Military honeymoon

Old Oct 10th, 2015, 01:27 PM
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Military honeymoon

Hello,
My wife and I are trying to go on a honeymoon late December for 7 days. we don't know the exact dates because the military doesn't release those dates until the fiscal year ends(hopefully in a week). Regardless, we know it will be late December time frame. We both would like to go snorkeling and enjoy the beaches (living next to Destin, FL, we both appreciate the white sand and clear blue water) We also would like to be able to go hiking to see the island, outside of just the beach. I have been to Puerto Rico once about 15 years ago. We were able to stay with a family friend in a city on the southwest side of the island. We were able to go through the rain forest which I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm not sure how the other islands compare. I have looked at St. Thomas and St. Croix. Both look absolutely beautiful but I have heard some negative points to each. Saint Thomas seems to be overflowing with cruise passengers, while St. Croix looks to be very small and not a lot of inner Island adventures. I could be be completely wrong. I apologize if I am naïve. At this point I feel is between Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, or St. Croix. If anyone has any recommendations for either of the three it would be greatly appreciated. If I am missing someplace that is better than all three, please advise. Also, once we figure out where we are going we may be looking for some inside advice i.e. best restaurants, Best charters for snorkeling etc.
Thank you for your time

Limiting factors:
We can only stay on islands that do not require passports.... (Yay)
Budget is $4000 with airfare ( tickets to St. Thomas were around $1600 for both of us)


Semper Fidelis,
Nick
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Old Oct 10th, 2015, 05:47 PM
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Perhaps St John or Vieques would be nice?

Curious though, does the military prohibit you from leaving US Territory? Or is that a personal preference? If I may be so bold.
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Old Oct 10th, 2015, 07:13 PM
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It isn't prohibited... But it requires a lot of excess work and some commands (mine) will not allow it. We would have preferred going outside of US territories. But in the mean time we must stick to US territories.

It looks like there are multiple ways to travel from St Thomas to St. John. Would you suggest staying at St Thomas and traveling to St. John for maybe a day or two? Or would it be better to just stay in one place?

Again, thank you for your help...and sorry for the excessive amount of questions

Nick
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Old Oct 11th, 2015, 07:03 AM
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Well congratulations. Sorry, but I am not a fan of St Thomas. And St John will just be more expensive to get to, but a beautiful island with lots of protected land and gorgeous beaches, but a rental car is necessary and will add to your budget. I don't know why flights to USVI are often high.

End of December is tough - highest of seasons most everywhere. Hope you can get leave the week before the holidays. $4000 sounds like a generous budget, but door to door will add up quickly.

For flights use kayak.com as a search engine. If you consider a self catered private rental check out vrbo.com.

I think you might stretch your dollar with travel by researching Puerto Rico and a visit to Vieques.

Good luck and Congrats, and thank you for serving.
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Old Oct 11th, 2015, 09:08 AM
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How about Hale Koa? It's a hotel for military personnel on Oahu (Waikiki Beach).
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Old Oct 11th, 2015, 01:46 PM
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suze's suggestion is well worth exploring.
I had thought of it but didn't think going to a work related environment screamed honeymoon. Oahu is a longer commute but may be similar in price for airfare - no car rental needed and lots to explore. The other hawaiian islands also have housing options for vacationing military. And I have friends who have stayed a couple of times in Key West. Maybe not honeymoon, but certainly something to consider in your future anniversary celebrations!

There are some great military recreational deals available if that fits into your desires.
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Old Oct 11th, 2015, 07:03 PM
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Since general public is allowed at the beach bar at Hale Koa (Barefoot Bar) I've been a few times at happy hour and walked through the grounds.

If I didn't know it was a military property I would have never guessed from the atmosphere and ambience of the hotel grounds. It just looks like a beautiful Hawaiian resort.
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Old Oct 12th, 2015, 08:53 AM
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We have started looking into Hawaii and we really like it. I have a few friends at K-Bay and we are looking at the villas on base. We are planning on staying on base for a big chunk of the time followed by Hale Koa. We will try and break our trip into two segments. The first will be exploring to the north the second will be exploring to the south. Any recommendations for tours? Sorry about the 180
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Old Oct 12th, 2015, 09:19 AM
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No need to be sorry. I think Hawaii is an EXCELLENT idea for a honeymoon!! That's what these forums are about, tossing out ideas for people aloha, suze
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Old Oct 12th, 2015, 10:42 AM
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I think that's a great choice! I'd suggest posting a new thread on the Hawaii boards here and on the Tripadvisor Oahu board.
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