oops -- sorry -- didn't see his post this morning.

To me this has nothing to do with how worthwhile various destinations may be. It's about choosing something to make the bride happy.

You'll get lots of points if you go Italy for her. The real question is can you afford to go where you want to go on a later vacation. For some people their honeymoon is the only large trip they take.

People here travel more often than most. If you can afford to take trips when you want to, let her pick the honeymoon and suggest that you go somewhere that meets your criteria later.

A lot of importance is assigned to the honeymoon, but if things go according to plan, it should be just the first vacation of many that you will take together in your long married life. So, since your bride really wants Italy, go to Italy. There will be other opportunities to visit Costa Rica and other places.

Italy has more variety than just about any place I have ever been.

Also listen to those who say give the wife what she wants. You can always ask for the promise to let you choose next, but honestly, one of the best things about my DH is that he travels mostly based on my wishes. I always try to make part of the trip about him, like choosing a couple of things I know he loves, like nights in a castle or climbing a volcano.

The funny thing is, he often most likes the things he would not have chosen. He resisted Turkey (which is now his favorite country) and the expense of a hot air balloon flight (which is his favorite experience). Traveling is very important to me. I have specific interests. Traveling with him is the best part of our 47 year marriage because it is one time I always get what I want and I love him for that.

Take the honeymoon first, a real test of whether you should get married.

Your fiance is a world traveler.
She wants to honeymoon in Italy.
You have never traveled, but you think you will find a different place to go?
That doesn't make sense.
Go to Italy. So many different places to visit there.

They have volcanoes, fine beaches, and fish in Italy, too.

Happy wife = Happy Life

OMG, Italy is sooo romantic! Take a look at these websites.


http://honeymoons.com/top-10/top-ten...ions-in-italy/

http://travel.ninemsn.com.au/holiday...romantic-spots

http://travel.ninemsn.com.au/holiday...romantic-spots

Venice - gondola ride on the canal and being serenaded by your gondolier - take a private serenade tour!

http://www.partner.viator.com/en/967...2-2495ABTOUR3P

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2013/0...els-in-venice/

Just a few ideas for you!

Keep an open mind, scoopie, and give Italy a try. It's about as one-note as the United States is........there is plenty of diversity!

Italy is wonderful and there is lots to do. I went with my family this past spring and we only had time to go to Roma, but once I started researching other areas, there is loads to do and see...

Have a wonderful honeymoon (hopefully not by yourself ;-)

Just a thought - your perfect day 2 was hiking a volcano. Mt Vesuvius in Italy - check! Day 3 = amazing architecture. Italy, check and double check.