We're getting a late start planning our late June honeymoon. We'll probably be working with a travel agent, but wanted to do some research first. We're looking for a honeymoon with the following characteristics, can anyone help?

- relaxing, with easy access to beautiful beach(es)
- snorkeling (scuba not necessary)
- not too crowded and touristy
- not all-inclusive, perhaps a smaller inn or maybe even renting a villa/condo/apartment
- in/near a quaint town, walking distance from window-shopping, markets, interesting restaurants
- other activities, such as hiking or kayaking or sailing
- looking to spend about $3000 total for two weeks (possibly up to $4000, less would be wonderful), including travel, lodging, food, etc.

We're pretty open on locations, whether Caribbean, Mexico, US, etc., but prefer not to have an extremely long flight to get there from the eastern US. (My original suggestion was Isla Mujeres or Belize, but my fiance is "concerned about 3rd world travel", and has expressed a mild preference for the Caribbean.

Ideas? Suggestions?

(excuse the cross-post with Caribbean board)

Don't rule out Belize!

I visited in March, staying in Belize City for a few days, and then to Ambergris Caye for the rest of the week. It is not at all third world! Everyone speaks English, food and water are safe to eat/drink, indoor plumbing everywhere!

We stayed in Belize City (Radisson Fort George) for easier access to jungle hikes, Mayan ruins, cave tubing, zoo, etc, then flew to Ambergris for relaxing on the beach (Belizean Shores).

While Belize City is indeed a city, I think it's the nicest port city that I have seen when compared to those on Caribbean islands. Ambergris is totally unique--very few cars, in fact, no cars on the north end where we stayed, so you walk everywhere or use a golf cart.

It sounds like Belize (Ambergris in particular) has everything you are looking for: scenic beaches (although I will admit they are not the greatest for ocean swimming due to sea grass), great snorkeling and diving, not at all crowded or touristy (no one I know even knew where Belize was when I told them I was going!), no AIs, many smaller condotel, self-catering type hotels, unique restaurants (no chains at all in Belize, thank God!). The flight was about 4.5 hours from Pennsylvania.

Check it out--show your fiancee. I, too, was skeptical since I like to be pampered more than I like to rough it, but I was pleassantly surprised. I have done a fair amount of traveling in my life, and other than a trip to the Tahitian islands, Belize has been my favorite place. Definitely something different!

What, exactly is your fiances concerns with 'Third world'??
Don't rule out Isla Mujeres. Fabulous beaches for swimming, snorkling, close enough to mainland to see ruins and some really nice places to stay for a honeymoon! Villa Rolandi and Hotel Secreto are both great. Yes, they speak spanish, but most also speak English! So many great places to eat and a very quaint town. You can be as busy or as laid back as you want. There will not be a large crowd in late June!

Hm, not sure, but I think just a different comfort level with "adventure". Probably a combination of language barrier, health concerns (e.g., Montezuma's Revenge), and ability to get around in less familiar territory.

Also, any thoughts on weather this time of year?

I love the idea of staying in the Villa Rolandi for a few days at the beginning and end of the trip, and renting a villa for a week in the middle. Any advice on villas? I saw a lot of nice-looking ones on the isla-mujeres.net site.

Your list of what you are looking for almost precisely describes Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Small personality inns and small condotels (no all-inclusives), world-class snorkeling, nice beaches, not very expensive, interesting little town (San Pedro, pop. around 3,000), excellent restaurants in all price categories, cheap rum and Belikin beer, Caribbean atmosphere, safe, friendly, not overrun with mass tourism, all kinds of activities from kayaking to sailing to parasailing and wind-surfing, plus easy day trips to the mainland for Maya sites, caving and such.

Belize isn't Florida, and San Pedro isn't Ft. Lauderdale, but Ambergris Caye isn't third world at all. Quite a few American, Canadian and European expats have moved there for the island atmosphere ... and you can drink the water and safely eat food even from street vendors.

--Lan Sluder

The Caribbean isn't 'third world'? Has your fiance ever been to some of those islands? Yes, there are luxury properties, but the majority of people don't live like that!

I personally love Mexico, but I doubt that I would go there (or anywhere down south) in late June. Too hot. How about somewhere in Europe?

I hit post too soon. I realize that you probably wouldn't get snorkeling in Europe, but it might fit the bill in other respects, and probably the weather would be better too.

t