Hello!
My fiancé and I are looking to honeymoon for approximately 5 nights/6 days. We have very little requirements:
Beach destination - (not overly crowded)
Somewhat affordable - our budget is roughly $3k for lodging/food/activities. Airfare separate.
Low key/laid back/relaxing.

We are looking to enjoy some kid-free time (which we never get!) and would like to stay away from crowded resorts or places with wild nightlife. We really would just like to relax on a beach with books. I know we are dorks. lol

We are aiming for the Florida Keys, due to Zika. We are open to suggestions/ideas.

Any advice/tips/do's and don'ts would be greatly appreciated.

We thank you in advance.

(You do know that time frame is hurricane season?)

Would you consider maybe San Diego or Hawaii?

Does it have to be relaxing on a "beach" or would you be open to other relaxing areas. Mid September is a fabulous time in many parts of the US [Europe too].

Thanks! We are actually open to suggestions. I would like to relax on a beach, but toss me anything you've got!

Someplace warm would be nice! Within our budget.

Thank you so much!

Where does your trip start?

On all of your previous threads -- it was explained that September is not the best time for Mexico/the Caribbean and now south Florida because of hurricane season . . . and that California or Hawaii would be better in September.

Not a lot of great beaches in the Keys... Look into Sanibel/Captiva for beaches, quiet resorts, good restaurants and low key relaxing...

Key West is like my second home but we stay on the Navy Base so have no info for where to stay except we like Truman annex and the rentals there are not bad price wise. This lady has some very good trip reports and you can get a lot of info from her. Key West does have beaches, Go over by the White St pier or to Fort Zach park.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm

Fly into Key West if possible, no car needed, rent bikes form Easton's bike shop. They will deliver to you.

I would not worry about hurricanes, we can get them from June to November. Just buy some trip insurance. We have not had any major storms here in Fl for a number of years. Thankfully they have moved north.

If you are worried about Zika I would check the latest info from the CDC about where it has ben found.

NYC is already spraying potential mosquito breeding areas here even though we have had NO local Zika cases.

If you never get any kid-free time, can we assume you are not trying to get pregnant? If so, why the worry about Zica?

garyt22 - THANK YOU! I will check that out! DebitNM - our trip starts in Chicago, hence the need for warm weather. We haven't even had much of a spring. Last night, it was 44 degrees! We are really looking for warm, relaxing, and low key. flpab - thank you so much! I will look into that.

Think about coming to the southwest. We don't have beaches but we are an easy flight from Chicago [on Southwest] and it is a spectacular time of year here. Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos would all give you some great sites, food and easy kicked back time.

DebitNM - that's not a bad idea! How far away are each of those from the other and what sights do you recommend?

If you make it to Key West, we loved the Ocean Key Resort; we went in September and got a great deal and a room upgrade because it was off season. Enjoyed the Sunset Pier, snorkeling with Sebago, Mallory Square, Hemingway House, doing a sunset sail with Danger Charters, going over to the Dry Tortugas and eating at Louie's Backyard and Latitudes.

San Diego is amazing too - go down to La Jolla; it's gorgeous. Tons of cute places to eat, pretty views, La Jolla Cove, Children's Pool, etc.

Also like Tulemar Bungalows in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

ABQ - Santa Fe is about 60 minutes depending on time of day and exact start and end spots. Santa Fe to Taos is about 75 minutes, with same qualifiers.

Take a read here; see if there are things that interest you [I'm sure you can find a few!]. If it is something you'd like to explore further, ask away. There are several "locals" on here that would be happy to help, me included!

http://www.fodors.com/world/north-am...usa/new-mexico

Check each specific city too, in addition to the overall state info.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1191127...s=2&s=BtTnRbx-

This is in the Truman annex neighborhood, very quiet at night but close to everything. We ride by this on our way to the base. The little Truman white house is in this neighborhood.

The "official" hurricane season IN FLORIDA begins on June 1st and runs until November. No, we have not had a direct hit here for several years but I have to disagree with the notion that those storms have "moved north" (how we wish that were permanent and actually true...if it were my wind and flood insurance rates might actually become more manageable).

Beaches in Key West? Perhaps depending on what you want in a "beach" (lie around the pool seems more likely). And if you are looking for "quiet time" you'd better hope there are NO cruise ships in Key West (Old Town specifically) while you are there.

IMO, the suggestion for Sanibel and Captiva is a much, MUCH better one, especially if you want "quiet" (some would say DEAD but the beaches and the sunsets are unforgettable).

justa,

If you want relaxing on a beautiful beach then Key West is probably not the place for you. I would suggest you also look at Anna Maria Island. It is very laid back and relaxing with no large resorts or hotels. Here is a wonderful B&B right on the beach that would perfect for a relaxing beach honeymoon:

http://www.harringtonhouse.com/

I have been to beaches all over Florida and this is my favorite. There are plenty of good restaurants and a free trolley that will take you all over the island. Check it out, I think you will like it. Hope you have a great honeymoon.

Dukey, the ones we have had recently have moved north not saying this year they wouldn't slam into Fort Lauderdale or Cape Canaveral seashore or the Keys.

Our FEMA insurance doubled.

Key West is at least fun and the cruise ships are gone by sunset.