Alternative Honeymoon Spot Best answer on the web

  • Hi...I'm in the process of planning a honeymoon for this summer. I am trying to find a place that has a good mix of outdoor activities (mainly hiking) but that also has more traditional 'resorty' type stuff (e.g. nice beaches). The first place that came to mind was Hawaii, but I want something that isn't as overdone. So, then I thought of Cuba, but with all of the restrictions for U.S. citizens, it might be more trouble than it's worth. Finally, I thought of Peru, but I'm sort of at a loss as to where to get started with the planning (there are so many websites to sift through, who knows what is legit, etc.). Could you please both make suggestions for me as to additional places based on my criteria, and also provide me with starting points for the planning (both for Peru and for any other places you think of). Thanks!


  • Thanks for all the comments. I was initially convinced from nfpolaris's comment that the rain wasn't that bad, until I looked at the weather maps posted by cynthia!! Look at the weather map and put your mouse over 2 of the places where I know I'll be going -- Manuel Antonito and Tortuergo -- for the latter, the rain is off the charts in June!!


  • Cynthia,

    Right, I understand how the charges work -- let me clarify -- I just wanted to make sure that the editors removed the answer that was *intended* to be a comment because I didn't want to get charged for the answer and have the question get closed out if there was in fact a researcher still working on an answer. You are right about Costa Rica -- I am willing to agree to this one being posted as an answer as long as there's no other researcher(s) working on another answer (the more ideas, the better)! Thanks.
    vka2b


  • Did you mean for Cynthia-ga to post her comment as an answer?
    You named PinkFreud, but I don't see her in this thread.

    -R


  • Hi vka2b,

    Yes, I emailed them as soon as I realized my mistake. However, being it's a holiday weekend the request most likely won't take place until Monday PST time. They will remove it, I'm certain of that!
    Happy New Year to you and your family,
    tlspiegel


  • www.elegantadventures.com

    Costa Rica or Belize

    8-)


  • tlspiegel,

    No problem -- have you made the request yet? I've noticed that your answer hasn't been backed out yet and I want to make sure that my question actually gets answered (it's actually taken a few more days than I thought it would as it is). I don't want to get charged for the comments (as useful as they might be)!
    Thanks!

    vka2b


  • I'm in Seattle, fondly known as "America's Wet Dream," where citizens are born with webbed feet. It didn't look bad to me!! LOL ;-)


  • nfpolaris,

    Thanks for your note. Sorry for the delayed response -- getting used to married life has sucked a lot of my free time (computer time) away!
    As a result, this message won't be as detailed as I would like, but hopefully it is a start for you -- all of these places have websites, so simply put them into the search engine.
    Here is where we stayed:

    - While in San Jose, we stayed at the Hotel Alta.
    - While near Jaco Beach, we stayed at the Villa Caletas.
    - While in Manuel Antonia, we stayed at Makanda by the Sea.

    They were all really nice, but Makanda by the Sea was the best in terms of everything -- service, surroundings, food, cleanliness, view, etc. etc.
    Take care!


  • When you mentioned Cuba, I immediately thought of Puerto Rico. I've been there twice, and loved it. It has great beaches, and you can go hiking through the rain forest.


  • Where have you previously traveled? What did you like/dislike about the places you've visited? Answering some of these questions would help you to focus on more specific areas.
    I'd rule out Peru, but add French Polynesia/Tahiti, specifically Moorea and Bora Bora. Costa Rica is a wonderful option, but the early summer is their 'green season' and rain is likely to dominate your stay.
    Give us more info.


  • cynthia-ga,

    As I just returned from my honeymoon in Costa Rica, I thought you deserved my thanks. The tour company you recommended (Costa Rican Trails) turned out to be perfect. It was all very well organized and everybody we dealt with was really friendly. They put us in really nice places and we absolutely loved Costa Rica. It was a perfect honeymoon. Thanks so much for your suggestion!
    vka2b


  • Richard,

    What happened is that pink-freud mistakenly posted her comment as an answer, so she posted an additional comment in which she apologized for the mistake and mentioned that she was going to ask the editors to delete her answer so that I would still get a proper answer. So, the reason you don't see her anywhere on this thread is that the editors deleted her answer. Thus, I am still waiting for this question to be answered. Let me know if that explanation didn't clear things up.
    Thanks,
    Vineet


  • That's what I like: someone who comes back and shows appreciation!
    There should be more like that. Myoarin


  • Suggest ?The Picos de Europa? in northern Spain. Great hiking, few naff tourists, lovely coastline nearby. Relaxed, good food, reasonably priced, not too busy.
    Portugal, away from the Southern resorts is cool too. Not so much recognised hiking as The Picos but wonderful country. Very civilised.
    Norway has super hiking, especially the Slartybardfast area. Also got a lot of rain at times. Bit short of the ?lying in the sun? type activities (activity?) and expensive, but profoundly romantic if you?re into breathtaking scenery.
    Best


  • vka2b,

    You are not charged for "Comments" --either by Google Answers Researchers (GAR's) --or Commentors. GAR's are identifiable by looking at our names. If it's blue text and clickabale, it's a Researcher..
    For instance, these people are in the Comments section are Researchers: tlspiegel-ga, cynthia-ga (me), and pinkfreud (well, she WAS here...)
    And richard-ga in the Clarification section is a Researcher.

    rambler-ga, biophysicist-ga, guzzi-ga, and nfpolaris-ga --are Not.

    BTW, the suffix "-ga" means 'Google Answers' --not the State of Georgia...

    Here's a link to the Google Answers FAQ's where there are Answers to many interesting questions about our service:
    Google Answers: Frequently Asked Questions
    http://www.answers.google.com/answers/faq.html

    you can find the FAQ link at the very bottom of EVERY Google Answers page.

    BTW, you have 2 votes for Costa Rica now... Have you checked out the Links I gave you? If you decide to go with my suggestion, I'd like to post in the Answer box and receive payment. Let us know!!
    ~~Cynthia


  • I really haven't travelled much outside of the U.S. The only place I have gone has been India, but that is not much of a vacation spot. The only real clarification is what I've already said -- some place where there is a good combination of outdoors activities (hiking, boating, etc.) but also relaxing activities (resorts, beaches, spas). The places I mentioned should give you an idea of the type of place (Cuba, Peru, etc.).
    BTW -- why did you rule out Peru? Also, to be honest, I was pretty much set on Costa Rica until what you said about the rain -- I'd be going mid-June -- do you think that's a bad idea?


  • Looks wonderful:

    Costa Rica Weather Charts
    http://www.vacationscostarica.com/costa_rica_weather.htm

    Costa Rica Weather Map
    http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html


  • Richard -- sorry I just realized that I posted this clarification as a comment:

    Richard,

    What happened is that pink-freud mistakenly posted her comment as an
    answer, so she posted an additional comment in which she apologized
    for the mistake and mentioned that she was going to ask the editors to
    delete her answer so that I would still get a proper answer. So, the
    reason you don't see her anywhere on this thread is that the editors
    deleted her answer. Thus, I am still waiting for this question to be
    answered. Let me know if that explanation didn't clear things up.

    Thanks,
    Vineet


  • pinkfreud,

    No problem...thanks a lot for your suggestion. Hopefully the editors will move your answer to a comment soon and I will get an 'official' answer. Thanks again!
    vka2b


  • ok...Rain should be ok in costa rica....i've been down over a dozen times (all during the "green" season) and weather has never been horrible in June. Yes i've had occasional showers...but....nothing that ruined our trip..... just to wet your appetite..here are my favorite properties:

    www.waterfallgardens.com
    www.sicomono.com
    www.laparios.com
    www.hotelpuntaislita.com
    www.tabacon.com
    www.paradisusplayaconchal.com

    a good combo:

    2nt Peace Lodge
    2nt Tabacon Resort
    4nt Beach (si como no, islita or if you want larger resort paradisus)

    helps?

    8-)


  • Hi vka2b,

    I vote for Costa Rica.

    Costa Rica Trails
    http://www.costaricantrails.com/
    many travel packages here. Don't miss the ones marked as NATURE packages.

    Costa Rica Experts
    HIKING EXCURSIONS: http://www.costaricaexperts.com/hiking.htm
    ROMANTIC HIDEAWAYS: http://www.costaricaexperts.com/romantic.htm
    There are many independent options for hiking in Costa Rica. With 30% of the land area protected by national parks, wildlife refuges and preserves the trails are well marked and easily accessible. For serious trekking, we recommend a guided excursion.
    ~~Cynthia


  • Hi...

    awesome...i've actually stayed at all 3. Three great choices! I only had 1 complaint about Villa Caletas. It was a bit "stuffy" for me....the staff was a bit more...hmm....dry?....that everywhere else i've been....maybe it was just me. I'm thrilled you had a great time!! Congratulations to you & God bless your new union!!


  • I would love to know where you stayed!!!!!

    Congratulations!


  • How are you doing on your decision-making? Have you explored Tahiti's offerings at all?
    Remember, too, that rain forests will have rain. That's why they call them rain forests. So, if you still want Costa Rica, go with a warm heart, and good rain gear, and you'll be fine! The rain can add to the experience.
    One of my fave places is the Eco-Lodge in Manuel Antonio. Truly simple and a great cross-section of wildlife and vegetation. Sandy


  • Canada is somewhat non-standard, and we really enjoyed it. Keep in mind that it's colder than the US, though. Early June, when we went, it was still kind of cold there.









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    Posted in photoshopcsiso.com on July 31st, 2010 | edit