Honeymoon Destination Suggestions??

[jennagreck]

My fiance and I are looking for some suggestions on a great deal for our honeymoon. Can leave at the end of September 2008and would love to be somewhere for 2 weeks? Currently looking in various locations like Spain or South Africa, but would be up for anything! Thanks.

[jashermd]

Hello,

I'd highly recommend South Africa -- there's an amazing amount to see and do, from snorkelling to going on safari, and the weakness of the Rand makes SA very good value for money compared to European countries where the Euro is likely to cause some financial pain. The level of luxury you can get at the smaller guesthouses and B&Bs has to be seen to be believed.

I'm not sure when you're thinking of going, but in terms of going on safari the best time to go is between June and September (with July and August pretty much ideal). If you want to go to Cape Town as well September is best, as it's chilly and rainy in the Cape during July and August.

There are a lot of posts about SA in the 'South Africa' section of this board -- click on 'Destinations' from the Community home page and you'll see Africa and under that South Africa.

LL has some very good deals in South Africa, especially in Cape Town and the WInelands (keep an eye out for Le Quartier Francais). The safari packages tend to be too short (you really need three nights at a camp to really enjoy it) but you can add addiitonal nights onto the LL packages.

I've been to SA many times and it's one of my favourite destinations -- feel free to ask any questions!

Cheers,
Julian

[jennagreck]

We would actually be going at the end of September, beginning of Oct. So, the timing could be perfect! South Africa is my ideal location, so I may take you up on your offer to answer questions! Thanks

[jashermd]

Hello,

Glad you're considering SA! The end of September would be a great time to go -- October can be a bit too dry and dusty if you're on safari (though it is warmer in the Cape). You should have excellent weather both in the Cape and on safari, and it will be warm enough to enjoy the plunge pools at the safari camps.

If a safari is part of your plan, I'd strongly recommend spending at least three days at a camp (or six split between two camps). LL has some safari packages but you need to be careful, as far to many of them are for only two nights per camp, which means you end up feeling as if you've either just arrived or you're just about to leave -- not what you want on your honeymoon!

If you wanted to visit Victoria Falls or go on safari in another Southern African country, you can easily combine those options with SA -- Joburg is the hub of Southern Africa and there are short direct flights from there to Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and Mozambique. If you enjoy snorkelling or diving, LL has some very good packages for Mozambique, notably with Benguerra Lodge.

Cheers,
Julian




Message Edited by jashermd on 01-23-2008 05:55 PM

[mary-j]

Have you thought of Dubai? If you are looking for somewhere to feel totally pampered and "special" especially as it is your honeymoon then Dubai would be perfect. It has some of the most beautiful hotels in the world, wonderful beaches, excellent shopping, world class restaurants, even a ski slope with real snow!!! You can go into the desert and have a romantic meal under the stars or even a balloon ride over the desert. You are guaranteed sunshine and will find some of the most friendliest people anywhere. if you are looking for somewhere unique and very intimate, then thereis a resort called Al Maha(www.almaha.com). it is pure luxury in the desert. It is one of those places you have to experience at least once in your life. Totally perfect for a honeymoon. If Dubai would be too much for 2 weeks, then you could consider it as a 2-centre with Seychelles, Maldives or Sri Lanka. Also Jashermd's recommendations are excellent too. A safari would be wonderful for a honeymoon. He also suggested S.A. with Mozambique. I too would consider that, especially a resort called Azura.

If you need any more info on Dubai, then just ask. This year will be our 6th time there.

Can I ask where you are from? That may be a consideration when people are giving you some ideas.



Let us know what you finally decide on.

[jennagreck]

We had never thought of Dubai, but we've been learning a lot about it and actually have a friend living there! Could be a great option.



We're from Toronto. We're now actually considering splitting the honeymoon into two parts - right after the honeymoon we would go away somewhere hot and just relax for a week and then go away again in December to go skiing. If we did that, SA and Dubai would probabaly be out of the picture. . . but you never know.



Since both of you have used LL a lot, do you suggest booking early or wating for a good deal?

[jashermd]

Hello,

You could easily combine a stopover in Dubai with a trip to SA and visit both places!

Booking through LL can be a bit tricky at times. In general, the more specific your dates are the earlier you should try to book so you can get the dates you want. If you find something you like and have a particular date or dates in mind, it's a good idea to ring the property and make sure that there is availability for your dates before bidding. That's what I've done and it has worked quite well.

For SA, you'd be travelling during the low season so you will probably have good availability in the Cape, though availability on safari can be challenging if you decide you want one of the more exclusive lodges like Singita, which do tend to fill up in advance. Personally, I normally book my safari first, and then try to build some LL packages around it. I normally use LL for the city portions but not for the safari as the lodges I prefer aren't often listed here.

Cheers,
Julian

[giancolafac]

R & R for a week after your wedding....we did in Bora Bora (Hotel Bora Bora)....at the end of October. Perfect weather and location for relaxing and just enjoying each others company after your wedding. Since your from TO try stopping in Hawaii on the way there to break up your flight. !

[matthewlawrence26]

canary islands is actually a beautiful place to go for honeymooners like you. you can try the amari vogue resort. it has nice accommodations and a relaxing place to stay.

[christian07]

I'm a nature-lover so I'm all for South Africa. You need to go hiking at Cape Town, the weather is just warm enough for couples to make the most out of their honeymoon. Also, don't forget to go to Boulder's Beach, there are a lot of adorable African penguins there.

Best wishes to you and your fiance.