Honeymoon......Why is it so hard to find somewhere?

For us, we chose something really memorable, that we wouldn't ordinarily do.

We wanted to go to the Maldives (before they disappear) and wanted 4/5* AI service.

We decided to combine this with an adventure tour of Sri Lanka which was amazing.

More money than we would ever normally spend on a holiday!!!

YEp we are the same...we both have always wanted to do a safari so we are goign for kenya...4 days safari and then 10 days on the beaches of mombassa.....we are hoping to start a family once we are wed so this may be the only chance for many years of a dream hol!! x

THIS!! trh scotland and italy holidays sound fab, but could you do these a sa 'normal' holiday at anytime? Think of it as a once in a lifetime holiday!

We're going for the once in a lifetime holiday - We're going to Cuba. A bit of culture in Havana but also several night all-inclusive on a beach! It's hurricane season, but... If we don't go for the honeymoon we never will! So thought we may as well (and have some good insurance as a back up, just in case...)

ooo where abouts in Cuba? tis my fav place!!! What tiome of year are u going? we went in hurricane season and honestly,all there was was a sharp downpour in the afternoon for about 30mins then nothing!!

We decided (we actually it was one of the few things OH felt very strongly about!) we really wanted to go away right after the wedding, and go somewhere we could just sit in the sun and relax, we've had a lot on for the past 18 months and the wedding is next June so we just want to have a break together. That meant we wouldn't have the money for a holiday of a life time - at least, not doing it the way we would want to, and we just don't have the capacity to plan something like that either (It would be a big tour of Italy or the US probably). So we have 10 days AI in Sharm - it will be hot and sunny with good snokeling and plenty of doing nothing together!

In regards to choosing what you do, I suppose there are decisions you can make that might help?

When do you want to go - does this rule out places because of the weather etc

What is your budget?

Do you want to get the outstanding destination, but compromise on the luxury of the trip - or would you rather ultimate luxury, which might restrict your destination?

Do you want adventures and culture and sightseeing, or do you want to chill out together?

Good luck! Our budget and wish list pretty much chose our destination for us!

We are looking a maldives but have no idea where to start! Where did you go / who did you book it through? Thanks

We decided its totally a one off, so didnt want our usual chill out in Europe. So heading for USA first stop San Fransico then onto Hawaii finishing off in Las Vegas, 3 totally different places, yes we can have a bit chill out in Hawaii but there still plenty to explore and do a bit island hopping.

It all depends on your budget, but dont be put off at the thought of long haul being expensive I was amazed what good deals are out there. Europe can be pricey ?

We booked through Blue Bay Travel, but it was a Kuoni tour. It was £500 cheaper than booking direct with Kuoni and we negotiated free seaplane transfers.

We stayed on Kuramathi... it was amazing!!!

That's where we've just booked, we're so excited about going there. Always wanted to go to the Maldives and stay in our own villa, as most of our holidays we stay in hotels.

Any tips for Kuramathi?

TBH, I know people talk about a holiday of a lifetime etc but in this day and age, with the world 'getting smaller' and airlines offering sales left right and centre, I don't think there is such a thing anymore.

We, made a list of things that were important to us regarding our honeymoon:

For us this was: guaranteed sunshine, nothing revolving around a beach (in that we both hate sunlounging so somewhere like the Maldives was ruled out straight away), the opportunity to sight-see and maybe try something different. We also didn't want to spend too long on a plane and, given that I was going through my second round of redundancies at the time, nothing that was too mental budget-wise.

For the time of year (for us = end Sept, beginning Oct) that ruled out South East Asia and we didn't want to take the rist with the hurricanes in the Carribean. We ended up plumping for Dubai as we felt it met the brief really well and he could go skiing while I went shopping and we could both ride a camel! ha ha Plus, it's politically stable and given our brush with the Thailand riots a few years back, that was quite important!

Now, if your idea of a fabulous holiday is going to all your favourite haunts in Scotland then you shouldn't feel like to HAVE to go somewhere exotic just because it's not traditionally honeymoon-y. The important thing is that you two spend quality time together doing something you both enjoy and will be able to make fond memories of your first holiday as a married couple. You both will also need the chance to unwind and relax because you'll be suprised how much planning the wedding will take it out of you, even if you're the most planned individual ever!

We had an amazing honeymoon in Italy in venice and the Lakes, Booked through Citalia. We were totally spoilt, recommend it!

Go Select All Inclusive.... worth the money as the restaurants are amazing. My favourite was the Island BBQ.

Cocktail menu is fab... I loved the Maldivian Lady, Rose of Red and Little Dinghy!!

Favourite bar was the Havana - shisha pipes and cigars! They often rotate entertainment, from disco to live singer to movie on the beach!

It gets dark early (6pm) and the paths can be quite dark, take a torch!

Make sure you watch the stingray feeding and take a walk up to the sandbank at sunset...

We sound like we are having the same problems as you.

First of all we decided we definitly wanted to got to Italy and do a week by the Lakes and then a week in Amalfi coast. Decided against that though as the time of year meant it would be heaving and expensive.

Then we looked at Mexico and were amazed by what you get for your money, but decided against it as I didnt want to go long haul

Then we looked at Egypt as it was closer and could get a top notch hotel, but decided against that as it would be too hot.

Then we looked at going to New York later in the year and having a mini moon. Decided we didn't want to split it or wait for a proper honeymoon.

Then thought about doing a euro trip in our car as previously these have been our favourite holidays and we love our cars.

We have now decided roughly on a route which takes us through Belgium & Germany and down to the lakes in Bavaria on the Austrian border.

Oh wow, sounds like you have your work cut out!

OH and I were originally planning on marrying in Italy in a remote 5* Tuscan villa and we had already got this booked for a week when an important guest took ill and was unable to fly so we rearranged the wedding for the UK but decided to keep the villa as our honeymoon destination. We flew the morning after the wedding and my parents paid for us to spend a number of days in Florence at a 5* hotel (not something we would normally do). We then hired a car, drove to our villa, spent a week touring the crete sensei and central/southern tuscany before extending our trip and staying in Pisa before flying home. As a surprise for OH I had booked a week in a log cabin in Scotland (like you we love Scotland) and we left the day after we landed from Italy (and we were able to take our beagles!).

Some may say it was just a 'normal' holiday but we upgraded every element we could and saved a stupid amount of spending money - this is not something we would normally be able to afford to do.

Tbh, anywhere will feel like bliss because you will be away with your new husband and can relax after months of planning! Focussing on each other is what your honeymoon is about, not getting caught up in the location!

If I can offer you any advice n travelling around Italy let me know!

Good luck x

Thanks Mrs C!!

We're going mid - late August for 10 days. We staying in a couple of different places. Starting off in Havana for a few nights, then moving on to Pinar del Rio for one night, before heading off to Cayo Coco for our extra indulgence part of the honeymoon! Can't wait! A few other people have mentioned it being the odd downpour, I can manage with that!!