I need help! I get married in aug & cant decide on a honeymoon destination

You'll also need to check & see what 'stay' requirements are involved w/your destination of choice. That may factor into your decision as minimum stays on the island are sometimes required in varying degrees.

The risk of there being major hurricanes in mid-August is small and even smaller that if there is one that it will strike the island you are visiting. That said, generally speaking the further south you go the less chance there is you will encounter a major stom. Thus of the islands on your list the one that is perhaps the least prone to hurricanes is Aruba. You can, if you wish, research just how often hurricanes have hit the islands on your list during mid-August since the mid-1800's by going to the climatology section at www.stormcarib.com. You'd be surprised how few there actually have been.

As far as your comment "Someone please plan my honeymoon for me" goes this is probably a recipe for disappointment. It's YOUR honeymoon and YOUR Budget. While getting resort recomendation from others might be helpful YOU haven't given us much information on what type of experience you are seeking and how much you are willing to spend even though you seemed to be obsessed with "price". While that's all well and good remember the old adages "You get what you pay for" and "the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence".

My suggestion is that you first read up about the various islands on your list to determine which one most appeals to you. You can do that easily by using the "Destinations" link at the top of this page and clicking through to thr "Caribbean" and each "Island". Once you choose the island, you'll be able to concentrate your efforts in finding a resort the meets your needs and budget (whatever that may be).

Since you saod you are frugal, perhaps the followong might be of interest:

A) Grand Cayman is generally considered to be an expensive destination and it is the most expensive destination on your list.

B) The Dominican Republic is one of the More Economical destinations in the Caribbean and has lots of AI's. It is generally easy to get to and often there are low airfares.

C) Jamaica is another island with lots of AI's in decent price ranges and low airfares.

D) Aruba has lots of resort options, a few AI's, it's very Americanized, generall hurricane free but will be the longest flight from your departure city.

sanParis2 is telling you there may be time requirements for an island wedding. as i read your post i think you are getting married at home. yes?
do you want to do things outside of the ai? like what? or do you mostly wanna hang on the beach at your resort?
jamaica & dom rep are very lush. aruba & gc are arid.
i too would elimate grand cayman - it is pricey. also the reef is really nice but away from everything. you'd need a car to do stuff.
you might look into mexico. the maya riviera area south of cancun. maya riv has loads of ai's in all price ranges. tons of good stuff to do from golf to zip-lines to ruins. and the resorts will organize any excursions you want to take.
you can fly nonstop stl-cun in 3 hrs for #$300

this page lists adults only ai's: http://www.all-inclusives.com/Adults/Adults_Only.htm
kayak.com is useful for checking flight info if you don't have it bundled w/resort.

Thanks Virgina!!! Yes, I am ready to eliminate Grand Cayman... too $$$....The Reef looks likes good 10 yr anniv trip : )

Yes we are getting married Aug 15 at home.

I second the Riviera Maya area of Mexico! Great beaches & tons of wonderful AI resorts. We've stayed at the Barcelo Maya resorts twice but have friends who have stayed at Iberostar resorts & loved those as well. Also quite a few Adults only AI if you don't want to deal with lots of kids on summer vacation while on your honeymoon. Better bang for your buck in Mexico it seems these days. go to www.locogringo.com to check out arial views, beach descriptions & some resort descriptions. If you are interested in Barcelo, search unofficial barcelo maya & you will find a site devoted just to those resorts with lots of great pictures, etc. Good luck! Also, a good travel agent may be helpful to you since you only have a short time to plan.

I agree that Mexico will give you more bang for your buck. The Playa del Carmen/Mayan Riveria has some of the nicer adult only AI resorts. Look at the Royal Playa del Carmen, Iberostar Grand Parsion, Secrets Capri, Excellence Riveria,

Sorry hit the enter button too soon.

Secrets Maroma and Secrets Silversands.

With that said, we have been to that area several times during the August/September time period and have chosen not to go there anymore during those months. Though we have not got caught in a hurricane/tropical storm, there were several times we weren't sure if our flight would be canceled or our hotel closed. We have been after the storms have hit and the area was still in disaray. In 2005, our trip was canceled and luckily we had the trip insurance and was able to re-book to another destination. It's a crap shoot. If your willing to take the chance, buy the insuracne in which you can cancel for any reason.

Personally, Aruba would be my choice. Though it's a longer flight and most people don't care for the Island as it's considered "Americanized", that's one of the reasons we like it. There are many restaurants in all price ranges, so you wouldn't want to go AI there. It's safe and easy to get around. Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are so nice. Grand Cayman was our favorite destination after Mexico until we went to Aruba. You would be very disappointed if you went to Grand Cayman and did not stay on 7 Mile Beach at least for your first trip.

The DR has many huge AI complexes. Though there are only a hand full that are adults only. If you plan on sitting at your resort and enjoying the facilities, then the DR may be an option.

Jamaica is very lush and just beautiful. Totally opposite of Aruba or Grand Cayman. Look at Sunset at the Palms in Negril. Little tree house type cabins, and they cater to honeymooners. Make sure you get out and see the Island.

If price is your concern, I don't believe any Sandals resort is worth the price they put on them, and all Sandals are not created equal. You get more for your money at the hotels I listed in Mexico. It's a hard decision. Good Luck.

jenjay, kvr gives excellent advice re ai's. she has been to tons and knows whereof she speaks.
travel insurance is probably a very good idea. and booking through a travel agent might be helpful if you needed to change at the last minute.

locogringo.com is imho the best travel web site !!! they have Everything you'd ever want to know and all easy to find. also they were most helpful in planning my vacation there 18 months ago.

thanks!!! What about Couples Negril? How does it compare to Sandals?

I want to stay away from Mexico at this time. Would love to visit there in the future.

friends of mine honeymooned at couples swept away on jamaica. they choose it because it offered a dive pkg.
they loved the resort, saying it was beautiful and romantic and would like to return.

Thank you Virginia, I appreciate you're faith in me.

I would definatley pick Couples over Sandals. The new renos in the Couples in Ocho Rios recently have been completed. We stayed a couple of hotels down from Couples Negril and DH went over to check it out. He came back very upset we didn't stay there instead.

You're still going to need the hurricane/trip insurance in Jamaica. It's usually the same weather issues as Mexico that time of year.

As you know, Sandals is offering an extremely attractive rate right now. We just returned from Sandals Antigua last weekend. This was our second trip there. We stayed in the new Mediterrean Village that just opened 17 months ago. It was so elegant and romantic. The pool is the largest in the eastern Caribbean; we had a big balcony with a perfect water view for drinking wine from our bar at sunset; fabulous restaurants; a big bathroom with a large shower; a romantic four-poster bed; and a helpful staff that doesn't interfere with your conversations when you want some privacy.

My other suggestion would be Palm Island in the Grenadines. If your idea of a vacation - or honeymoon - is to close off the rest of the world - except your new spouse, of course, this is the place. It usually takes an overnight stay in Barabdos - and a small plane (they pay for it if you stay 7 days) and a 1 mile boat ride to reach the island, but the effort to get there is worth it, if you want total isolation and privacy. We stayed in a stone cottage by the beach, about 15-20 feet from the water. The most beautiful beach and water you will ever see in your life! The resort has both a rustic and that luxury atmosphere you are talking about.

Kvr I know you said dont do AI on Aruba... but we are really interested in doing that and I see there are some.. the divi and the tamarijn? They seem to be right on the beach... Are you familiar with them? I checked out the tree house place in Jamaica and it looked really nice too!!

check out Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, its the high end Sandals, good deals right now for it. Step above all the other Sandals.

Movie with mandy moore and robin williams was shot there a couple years back, "license to wed" i think it is. anyway, after much deliberation this is where I Decided for our August honeymoon.

If i wasn't doing AI for the honeymoon, I'd probably have chosen Bucuti Tara Suites in Aruba for August, and if a Hurricane comes I may be using the insurance to cancel and change to Aruba.

jenjay68, we love AI resorts and have been to 13 of them including Aruba, which is why we wouldn't go AI there again. There are literally tons of very nice resturants in all price ranges and part of the fun is getting to try them. Look at the Amsterdam Manor. It does have an AI plan if you absolutely must. It's the first hotel on Eagle Beach, so it's still close enough to get to the Palm Beach area for all the resturants, bars and shopping and is on the bus line to get downtown for even more.

I just read a review regarding the Bucuti Tara Suites and it wasn't that positive. Check out additional reviews and pictures of all hotels you are interested in on Trip Advisor.

If it's within your price point, look at the RIU in Aruba. Great location on Palm Beach, AI, and nicely appointed.

If you interested check out our picture page. It might give you some ideas of places to go.

http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn

We are headed to Curacao in a few weeks. It's the Island next to Aruba. We chose not to go AI there from our experience in Aruba plus they really don't have any good ones anyway.

Also check out this dining guide for Aruba.

http://www.restaurantsaruba.com/

jpniner-- when are u getting married? We are getting married aug15. .. still undecided about the honeymoon.. Was thinking Aruba and then I watched the Natalie Holloway story last night on Lifetime and the way her disappearance was handled didnt sit well with me.... I have 3 daughters. Then on the way to work this morning, I heard a Jamaica airline was hijacked in Montego Bay... I know I know.. I worry too much , right?

I like Aruba but would be pissed if my husband had picked it for a honeymoon destination.

I have done AI on Aruba at the Occidental and loved it and loved the stay.

In my opinion, no one does AI better than Jamaica.

The reason we love all inclusive is I don't want to have to deal with the hassle of going off property to eat.

Why would you be pissed? What AI's have you done in Jamaica?

Go Travel, that is very conflicting information. I too, would like if you elaborated why. We went to Cozumel for our honeymoon and loved it. However, it was nothing like Aruba and I would have been estatic to have been able to go to Aruba for our honeymoon instead.

I don't agree with your comment regarding AI's either. In my opinion, Mexico has the best AI's. As there is more of them in varied price ranges and offers a wider range of facilities and amenties. But, I do respect your opinion.

We've done AI in Mexico many times and AI in Jamaica once. The RIU Tropical Bay in Negril was very subpar in many aspects to any of the AI's we've been to in Mexico including the real inexpensive ones we've stayed at. Price wise, you get more for your money in an AI in Mexico than in Jamaica. There are several Sandals/Couples in Jamaica and none in Mexico. The RIU's in Jamaica are of lesser quaility than the RIUs in Mexico and Aruba. The resorts I listed for Mexico are far superior in price, service, amentites and facilities, but that's my opinion based on our experience.

August 8th, plan is to go to fly into MB on August 9th and then go straight to Royal Plantation. 7 days there, followed by 3 more at Sandals Royal Carribean in MB before going home.

I'm not worried about Jamaica on a high end resort so much. worried about a Hurricane more so, which i have insurance. If one is coming, or I come accross some awesome deal to make it worth it, I may cancel.

After researching, I preferred a nice AI in Jamaica or Mexico....in Aruba, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Barbados...all these places I don't think AI is way to go, want to get out and see the place.

I wouldn't worry about Aruba over Natalie Holloway, maybe if you are planning on getting very drunk and meeting a little dutch Jerk who will sell you into sex slavery or worse afterwards...which it being your honeymoon I don't think you have much to worry about.


If you want Jamaica, I'd go for either:

Royal Plantation
Couples(the one that just re-opened, Tower Isle I think)
Jamaica Inn
Sandals Dunns River

that is Ochio Rios, as far as Negril I'd check out one of the COuples there from my research or one of the boutique style mentioned.

check it out, unless you are wanting to stay up late partying with other couples I think this place sounds ideal for a honeymoon, especially if you can swing one of the honeymoon suites.

http://www.royalplantation.com/specials.cfm

all of the rooms have Butlers though and they have Beach Butlers, food is suppose to be excellent. anyway, basically a real 5-star resort.

one other thing, several people told me that for August, Bermuda would be better ideally to go to. No AI's though and very expensive island. However, if a deal like the SouthHampton for 99/night comes up again I'd consider it, that is a steal.

just make sure you get the cancel for any reason insurance when you book.

I saw something about the 99/nt rate? Actually my dates were going to be 129.00. I checked.. Are you familiar with it? AI? I live in the midwest and I believe air would be a hassle.

Chiming in about Curacao -- take a look at the Kura Hulanda Beach Club & Lodge -- very reasonably priced, looks romantic and Curacao is more interesting than Aruba, but also away from prime hurricane action. We stayed at the Marriott which we liked very much but I would try Kura Hulanda next time.

eileen- tell me about curacao? what is there..? The place looks wonderful!

We are headed to Curacao in 3 weeks. Curacao is the Island next to Aruba. It's main attraction is the great shore snorkeling and diving. There is a Sea Aquarium. Things to see and do include jeep safaris, caves, snorkeling, diving, beach hopping, shopping in the downtown area, museums.

There are not many great AI hotels there. There are two Kurla Hulanda resorts. One is in town and one on the very far West side. You'll need a car to get anywhere. Other AI's include Sunset Waters. It's also on the West Side and far away from anything. Then Superclub Breezes, which get horrid reviews and is very family friendly. They allow locals and cruise shippers weekend passes. It's a very low quality AI. The most recommended hotel is the Mariott and they offer an AI plan also. Not sure it's honeymoon quaility as it is also family friendly.

We chose the Lions Dive. Sits directly on a great beach. A new resort has just opened down the way called the Kon Tiki. It sits on Kon Tiki Beach. There is also a new resort in town called the Reniassance. It has a man made beach. After our expereince in Aruba, we chose not to go AI in Curacao.

We've already book our tours and plan on beach hopping, night tour with beach dinner, intro scuba at the Sea Aquarium, jet ski tour with snorkeling, full Island tour, shopping downtown and checking out many of the restaurants and bars.

wow KVR I am envious of all your travel knowledge. I talked to a travel agent this morning re : a promo I had recvd an email on for Sandals WHitehouse in Jamaica. Familiar with it... my fiance really wants a jacuzzi tub or a private pool. We are getting 6 nites in the GrandLuxe Beachfront Concierge Suite, 6th nt free for $3800. A little more than I wanted to spend... My fiance says " GO FOR IT"... what do you think ? THe room has concierge service... sounds wonderful! IDeas? Comments.. : )

I am not a big Sandals fan. We've been to the Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas and Sandals Grande St. Lucia with a day trip to the Regency. I just don't think they are worth the money and are overrated/over priced. I also don't care for the concierge service, room service or butler service no matter what hotel. We would never use it and don't want to pay for it. Also, many hotels in Mexico include those services in their base price if it's really important to you. Be aware many of the plunge/private pools are not heated and therefore too cold to actually enjoy.

Sandals Whitehouse sits several miles outside of Negril. The airport in Montego Bay is about an 1 1/2 hour ride to Negril, so the Whitehouse will be even farther. Since it's in the middle of nowhere, you'll have to have transportation to get to anything in Negril. I believe Sandals will offer transportation for a fee. If you chose this hotel, do not spend all of your time just sitting there. Jamaica is very beautiful and must be explored. Go to the YS and Mayfield Falls, Appleton Rum Factory, Pelican Bar, Black River, and explore Negril. Since all Sandals properties are not created equal, I would at least try the Sandals Dunn River in Ocho Rios, if I could ever get a decent rate. So far it hasn't happened.

I think jpniner looked at the Whitehouse and chose Royal Plantation instead. Royal Plantation is a very nice upscale hotel, but a liitle too pretentious and pricey for our taste.

Check out this forum for everything regarding Sandals and other destinations. There were many Sandals fans and Jamaica lovers until they started branching out to Mexico and many were turned as you will get more for your money in Mexico and the resorts they have there. (can you tell I'm baised

http://www.tropictravelonline.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubbthreads.php/ubb/cfrm

right now you can get the lowest end(still high end) room at Royal Plantation for a week at about the price plus Air.
I started to go for Whitehouse but steered away because its a very large resort, I wanted something smaller.


never been to Bermuda but want to go. Suppose to be really nice. Flight might not be too bad, regular flights out of Charlotte to it for few hundred round trip. about like Jamaica or cancun. No AI there though, but at $99 a night for the resort mentioned it was a steal

we came down to Jamaica or Cancun area for the basic reason that you get the most bang for your buck at either. Just two different places, Jamaica has more of a Tropical Island vibe to it, which we decided would be cool for a honeymoon. We'll do Playa Del Carmen on a future AI trip.

plus Ocho Rios looks like a cool area to do some excursions.

oh, re: my fiance really wants a jacuzzi tub or a private pool

you aren't going to get that at Sandals unless you get a real expensive room. not a Jamaica thing for some reason, more common in Mexico. Some have Jacuzzi's but will be tight fit for two

ahhhhhh .. this honeymoon planning is stressing me out... I just discovered I could have a water/plumbing problem at my house-- So I may be going to the local river for my honeymoon : ( I have done the Disney cruise and loved it... I took my 3 daughters after I was divorced. I would be very happy doing a cruise because we could see different places. However my fiance doesnt want to do a cruise... want to just relax and chill. My travel agent told me that the Sandals WHitehouse's rooms are steps from the beach.. That is important to us too.. Close to the water..... The Sunset at the Palms in Negril sounded perfect except it is across from teh beach... I hope some deal comes my way soon...

Yes , re the in room jacuzzi... talked to travel agent today re the WhiteHouse and she gave me rate of 3800 for a GrandLuxe Beachfront Concierge Suite and it did have the in room jacuzzi.. I just didnt want to spend that much. My fiance says go for it.. my frugal consertive self wants to find something for less $$$. Money is too tight these days....

try bidding on skyauction.com or luxurylink.com. someone here (ejcrowe- thank you!) recommended skyauction to me, and my husband and i just booked our first anniversary trip to grenada. we're staying at laluna for 9 nights and saving $3000 over their rack rates. they have private plunge pools.

it may have a Jacuzzi, but not sure its big enough for 2 was my point. many of the Mexican AI's have plenty of room for 2 in theirs, some have the Jacuzzi in the bedroom.

if do Whitehouse, I think you want to stay in either the Dutch or French Village, cant' remember but find out. One village is better beach location and not a hike to get to food places. This is a problem with some large resorts.

If beach is your main thing, I'd stay there or Negril.

Check out Majestic Elegance in DR. Looks like a good resort, new, and rooms have jacuzzi. May be a lot cheaper than the Sandals. Very good deals through cheapcaribbean.com

All Inclusives I've Done:

Cozumel:

Cozumel Palace

Turks and Caicos:

Beaches

Jamaica:

Half Moon
Ritz Carlton
Grand Lido Braco
Wyndham Rose Hall
Breezes Runaway Bay

Cancun:

Royal Solaris
Moon Palace
Beach Palace
Cancun Palace
Omni
Ritz Carlton

Bahamas:

Atlantis Resort

Aruba:

Occidental

The reason I'm not a fan of Aruba is because there are so many other islands out there that are so much nicer. I'm a big fan of the desert and some of my favorite places are Palm Springs/Desert and Phoenix, but Aruba didn't do it for me.

Aruba is so Americanized that it is really hard to find the true culture of the island.

I'd much rather go to:

BVIs
St.Martin
St.Barths
Anguilla

Anguilla would be a stunning honeymoon location. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Look at CuisinArt for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Forgot to add, in Mexico AIs everything tastes the same. Every time we fly home from Mexico, Cabo and Acapulco included, I'm jonesing for a eheeseburger, fries and coke.

Not so with the Jamaican AIs.

Agree Bermuda would be a good choice in August but Bermuda is REALLY expensive and I don't remember any AIs.

I think $3800 if it includes airfare is a pretty fare deal.

Did you check Mexico? Cozumel, Playa del Carman, Puerto Moreles, and Isla Mujeres? Cancun also but it is more of a party atmosphere.

One last thing, my most favorite hotel that is very romantic and a fabulous deal, while not all inclusive, is the Hotel Los Flamingos on the highest cliff in Acapulco!

It is an old hotel built in the 1930s that was a hangout for John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, and the old Hollywood crowd. Johnny Weissmuler (original Tarzan) lived there until his death.

You'll not find a more stunning view of the Pacific Coast anywhere on the West coast.

www.HotelLosFlamingos.com

You guys are so much help... Thanks! What about Antigua?

gO TRAVEL -- WHAT WAS UR FAV AI IN JAMAICA.. in ROOM JACUZZIS?

The best jacuzzi rooms are the ones in the oceanfront rooms at either The Moon Palace, Cancun Palace, or the Beach Palace in Cancun.

Don't let the idea of Cancun scare you because you can make it as romantic and fun a trip as you want.

I didn't stay at a jacuzzi room in Jamaica at any of the resorts I've stayed at.

I'm sure the RC Jamaica has them but I couldn't afford that.

Just for the heck of it, I looked at the Cancun Palace (they have about 20 resorts in the area) and for their all inclusive (includes two off premises excursions like Tulumn and Chichen Itza and free scuba diving) with round trip air over your dates and the price is more than $1000 cheaper.

You can stay at one Palace resort and play at all of them. They have free tranfers between properties.

The Moon Palace is outside of Cancun.

All of their rooms at all the palace properties have ocean front jacuzzis ensuite.

Another thing, one of the biggest differences I've found between Jamaica all inclusives and Mexico is the liquor.

Cheap liquor is generally used at the AI in Mexico and you've not had a hangover until you've had a cheap Mexican liquor hangover.

Pov-pov Vodka would be an upgrade.

Jamaica AI liquor is generally top shelf.

Royal Plantation has Spa Honeymoon Suite that has a nice Jacuzzi and Shower area. Problem is it cost about 6k for a week plus air, looks awesome though.

I wanted the Jacuzzi thing at first too, but basically you have to spend big bucks or go to Mexico for that and we weren't choosing a Honeymoon spot because of one thing like that anyway. Jamaica has that tropical island vibe to it, more than Mexico does, which is one reason we chose it. ocho rios looks like a unique area.

although I may break down and try to upgrade to the Spa suite before we go, right now it would be an additional $1500 I think.

http://honeymoons.about.com/od/jamaica/ss/RoyalPlantation_8.htm

pic of the spa suite I was talking about.

cheap caribbean has a really good rate for Paradisus Palma Real .. im skeptical cause the rates on their website very high

jpniner... that room is awesome!

I've been helping my niece plan her honeymoon. She doesn't want an AI if it can be helped but would prefer a smaller more intimate venue. I checked out Orbitz and there was a number of excellent deals available including air for those who want a large resort. You are also going during low season which should provide you with better options from which to choose. Everybody and there brother is vying for the consumer dollar. You should have no problem finding a decent AI with bargain prices at that time of year without going to Mexico.
La Luna, Spice Island and Coyaba on Grenada are all on Orbitz with excellent deals for the time of yr you are getting married.

I have looked into Young Island for her which is one she has considered but it is a bit pricey and doesn't include air. Still it is very intimate. www.youngisland.com

Did you decide yet? This is like a soap opera!! I am dying to know!

I know ! Isnt it crazy--? No, I havent decided... what is ur recommendation Starshine8?

JenJay68, Man, boy o boy, do you have a lot to consider with all of the above experts!! I have been to Jamaica 3 times, all three to Sandals! LOVED it! I loved Sandals because it is all there if you want it and you can ALWAYS go off the resort and venture elsewhere to eat and have excursions! Sandals are not all the same as have been mentioned above; I am not familiar with the OCHOS RICHOS location, only Montego Bay. I do not think you can wrong with Jamaica. Weather, people, amenities, adventure, beach, ROMANCE, what else can a bride ask for??? Jamaica is on your list, you must have been pulled there for a reason, something attracted you to it. I live in Florida, so Jamaica was a quick flight, no changing planes. We could leave at 8am and be on the beach by noon! Sandals caters to couples, no kids, and will treat you like royalty being honeymooners. You will meet other honeymooners and have wonderful restaurants and activities to choose from. The rooms are magnificant and spacious. Also, when you go to Sandals you can earn points towards another vacation and apply it to any other Sandals resorts and get an amazing rate. They cater toward repeat customers, so all in all, I think you kinda know what you want, but you may be overwhelmed with too many choices! I know, good place to be in, but in my opinion, you can't go wrong for a HONEYMOON choice to choose a resort that caters to your special celebration! Just my 2 cents. Please let us know what you decide and make sure you provide this FORUM with a trip report when you get back. You have engaged a lot of travelers with your choice and we are all wishing you an awesome celebration!!! Starshine8

PS, Barbados is the "other island" that usually skirts hurricanes because of it's easterly location. They do not have a Sandals, but St Lucia does and the Sandals in St Lucia is one of the premier, over the top grand resorts. I know, now you are really confused!! LOL!! I am going to Barbados in July--never been and staying at all AI called Turtle Beach. More a family resort--Let us know!!

I originally wanted Barbados for its history and location south of Hurricane. This is what steered me away:

1) from CLT, there is no direct flights on Sunday's(day after wedding, same with St. Lucia btw). So flying the day after wedding is a complete hassle and makes for a long day. Saturday is the day, from CLT, you can fly direct to Barbados or St. Lucia...

2) Jamaica, Cancun, Bermuda, Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Provo all have cheap, quick and several departure time flights from CLT. This is a huge bonus because of the cost and the fact we will be exhausted from wedding and can't take but so much.

3) Jamaica and Cancun/Playa areas seem like more ideal spots to do AI, which is what we want for a honeymoon since mostly want to relax. And you tend to get the most for your money between these two spots.

I want to go to Barbados, Provo, Bermuda, Cayman, etc one day, but not when we want to do AI and not when we need a short flight at ideal time.

If a Hurrican comes though, I may cancel trip and switch to Aruba. There is a direct flight from Aruba to CLT on Sunday, we chose Jamaica for the resort and being AI. Aruba isn't a place I want to do AI in after reading up on it.

bottom line, I hope to go to all these places at some point in life, might as well do Jamaica for the honeymoon.

check out the Tara Suites in Bucuti resort in Aruba if want to consider it. Thats what i would switch to, not AI but great beach

You all have provided me with some great info! So many choices... I haven't booked yet! I am just so torn. We definately want AI-- and want to be on the beach.... want our room to be steps away from the water .. if this is posible. And of course, still searching for a great rate... I believe Sandals are great but not sure I want to spend that much$$ ... Some say they are overpriced . Husband to be works for GM, a little nervous about that too..

I would not book at Sandals Ocho Rios....I was there last week and it is very dated and the food left alot to be desired. I recommend a Riu or Iberostar, or at least Sandals Royal Caribbean.

Lisafer, Yes. I heard all Sandals are not created equal. What did you like about Jamaica? Was that your first trip there ? The better deals are in Punta Canta.. but I am worried because I have read so much about Montezumas Revenge from the food... Wish I could find a place that that wouldnt be a worry

If I was planning a honeymoon I would consider the following places.

Jamaica....Treasure Beach http://www.treasurebeach.net/guide/ or Silver Sands http://www.silver-sands.com. However I am unsure of the availablity of AI's. Also it is in hurricane belt.

Grenada....lots of AI's on Grande Anse beach but would stongly recommend Blue Horizons, not on beach but has a kitchenette. http://www.grenadabluehorizons.com/ Grenada is well out of the hurricane belt.

Provo..we loved the Turks and Caicos but it can be susceptible to hurricanes.

Aruba....went there 15 years ago and it was busy busy then. Unsure If I would go there for a honeymoon.

jenjay, just because hurricanes don't land there doesn't mean they don't make weather miserable in ARuba.

Hurricanes Ivan, Felix, and Emily all did damage to Aruba and would have most certainly ruined your beach experience for several days. All three of these hurricanes did damage to Aruba in the past FIVE years.

A hurricane doesn't have to be a direct hit to do damage.

Secondly let me point out that almost no coastal areas on the planet are immune to hurricanes. In North America that includes Alaska, Hawaii, West Coast, East Coast, Gulf, Mexico, Carribean, etc.

My point is pick the place you want to go and buy travel insurance.

Hurricanes don't just pop up. You'll have a week or two warning for the general direction of a hurricane.

Airlines will change your flights free of charge.

My suggestion would be to take the hurricane issue out of the equation.

That said, I think Jamaica would be a good fit for you.

The all inclusives in Jamaica are generally nicer than Cancun but you'll pay about 30% more than you will in Cancun.

Also, if you pick Jamaica, make sure that your resort isn't a three hour transfer from the airport. Anything on the northwestern part of the island will be a haul to get to (two hours in my experience) and Negril is a two hour ride from Montego Bay.

While that may not seem to bad, if you arrive at noon, by the time you get your luggage, get on the bus, get there and check in, it is 4PM and you've lost an entire day.

Ditto for your flight out. If your flight leaves at noon, you'll have to be at the airport by 10AM and the bus will be picking you up by 7am. Not a fun way to finish a vacation.

Have you considered a Honeymoon on a charter catamaran in the Virgin Islands? You get to visit the most beautiful beaches that nobody really gets to, and you have a crew to take care of you ! If you are interested, contact Virgin Islands Charter League, St Thomas who should be able to assist.

You don't want to go the Caribbean during hurricane season, although Sandals gives you a hurricane guarantee. You would get your money back if there is a hurricane during your stay but check with them for sure.

I love Hawaii! My husband went there on our 25th wedding anniversary and have been back five times and there are a lot of honeymooners there. It is so romantic (even for someone who has been married 36 years!). They have incredibles deals out there now. Kauai would be the best island or the Big Island. There are a lot of cool resorts that cater to honeymooners. Try happyvacations.com or Apple Vacations or Funjet. Work with a travel agent. Sometimes they can find better deals than you can online yourself. Good luck and have a great wedding and honeymoon!

molokaima, Hawaii gets typhoons which are hurricanes in the Pacific. Typhoon Iniki for some reason comes to mind.

In that case, the OP wouldn't want to go to Hawaii during typhoon season. Also, I think they have time restraints of six nights and that is kind of short for Hawaii.

Again, virtually no coastal area is immune from typhoons or hurricanes. Get trip insurance and take it out of the equation.