General Question: <BR> <BR>Where can I go online to really help me narrow down <BR> honeymoon destinations? I find tons of travel sites and city <BR> guides, but they don't really help me. I can't tell the difference <BR> between Cancun, Acapulco, and Cozumel. Must I go speak with <BR> a travel agent to get the inside info? We are getting married June 10, 2000. <BR> <BR>Specific Questions: <BR> <BR>I have been searching for information on the web and in the library about where to go on our honeymoon June 2000. I just can't <BR>get enough information. Where do we start to find real,not commercial information? <BR> <BR> <BR>Here are my criteria: <BR> <BR>2) Generally beautiful and romantic like any honeymoon should be, privacy and luxury are important .. <BR>3) Beach would be nice .. <BR>4) Not americanized .. <BR>5) budget of about $3000 for 7-10 days.. <BR>6) I'm going to end up using www.priceline.com to make the final reservations, which should save us a lot of money on travel. <BR> <BR>Does this kind of place exist? Cancun is probably out of the picture. <BR>I don't want to be so secluded that we <BR>are together 24/7 ! I love to shop and am <BR>interested in indigenous artesania, etc. <BR>Would like to interact with the locals and <BR>support local economy. Small b&bs or locally <BR>owned hotels, etc. Im very interested in : <BR>Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Merida, Acapulco...and any other places <BR>I should take into consideration? <BR> <BR>Webjefita

I would suggest Puerto Vallarta which is known as the romance city of Mexico. If you stay in the old town, South of the river that runs through the centre of town you can find a hotel or condo on the beach, shop and interact with the locals. It is not Americanized. <BR> <BR>Try going to http://www.splatnet.com/travlife/con...a/valindex.htm which is how I got to Fodor's. You can also try www.puerto-vallarta.com <BR> <BR>We were married and honeymooned there. In October we were back for a fourth visit and stood up for another couple we met over the internet. <BR> <BR>I hope this is of some help and congratulations. <BR>

my opinion of the resort towns are just that... commercialized meccas for depositing money. <BR> <BR>i would suggest oaxaca - and it's beaches that arent too far away. <BR> <BR>most people you run into there are europeans and those who know that mexico is far from the stereotypes created in movies and bordertowns. <BR> <BR>the beaches there are very popular but not commercialized. most are from mexico city and europe. <BR> <BR>look into it... you wont regret it!

Do a search on specific destinations in this forum - you'll get lots of good information on the destinations you mention. Speaking personally, I wouldn't recommend Cancun, although I do like the Yucatan peninsula and Cozumel. Oaxaca City is in the mountains - no beach at all, so if that's a must, you won't get it there. The state of Oaxaca however has some very nice beach areas - look into Puerto Escondido - but it will be very hot in June. Another area on the west coast is Zihuatanejo - again, I wouldn't recommend Ixtapa which is basically next door - but we really enjoyed Zihuatanejo. You should also probably consider your point of departure - I live in Toronto and it's a short flight to the Yucatan. It's obviously a longer flight to the west coast of Mexico. In June, there isn't as much choice in terms of direct flights. Depending on your destination, you may have to transfer in Mexico City. That's not necessarily a bad thing - it's a fascinating city to visit, but if you have only a week, you may not want to spend the time.

I would suggest Playa del Carmen without a doubt. It fits all of your criteria, and it is a great deal for the money you pay. It is beautiful, un-Americanized, quiet, and fun. It is just a short ride from Cancun. I would either rent a car and take it down there, or I would just take a bus ride ($2 per person). <BR> <BR>There's also Zihuatanejo. That's much nicer than Ixtapa. But I still prefer Playa del Carmen. <BR>

I have a girlfriend who is getting married in Puerto Vallarta. Great idea! <BR>They are both US citizens and have hired a professional coordinator for the event. I think they are smart. From what I can see, it would have been impossible otherwise. It may seem romantic to get married in "unamericanized" or "commercialized" spots, but from what I can see, it takes much paperwork, and if you don't have the knowledge of the place, you are going to be very frustrated. Save yourself headaches, hire a professional. <BR>The agency my girfriend recommends is: [email protected]

Stretch your budget....it is your honeymoon.... & go to Villa Del Sol in Zihuatanejo, Lagoon Suite.

If you would like some non commercial information on Puerto Vallarta ? Please see <BR>&lt;http://www.varta-info.com&gt; <BR>There's even some humor. <BR>Hast

Oopps.. mistype..sorry <BR>http://vallarta-info.com

Check out Royal Hideaway, Playa del Carmen, You won't be disappointed!

Villa del Sol in Zihua is impossibly romantic!We stayed there last June and loved it!We stayed in one of the cheaper rooms and it was still very nice.The resort itself is so nice you don't really need the more expensive room.As long as you are on the water{beach or boat}the weather is fine.There was some decent shopping.Check out Villa's web site and congratulations!

Villa Montana in La Manzanilla, Mexico on the Bay of Tenacatita, just north of the Manzanillo airpprot! www.choice1.com/villamontana.htm <BR> <BR>adios!

You want a TRULY ROMANTIC/MAGICAL way to start your new life together!! A PRIVATE villa with your own pool is THE way to go!! <BR> <BR>Start off with someone greeting you up at the airport & giving you an orientation tour through the town down to your villa south of town set amidst the tropical jungles in Puerto Vallarta!!! <BR> <BR>You arrive to find your cupboards & fridge stocked with the goodies YOU desire!! <BR> <BR>Your private cook serves you margaritas while you sit on your deck watching the sunset (with little candles all over!)! After the sun goes down she serves you a delictable dinner!!! <BR> <BR>Afterwards - you float/drift in your SECLUDED dipping pool (no one can see in!!) with the fragrant scents of the jungle surrounding you & little candles set the mood/tone!! <BR> <BR>Future nights either have your cook prepare you dinner OR enjoy the WONDERFUL restaurants with FANTASTIC staff assisting you which Vallarta has to offer (& at a FRACTION of the cost of the places you mention). <BR> <BR>By day - whatever you desire - it can be found in Vallarta!! <BR> <BR>Let me know if you'd like more info!!!

OK Vicki what is the name of this place? Is it near the beach? What does it cost? How are the mosquitos in October? We are interested in the area but not a big resort. Tell me more.

For those of you interested in traveling to the great beaches on the Mexican Caribbean coast, visit these web sites for villas, weather, recommended reading, and biosphere reserve . <BR>http://CasaTropical.com <BR>Casa Tropical Tankah, a romantic, beachfront villa on a private 1/2 acre property with 82' <BR>ocean frontage. <BR> <BR>Casa Tropical has both a 1st and 2nd floor rental unit, designed with privacy in mind. They are tiled throughout with fully equipped kitchenettes, tiled baths, ceiling fans and Haitian artwork throughout. Hammocks, lounge chairs, books, radio/cassette player provided. Property manager, twice-weekly maid service, gardener. Each unit sleeps 2. <BR> <BR>Our 1st floor unit has a palapa-roofed porch with table and chairs for dining alfresco, private hammock palapa, and stained glass window. The 2nd floor unit has a balcony plus and a 14' x 29' palapa covered rooftop patio with built-in seating, hammocks, and bar with sink. <BR> <BR>We are located about 3 miles north of the Tulum ruins, in the Riviera Maya area, <BR>about a 1 hour drive south from Cancun airport. It's is a great location, being within driving <BR>distance to Cancun, Playa del Carmen (you take the boat to Cozumel from there) Xel-ha, and <BR>Tulum, and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve starts just south of the Tulum ruins. You can also <BR>drive to several major archaeological sites for a day trip. We have wonderful cenotes to snorkel <BR>or dive in and the beaches are great. http://www.CasaTropical.com or call Carole <BR>570-247-7065 <BR> <BR>Weather http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/76590.html <BR> <BR>Bookstore & recommended reading about Maya culture and archaeological sites <BR>http://sites.netscape.net/jeaninekitchel <BR> <BR>Hidden Worlds snorkel & dive tours of cenotes <BR>http://hiddenworlds.com.mx/ <BR> <BR>Maps of Riviera Maya Can-do Maps <BR>http://WWW.cancunmap.com/ <BR> <BR>Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Check out this web site for tours lead by the Friends of Sian Ka'an group. It is a non-profit organization and tour guides are <BR>usually biologists. Very informative tours lead by a very worthwhile organization. You can sign up for their tour from Ana Y <BR>Jose or Savana Communications in Tulum. <BR>Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve <BR>http://www.cancun.com/siankaan/ <BR> <BR>