Planning Honeymoon FEBRUARY 2014
 

We want to plan our honeymoon within the carribean islands scheduled for February 2014. We would want to plan for around 3 weeks including the travel time from Asia (to-n-fro)
Not a great fan of rocky beaches. We can even include costa rica if that would add flavour...

Please suggest some ideas as the planning is at a very nascent stage.

Thanks!!!

Do you have a budget in mind for accommodations, food and activities?

Getting to the Caribbean from Asia is going to be a long trek. You'll most likely have to fly into the US and get one or more connecting flights to reach the Caribbean - or possibly fly to either Paris or London and get a flight to the Caribbean on either Air France or British Air.

Your tag line indicated an interest in the Bahamas. they are pretty far north and can get cool in February so I'd cross them off your short list.

Anguilla has 35 fantastic white sand beaches and 80+ restaurants some of which are among the best in the Caribbean. The island is easily reached by ferry (20 minute trip) or small plane (7 minutes) from St. Martin. Since St. martin is served by non-stop flights from the US, England and France it could be your best option.

Grand Cayman has lots of fine beaches so that island is a contender, however,I'm not sure how easy or difficult getting their from Asia will be.

If you give us some idea of what type of activities and what type of island you are seeking it would help narrow down your choices.

Budget most important and for reference, Caribbean is much more expensive than Asia.

You are also going the height of peak season, most expensive time of year.

In 3 weeks you might get bored with 1 island, most are really small.

So tell us mre

BUDGET
Do yu need shopping?
Nightlife?
Gourmet restaurants?
Excursions?
Island hopping?

Basically below is a list of things we want:

Island Hopping
Shopping
Nightlife
Adventure Sports

We were even thinking of spending 2 weeks in caribbean and including a week in the USA (Las Vegas or Miami/Florida)

What do you suggest?

St. Thomas has loads of shopping, you can easily island hop to St. John and just about all of the British Virgin Islands. You'll also have access to lots of night life and all sorts of water and adventure sports.

Las Vegas is very far from the Caribbean and you'll find it difficult to reach the Caribbean without stopping somewhere else on route to change planes (perhaps even overnighting). Skip Las Vegas and spend time in Miami instead - lots of flights to the major Caribbean islands from that city.

Its 3 weeks we shall be there....I am flexible with all options

Was thinking of the below

10 days in caribbean islands
10 days in miami + las vegas

Any feelers?

Again, budget really helps!

If you want to relax quite a bit I would not jump around so much. Have you checked flying time from say Aruba-Las Vegas? You really don't have that much time to cement these plans. Places in the Caribbean fill up fast as this is there busy time of year. I would go to Aruba, then you could take a plane to St. Thomas for a few days. From St.Thomas you can take a ferry to St. Johns. Or from Aruba you can go to Curaco or Bonaire but they are very quiet island. I would choose a few island but then go to Miami Florida. You could do a lot in Florida. not sure what you are really seeking or budget? In Florida you could get to the Keys, even Disneyworld in Orlando space center--many interesting things to see in Florida. Again your budget would help. Personally if I were you I would not want to spend so much time in the Caribbean. After awhile the island seem the same (sort of) and the water is turquoise here and it is the same there. Again it depends on what you are looking for---relaxation, or more things to see since you are in this country. If las Vegas I high on your list then cut down the Caribbean time and make a point to go there then fly home from there.

Ok, Budget would be around USD 20K-25K

I am planning for a 3 week trip and would like to break it into 3 places at the most....

Fly into Miami and connect to carribean

1st week
Now, I am confused at to what islands do I choose to go for......Bahamas, Grand Cayman Islands, Aruba? We would like to relax, enjoy pristine beaches, diving, snorkelling and ofcourse pampering...I want to spent the whole time at one major island

2nd week
We thought of then flying to Florida and enjoy a mix of both south beach miami, universal resort orlando at our pace becasue I am sensing huge crowds

3rd week
Fly from orlando to las vegas and enjoy las vegas....fly back from vegas

Your thoughts will be appreciated....

Again, cross the Bahamas off your list - they are far north and could be too cool for swimming and beach related activities in February. If you want diving/snorkeling choose the Grand Cayman, those activities are better on that island then Aruba.

From Grand Cayman you can easily get a flight back to Miami and there are multiple daily flights from Miami to Orlando or, if you want, you can drive the 250+ miles.

As for getting to Las Vegas, you'll have to check airline schedules as I'm not sure if you can get there from Orlando non-stop, direct (i.e. same plane but making one or more intermediate stops) or by a connecting flight (changing planes).

Same with flying back home from Las Vegas - you'll need a connecting flight either through Los Angeles or San Francisco to get back to Asia.

Ok. Sorry I did not mean to confuse you I was under the impression you wanted to see many islands. I agree Grand Cayman should do for diving or Turks and Caicos--also great diving there with the most beautiful color of water.

You could then fly to Orlando from the islands and spend some time there doing Universal studios or Epcot. Crowds should be minimal as school is in session in February.

Then lastly go to Miami--chances of getting a direct flight through Miami to Las Vegas would be best. Then spend the rest of your time in Las Vegas. This sounds like a good plan. You will then need a direct flight out of LA or San Fran for home.

<Crowds should be minimal as school is in session in February.>

Actually, Presidents' Day in 2014 is Monday, 17 February and that week is a big school vacation week in the Northeast. Many, many families head to DisneyWorld so avoid that week if possible.

The Cayman Islands will have better diving/snorkeling than Aruba but Aruba will have warmer weather. Aruba will also have a lot of families that third week of February since it's also a popular family vacation destination.

I agree that the Bahamas are too far north for February to be assured of warm enough beach weather.

I think you have a nice plan of an island, then Florida and ending in Las Vegas. It sounds like a wonderful trip.

Thank you all 3 :)

So Grand Cayman is final as it offers the perfect weather and wont be as crouded as Aruba. Is 7 days enough or too much for Grand Cayman (considering the fact that it shall be my 1st stop all the way from Asia)... I think 7 days would be just perfect for Grand Cayman. Would you suggest mixing the 1st week with another island closeby?

Then, I head to orlando and spent 2-3 days visiting Universal Studios & Walt Disney. And then drive to Miami for relaxed couple days. Is the drive scenic or worth it from Orlando to Miami?

From Miami I shall see to get a direct flight to Las Vegas and spent a week there. Getting back home via SF or anywhere else is fine...

Would you feel, that this would be a decent trip for our first honeymoon!! We would like to relax, enjoy the thrill and party all together... Would appreciate suggestions of anything that must have been left out.

When you go to Universal Orlando, stay at one of their on site hotels. That gives you early entry and unlimited express access to the rides and attractions. A one night stay on site gives you two full days of those perks.

The only islands "close by" to Grand Cayman are Little Cayman and Cayman Brac - unless you are planning to do a lot of diving it's not really worth the effort and time to visit those islands - stick with Grand Cayman if you are only going for 7 days.

The drive from Orlando to Miami is not very scenic pretty much all Turnpike/Interstate driving through relatively flat countryside - figure on about 4 hours drive time. Flying is an option but with the time it takes to get to the airport, check-in for the flight, clear security, flight time and then getting from the airport to your hotel in Miami you are probably looking at 3 to 3.5 hours - not much difference.

I agree totally with RoamsAround--not sure it is worth it to fly into Miami with the airport hassles, it is up to you. I would just drive-I guess if you wanted to make it more scenic you could. I believe A1A some highway runs right along the beach but it goes through many towns lights etc. That would be up to you. I drove from Jax-Fll on 1-95 or 295 2 years ago I can't remember but there were no tolls--Nice easy ride did it in 4 hours.

Just stay in Grand Cayman and REST up after the long flight and jet lag. There is also a place in GC where you can pet sting rays. I know they offered it on the cruise we were on.

In Orlando get a nice hotel inside the park so you can do more. If you have time visit Epcot--interesting place I think. It sounds like a wonderful vacation/honeymoon. Congrats to you both.

Hi, We would rather want to visit Cuba and not Grand Cayman Islands. Would you please suggest on the same.

Will there be a drastic difference in the weather between Cayman Islands & Cuba?

Grand Cayman will be slightly warmer than Cuba, otherwise not much difference. You can research historical weather for any destination at the following websites:
www.weatherbase.com
www.wunderground.com

Can't comment on Cuba - never been there.

There is a forum on here geared for Cuba. Seek info there.

I have never been. I have always been under the impression we were not allowed there and besides with so many other island choices I have not given it a second thought. No it will not be as warm there. It is 90 miles from Florida.

First, let me start by saying I'm not an expert on travel to Cuba but it's very difficult for US Citizens to go to Cuba - they must get a "license" from the US State Department.

OP is from Asia and therefore doesn't have such restriction but he and his new spouse will have great difficulty getting to/from Cuba if they want to travel via the US.

There are no scheduled commercial airline flights between US and Cuba but there are a few US based companies that are authorized to do special charters for "licensed" US Citizens wishing to visit relatives in Cuba. Not sure how difficult it would be for a foreign national like OP to get tickets for those charters.

If OP & spouse want to go to Cuba they will find it easier to get there from some other country (like Canada). Same with their return. If they want to end up in Miami (as indicated) they will first have to fly to some other country since they won't be able to get to the US directly from Cuba.

Hello, I am really confused about our 1st week....we are spoilt for choice....!!

Cuba, Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Turks & Coicos, St. Lucia.... and many more

Is Anguilla easily accesible from Miami/Orlando?

RoamsAround, yes when I said "we" I was referring to u.s citizens not them as I know they are traveling from Asia. I was not clear and I was not referring to them specifically.

You are right Canada would be there best bet to get to and from there.

Akshay, This is the the first compromise--there will be many you are not married yet. LOL. Think about how you are going to get to cuba as Roamsaround says it won't be easy to get to and from there via Miami. All islands you mention are easy to get to and from Florida no problem.

I was in the Turks and Caicos for one week 13 years ago. Unless it has built up quite a bit which is possible it was a very quiet island with beautiful water color. Other than that there was little there my husband did dive there. St. Lucia is a tropical island green a volcanic island. The beaches were not that pretty there but the terrain was very nice.

If you went to Anguilla you can take a short ferry ride to St. martin about 45 minutes you would have easy access to another island. I mean just as a day trip. Not to stay. You know I would stick with Cayman Islands. 7 mile Beach is lovely, and there are a lot of restaurants to choose from. It is a good choice.

No, Anguilla is not easily accessible from the Miami or Orlando. There are no non-stop or direct flights from Miami or Orlando to Anguilla. You basically have two options: 1) Fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico and get a connecting flight to Anguilla or 2) fly into St. Martin then take either a ferry (30 minutes) or island hopper flight (7 minutes) to Anguilla.

I understand your dilemma regarding island choices - it happens to all "first time Caribbean visitors" since everyone is looking for that "perfect" island and we've all been through the same situation. I call it the "Are the beaches better on the other island" syndrome. The truth is there's no one "best" island, only different islands. That's the beauty of the Caribbean. So, don't fret, pick one island for this trip and go enjoy yourself. You have a lifetime of travel ahead of you, the other islands will still be there - you can visit a different one on your next trip.

A few last hints, since you'll be coming a very long way from Asia and you want to travel via the US choose one of the larger islands that you can reach non-stop from Miami. Doing so will reduce your overall travel time and give you more time to enjoy the island you picked. Second (and this has been mentioned to you numerous times in the above responses) since you are traveling in February take the Turks & Caicos off your short list. They are interesting islands but a bit far north and could be cool at that time of year. Choose an island further south to increase your odds of warm weather. Lastly, heed my earlier comments about the difficulty of getting to/from Cuba to the US - choose that island only if you are willing to travel to/from that island from a country other than the US.

Cuba has fantastic beaches in Varadero but the hotels and food leave alot to be desired. Havana is definitely worth seeing but not sure that a city vacation is what you had in mind, since you also mention Grand Cayman, Anguilla. It is not the easiest of destinations to combine with the US.

Easier islands to reach from MIA are Antigua, Barbados, St Martin, Grenada, St Lucia and couple others.

Ahh Grenada the spice island. Very lush, monkeys in trees and it is where they make many spices---Friendly warm people.

I was in Turks and Caicos right after early January and it was not cold it was probably 80's I would not call that cold-

Anitguia has a Sandals resort which is A/I. It is located on Dickenson's Bay which is a gorgeous beach. I have been there and had a nice time. I have friends who were married there. I would expect they would cater to newlyweds.

January and February temperature in the T&C can vary greatly. Here's some statistics:

January -
Highest ever recorded - 85 F.
Lowest ever recorded - 62 F.
Average Daily - 77 F.
Average Daily High - 80 F.
Average Daily Low - 73 F.

February -
Highest ever recorded - 85 F.
Lowest ever recorded - 65 F.
Average Daily - 76 F.
Average Daily High - 81 F.
Average Daily Low - 73 F.

OP will have to decide for himself if those temperature ranges are warm enough to warrant coming all the way from Asia. If it was me, I'd go further south.

Aren't these typical weather temps for most islands? In Jan or Feb? OP needs to decide what they want specifically--temps do not define my destination as long as it is not "cold." I do not consider these temps "cold." I am not a "quiet island" person and the temps are not that relevant. T&C was just to quiet for me. Some love it there--I can see them liking it there especially after a long flight. Lots of down time. resting relaxing. It might work well for them.

hey, so finally i need to decide between Anguilla and Grand Cayman islands for our first week stay...we are looking for relaxing beaches,nightlife and adventure sports ..so could you please share your views on the respective locations,..also we would like to know the accessibilty to these islands from Miami and if its worth a week long stay!

As already mention in my earlier response getting to Anguilla from MIA is not easy. You basically have two options: 1) Fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico and get a connecting flight to Anguilla or 2) fly into St. Martin then take either a ferry (30 minutes) or island hopper flight (7 minutes) to Anguilla.

You can fly non-stop from MIA to Grand Cayman so that island is easier to get to.

There's very little nightlife on Anguilla and you won't find many, if any, "adventure sports" on the island so if those things are important to you pick Grand Cayman.

NOTE to diann24 - it's not the "average temperature" in the T&C's that's a concern but the temperature ranges. It has dropped into the 60's F. during January/February and that's "cool" in my book. OP is traveling halfway around the world to honeymoon in the Caribbean (in February) so that's why I and others will suggest going further south. Why risk cool temperatures if you can mitigate that risk by going a bit further south.

Roamsaround, Looks like T&C is not even an option--- for OP.I am coming from JFK/EWR east coast, where even 60's is a heat wave to me.(In Jan) I was there only once early Jan. and it was nice. Yes further south is certainly a guarantee of warmer weather--

Ashay stick then with Grand Cayman. Anguilla Is very quiet. If you want to really see 2 or 3 islands you could get to St.Martin take a ferry to Anguilla for a day trip even to St. Barts from St. Martin but I would recommend just staying in Grand Cayman. Do you really want to jump around that much after the long flight? There is not much to do in Anguilla in terms of excitement. I think your best choice is Grand Cayman from MIA.

After deciding on the island have you chosen a place yet to stay if you chose for example the Cayman islands? I think that would also determine which island--First things first--

Gr. Cayman is a wonderful place to dive, snorkle, relax. 7 Mile Beach is the place!! The Westin..great, Villas of the Galleon, super condos, easy access to town. Ritz Carlton Hotel is not on the beach but across the road, the RC condos are on the beach. Same with Marriot, but with no condos. Good restaurants available along West Bay Road. Driving is "on the wrong side" but with most rentals being No. American cars. Nice Botanical Garden.Lots of banks!!Condos!!Cruise ships!! Jewelery stores!! but great sunsets and maybe you will even see a green flash. I have seen 2!! Love GC as you may be able to tell. Oh BTW the Cayman $ costs 1.25US$.(unless the gov't has changed that) Everything is imported and therefore somewhat dear if you are looking for bargins.