LeslieC

My 22 y/o "new nurse" niece and her "young policeman" fiance have asked my help with planning their June 2013 honeymoon. They are a very wholesome Christian couple. She'll wear a bikini, so they aren't conservative in the extreme. I only say this because I don't think they are looking for any destination known for hedonism, nor gambling and definitely not drugs or topless beaches, but they want relaxation at a nice beach and someplace with some interesting sightseeing. They say they don't want a cruise. They have a tight budget but do (will) have enough United Airline miles to cover the flights from Denver to Florida or the Caribbean, which is where they are currently looking. I've suggested Costa Rica though the beaches aren't like the Caribbean, there are so many interesting sights and activities that I think they would enjoy.

What locale (including actual hotels) would you suggest in either Florida, Carribbean or Costa Rica.

Kinkazote

I guess that no one really knows how to approach your question and point of view. Thus no replies.

I suggest telling them that they will do just fine on their own. If they have access to the internet, there are wholesome sites that can aid them. If not, there are travel agents who can meet their needs without the potentially confusing transfer of information through a third party. Best advice is to point them directly to this forum where they can ask some pretty specific questions.

robertino

I agree. Could be me, but the tone of the question is a bit off-putting. The poster seems to be implying that a honeymoon destination must be very carefully chosen, because the world is full of sin and there are casinos and bordellos and crack smoking and topless ladies at every turn, especially in southern climes. And a wholesome Christian couple might simply explode if exposed to such horrors.

That said, June is not the time for Florida or the Caribbean or Costa Rica. Maybe the wholesome couple might like a nice B&B or inn in New England.

volcanogirl

They might like Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. It's an area known for a lot of wildlife and has a nice beach inside the park, as well as some adventure activities. We've never encountered anything very hedonistic in Costa Rica, although I assume that sort of thing can happen almost anywhere.

RAC

As a general rule, the lower the population density, the lower the sleaze factor.

Most guidebooks do not include the hotels that cater to the loathsome sex tourists who travel to Costa Rica to exploit its women. As a general rule, the lodges/places that emphasize responsibility in ecotourism maintain that same approach towards dealing with other human beings.

Avoid Jaco, the 'bad' parts of San Jose, Puntarenas, and Limon and they should find a more wholesome experience than the Caribbean places tend to offer.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

I disagree with the statement above that June is not the time to visit Costa Rica. I think it's a great time. In a typical year, there will be some rain in the afternoon for about an hour or so, but you can plan your day around that.

Costa Rica does occupy a niche in the sex-tourism market but there's no reason anybody has to come in contact with that. I think most visitors have a good, wholesome time.

volcanogirl

I agree with Jeff; I wouldn't hesitate to go in June. As far as hotels, Tulemar Bungalows and Arenas del Mar always get good reviews. I'm not sure what your budget is.

camila13

Hi Leslie, you should definitely consider going down to Costa Rica, is a really nice place and if you look very carefully you will find some good deals in hotels and transportation. Costa Rica has 2 seasons: dry season and rainy season (and June is part of a rainy season but they just have to wake up early so they enjoy the sun during the mornings , mostly they will get rain in the afternoon or at night)To give you some ideas of itineraries to consider: Arriving in San Jose, staying there for the night and early departure to Tortuguero (National Park in the east part of the country) stay there 2 nights , then go up to La Fortuna Arenal here they can enjoy the hot springs, zipline and hanging bridges, 2 nights will be enough and then go to the beach to the Pacific Coast either Guanacaste or Manuel Antonio

If you need any other info I will be more than glad to help! Hope you can figure out the best itinerary for their honeymoon

suze

I know from the other thread, same question on the Caribbean forum, that these folks are on a "tight budget". I suggest someplace on the Mayan Riviera like Isla Mujeres or Akumal or Cozumel. Those are low key places that won't break the bank.

I personally think Costa Rica might be a bit too much for inexperienced travelers, on a tight budget, to take on for their honeymoon.

I've already suggested Hawaii, I think Maui or Oahu would be ideal. And no worries about the 'hedonistic' aspects of some resort destinations. Will the airmiles get them from Denver to Hawaii?

volcanogirl

http://www.manuelantonio.com/ is a link to MA if they're interested.