Need help to plan October Honeymoon!!
Jun 18th, 2009, 08:59 PM
#1
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Need help to plan October Honeymoon!!
We are planning to honeymoon for one week starting on Oct. 11. Our first choice is Costa Rica but the messages about rainy season is making me explore other options. So I'm looking at the Caribbean and need some suggestions/help on where to go! Here's what we're interested in:
--relaxing, beautiful beaches (where we can actually swim in the water)
--beautiful island, such as mountains, hills, volcanoes???
--opportunity for adventure/activity such as hiking, exploring, etc
--want to go to a place that has local culture that we can be exposed to
--don't want a huge hotel/resort, would like a smaller hotel with character
--if possible an oceanview room with balcony
--probably not AI
--not a place where I have to stay on the resort, want to be able to explore the island
Budget: ~ $2500, we have some flexibility but don't want to spend a fortune and from the research I've done it seems like this budget is possible (on Costa Rica at least)
other questions:
Aside from it being hurricane season, is it rainy season everywhere in the Carribean at this time?
Is there anyone out there that says we should brave it and head to Costa Rica?
Thanks!!!!
--relaxing, beautiful beaches (where we can actually swim in the water)
--beautiful island, such as mountains, hills, volcanoes???
--opportunity for adventure/activity such as hiking, exploring, etc
--want to go to a place that has local culture that we can be exposed to
--don't want a huge hotel/resort, would like a smaller hotel with character
--if possible an oceanview room with balcony
--probably not AI
--not a place where I have to stay on the resort, want to be able to explore the island
Budget: ~ $2500, we have some flexibility but don't want to spend a fortune and from the research I've done it seems like this budget is possible (on Costa Rica at least)
other questions:
Aside from it being hurricane season, is it rainy season everywhere in the Carribean at this time?
Is there anyone out there that says we should brave it and head to Costa Rica?
Thanks!!!!
Jun 19th, 2009, 02:25 AM
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Have a look at Ottleys Plantation Inn on St Kitts, which would tick all your boxes
http://www.ottleys.com/
Also for more information about St Kitts see the tourism website
http://www.stkittstourism.kn/index.asp
http://www.ottleys.com/
Also for more information about St Kitts see the tourism website
http://www.stkittstourism.kn/index.asp
Jun 19th, 2009, 04:32 AM
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you might look at st. lucia. the only drive through volcano in the world. good hiking & biking - very hilly and lush.
it's my understanding that how rainy it is depends on where in costa rica you want to go. hurricanes do not normally affect costa rica.
maya riviera is another option. inexpensive destination over all. ruins to visit for culture. gorgeous beaches.
it's my understanding that how rainy it is depends on where in costa rica you want to go. hurricanes do not normally affect costa rica.
maya riviera is another option. inexpensive destination over all. ruins to visit for culture. gorgeous beaches.
Jun 19th, 2009, 06:48 AM
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I agree with St. Lucia, but I think your budget is unrealistic for that destination unless you can find a good deal. A less expensive alternative would be Jamaica. No volcanos though, but lush scenary, mountains and waterfalls.
If your heart is set on Costa Rica, do more research regarding the rainy seaon vs. hurricane season in the Caribbean.
If your heart is set on Costa Rica, do more research regarding the rainy seaon vs. hurricane season in the Caribbean.
Jun 19th, 2009, 07:44 AM
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Rainy season in the Caribbean is a bit of a misnomer. Lush islands like St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Nevis, Jamaica, etc. tend to get rain all year round (although more in the fall and winter vs, spring and summer). The point is those islands don't get lush without rain - hence the term "rain forest". Rain when it does come is usually in the form of widely scattered and brief showers. It's not unusual for it to rain in one area and there be bright sun 1/4 mile away.
As far as Costa rica is concerned thet do have a rainy season but the amount of rain and how often it rains varies from location to location.
The Caribbean does have a "Hurricane Season" which officially lasts from June 1 through November 30 with peak time being September and October. This doesn't mean hurricanes are running rampert around the islands during that time but rather there's a good chance one or more major storms will develope. The Caribbean covers a large area and a major tropical storm in one area may not affect other parts of the Caribbean. The actual odds of a major storm striking one partticular island are relatively small. Still there is a chance you could experience periods of unsettled weather. If no storms are brewing the weather can be quite good at that time of year.
Lastly, as a general rule of thumb the further south you go in the Caribbean the less chance there will be you'll encounter a major tropical storm or hurricane during October.
Islands in the southern Caribbean that are mountainous and lush include St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic). All offer what you are seeking. FYI - Dominica is an eco-tourist's delight with lush rain forests, volcanos, waterfalls, hiking trails and best of all some very moderately priced resorts.
As far as Costa rica is concerned thet do have a rainy season but the amount of rain and how often it rains varies from location to location.
The Caribbean does have a "Hurricane Season" which officially lasts from June 1 through November 30 with peak time being September and October. This doesn't mean hurricanes are running rampert around the islands during that time but rather there's a good chance one or more major storms will develope. The Caribbean covers a large area and a major tropical storm in one area may not affect other parts of the Caribbean. The actual odds of a major storm striking one partticular island are relatively small. Still there is a chance you could experience periods of unsettled weather. If no storms are brewing the weather can be quite good at that time of year.
Lastly, as a general rule of thumb the further south you go in the Caribbean the less chance there will be you'll encounter a major tropical storm or hurricane during October.
Islands in the southern Caribbean that are mountainous and lush include St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic). All offer what you are seeking. FYI - Dominica is an eco-tourist's delight with lush rain forests, volcanos, waterfalls, hiking trails and best of all some very moderately priced resorts.
Jun 19th, 2009, 08:14 AM
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What's included in your $2,500 budget? Is that just airfare and lodging or are things like food and drink in that budget? You might want to start looking for travel deals, although it may be early to grab one of those for October.
It's not the Caribbean, but I know Hawaii tourism is down and I think there are some deals being offered. Might want to at least check it out.
As far as what you have described, St. John and Virgin Gorda are great destinations and fit your descriptions, although there are more lush islands than those. SJ or VG may be hard to do on your budget, however. The approach I'd take is look around for deals, come up with a couple options, and then ask some more questions of those destinations here on Fodors.
It's not the Caribbean, but I know Hawaii tourism is down and I think there are some deals being offered. Might want to at least check it out.
As far as what you have described, St. John and Virgin Gorda are great destinations and fit your descriptions, although there are more lush islands than those. SJ or VG may be hard to do on your budget, however. The approach I'd take is look around for deals, come up with a couple options, and then ask some more questions of those destinations here on Fodors.
Jun 19th, 2009, 10:19 AM
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Rjad109,
My picks for your description would be:
http://www.stonefieldvillas.com/
we stayed there and LOVED it, and it's in your price range.
**hint-request the villa Frangipani if it's available -it had the biggest pool when we were there -it's $350 p/nt (although they've built more villas since) Let me know if you want to see my pics from the trip.
Dominica also looks like it fits your bill. I haven't been, but have looked into it. This place looks awesome as well.
http://www.junglebaydominica.com
Good luck!
My picks for your description would be:
http://www.stonefieldvillas.com/
we stayed there and LOVED it, and it's in your price range.
**hint-request the villa Frangipani if it's available -it had the biggest pool when we were there -it's $350 p/nt (although they've built more villas since) Let me know if you want to see my pics from the trip.
Dominica also looks like it fits your bill. I haven't been, but have looked into it. This place looks awesome as well.
http://www.junglebaydominica.com
Good luck!
Jun 19th, 2009, 04:01 PM
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Congrats on the upcoming wedding! From your list, I will throw in Grenada to be considered. One of the friendliest islands and seems to meet what you are looking for.
--relaxing, beautiful beaches (where we can actually swim in the water)
<b>check...Grand Anse, La Sagesse, Morne Rouge to name a few</b>
--beautiful island, such as mountains, hills, volcanoes???
<b> check...Grenada is a lush island where you can hike Grand Etang, hike to waterfalls</b>
--opportunity for adventure/activity such as hiking, exploring, etc
<b> see above...plus you can visit rum distilleries where they still make rum the old fashioned way, spice plantations, local markets </b>
--want to go to a place that has local culture that we can be exposed to
<b> check...Grenada has a very strong west indian culture and Grenadians are very friendly. They are proud to show off their country and if you show interest and engage them in conversation, you will develop some good friendships. </b>
--don't want a huge hotel/resort, would like a smaller hotel with character
--if possible an oceanview room with balcony
--probably not AI
--not a place where I have to stay on the resort, want to be able to explore the island
<b> check...lots of places that fits what you are looking for... La Sagesse, Lance Aux Epines cottages, Petite Anse, Le Phare Bleu to name a few </b>
Budget: ~ $2500, we have some flexibility but don't want to spend a fortune and from the research I've done it seems like this budget is possible (on Costa Rica at least)
<b> Does this include airfare? Airfare is the biggest expense to fly to Grenada. The hotel and food you can definitely do on a budget and still enjoy it. </b>
Holler if you have any questions specific to Grenada. I'd be happy to answer.
--relaxing, beautiful beaches (where we can actually swim in the water)
<b>check...Grand Anse, La Sagesse, Morne Rouge to name a few</b>
--beautiful island, such as mountains, hills, volcanoes???
<b> check...Grenada is a lush island where you can hike Grand Etang, hike to waterfalls</b>
--opportunity for adventure/activity such as hiking, exploring, etc
<b> see above...plus you can visit rum distilleries where they still make rum the old fashioned way, spice plantations, local markets </b>
--want to go to a place that has local culture that we can be exposed to
<b> check...Grenada has a very strong west indian culture and Grenadians are very friendly. They are proud to show off their country and if you show interest and engage them in conversation, you will develop some good friendships. </b>
--don't want a huge hotel/resort, would like a smaller hotel with character
--if possible an oceanview room with balcony
--probably not AI
--not a place where I have to stay on the resort, want to be able to explore the island
<b> check...lots of places that fits what you are looking for... La Sagesse, Lance Aux Epines cottages, Petite Anse, Le Phare Bleu to name a few </b>
Budget: ~ $2500, we have some flexibility but don't want to spend a fortune and from the research I've done it seems like this budget is possible (on Costa Rica at least)
<b> Does this include airfare? Airfare is the biggest expense to fly to Grenada. The hotel and food you can definitely do on a budget and still enjoy it. </b>
Holler if you have any questions specific to Grenada. I'd be happy to answer.
Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:21 AM
#10
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All-
Thanks so much for all of this information! I'm going to take some time to look into your suggestions and will probably come back with more questions! I can't wait to check out these islands and links!
And to answer the question asked, the budget stated above we hope to include airfare and lodging... if anyone sees or knows of great deals, whether it's CR or other locations, just let me know. I've found some great little B&Bs in CR for under $200 a night, of course with rainy season the rates are lowest that time of year.
Thanks so much for all of this information! I'm going to take some time to look into your suggestions and will probably come back with more questions! I can't wait to check out these islands and links!
And to answer the question asked, the budget stated above we hope to include airfare and lodging... if anyone sees or knows of great deals, whether it's CR or other locations, just let me know. I've found some great little B&Bs in CR for under $200 a night, of course with rainy season the rates are lowest that time of year.
