Charlotte has spent countless hours researching and studying all things wedding, and she's posted some highly entertaining segments about all that here, but one subject she has yet to mention, and which I am especially excited about, not to take anything away from the ceremony itself...is the HONEYMOON! Aye-yi-yi-yi! Let me share with you a glimpse of our honeymoon plans thus far.
Charlotte and I decided early on that we didn't want to be one of those couples that got married and put off the honeymoon for a timewhen it's more convenient. No, we want to be the couple that screeches out of the reception parking lot, barreling towards some tropical paradise, briefly pausing to load up on sunscreen on the way. As thrilled as I am to say "I do" in front of our closest loved ones, I also cannot wait for my first sip of Piña Colada while lounging in a hammock with the love of my life, staring out at crystal clear water and white sands. Or Corona would work too. (Instead of the piña colada, not the love of my life!)
Insert Corona and fiancé here.
I suppose it's obvious that we've already narrowed our destinations down somewhat. We would like to spend our post-nuptial vacation in a temperate climate (we considered a romantic Alaskan cruise, but quickly changed our minds) with pristine beaches, preferably not aboard a cruise ship (because then we would be on their schedule instead of our own, which is really no schedule at all, since we both love to sleep in and stay up late), surrounded by fewer children than adults (hopefully neither), with the opportunity to ride horses among the waves and swim with dolphins. That's not so much to ask, right?
See, a modest all-inclusive resort!
One of Charlotte's close friends suggested a nirvana in the Florida Keys called Islamorada. I made a few calls, and have yet to find a cottage there for less than $500.00 per night(!). Anyone who knows us personally probably knows that this is way beyond our budget. Back to the drawing board.
We met with a travel agent at our local AAA. He was a very friendly Yankee who seemed genuinely interested in finding the perfect "Fantasy Island" for our desires. We were already leaning towards an all-inclusive resort, and he steered us in the direction of the beautiful Dominican Republic. He said we would have a wonderful time in a tranquil setting there...and we should not be alarmed by all of the armed guards we would find patrolling our resort. The only thing I know about the Dominican Republic is that many great baseball players have come from there. Should we be concerned that so many talented athletes are eager to flee such a gorgeous place?
Sammy Sosa
Charlotte's friend Eli suggested Puerto Rico. I used to work on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship back in the late 90s. San Juan was one of our stops, but sadly that was back in my gambling days, and I never explored beyond the casino near our dock. I'm told that Puerto Rico has a lot more to offer than dealers standing on a soft 17.
Long story short (too late; never let your fiancé guest-write your blog), we need advice. We've been to every site (CheapCaribbean.com, Expedia.com, applevacations.com, etc.), and we still haven't found the perfect destination for us. Honestly, if Charlotte decides she wants to Honeymoon in our game room, I'm sure it will be the best vacation of my life...but if we're going to fulfill our Piña Colada/palm tree/hammock-fantasies, we might need your help.
I know there are a lot of dreamy places in Mexico and Costa Rica...
ReplyDeleteThat might be cheaper...
There are cheaper places in the Keys. Check out Key Largo or one of the more northern keys as opposed to something further south. The prices are cheaper and the water is just as beautiful!
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