https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:35:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-551650 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:07:24 +0000 Diana 551650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a fantastic itinerary! I agree with Astrid... when I went to Florence it was mid-February, and it was definitely cold and windy. I would bring trenchcoat, big scarf, gloves, and hat. However, there were tons of fab woven and leather accessories all over the city, so you could always use the excuse of being cold to shop! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-551615 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:59:52 +0000 rae 551615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Astrid! I would never have thought it would be cold enough for gloves! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-551490 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:01:43 +0000 Astrid 551490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All the suggestions sound great and I'm sure Rome, Florence and Venice will be wonderful! I just wanted to say that I've been to Florence last year in March too and it was sunny but still cold, so a coat, scarf and gloves were mandatory. It's a beautiful city! I'm also planning to visit Rome one day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-551405 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:17:15 +0000 rae 551405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so glad I asked you guys for advice - such a wealth of information, and my short list of must-see places just got SO much longer!</p> <p>We have been looking up travel deals all day today - various hotel and flight bundles and such. Can you believe that the deals for Croatia were more expensive than other places? It must be very popular now - it is easy to see why!</p> <p>We found a deal for 9-days split between Rome, Florence, and Venice that really caught my eye - a combo of some romantic sights as well as the old ruins which I would love to see. This would be in Spring - as early as March (I've read the weather is unpredictable, but better than being too hot and humid). I'm going to check with work tomorrow to see if the dates work. </p> <p>Oh, and hubs said that we should go on trips more often since it is so much easier to find deals these days. Heh heh, that is what I want to hear! I have a list of destinations at the ready! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550652 Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:45:41 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 550652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do NOT recommend NZ for a 10-day honeymoon! We did 2 weeks there for our honeymoon and I felt like I spent most of the time in the car driving from place to place on fast, winding highways on the "wrong" side of the road!</p> <p>Now that we have kids, it's a chore just to get to the mall.</p> <p>Not that I'm bitter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550544 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:02:34 +0000 Ornella 550544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear! I almost had heart attack after reading Mandipa's suggestion. IRELAND, of course!!! Shame on me for forgetting Ireland!</p> <p>I have lived there for 2.5 best years of my life. Dublin is fantastic place to visit, but if you want to experience *the* real Ireland you need to rent a car and drive to the countryside. Any random place will do. The scenery is breathtaking and no matter how many times we have been revisiting some parts, they always looked different - something about it being a small island, exposed to the ocean, the sky always dramatic, the light never being the same. </p> <p>Yes, Ireland is my top vote now And stay in B&amp;Bs of course, run by local people, not in some chain hotels. The Irish are the kindest people.</p> <p>One more thing, there are many low cost airlines operating in Europe and you can get around relatively cheaply if you book well in advance. In such case, a short visits to a few places is very feasible on a budget. PM me if you want more details about them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550539 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:57:45 +0000 goldenpig 550539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow! How exciting! All these destinations sound great. Definitely travel as much as you can now because you won't get the chance to travel like that after you have kids.</p> <p>I would definitely vote for Paris! So romantic. DH and I went to Paris and saw all the major sites (Louvre and lots of other museums, Versailles, Notre Dame) then took the TGV train to Avignon and stayed in a hotel in the countryside (rented a car). The south of France is just gorgeous and there are so many charming little towns to explore.</p> <p>Another time we went to Barcelona, which has such interesting architecture and is another great city to walk and explore. They have an great farmer's market, and La Sagrada Familia and other Gaudi buildings are so amazing. From there we rented a train and drove into France and explored a bunch of small towns--a cave with prehistoric paintings, rode the little yellow train through the countryside, medieval castle in Carcassonne (yummy cassoulet), coastal French town of Collioure, and stayed in another "castle" in the Spanish countryside. Both of these trips we started and ended in the city so we could fly roundtrip out of the same airport. I think these were both two week trips.</p> <p>And finally, has anyone suggested the Galapagos? You fly to Quito, which is an interesting city, and then on to the Galapagos. You can stay on a boat (there are all kinds, in lots of different price ranges from budget to luxury) which takes you around to the different islands and do land tours and snorkeling with penguins etc. You wouldn't believe the diversity of animal life, ones that are found nowhere else. We did a diving liveaboard (that also did some land tours), and saw whale sharks and schools of hammerhead sharks. Incredible. It was the trip of a lifetime. Unfortunately now that we have kids, going back is going to have to wait at least 10 years. Now the highlight of our travels is limited to Hawaii (and maybe even Disneyland). So it's just not the same--even if we could manage a 12 hour flight with two toddlers, there's just so much kid gear to schlep that you can't just backpack around Europe anymore, LOL. </p> <p>Have fun, wherever you go! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550530 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:44:23 +0000 kellygirl 550530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, this thread is killing me. You've got some great advice and I can't wait to hear what you decide. I haven't done any serious traveling since DD's were born but my most memorable trips were Paris and Israel. I feel like I just got bit by the vacation bug! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550525 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:26:58 +0000 Isabel 550525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, Capetown sound amazing to me !! Though I know someone who loves hiking and camping and the outdoors and he says that best trip he ever took was New Zealand. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550512 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:08:49 +0000 bj1111 550512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>if you go to budapest, must try these baths. best day that hubbie and i spent in pest. also stay on the pest side...livelier than buda. awesome food scene.</p> <p><a href="http://www.szechenyibath.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.szechenyibath.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550508 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:02:23 +0000 Mochi 550508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back again! I really glanced quickly thru others' comments, but seems like I'm echoing a few things already said: NZ is a really long flight that will eat up a lot of your time on a relatively short vacay; Thailand/Vietnam are places that would be fascinating to visit at some point; Spain is beautiful...etc etc. </p> <p>I had originally jumped back on here to say that I think Angie's suggestion of Hong Kong was great...but I think 10 days is long to spend there, so you'd want to add on another destination (thus the jaunt to Thailand or Singapore, perhaps.)</p> <p>And I'll confuse you even more by suggesting Buenos Aires and a little touring in South America? (Though it's opposite seasons down there so you need to plan for that.) And I haven't been there so it's all speculation, but I'm really wanting to go, the exchange rate's supposed to be good and it's supposed to be a really wonderful city. I want to travel in Chile too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550362 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:00:45 +0000 missvee 550362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you are keen on Europe, then I would second the recommendations for Barcelona. It has a very creative vibe (google the architect Gaudi and you'll see what I mean.) It's not overly expensive, you can rent a flat for a week, and then you can drive up the coast to one of the small towns on the Costa Brava if you want a few days of relaxed beach time. It gets blistering hot in the summer, so try to avoid those months.<br /> Mind you if you haven't been to Paris, I don't think you could go wrong there either - it's a much bigger city, more hustle-bustle, more expensive, but it's a beautiful city and the art is to die for... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550326 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:43:49 +0000 Angie 550326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh! I'm so silly! How could I forget Ireland. That's the best accent in the world, and a greener pasture you will probably never see. </p> <p>I was wondering when the forum members from down under and NZ would chime in to convince you to come their way :)</p> <p>Guess where we went for our honeymoon? (The US, for 3 weeks:)) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550261 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 15:18:01 +0000 marianna 550261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this thread (very useful for me too!) All the destinations sound soooo enticing... I can't wait to hear where you decide to travel! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550254 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 15:01:18 +0000 Meredith1953 550254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been in London, Edinburgh, Paris, Tokyo, Kyoto, Venice, Florence, Rome and they were all magical. The others on your list like New Zealand sound wonderful as well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550184 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 11:49:36 +0000 anchie 550184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you do decide to go to Croatia, or central Europe, and if you have some questions, maybe I can help. I am Croatian, living in Vienna, Austria, and I used to live in Sarajevo, Bosnia (my DH is from there). I am very familiar with this part of world. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550086 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 04:48:55 +0000 rae 550086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, thankyouthankyouthankyou!!</p> <p>My goodness, I want to go everywhere... *gasp* my head is almost spinning. </p> <p>By cross-referencing recs here and a list I found ranking cities by costliness, I've got a growing interest in Budapest and Croatia. Dashrashi, those pics of Mostar are painfully beautiful... I have forwarded some things to DH to look at. </p> <p>Hubs has vetoed Amsterdam (I guess it was not his speed for whatever reason). That just means we will have to go back someday and make it part of a longer tour... </p> <p>NZ/Australia is still definitely NOT off the list! Manidipa, thank you so much for mentioning the Aurora Australis - we did not know about this, and it's a hot selling point. </p> <p>I'm leaning away from Asia, since my last big trip was to Japan... I sorely do want to see Thailand, Singapore, etc. However there is SO much that I want to see that maybe it would be nice to go on a tour when I have more vacation time. I also have to go to Korea someday, but we don't want to go there for the honeymoon. </p> <p>The timing isn't a big issue. I believe there is a week in June ruled out, as that is when my teammate at work is going on his vacation. Ideally, we'd figure out the big tourist season, the worst weather season, and try to avoid those times. But first on the agenda is to pick a place... </p> <p>I'M GETTING EXCITED!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550039 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:53:38 +0000 Dashrashi 550039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I spent 5 weeks in Croatia one summer doing a study abroad. I wouldn't recommend going in August, since that's apparently when all of Italy takes a vacation on the Dalmatian coast. The other thing to know is that most of the beaches are rocky, not sandy--so you usually want to buy a yoga-mat type thing that all the vendors in the towns will sell in lieu of using a towel. It's very low key, and I liked it a lot. (And if you go, I must put in a plug for Sarajevo--not too far from the Croatian coast and very seriously one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen, along with Jerusalem. So much history and weirdness--the main historical market has a lot of vendors who sell pens and souvenirs made from bullets collected after the war. And if you do go from Dalmatia to Sarajevo, it's worth stopping off in Mostar to see the old bridge, which literally looks like something out of a fairy tale, especially in the evening--and there's a great market with stalls and souvenirs right around the bridge. Seen here: <a href="http://www.vivaboo.com/the-historic-stari-most-bridge-in-mostar-connecting-bosnia-and-herzegovina/" rel="nofollow">http://www.vivaboo.com/the-his.....rzegovina/</a> I really loved Bosnia and would love to go back.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550038 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:53:09 +0000 ManidipaM 550038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, really, Diana makes an excellent point. WHEN are you going? It makes all the difference.</p> <p>And just to add more madness to the mix (and possibly half of it useless since I'm too new here to know your tastes and hobbies all that well)...</p> <p>My favourite country to visit in Europe is Ireland. Stunningly beautiful countryside, warm people, Dublin is great fun with lots of buskers and weekend markets, the food is shockingly good, and if you don't mind the rain, it is an utterly beautiful place. Plenty of walking trips, coastal trails, and you can easily rent an apartment on the outskirts of Cork or Dublin for a week or so to ramble from.</p> <p>Though, if you can afford it, Paris is quintessentially romantic and depending on what you do, it does not HAVE to be expensive. You can certainly stay in cheaper, more atmospheric places there than in London, which you could make a day visit if you wanted (it will be spectacular this year, easily one of 2012's top ten destinations).</p> <p>I'll also second Istanbul. Quite spectacular. And Amsterdam for atmosphere and convenience. </p> <p>Then there are all those lovely river cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle... Great way to do Hungary, Budapest, French wine country etc. Do you get cabin fever, though? </p> <p>Since Angie and Sona have also gone an nudged your Asia-wards, let me introduce Sri Lanka and Bhutan into the mix. </p> <p>Sri Lanka is little and you can cover at least 2-3 different types of destination in 10 days. A beach town like Negombo, a bus-ride from the capital, and maybe one of the tea plantation areas up the hills or a wildlife destination. Some lovely pristine places still, the unrest is no longer a problem at this time, crazily delicious and entirely exotic (even to me, and I'm a next-door neighbour!) cuisine, and one of the most devalued currencies and beautiful crafts and textiles. </p> <p>Then, Bhutan, if you like mountains. It is breathtaking. A whole other world of happiness. Very simple food, very good value. The thing to do is trek across the tiny nation --- touching Paro, Bumthang, Gangtey, Thimpu, Punakha, Tatsang monastery. Only catch --- the accommodation options are basic vs luxurious, with no middle ground. Not that basic is terrible or anything, but in case you're looking for a hotel experience... </p> <p>The forgotten bit of IndoChina --- people talk of Vietnam and Cambodia (and indeed, Angkor Wat is a trip of a lifetime), but Laos is wonderful. Utterly gorgeous natural beauty, mindblowingly good and cheap food, fantastic accommodations that are also very inexpensive, extremely congenial people, and so so easy on the pocket. You won't need a thrift store, there are 'souvenirs' on every street.</p> <p>Allow me to also second Singapore: You might enjoy the wetlands trail, which many people miss, but it's breathtaking. And being able to cross into Malaysia by road (though I'll recommend rail) is brilliant. For an 'expensive' city --- and it does have that reputation compared to the rest of the region --- it can be extremely good value at the lower end of the bargain too. I'll confess it is my default choice in the area. SO much to enjoy.</p> <p>Thailand too is a very good choice. Bangkok is cheap, cheerfully packed with attractions, but hectic. Once you get a little further away, it is lovely. Rather than Phuket though, I'd recommend the Cha-Am/Hua Hin area. There's a lot of watersports, there are hilly vineyards in the area, national parks nearby, shopping is way, way cheaper than Bangkok or Phuket (though selections are obviously not as wide), and the weather's quite lovely in the right seasons. </p> <p>I'd also have recommended China but for the language barrier. You might not want to deal with that bunch of hassles on honeymoon.</p> <p>If you're thinking NZ, I'd also think Australia. An excellent reason to go to either THIS year is the solar maxima (though far northern Europe qualifies for the same reason, as do Alaska, Canada and Patagonia), because the Aurora Australis will be at its best. Lake Eyre is also currently in its fill cycle and pretty darn awesome. A hot-air balloon ride over the Uluru/Ayers Rock has just started up...</p> <p>Um, right... now I've even confused myself. Erm. Getting off soapbox. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550007 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:53:11 +0000 Sona 550007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For affordable with cool sights, beautiful natural attractions I would advise Thailand/Phuket. very affordable, plenty of thrift shopping, amazing food and great scenery. yes, the Tsunami struckt here but coming from CA I'm thinking you realize that natural disasters can happen anywhere, anytime. The Maldives is also unbeievably fantastic but currently there is a lot of political turmoil there. As far as Europe is concerned the Euro is pretty low vis a vis the dollar so its a great time to visit. Paris ends up being prettyspendy any which way you cut it. Although it is an amzing, must visit city! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550006 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:52:44 +0000 Sylvie 550006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae,</p> <p>You could base yourself out of Wellington or Auckland or Queenstown for a trip in NZ. Wellington, especially is a nice town. However, so many of the really neat things in NZ are outside of the towns - the hiking trails, the lakes, the beautiful scenery as you drive by. The perfect NZ trip imho, would involve leisurely driving down from Auckland to Wellington, take the ferry across to Christchurch, continuing the leisurely drive down the east edge of the south island to Queenstown, then zip up the west side somewhat faster, ferry back over and return to Auckland.</p> <p>I could give you a list of highlights, but it sounds like NZ has been ruled out anyway.</p> <p>Oh, how about Morocco? I've never been, but I know people who have, including a couple who went on their honeymoon. You'll be able to get decent (or luxurious) lodging for much less than in Europe/the US. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation/page/2#post-550003 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:50:37 +0000 Anonymous 550003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh lord, how many fantastic choices. If I was to choose, I would say Paris, no question about it!<br /> My trip there has been postponed so many times. Please go there for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation#post-550000 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:43:54 +0000 bj1111 550000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>fyi...the hostels have received a great reno. very hip places. </p> <p>istanbul. gorgeous, affordable, great sight seeing, excellent foodie scene as well as great street food. you can spend a few days in the city then head to the coast...similar to the greek islands, but cheaper. bodrum is good.</p> <p>love the south of spain. you can fly into madrid, head south to seville, granada, etc, overnight train to barcelona, then fly out of barcelona.</p> <p>many many options only limited by the time of year and your preferred style of traveling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation#post-549988 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:18:59 +0000 crazyone 549988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I was just about to recommend Portugal! I spent a week there and highly recommend it--people are very friendly, the country is very easy to get around, and things are not at all expense. And there are so, so many beautiful sites to visit. We didn't do this, but there are old castles that have been converted to hotels, and depending on the time of year staying in them can be as cheap as 60 euros a night. You could also spend a day or two in London on your way back, or go to Spain for part of your trip, as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation#post-549987 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:18:45 +0000 Debbie 549987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved Italy. We also rented an apt for the time we were there. It was a great experience. I have not been to Hong Kong since I was a teenager but I think you would have a great time.<br /> Please share with us where you decide to go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation#post-549980 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:07:47 +0000 Travelgal Nicole 549980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm an American living in NZ and I have been to over 60 countries. NZ is the most beautiful place. The South Island is amazing and if you want any tips just PM me. Queenstown is fab along with Wanaka and you could easily spend your time around there.</p> <p>I know quite a few people who work at the Weta workshops and they're all heading up to attend the Oscars. Its very easy to immigrate here as long as you have a college degree.</p> <p>If you're looking to go to Europe my vote is for Barcelona. There is so much to see and do and the whole place is colourful and vibrant. You can also go to the beaches in Stiges just outside Barcelona. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation#post-549959 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 01:33:11 +0000 DonnaF 549959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NZ is beautiful but it struck me as a place where you could also go with kids, assuming they would survive the flight. What about Slovenia in addition to Croatia? Central Europe is just beginning to become popular so you can get there ahead of the curve. DD went on a choir tour there a few years back and stayed in a medieval village. You have to wear cobblestone safe shoes, however, as one girl twisted her ankle. Ice cream was reportedly excellent. (She was in middle school at the time.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation#post-549958 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 01:31:54 +0000 catgirl 549958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Has anyone suggested Portugal? I've never been there, but it's someplace I'd love to visit. Paris is great, although I much preferred the more rural areas and the beach (Nice and Cannes) to the city experience (where my college French was snubbed!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation#post-549947 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 01:15:01 +0000 anne 549947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I don't know about the fim industry, but my general impression from Australia is that NZ is not the best place to find work. But maybe the Kiwis should give their opinion on that<br /> From all accounts it is a gorgeous location. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-honeymoon-destination-contemplation#post-549942 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 01:02:23 +0000 Girl X 549942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Barcelona! Florence! If you hadn't already been to Japan, I'd add Tokyo to the list (seems very you somehow).</p> <p>Like Sylvie, I've had great experiences with VRBO.com Sometimes seemingly silly things like having a real refrigerator and a stove can totally enhance your experience while traveling. I don't need to have my sheets changed and bathroom cleaned daily, so the price break from renting an apartment instead of staying at a hotel doesn't have any drawbacks. There are differences of course; travel feels less luxurious in an apartment, you're not being taken care of, the way you would be in a hotel. Instead, you feel more a part of the city you're staying in, you're immediately not a tourist. </p>