Tying the knot...need suggestions on honeymoon

I'll post more later, I have to finish up some stuff for work out of the office, but I'll give you some ideas. You can stay in a hotel (a very nice hotel will run you between $100-$150 a night, possibly more) OR, you can do a search for Key West apartment rentals, where you can rent by the week. You can find some amazing deals renting out a little 1bdrm/1 bath condo or townhome on the net at prices that can be half as much as a hotel. First, decide which island you'd like to stay at, then start searching for where to stay. I was actually living in FL when I went, we drove down, spent a day or two in Miami, then drove down the rest of the way and stayed at the Marriott in KW because I had a bunch of points accumulated so 4 days of my stay were free. If I hadn't though, there were lots of rental choices which would have put us even closer to the downtown area, which is where we spent most of our time.

AO - why do you keep talking about Cuba? Have you been there before? With so many great destinations right next to it, why Cuba? Speaking of which, next on our list is the Dominican Republic. Her parents are very well traveled and apparently the DR has the best beaches they've ever seen. And a bonus - topless European tourists.

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Originally Posted by NOMIEZVR4

Alrite...you guys have me convinced. :) I think I'm gonna start looking more in depth into the Florida Keys...so to those that have been to the Keys...Im planning to go for about a week...spill the beans fellas..:)

I definitely wanna scuba...and jetski and parasail...help me plan my trip..lol

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Man... I wanted to parasail in Hawaii and it just didn't fit in the schedule :(

Just make sure you read hotel/resort reviews!

Hopefully Florida Red Tide will be gone by then...

even low and medium sucks... Florida downplays this red tide crap

Red Tide Current Status

http://coolgate.mote.org/beachconditions/

Red tide almost never affects the Keys. I've vacationed in the the Keys for the past 22 years. It's my favorite place to visit. I live in San Diego, but still go to the Keys every year. For a honeymoon, I would definitely recommend staying in Key West. There are more activities, restaurants, museums, tours and history than what you'd find in the other Keys. There's a huge selection of hotels in different price ranges depending on your budget, but expect to pay at least $150 per night for a decent place that's close to the downtown area.
I'd definitely recommend taking the trip out to the Dry Tortugas, about 70 miles by boat west of Key West. It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been and the snorkeling from the beach is the best outside of Hawaii in the US.
I'd also recommend flying into Ft. Lauderdale and driving down as opposed to flying into Key West. It's much cheaper, often by $200 or $300 per ticket over flying into Key West or Miami and it's also a great drive once you hit the overseas highway, one you shouldn't miss. If you're a beach goer, the beach at Bahia Honda, about 30 miles east of Key West, was listed as one of the best beaches in America a number of times. It's a state park, so it's undeveloped and has many unusual animals and plants found nowhere else in the US. My favorite beach on Key West is Fort Taylor state park. It has deep water right off the beach and lots of fish swimming around the rocks that are placed offshore to attract them. If you'd like any more information, I'll check this thread and try and answer what ever I can.

93 has definitely been there more times than I. I've been to KW twice, once staying at the Marriott (which is about 2.5 miles away from the downtown area and beaches of KW) and once at a Bed n Breakfast near downtown. Don't remember the name at the moment, but it was around $250 a night. I've also been to Marathon for a wedding for a couple days. It was nice, but there wasn't as much to do there as in KW. Since you'll be renting a car, flying into Ft. Lauderdale or Miami is definitely the way to go. Not to mention, the drive down to KW really isn't that long, and if you get a convertible you'll really enjoy it, as it's probably one of the most scenic drives you can ever go on.

As far as things to do, we went parasailing (you can sign up for it that day, no need to pay in advance on a website for tickets like they want you to do at some places) took a jet ski tour around the island, and they also have these "private island" tours, where you pay for 4-6 hours or so, they take you out in a boat and head to a nearby private reef where they have lounge chairs and umbrellas set up in very shallow water, and serve you food and drinks all day while you lounge around and relax.

They also have a couple companies that do the B.O.B. tours (mini submarine tours.) If you haven't heard of it, it's like renting a scooter underwater, your head stays in a glass bubble, and you ride around underneath the water for an hour or so. I didn't do that in KW, but did it in Cancun and it was a blast. I'd recommend doing that if you don't feel like getting certified for Scuba.

Finally, there's a place called Sunset Key which is this really tiny island just off the coast of KW. There's a hotel there and some houses, and a restaurant called Latitudes. Can only get to it by boat, and you'll need reservations for this place. I haven't eaten there, but my friends did and said it was fantastic and that we'll have to check it out next time.

Wow, great info! I've seen Key West's clear, bright blue water from a ship, but I think I'll have to ask the wife about moving it up on the travel list. After a couple years of Pacific, I'm ready for some Caribbean :)

Oahu's beaches were a let down for me after seeing the Caribbean ... Cold water (I'm a bitch), too many people, and Waikiki was really uncomfortable to even walk on...

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Originally Posted by NOMIEZVR4

I didn't know where else to post this :Doh:...there's such a wide variety of destinations to visit, its hard to narrow it down. I'll be getting hooked up in april...to give a little bit of background, now this isn't a typical wedding. Its an arranged wedding...which isn't so common now in this day and age especially here in the states...even though ive been practically born and raised here.:w00t:

I've seen my wife to be only on a few occasions, so the 'newness' will definitely be there.;) She came to the US maybe like 7-8 years ago so shes not foreign to the type of lifestyle in the states. Keep in mind however, I don't drink, smoke nor have I ever been clubbing. Its not a part of my lifestyle...so with that being said, whats a good place to visit (preferably islands im thinking?) that wont break the bank, has a variety of things to do together for couples, good food, etc...I'm the adventurous type..lover roller coasters, been skydiving, got my motorcycles, etc...Not looking to go longer than 5-6 days, don't wanna go overeseas...so what are your guys' suggestions opinions...BTW, I've never been to a resort/vacation type spot before so all information would be really helpful. :)

My buddy was saying to go to hawaii, which is great because he went there before, he was telling me he went for a week, and spent about $3500 including food/airfare/activities...is that a good price?

Thanks

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u should go to a swingers resort, just kinda see how the new wifey reacts!

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Originally Posted by AdamVR4

AO - why do you keep talking about Cuba? Have you been there before? With so many great destinations right next to it, why Cuba?

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I haven't been to Cuba yet, my parents, godparents, other family members and a couple friends have gone and loved it...I mention it because according to them, its every bit as good as some of the other islands, and really, really cheap by our standards. I have been to the Florida and the Bahamas though, I wouldn't say the bahamas is much different, but Florida can get cold! I was there in January a couple years ago and it was only about 15C some days, which is late spring weather here.

I haven't been to the Dominican, but I have a friend whose dad was born and raised there, and it gets really, really poor there. Between the Haitian refugees that hang out at their local dumps sifting through garbage for food, people chilling in the street...if you leave the beaten path, there is a chance you could find yourself in quite a shock...but hey, Hispaniola island is kept poor for a reason.

Oh, and if you want something that isn't the caribbean, I would suggest Prince Edward Island in late July-August...it'll be every bit as hot as the caribbean is during the winter, Cavendish beach is pretty cool, and home to the best ice cream in the world. Personally, I'd save it for a family trip, but its whatever tickles your fancy.

Off topic: Why doesn't the US include alcohol in all inclusives?

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Originally Posted by AdamVR4

Off topic: Why doesn't the US include alcohol in all inclusives?

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Some do, Caliente in Tampa is one of them (but unless you're a nudist, steer clear :D ) and as far as I know, Club Med does all inclusive with alcohol still.

I think it boils down to the cost. We're a nation of fat people and alcoholics who can drink up a storm, harder to turn a profit if alcohol is thrown in.