Honeymoon Q&A
Part 1: Finding Ideas and All-Inclusives and Avoiding Hurricanes
More of this Feature • Part 2: Great Beds, Legalities, and Castles • Part 3: B&Bs, Cool Stuff, and More    Related Resources • Site Directory • Destination Inspiration • All-Inclusives • Caribbean Islands • Inexpensive Getaways • Top 10 Spots • Weather Forecasts    Free Travel Newsletter • Subscribe Here   By Susan Breslow Sardone The Honeymoon Guru (that's me) gets lots of email from people planning a romantic getaway -- and this week I share some recent notes. If you don't find answers to your questions, check the Site Directory to see if the topic has already been covered. If not, write me. GETTING STARTED Q: Can you give me an idea where we can go on our honeymoon? A: The answer depends on what that two of you like to do, what kind of weather you favor, the amount you want to spend, and even which part of the U.S. you'll depart from. (For example, most East Coast couples who like warm weather choose a Caribbean honeymoon to save on airfare; West Coasters typically consider Mexico or Hawaii first.) At Find a Romantic Getaway Anywhere in the World you'll find numerous links selected to help you make that important decision. AN AFFORDABLE CARIBBEAN GETAWAY Q: I want a great Caribbean honeymoon but have a small budget. Should I seek a travel agent? Are there honeymoon specials? Package deals? Cruise or fly? Hotel or beach hut? I'm confused but have to act fast....help! What steps should I take? A: 1. Finalize your budget. To keep costs contained, consider an all-inclusive resort. 2. Learn about the different Caribbean islands. Puerto Rico, for instance, can be a big, brassy, gamblin'-action kind of place; Barbados and Bermuda are veddy British in tone. Nothing much happens on St. Lucia, Antigua, and Bermuda; some honeymooners like it that way. The Caymans are fairly dull on land -- but thrilling underwater for snorkelers and scuba divers. 3. Find a reputable travel agent; he or she will know about deals, specials, and cruises (they do love cruises, 'cause they make the highest commission selling them -- so only choose a cruise if you think that's what you really want; don't let anyone talk you into one otherwise). Another advantage of going through a travel agent rather than booking online: there will be a human face attached to your trip rather than an email address. If something goes wrong (and things do), you'll know who to call immediately. 4. Narrow down the choices to 3 or 4 places. Talk to your fiance -- and invite her to make the final decision. 5. Then bite the bullet. Make a commitment (you're already in deep). Pay the money. And let the sweet anticipation begin.... HURRICANE HAZARD Q: My fiance and I are planning an August honeymoon but are concerned about the hurricane season. We want to go to a tropical beach/romantic type of place. Do you have any suggestions about places that do not lie in the hurricane path? Have a look at this article: "Outwit the Weather" and explore my Vacation Weather topic. Bottom line: There are plenty of islands where you're unlikely to get drenched. Safest bets in August: Greece and Aruba. > More Letters - Page 2 > Subscribe to the Newsletter Name Email