Honeymoon destination ideas
Discussion
We've had kids for years now so I'm pretty out of touch with what a holiday for a couple to the places we've been to costs nowadays, we regularly spunk 5k away on 2 weeks short haul.... so I'm not 100% waht of these you could do for 3k.
Anyhow, Maldives is an excellent option with its stunning beaches and famous overwater bungalows. You can enjoy island-hopping or simply relax at a resort offering spa treatments, snorkeling, and boat trips. Many packages include all-inclusive deals, which could help you stay within budget. September is part of the off-peak season in the Maldives, making it more affordable though. Easily the best beach only destination I've visited.
Thailand, particularly areas like Phuket and Krabi, offers beautiful beaches, cultural experiences, and activities like boat tours to nearby islands such as Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay. You can combine beach relaxation with visits to temples and local markets but doesn't sound like that's your wife to be bag. The weather in September can be unpredictable due to monsoon season, but this also means fewer crowds, eastern areas generally have the better weather at that time of year.
Mauritius is another tropical island that offers nice resorts, calm beaches, and a laid-back vibe. While there’s no need for strenuous activities, you can explore beautiful botanical gardens, take catamaran cruises, or visit nature reserves. The weather in September is cooler, making it a comfortable time to visit. We spent part of our honeymoon here after touring South Africa don't know why in particular but it wasn't really for me.
Sri Lanka provides a mix of culture and beaches, with opportunities to explore tea plantations, temples, and national parks, alongside stunning beaches like Unawatuna. It’s also quite affordable, with plenty of activities that don't require hiking. You could focus on coastal areas and wildlife tours, avoiding the more mountainous regions.
Seychelles is really nice but not sure about your budget as id expecr this would be the least achievable. Although more exclusive and tranquil, it offers plenty of excursions to explore local culture, snorkeling, and boat tours. September is an ideal time to visit weather-wise, and if you get agood deal, it might fit within your budget.
Anyhow, Maldives is an excellent option with its stunning beaches and famous overwater bungalows. You can enjoy island-hopping or simply relax at a resort offering spa treatments, snorkeling, and boat trips. Many packages include all-inclusive deals, which could help you stay within budget. September is part of the off-peak season in the Maldives, making it more affordable though. Easily the best beach only destination I've visited.
Thailand, particularly areas like Phuket and Krabi, offers beautiful beaches, cultural experiences, and activities like boat tours to nearby islands such as Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay. You can combine beach relaxation with visits to temples and local markets but doesn't sound like that's your wife to be bag. The weather in September can be unpredictable due to monsoon season, but this also means fewer crowds, eastern areas generally have the better weather at that time of year.
Mauritius is another tropical island that offers nice resorts, calm beaches, and a laid-back vibe. While there’s no need for strenuous activities, you can explore beautiful botanical gardens, take catamaran cruises, or visit nature reserves. The weather in September is cooler, making it a comfortable time to visit. We spent part of our honeymoon here after touring South Africa don't know why in particular but it wasn't really for me.
Sri Lanka provides a mix of culture and beaches, with opportunities to explore tea plantations, temples, and national parks, alongside stunning beaches like Unawatuna. It’s also quite affordable, with plenty of activities that don't require hiking. You could focus on coastal areas and wildlife tours, avoiding the more mountainous regions.
Seychelles is really nice but not sure about your budget as id expecr this would be the least achievable. Although more exclusive and tranquil, it offers plenty of excursions to explore local culture, snorkeling, and boat tours. September is an ideal time to visit weather-wise, and if you get agood deal, it might fit within your budget.
2 days here, 2 days there sounds like a nightmare after a long haul flight. I don’t know if you’ve done that before, I have and I needed about a week to recover back in Blighty.
In your shoes, I’d pick Bali to avoid triggering an argument. Plus it’s a cliche honeymoon destination, so you won’t go wrong. Then stay in 1 place and take day trips.
Two long haul flights in 1 or 2 weeks, crossing multiple time zones, plus additional travel in between, unable to settle into a single place, sounds like a nightmare.
That bit is worth triggering an argument. I would flat out refuse an itinerary like that.
Also, for that time difference, make it 2 weeks. Otherwise all you will do is fight jet lag and walk around in a daze on the trip, come back and do the same again. With a 2 week trip, you’ll have a clear week after you have adjusted to enjoy yourselves.
In your shoes, I’d pick Bali to avoid triggering an argument. Plus it’s a cliche honeymoon destination, so you won’t go wrong. Then stay in 1 place and take day trips.
Two long haul flights in 1 or 2 weeks, crossing multiple time zones, plus additional travel in between, unable to settle into a single place, sounds like a nightmare.
That bit is worth triggering an argument. I would flat out refuse an itinerary like that.
Also, for that time difference, make it 2 weeks. Otherwise all you will do is fight jet lag and walk around in a daze on the trip, come back and do the same again. With a 2 week trip, you’ll have a clear week after you have adjusted to enjoy yourselves.
Edited by wyson on Wednesday 9th October 22:09
September was vicious in the southern caribbean this year - shade temps in the 40s and very still, day or night. A break in the saharan dust meant unusually clear skies with intense sun all day most days
last couple of days has seen a return of cooling breezes but its still wet season so these near perfect conditions wont last
im tobago based but heard similar from other islands in the region. decamped to UK today for a family event and i'm delaying return until december
last couple of days has seen a return of cooling breezes but its still wet season so these near perfect conditions wont last
im tobago based but heard similar from other islands in the region. decamped to UK today for a family event and i'm delaying return until december
There have been many great suggestions, for places in Asia/SE Asia. However, with 1 or 2 weeks, I’d be looking closer to home.
Turkey (I’m not talking AI) is a fascinating country, with much to see, great beaches, stunning scenery and lots of history.
Great food, interesting restaurants; though outside of the cities/beach areas, nightlife can be a bit limited.
Fly to either Istanbul or Ankara, both fascinating cities, then use the train to get around, the network is fairly good.
Turkey (I’m not talking AI) is a fascinating country, with much to see, great beaches, stunning scenery and lots of history.
Great food, interesting restaurants; though outside of the cities/beach areas, nightlife can be a bit limited.
Fly to either Istanbul or Ankara, both fascinating cities, then use the train to get around, the network is fairly good.
Turkey done; We’re big fans of Vietnam, not as far as Bali, not as touristy as Thailand, only problem, September, getting close to the rainy season.
A beautiful country, with a huge variety of things to see, excellent beaches, breath taking vistas, interesting cities, all backed with a mix of Asian and French culture.
The highlands in the North are spectacular; the central belt has lovely beaches and Hanoi well worth a visit.
Domestic travel by train is easy, rolling stock fairly old but pleasant enough. Internal flights are cheap.
Motorcycle hire also cheap and plentiful (recommend an international license) police do sometimes check. Hai Van Pass (Top Gear Vietnam special) is well worth riding (near Hoi an) can be done in a day.
Hotels available for any budget, clean and well equipped, last time we travelled (for 5 weeks) we spent around, £30 per night (some with pool). Cuisine is the highlight, both local and foreign, great breakfasts and dinners, the coffee is really something special.
Mrs. DG and I love Vietnam, hopefully be there later this year of early next years
A beautiful country, with a huge variety of things to see, excellent beaches, breath taking vistas, interesting cities, all backed with a mix of Asian and French culture.
The highlands in the North are spectacular; the central belt has lovely beaches and Hanoi well worth a visit.
Domestic travel by train is easy, rolling stock fairly old but pleasant enough. Internal flights are cheap.
Motorcycle hire also cheap and plentiful (recommend an international license) police do sometimes check. Hai Van Pass (Top Gear Vietnam special) is well worth riding (near Hoi an) can be done in a day.
Hotels available for any budget, clean and well equipped, last time we travelled (for 5 weeks) we spent around, £30 per night (some with pool). Cuisine is the highlight, both local and foreign, great breakfasts and dinners, the coffee is really something special.
Mrs. DG and I love Vietnam, hopefully be there later this year of early next years
Ussrcossack said:
I think the fact that you are newly wed and you come on here for advice means only one thing
You need to talk to the Missus or face a separation / divorce
That's not true, I often ask for advice regarding relationships on here and I'm very happily You need to talk to the Missus or face a separation / divorce
Have you considered some sort of cruise? May help with the mobility and get to see various places.
Griffith4ever said:
daqinggregg said:
Turkey done; We’re big fans of Vietnam,
Out of interest, which beaches have you been to? We love VN, been a few times, North trekking , South, Middle, lot sof time in Hanoi etc. Never tried their beaches.For a beach holiday we've always really liked Da Nang but last year we went to the Marriott on Phu Quoc which we thoroughly enjoyed, although the island is getting totally over developed now, and we'll be trying Na Trang in February, it will be interesting to see what that is like.
Caribbean cruise? It'd fit the weather and new place each day request. They normally start around November so would need to be a little later in the year than you wanted.
P&O are doing a two week cruise for two including flights for £2298 for an inside cabin, £3098 for sea view and £3398 for balcony. It includes tips and food. Drinks are no more expensive than a city centre bar in the UK. Might not be for everyone but an alternative option.
P&O are doing a two week cruise for two including flights for £2298 for an inside cabin, £3098 for sea view and £3398 for balcony. It includes tips and food. Drinks are no more expensive than a city centre bar in the UK. Might not be for everyone but an alternative option.
the-norseman said:
Bali is top of her list.
You're going to Bali then! Happy wife, happy life and all that!
Joking apart, my wife let me plan our honeymoon. She had travelled all over SE Asia in her younger days and did a bit of Bali/Thailand too so felt she'd 'done' all those and wanted to let me choose. We ended up doing a mix of beach and city breaks in the US which worked out great.
My only reservation is that £3k doesn't get you much long haul these days, does it? A brief squint at Expedia suggests that Manchester to Bali is around £1k per person return. Doesn't leave much in the budget for much else? .
Personally I would be inclined to up the budget or, if not possible, travel closer to home.
Griffith4ever said:
daqinggregg said:
Turkey done; We’re big fans of Vietnam,
Out of interest, which beaches have you been to? We love VN, been a few times, North trekking , South, Middle, lot sof time in Hanoi etc. Never tried their beaches.Da Nang, My Khe Beach and adjacent beaches, make for a decent walk.
Plenty of other beaches in the central belt, the above is what we know best.
To finish this thread off.. were off to Bali haha!
Rented a private apartment with pool near Ubud, the apartment belongs to a hotel so we have access to their bigger pool/bars/restaurant as well. Will get a private driver for a few beach trips etc but going to keep it low key/relaxed.
Rented a private apartment with pool near Ubud, the apartment belongs to a hotel so we have access to their bigger pool/bars/restaurant as well. Will get a private driver for a few beach trips etc but going to keep it low key/relaxed.
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