Looking for ideas
 

I am looking for travel ideas for my wife and I. We didnt get a honeymoon when we got married and we are looking to do something for our 5 year anniversary. We are looking to travel next January (2014). As of right now, my wife does not have a passport but has thought about getting one. We have been trying to get ideas on where to go. Being that we live in upstate NY we would like to get out of the cold and are not the ski type to go to those kinds of resorts. Being that we are on a budget and are taking the time to plan and save, we have thought about doing something all inclusive so we know what we are going to spend. Most of all we want to relax and enjoy ourselves but there are some things we are interested in. Things we have thought about is trying snorkling, nice beachs, doing the normal touristy things sightseeing and such. We have never really traveled, and want to do something we will never forget and get the honeymoon we never got. Please share suggestions and details of places that are recomended. Thank you!

How many days? What is your budget? How old are you? Where do you want to fly out of-SYR,JFK,BUF?

The trouble with all-inclusive is that you are in a cocoon. If that's what you want, fine, I suppose, but personally I don't see the point of going to the trouble and expense of traveling somewhere, and then staying in a resort.

I suggest borrowing some glossy guidebooks from your library to help with deciding where you're like to go. Most guidebooks will give an idea of costs. If you're worried about budgeting, try something like "Europe Through the Back Door" or "Practical Nomad" for tips on how to travel cheaply. On the other hand, if you want to splurge a bit, subscribe to Conde Nast's "Travel and Leisure".

Get a copy of the magazine Budget Travel for some ideas.
If your wife doesn't have a passport you are limiting yourself from the start.
Since it can take a few weeks for a passport to process, go ahead and send in the application now.

All inclusives aren't always 'inclusive'. Your drinks may not be included or transport to and from an airport. Tips, taxes and 'fees' are often added on at the end and can be a surprise. I just did a trip that included breakfast and lunch and tours but the taxes, room service charge, restaurant tips, and dinners added up to $400 by the time I checked out.

Set your budget first and then find a trip that fits allowing for extra spending and a few splurge dinners or purchases.

If you visit http://www.voyagemonkey.com they have a great article on Kauai Hawaii, which is one of the most popular Homeymoon destinations within the USA. Great activities, resorts and restaurants. Its also listed on their block as one of the most popular Honeymoon destinations and places for a romantic vacation for couples.

Yes, second the idea of Kauai.

You can't go wrong with Hawaii, and don't need a passport.

Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are others you can consider that you can travel without passport, and would be less flight time from your location.

If your wife does get a passport then you could look at Mexico. There's loads of nice places on the "Mayan Riviera" which is the Caribbean coast of Mexico (flying into Cancun, then to Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, etc.) It's also the most reasonably priced (generally speaking) of the places we are mentioning.

Hawaii.

Give Kauai a priority, save it for last or nearly last if you go to several islands. Very easy to fly between islands.

"Things we have thought about is trying snorkling, nice beachs, doing the normal touristy things sightseeing and such." You can do these on your own, just the two of you renting a car, or easily book trips through the hotel.

Hawaii is easy to research or if you wish to use a travel agent, they are usually knowledgable about a good Hawaii honeymoon/anniversary trip.

If you've "never really traveled" Hawaii is a great place to start. But it's a long flight from NY. Maybe a stopover in San Francisco if you have time? Another romantic destination.

Congrats on the anniversary.

Have you considered a cruise? Just throwing it out as an idea. After years of independent travel, we took our first cruise three years ago on a whim and enjoyed it so much, we took two more that same year. We got pretty much what you are asking for. We did a seven day cruise from San Juan to the Southern Caribbean in Feb. We swam, hiked in a rain forest, walked along an active volcano area, etc. Many people went snorkling, scuba diving, sailing, etc. We had good food on the ship and a variety of entertainment (show, movies, music of all kinds, dancing , etc.) from good to excellent.

I do not like all-inclusives, but never felt trapped on the ship because we were someplace interesting every day and there is such a wide range of people cruising that we always had interesting dinner companions.

There are different ships and itineraries to fit every taste and every budget. You do have to educate yourself as to all the costs, like tips and shore excursions, etc. and figure out what kind of cruise and itinerary you would enjoy. There are some very experienced people on the cruise forum. They are kind to new folks and very helpful.

For cruise ideas, check out vacationstogo.com and cruisecritic.com.

Hawaii is wonderful, but it can be pricey. Even groceries are high there.

The Dominican Republic and Portugal are both places where the dollar goes far and there are gorgeous beaches, country, etc.

PS Your wife needs a passport, regardless.

PeaceOut, Hawaii doesn't have to be expensive. I've done 4 trips fairly recently to Oahu on a shoestring. I can go there for 10 days for exactly the same total price as I can go to Mexico. so please don't keep people from trying out the islands because of that misconception.

There's a reason the DR is cheap.

Gee, thanks, suze.

Have you been to the DR, suze?