Paige

Hi, <BR> <BR> We need help. We have the last 3 weeks in September 2001 for honeymooning and desperately need suggestions as to where to spend that time. The weather is our main concern at this point. We were considering New Zealand, however, have been steered away considering it will be early spring there and we do not want to spend the time in the cold. As well, all of the boating activities that we were interested in are still closed at that point in time. I also liked the idea of Tobago, as it is “different” and not a typical honeymooning area, but hear it is rainy in September. We would like to avoid the typical honeymooning places like Jamaica. We have a budget of $10,000 (including airfare). We are outdoorsy folks and would rather stay away from touristy places and people. We would like to be pampered at some kind of resort as well as be able to hike, snorkel, dive, explore, etc… We have no need for nighttime entertainment, but would rather be pampered with food and accommodations in the evening while being adventurous during the day. Some relaxed “beaching it” would be nice, but only if the beach is not crowded. We are not too fond of “all inclusive” resorts as they tend to be too touristy. We are open to suggestions outside of the Caribbean as well. We are from Arizona so would appreciate some GREAT water activities, in particular, sailing and scuba diving/snorkeling. Any suggestions, web sites, questions, etc… would be greatly appreciated! <BR> <BR>Thank you, <BR> <BR>Paige and Jason <BR>

Paige

Errrr... Although we don't want to freeze, we also don't want to fry and biting bugs are not preferred either Thanks for the help! <BR> <BR>Paige

wallace

You pretty much described the British Virgin Islands, and for $10,000 you could do 2 weeks at one of the best resorts (you could get three weeks out of $10,000 if you stayed half at a really nice resort and the other half in a private villa). Problem is, September is hurricane season, so if you decide to go you may have to change plans at the last minute. Plus, if you go for three weeks in September, while you might no get a full blown hurricane, odds are a tropical storm or depression will come through and give you a few days of rain. <BR> <BR>

sandy

Hi Paige, you might want to check out the Latin American board; particularly for Belize, Costa Rica and Mexico. Parts of Belize and Mexico have great ruins, scuba and snorkeling; Costa Rica has great hikes in the rain forest, nature lodges, etc. We're going to Costa Rica next month. We opted to stay in lower budget places, but there is a place called Lapa Rios that is supposed to be absolutely fabulous. September is a rainier season in a lot of the Carribean, but a lot of times that just means rain for a few hours during the afternoon or evening, and not necessarily constant downpours. That does vary though, so you'd have to investigate from place to place. Have fun!

Paige

Thanks for the responses! Is the weather in the areas mentioned intolerably muggy this time of year due to the rain or is it pleasant, albeit rainey? I don't mind a couple of days of rain, I just don't want to be bogged down by endless days of heat and humidity. What are your thoughts?

e

What about Bora Bora ????

natasha

Hi, <BR>Check out the Pacific coast of Mexico-there are some interesting active resorts there, especially around Peurto Vallarta. Also no hurricanes! I went to Vallarta last fall and it wasn't very crowded, it rained only once in ten days. It should be an even better bargain considering Arizona is close. The landscape is beautiful. Also think about renting something (condo in resort?) in Hawaii. Yes, expensive, but since it's not high season if you do some research you may get a great deal. I'm not aware of any weather problems there at any time of year. Anyway, good luck and congratulations...