraction nearby. :)

[BornBlue]

2. I am in Illinois,

and was kinda hoping to leave the country for the first time. I also have dreams of warm beaches.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

[DarkTirade]

4. I don't know if it'll warm up around here by then.

Of course if you want warm beaches there's always America's wang, I.E., FL. Or America's crack, I.E. California. A plane flight away rather than a short drive, but ticket prices aren't too bad these days. Just remember that if you go to FL there are three sides of the penninsula... the sunny bottom part, the nice, calm waters of the gulf, or the slightly more wavy waters of the Atlantic.

And if you want to go out of the country there's always the Bahamas or maybe a touristy place in Mexico.

Hmm... what time is Spring Break for most schools? You probably don't want to end up at a Spring Break-type place if there are still going to be crazy college drink-fests going on then.

[Chan790]

13. If time isn't an issue...

you could go to Mexico, driving down and sightseeing all the way. Not flying will save you money and there are enough areas that are moderate to wealthy on the coastlines that it's not necessary to stay in a resort. (You wouldn't want to resort there or anywhere in the Carib at that time of year for the reason that ends this post.)

$5,000 will go a long ways in some secluded corner of the Yucatan. It helps though if you speak Spanish. (If you don't, there is a really good online program offered for free through LiveMocha...it requires speakers and a microphone and a computer. I'm learning Japanese through them.)

April is going to be tough generally in warm locations unless you go small-town because it's Spring Break season.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. I see you're in Illinois...

Do you intend to honeymoon in the US?

There are many lovely places to visit on a honeymoon, that aren't too far from you!

Of course, Niagara Falls is very traditional, and very beautiful...

All the major cities have wonderful sights with hotels that shouldn't be too bad, since the tourist season hasn't really started in April...

Sorry, I can't really think of anyplace else...

But I'm sure someone else will come along with lots of good ideas...

Try Google! I'd check out listings under "honeymoon."

And Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!

:hi:

[BornBlue]

6. Thank you!!

I can't wait for the day!!

I do want to leave the country, since I never have, but I really do not know where I want to go.

Of all the decisions in planning a wedding this should be the easiest, but I am at a loss.

[coffeenap]

5. St. John, USVI. Rent a Jeep, stay at Concordia Eco Tents-

the most romantic tents are in the "p" section. Your entire view is the Caribbean and the bush! Very cool.They have a nice part time restaurant there, and cute other ones in the closest town. There are more choices in the main town, about 40 minutes back. The snorkeling and beaches are incredible--and no passports or currency changes required! Concordia also has full fledged suite-type rooms which are quite nice--and the whole thing is an eco-resort. All the prices are very reasonable for a paradise!(I just got back from there last week!) Plane fares are down right now, so you could do this if you like it!

http://www.maho.org/

[BornBlue]

10. That sounds wonderful!!

I will check this out for sure.

Thanks a bunch!!

Sounds like you had a wonderful time!

[coffeenap]

11. PM if you want details--it is the third time for us--I want to live there!

If you go, remember to drive on the left. Best wishes!

[Haole Girl]

7. Some suggestions:

Book early.

Go someplace neither of you have been, so you can discover new memories together.

Does anybody in your family have frequent flier miles you could use? :shrug:

More ideas:

Google "honeymoons on a budget". There are a lot of resources you can use...

here is one good link I found: http://wedding.theknot.com/honeymoons/honeymoon-planning/articles/25-ways-to-honeymoon-on-a-budget.aspx?MsdVisit=1

Congratulations, btw! :hi:

[BornBlue]

12. Thank you!!

I will have to check on the frequent flier miles thing. . .it never even crossed my mind.

I have been overwhelmed with all the options out there!

[Arugula Latte]

8. If you want to stay in the states, I'd suggest the incredible national parks in Utah/Arizona

Arches, Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, and many more ... All absolutely incredible. There are lots of great nearby spa-like resorts to choose from near them, too.

Oh, and if you need a little glitz, you can always zip over to Vegas for a night or two. :)

[crispini]

9. It really depends on what kind of person you and your spouse are.

Some folks really enjoy the all-in-one vacation resort type things. Me, I'd rather go adventuring on the back of a local bus with a few goats and chickens thrown in, and eat at the local stalls. It's all in who you are and what you like to do. :D

[plcdude]

14. Depending on

what you two like, of course, but our favorite place is on the Big Island. The Mauna Kea is secluded and great for just the two of you to be alone. One of the best beaches in the world. Some good snorkling and rent a car to drive around the Island. Absolutely beautiful, inspiring, and you get a taste of the beginning of time with volcanic landscape. Check it out. http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/mauna-kea-resort-hawaii.php

[TZ]

15. If you want warm beaches and go out of the country..

And get to experience both European AND Carribean culture I would highly recommend Aruba.
Tourism is a little down there since the Natalie Holloway garbage (the place is safe believe me) so you might get some good bargains. And I think that time of year is less croweded...

[BornBlue]

17. Checking it out now!

Thanks!!

[I Have A Dream]

16. I had my honeymoon in San Francisco.

I absolutely adore that city. It might be cold in April though.

[MineralMan]

18. My wife and I spend a week at this all-inclusive resort

near Playa del Carmen in Mexico.

Wonderful place...away from Cancun and just a great place to relax and enjoy the area. It's a 10-minute walk down the beach to Playa del Carmen, where there are interesting restaurants and shops. This was over 15 years ago, but it looks the same in the web site. Frequented by European tourists mainly at the time. Good food, bottled water used for everything, including washing the tops of beer bottles off before pouring. We had zero problems. Friendly staff.

http://www.shangrilacaribe.net/

[Resuscitated Ethics]

19. Amsterdam

http://www.ehow.com/how_7732_around-amsterdam-cheap.html

I went to North Carolina's outer banks, pre-Thanksgiving beach manse (Duck). It was great. I wish it had been Amsterdam.