Honeymoon locale - Caribbean, Europe, or U.S.?
 

Hello fellow travelers!! I hope you can offer some advice!

My fiancé and I made a list of our top choices, and we are torn! We plan to keep traveling as much as we can—so if we don’t do it on our honeymoon, we will probably do it someday.

We would like either a peaceful, pristine, stunning beach location with excellent snorkeling, or a foodie/wine type trip with some opportunities for lovely natural scenery and a smidgen of sightseeing. We do not want to be cold or have too much rain! (Daily temps of 60+) We like going off the beaten trail. To give you an idea of our tastes, our favorite trips were to Florence and Cinque Terre and Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands.

What you need to know:
TIME: We have about a week, maybe a bit more, at the end of October 2009.
COST: We want to splurge without going overboard—we’re going for mid-level, quiet luxury (I don’t want to set a definite number, but perhaps $400-500/night for a boutique-type hotel or small resort?)
LOGISTICS: Our trip will begin in New York where the wedding takes place and will end in Seattle, where we will be living.
TEMPO: We want to spend most of our time relaxing and to ourselves, while also doing something each day that gets us out and about and active (a short hike, a swim, or going out for dinner).

In particular, we’d like insight on which place might be better suited for a honeymoon, versus just a vacation in the future. Among these locations, are there any you think would give us more bang for our buck? We are leaning toward the Caribbean or Italy. Feel free to add anything we haven’t listed!

-Caribbean: Grenada, Turks & Caicos, or St. Vincent and the Grenadines
-Northern Italy: Lake Region, Bologna, Venice
-Northern California: Napa Valley wine region, Monterey coastal area
-Greece (one of the quiet, secluded islands)
-Portugal

At the end of October in Europe, you have only a few places where you could be sure of getting the kind of weather you want, and even there you could get rained out. (The southermost parts of spain and the canaries come to mind)

Certainly not Italy.

Be aware that hurricane season in the Caribbean is still on in late October but the chances are slim you will be caught in the midst of one.

For end of October in Europe, a foodie/wine type trip would be best, and Italy seems a good choice.

If you go to Greece, concentrate on the mainland rather than the islands. The Peloponnese, for example, has far more to see than any island, and has beaches as well. You may be lucky and get some good beach weather in late October. Snorkelling is only so-so in Greece - clear water, but no coral or colorful fish.

My daughter was in the Yucatan last October, and had a wonderful time. There are some good coral reefs on the coast, and lots of Mayan ruins to explore in the interior. Some rainy days, but lots of sunshine as well. You may want to consider that part of the Caribbean.

What about East Africa? Zanzibar or the Tanzanian/Kenian coast would offer you the snorkelling and fantastic beaches. It would cost a bit more to get there but it would make a fantastic honeymoon destination.

If weather is a concern, then I would avoid Europe in October. The October averages for Bologna and Venice, for example, are pretty similar to New York at that time. Sure, you might get some glorious days, but for a honeymoon, why mess around?

Napa would be a bit more predictable weather-wise and is a great destination for food and wine.

The Caribbean is an option, and any of the places you mention would be good, but the food and wine will not be the highlight of the trip. Hurricanes are a possibility, but the likelihood of one ruining your plans is likely to be very low and you may get some deals. But, beware some of the smaller islands/resorts may not have much open. There is a difference between isolated and deserted...

The one place that I am having a little trouble understanding why you left off is Hawaii. It is a fantastic bargain right now.

Have you considered Anguilla? It combines the stunning beach with the food and wine type of trip.
It doesn't have excellent snorkeling but OK.

A secluded Greek island in late Oct would be 'closed down for the season'.
Even on Crete, a large island, very few restaurants remain open throughout the winter.

As others have said Europe won't guarantee the weather you want.

I'd also suggest the Yucatan or Hawaii.

With just a week I'd also scrap the idea of a Greek island.

It sounds like Sicily or Puglia might be options.

<i>With just a week I'd also scrap the idea of a Greek island. </i>

With just a week, I'd also scrap the idea of East Africa. Although its a great place to visit, it's just too far away for that length of trip.

Hawaii should definitely be on your list. Do a search for &quot;volcanogirl&quot; (she's been around the last couple of days, so hopefully she'll see this and respond). She spent her honeymoon in Hawaii and has some insight into this.

Wow, a big thank you to everyone for all your suggestions! Keep ‘em coming!

Based on your comments, I think we can rule out Greece due to iffy temps and ferry availability in Oct.

In other threads, there seems to be a disagreement on weather in the Tuscany area of Italy in October. Some say it’s cold and rainy, many others say the foliage is gorgeous and the day temps are 60s. Also, it sounds like it’s harvest time and a great time for foodies to visit for festivals. Does anyone have any other thoughts on a honeymoon in Italy in october?

Several people have asked why we left Hawaii off our list – well, it was originally on our list! However, we felt like “everyone” goes to Hawaii on their honeymoon. Also, it sounds more touristy than some places in the Caribbean, and we want an island trip to be more secluded. When it comes down to it, we felt like the Caribbean would be just as nice, but the flight would be shorter. (I should also add that we are okay with the hurricane risk...) But since so many people are plugging for Hawaii, we’d love details on why Hawaii might be better for a honeymoon!!!

Travelgourmet—you said Hawaii is a bargain right now—do you know how it might compare cost-wise to the Caribbean islands we’re considering? Another reason we were leaning toward Carib. over Hawaii was because we had heard it was less expensive…any thoughts on price differences???

Hello kas, well with the way the weather seems to be changing all over the world one can never be sure of what to expect but personally since the weather conditions are important to you, and that I understand, I would not chose Northern Italy towards the end of October. My experience has always been that it is not warm and that there is usually rain. Food and wine and scenery are wonderful but again you sure couldn't count or expect good weather.

I am sure you will find the perfect location for your honeymoon and in the meantime I offer you best wishes as you plan this most important time in your lives.

kas238,

If you are willing to risk rainy weather, the end of October is a fine time to go to Tuscany. Just be aware that you may lose the bet, and find yourself contending with downpours, more than one day in a row.

If it is food and wine you are after, I would go almost anyplace *but* Tuscany. Sicily and Lazio come to mind has having more luscious Italian cooking. Likewise Campania.

It is hard to advise about a honeymoon, because some honeymooners want luxury -- and in late October you are hard-pressed to find luxury in Italy except in the cities (scenic places like the Amalfi or the Lakes or mountains really are too &quot;iffy&quot; weather wise to pay those high-prices in late fall).

If you will be leaving directly from a big wedding for your honeymoon, it really does make sense to find a marvelous spot with marvelous weather and food and just recover and forget about the world and all its loveless problems. If you think you'll have lots of energy post-wedding, and adore adventures and good eating, and won't blame us if the best don't pay off, there are lots of places to just plunge into other than the sea (which will be too cold in Italy, with the unreliable exception of some of Sicily or Puglia, but you can't count on it).

You know, Argentina and Chile have great wines.

<i>Some say it’s cold and rainy, many others say the foliage is gorgeous and the day temps are 60s.</i>

The two are not mutually exclusive. Only you can judge what is &quot;cold and rainy&quot; vs &quot;warm and pleasant&quot;, but the fact of the matter is that the weather at that time of the year in Italy is, by all measures, roughly similar to what you will get in New York or New England during October.

<i>However, we felt like “everyone” goes to Hawaii on their honeymoon. Also, it sounds more touristy than some places in the Caribbean, and we want an island trip to be more secluded.</i>

But, there are plenty of reasons why &quot;everyone&quot; goes there. :) As for it being more &quot;touristy&quot;... I would offer that Hawaii probably has a longer and richer native history than most of the Caribbean islands. I like the Caribbean - they are pretty much perfect island paradises, but they are also pretty heavily dependent upon tourism. Of course, you might get a small hotel, but there are smaller, out-of-the way places in Hawaii, too.

<i>we’d love details on why Hawaii might be better for a honeymoon</i>

Because it is one of the most naturally spectacular places in the world. On the Big Island, for instance, you have beaches in the shadow of 15k foot peaks. Active volcanoes. Rain forests that are an easy drive from coasts that get 8 days of rain a year. Maui is similar. And Kauai is incredibly lush.

<i>but the flight would be shorter.</i>

Sort of. The Turks and Caicos are pretty easy to get to, but smaller, less popular islands will often see you having to make a sometimes laborious connection in Miami and/or San Juan. Connections to Hawaii are easier, particularly given the daily non-stop on Continental, out of Newark. And remember that it is 5 or 6 hours to cross the US to get to Seattle, so you will probably make up for it on the return flight.

As to cost. I didn't find any great difference between the cost of the Caribbean and Hawaii. At $400 to $500 per night, you will have your choice of hotels in either place, I would think. Indeed, for some random dates in October, I saw the well-regarded Fairmont Orchid for $300, and the solidly-luxurious Hapuna for $250. Food is not going to be a bargain in either place, but I would think Hawaii would win out, even there. Given that you are flying out of NYC and into SEA, I would think airfares will be similar.

zeppole -- Thank you so much for your response--that was exactly the kind of advice I was hoping for! You are right to &quot;find a marvelous spot with marvelous weather and food and just recover and forget about the world and all its loveless problems.&quot; We don't need pampering, and are all for dealing with the unexpected, but perhaps not for this trip. We love Italy so much that I'm sure we'll get back there soon!

travelgourmet -- Thank you for elaborating!! You've sold me on considering Hawaii. I have more questions, but for those I'll start a new post in the U.S./Hawaii section.

You are right about the flight times from east coast to say, St. Vincent and the Grenadines...I've been to other remote islands in the Caribbean before, but I was really surprised at how difficult it is to get to SV&amp;G and Grenada! Worth it, no doubt, but considering Hawaii is about the same length trip, plus a shorter return to Seattle makes it very appealing!

Thanks to everyone for helping to narrow the list!

I'm tempted to suggest Antigua in the Caribbean. It has a decent amount of history to browse as well as 365 beaches.

How about Mexico?

Certain spots, especially Caribbean side, fit everything you are seeking and have warm weather in October. Somewhere like Akumal?

I live in Seattle and my most frequent destination is Puerto Vallarta on the west coast (muy romantico).

That said, Hawaii does not have to be touristy (in my experience) just depends where exactly you go, stay, and what you choose to do. You could totally hole up in a fantastic reasonably-isolated beach front cottage somewhere.

(don't get me wrong) I love Europe but it seems out-of-the-way and the weather not really what you're after in this particular situation.

Caribbean or Mexico make the most sense for warm weather and ease of getting to between NY and Seattle.

I vote for Hawaii.

Every place you are looking at will be touristy and have honeymooners. No one ever complains about their Hawaii honeymoon. Must be a reason why...

I like the idea of Napa too, but you will be close to that in your new home and you won't get to do all the beachy stuff that makes a honeymoon so nice.

Someday you'll be older and won't look as great in your bikini and then you can go to Napa;)

Congrats on your wedding.

gruezi

Thanks, once again, to all, for your ever helpful advice :)

We've narrowed it down to Caribbean, Hawaii, and now I'm thinking about Tahiti or Mexico...

Suze -- We'll look into your suggestion of the west coast of Mexico. I've never heard of Puerto Vallarta. Is there a place you would recommend we stay there? Also, one of our concerns in choosing a honeymoon location where we speak the language (English, French, or Italian)... we'd prefer to go somewhere where there won't be alanguage barrier to deal with... do you think it would be a problem in P.V.?

Gruezi -- I laughed out loud when I read your post :) Your advice is spot on. We'll save Napa for some other time and in the meantime, we'll make good use of our bikinis and swim trunks!

I would think of, Puglia or Sicily in Oct in Europe. Then why not take an old house in Marakesh in North Africa (seriusly nice and still warm) then what about a Spa in New Zealand, October is Spring down there

If I may be so bold as to suggest a totally different destination?

AUSTRALIA is in it's mid-spring in October, flowers are blooming, temps. are warm and the beaches are beautiful.

I didn't read through all the responses but I did want to put in a plug for Turks and Caicos. I went in February of 2007 and had an amazing trip. I can highly recommend the Somerset...it definitely fits the bill for quiet luxury. The snorkeling and diving (get certified!) is world class and we had amazing food and wine the whole time we were there. It's also a 3 hour direct flight from NYC, so can't beat that!


www.thesomerset.com

Another vote for Hawaii. It really is the perfect place for a honeymoon. Plus no language, currency, or infrastructure issues. I would avoid Oahu, especially Waikiki (once only, never again), and even Maui if you want to get away from touristy places. I love Kauai, and the Kona coast of the Big Island is most reliable for sun.

If you post on the US forum with a budget, you can get further suggestions.

lizziea06 -- if we go to Turks &amp; Caicos, I was leaning towards the Somerset! It's hard to tell on the website which photos correspond to which room type. If you don't mind my asking, did you stay in a villa, a house, or a cottage? Did it feel more like having your own little villa, or more like a hotel?

We stayed at Nail Bay Resort in a beachfront villa on Virgin Gorda last year and absolutely adored it, so we're trying to replicate that feel!

We stayed with friends who own a place there, and I believe it was one of the 2 bedrooms in the Garden Cottages. The nice thing about the Somerset is that the rooms are so spacious and really large apartments that it never feels crowded. We were there during peak time and there were never that many people on the beach or near the pool. Our apartment had a large common area, open plan kitchen, and nice big bathrooms and balcony. I think most of the other places are similar.

I wish I was there right now :-(

My vote would be to go to Peter Island in the BVI's. It will be a short flight from NY. Fly into
Tortola and then private ferry to Peter Island.