Poll - Where in the world...
 

...should we go for our honeymoon? Thanks for your two cents!

Our parameters:
- Leaving on and around June 28th from either LAX or JFK
- Want to spend ten full non-travel days
- Want to spend no more than 7k
- Prefer cities/architecture/culture/good food over wilderness/country although we like some pretty nature
- Want to go somewhere neither of us have been, and somewhere outside of North America
- Places we've been: Ireland, England, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Kenya, Thailand

How about Luang Prabang, Laos? It's a lovely little World Heritage town on the Mekong river. There are several lovely places to stay (I recommend the Pansea). You can spend days wandering around town and visiitng wats, but there are plenty of interesting day trips as well.

Photos of Luang Prabang (as well as a number of other places in SE Asia) at www.marlandc.com

There's no place like home.

Thanks for the suggestion - I had never considered Laos!

I would say fly into Bangkok, head to Ayuthaya, Nakhom Pranom and the River Kwai, take 4 days on the river cruiser which takes you to Thai villages plus the River Kwai surrounding areas, waterfalls etc, then a couple of hours back to Bangkok and head down to Koh Samui, 1 hour flight, and spend a week at a nice beach resort like the Dusit Santiburi.

That gives you culture/history/eco tourism/soft adventure plus city and beach.
Tip: if you are flying from JFK check the new non-stop flights on Emirates to Dubai, they fly non-stop to Dubai and change of aircraft on to Bangkok, great service even in Coach and a very fast routing.

http://www.emirates.com

http://www.cruiseasia.net

http://www.freewebs.com/koh_samui_hotels/

How about Bali? Although it has no big cities (like Bangkok), there is plenty to see in and around the town of Ubud and the rest of the island. It has one the most diverse selections of good restaurants on the planet. The architecture in Bali dates as far in the past as the 13th century and reflects the development of its most unique Hindu culture. There is plenty of pretty nature, both on the coast and inland, as well. You could live quite well on $7K with economy airfare via Singapore, Hong Kong or Bangkok. You could include one of these cities as part of your trip but IMO you would need more than 10 days. For our 6 part trip report from last July, go to http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200307/11747.html. At the end of each section is a link to continue on to the next part.

Hi

What about Cape Town in South Africa? It is a beautiful city with lots to do and see and it is pretty cheap compared to Europe and the US.

Another option is Dubai in United Arab Emirates.

Or Beijing in China :-)

I have been to these places and I can recommend them. I have posted trip reports and pictures from my trips to these destinations on my homepage www.gardkarlsen.com. Maybe you can find some useful information there :-)

Have a great trip and good luck on the wedding :-)

Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway

kyoto japan meets most of your criteria. but you'll probably spend 7k buy the tiem you get too hotel

I totally agree with Craig's recommendation based on the description of what you are looking for!!! Bali is gorgeous, and you can live so luxuriously (some of the finest resorts in the world) for such a great price. Check out the three Aman resorts and the two Four Seasons and make sure to look into the villa accomodations.

A stop in Singapore is often part of the regular routing, so it may not cost you any more money to do so. It's such a great city - phenomonal hotels too at very good prices. Try a night at the Ritz Carlton Millenia (RC flagship) and ask for the postcard-perfect marine view. If not Singapore, try for hong Kong.

Above all - remember - this is your honeymoon. If you're lucky, you'll only have one!

Another place to consider is Egypt. I have no idea how much the air travel will cost from the US, but certainly once you are there, hotels, food and sightseeing is very cheap. We spent 2 weeks there last summer touring around and while it is hot, it is not humid, which makes sightseeing much more bearable. The Egptian people are so friendly, and the sights are unforgetable.

BALI is Ok for a couple of days but. it does not have much too offer for those of us that prefer cities (the person who posted mentioned that they prefer cities)

kyoto
Rio de janiro
cape town
Bueno Aires

U could consider combining Siem reap (Angkokr Wat) with Luang Prabang altho be forewarned it will be hot. However u will get your culture and architecture dosage in both places and flts between the 2 are short.

Lots of good ideas....for first honeymoons, second honeymoons, third honeymooons....thanks so much! I will have to start a "to visit" next to "to read lists" etc. :)