Help with planning a Honeymoon

[Carp]

Getting married on June 14th. Trying to get the honeymoon booked in the next couple weeks and I need some help plz.

We are looking for all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean currently. Anyone have any experiences they want to share? How did you book your vacation (websites, travel agents, etc.)?

Trying to stay on a budget of under 3 grand if we possibly can. I've looked at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, but my fiance is a bit of a hypochondriac. And she read where people need to take shots to visit the DR and now she's freaked out about it.

[The Chosen One]

Congratulations on your wedding, and man isn't it something when people come to this community for personal advice! lol

No idea on the honeymoon thing though.

As with every Latin-American country, stay near the tourist district, once you venture out of the tourist areas you could be targeted for kidnapping! lol

[Carp]

Thx SAV!

And yeah I've cruised several times to the Caribbean. But never stayed on any island more than a few hrs doing excursions or local shopping/site seeing.

[BRule]

Travel agent is your best bet if you're looking to avoid a ton of work (which I assume you are since you're getting married) give them your budget and sit back and wait.

[Tapate50]

We did Punta Cana at a place called the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana. Small, all inclusive and quiet. If you want the Sandals type thing with activities and kids everywhere it would not be my choice.

It was EXACTLY what my wife and I wanted. About an hour ride from the airport, but a scenic ride. Well under 3gs for sure. Food was impressive and this coming from two "food snobs".

I booked through a site called www.luxurylink.com . They only deal in high end vacations and won't lump you into a place that doesn't meet their expectations.

I would recommend Punta Cana or any of the Zoetry properties (DR, Mex - Riveira maya, and Cabo). I cannot recommend LL or Zoetry any more. It was awesome. They only have about 50 rooms I think.

http://www.zoetryresorts.com/agua/

[zitothebrave]

I would second the travel agent. Mainly because you'll have other **** to worry about. That's the route my brother and sister in law went, they are pharmacists so they didn't have a ton of time to plan.

Also I think most places you travel internationally you need shots. At least to be up to date on your shots. I've never been anywhere or known anyone to go anywhere aside from Canada and maybe Mexico they didn't need shots. Even then there are recommendations to be up to date.

[NinersSBChamps]

Congrats!

Travel agent for sure. You are going to have your hands full with stuff and worrying about the honeymoon is only going to add to your stress level. Never been to where you two want to go though. Bring sun screen. That's all I got.

[Hawk]

Do people still hire travel agents? Lord.

http://www.flyertalk.com is a wealth of information; reviews, deals, suggestions, etc.

also

http://www.cheapcaribbean.com/

Before you book ANYTHING, make sure it has been well-reviewed on TripAdvisor (other websites are essentially worthless in collecting reliable, accurate reviews).

[Carp]

Yeah I've reviewed every place I've looked at so far. My cousin recommended a travel agent as well, I just wasn't sure what type of deals you get going through them.

The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana is my favorite place so far.

[goldfly]

was going to try to help

but i don't really know much on the resort front.

good luck man

i would suggest Cinque Terre for a honeymoon though if you are willing to not go resort. the sunset at ‎Vernazza is beautiful

[Carp]

Would love to go to Italy or anywhere in Europe ideally, but airline expenses are a little steep for our budget. I haven't found any round trip tickets for less than 1000 going to Europe.

[Hawk]

Check out Norwegian Airlines. They just started a no-frills (paid carry-on, no free meals/drinks) longhaul operation (on the Dreamliner) out of JFK/Ft. Lauderdale to Oslo/Stockholm/Copenhagen. I've seen fares as low as $319 roundtrip dependent on the dates. Another cheapie airline is Condor (based out of Germany). Of course, summer is high season across Europe.

Two great sites for flight searches are: ITA Travel Matrix and Hipmunk.

Italy is nice, but can be needlessly pricey; you could get a very similar experience in Croatia (Dubrovnik or Split) for 1/10th of the price and live like an absolute king.

[Bj1133]

My wife and I stayed at Dreams Resort in Punta Cana for our honeymoon. Spent about a week there and it was less than $3,000. We didn't leave the resort and didn't really feel the need to.

[gilesfan]

ive stayed at Paradious punra cana i hated it looks nice in pics but thpught it was not very well takwn cade of. i did stay in a cheaper portion of the hotel. You will get harassed on the hotel grounds by people trying to sell stuff where other hotels limit the vultures to one or two days per week i ordered king bed and got 2 uncomfortable twin beds instead for me and wife. there is also a shady casino on site i believe. Long story that maybe i'll get into later. You also have to pay fpr a tourost card at the airport in order to get in. outside of the resorts is a ****hole.

ive been to Cancun, Jamiaica, Bahamas, Bermuda among others. Bermuda is by far my favorite . small island and you are safe to go anywhere. It is probably most expensove though. I would recommend sandals in Jamaica. no need to travel agent, u can find deal online

i have never gotten shots. not sure what Zito is talking about

[goldfly]

never gotten a shot for any of my travels

[Carp]

I also would love to go Bermuda, but it is very expensive to travel there.

Anyone been or know of anyone who has been to Anguilla? If so, would you say it is safe? It looks gorgeous from the pics I've seen. Only down side being that they have no all inclusive resorts on the island.

[Dalyn]

Hope this helps -


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR8LtUuQIkU

[Carp]

Do people still hire travel agents? Lord.

http://www.flyertalk.com is a wealth of information; reviews, deals, suggestions, etc.

also

http://www.cheapcaribbean.com/

Before you book ANYTHING, make sure it has been well-reviewed on TripAdvisor (other websites are essentially worthless in collecting reliable, accurate reviews).

Flyertalk.com definitely seems to be helpful. Thanks for the tip!

[Tapate50]

All inclusive really let's you enjoy your time without a certain worry to it . Anything at a whim and you don't have to carry around loads of cash. We did venture out to the Hard Rock in Punta Cana, and it was crowded, loud, and smokey if that's your thing. It seemed like a ton of Europeans there on vacation. It's upscale, but not what we had in mind for a honeymoon.

[Carp]

All inclusive really let's you enjoy your time without a certain worry to it . Anything at a whim and you don't have to carry around loads of cash. We did venture out to the Hard Rock in Punta Cana, and it was crowded, loud, and smokey if that's your thing. It seemed like a ton of Europeans there on vacation. It's upscale, but not what we had in mind for a honeymoon.

So did you stay Paradisus or did you stay at the Hard Rock?

[Carp]

Anyone have any tips on the cheapest way of flying to Fiji? There are some great deals at some amazing resorts. But it costs like $1700 or more to fly to Fiji.

[Hawk]

What dates are you looking at and which departure airport?

[Tapate50]

Anyone have any tips on the cheapest way of flying to Fiji? There are some great deals at some amazing resorts. But it costs like $1700 or more to fly to Fiji.

Take a boat?!

I was told Fiji and Bora Bora and Moorea were EXTREMELY expensive once you get there. They really have some great deals but was told that was just kinda the tip of the iceberg.

[Carp]

What dates are you looking at and which departure airport?

June 15th-22. Departing the 15th, returning the 22nd. Most likely flying out of Atl or Nashville. There is a possibility of flying out of Jax or Orlando as well.

[Carp]

Take a boat?!

I was told Fiji and Bora Bora and Moorea were EXTREMELY expensive once you get there. They really have some great deals but was told that was just kinda the tip of the iceberg.

That could be true, but the resorts I found were all-inclusive, including transfers. So I don't think I'd have to worry too much about expenses once I got there.

[Tapate50]

That could be true, but the resorts I found were all-inclusive, including transfers. So I don't think I'd have to worry too much about expenses once I got there.

Sack up then!

[Carp]

Sack up then!




If I get this new job I am hoping for, I'll be making about 10 grand more per yr and then we are definitely going to either the Maldives or Greece.

[Tapate50]

Ill also add that it's a decent idea to book and use a rewards credit card and one with intl spending without fees. You pay it off when you get back , or whenever.
Capital one and Amex have excellent rewards and intl travel perks.

[Carp]

Honeymoon booked!

Going to Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Thanks everyone for your help. We ended up booking through my parents time share company by using some of their points to help pay for the room. Found some pretty decent flights for about $500 round trip.

Now that the tough part is out of the way, has anyone been to Jamaica? Any suggestions on what to do/see while we are there?

[zitothebrave]

Honeymoon booked!

Going to Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Thanks everyone for your help. We ended up booking through my parents time share company by using some of their points to help pay for the room. Found some pretty decent flights for about $500 round trip.

Now that the tough part is out of the way, has anyone been to Jamaica? Any suggestions on what to do/see while we are there?

Smoke pot. Oh wait. Search for Noah's Ark?

[holden]

never gotten a shot for any of my travels

This is a good way to get Hepatitis A, especially given the parts of the world you've been to. Carp is probably fine at a resort in Jamaica, though.

I actually got Hepatitis A in Peru.. this was when I didn't know anything about medicine and didn't want to bother with getting my shots. Also, I had to bribe a border agent in Bolivia to get in without my yellow fever vaccination, but there you are okay as long as you aren't going into the jungle.

(also, congrats Carp.)

[gilesfan]

Honeymoon booked!

Going to Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Thanks everyone for your help. We ended up booking through my parents time share company by using some of their points to help pay for the room. Found some pretty decent flights for about $500 round trip.

Now that the tough part is out of the way, has anyone been to Jamaica? Any suggestions on what to do/see while we are there?

Ive been to montego Bay. Jamaica is the only place ive been actually scared traveling. Long story but i thought we got kidnapped.

Jamaica isnt really a place you want to spend much time off the resort. Ive been to many caribbean islands and Mexico, Jamaica is by far the one i was most careful at.

The resort will likely have a lot of fun stuff going on. Just centure off if u see an excursion to like.

[Hawk]

Congrats, Carp. Now that the planning is out of the way, you can finally focus on the more important aspects of the honeymoon experience. :Bunchie1:

Montego Bay is beautiful. I've been to Jamaica several times and never felt unsafe, but like gilesfan said, you'll feel most comfortable within the friendly confines of your resort.

Subsisting entirely off of Jerk Chicken and Rum is possible.

If you golf I would recommend Cinnamon Hill, although there are plenty of other courses in the area.

[Carp]

Well, it's now official. I am a married man!

At the Atl airport now, waiting to board the plane to Jamaica!

[The Chosen One]

Congrats my friend. They just decriminalized marijuana I believe so enjoy!

[AerchAngel]

Well, it's now official. I am a married man!

At the Atl airport now, waiting to board the plane to Jamaica!

Congrats.

I got married in Jamaica, best week of my life. I want to go back, but parents told us to wait until the kids are older before they watch them.

[AerchAngel]

Congrats, Carp. Now that the planning is out of the way, you can finally focus on the more important aspects of the honeymoon experience. :Bunchie1:

Montego Bay is beautiful. I've been to Jamaica several times and never felt unsafe, but like gilesfan said, you'll feel most comfortable within the friendly confines of your resort.

Subsisting entirely off of Jerk Chicken and Rum is possible.

If you golf I would recommend Cinnamon Hill, although there are plenty of other courses in the area.


I sure do miss the jerk chicken, goat and fish. Some good eating down there and drinks....oh my, I miss the various concoctions you can have for free. The only unsafe thing I can think of is their driving. Scary ordeal.

[Carp]

So far, haven't ventured too far off the resort. Free WiFi in the room is nice. The beach is nice, if a bit rocky. Weather has been great here all week. Has rained everyday but 1, but never more than an hr and the sun is back out again soon after.

Food hasn't been quite up to par so far. Nothing terrible, but nothing amazing. Best meal we had so far has been from Margaritaville with some fresh fish.

Will post more later. Going shopping now

[Tapate50]

So far, haven't ventured too far off the resort. Free WiFi in the room is nice. The beach is nice, if a bit rocky. Weather has been great here all week. Has rained everyday but 1, but never more than an hr and the sun is back out again soon after.

Food hasn't been quite up to par so far. Nothing terrible, but nothing amazing. Best meal we had so far has been from Margaritaville with some fresh fish.

Will post more later. Going shopping now

Dude. don't post here til you get back. Seriously, you won't go on another honeymoon anytime soon, so do it up right.

[Carp]

Eh, only check my phone when she is getting ready to go out. It's either this or watch the TV for an hr. Then again, there is free porn in our room. Like 4 channels. Soooo yeah....