What was your best honeymoon memory? Why?
The day we spent most of our time in our Mexican hotel room was probably my favorite memory from our honeymoon. Wink! Wink! But the food and all the eating we did at the all-inclusive Mexican resort might just tie that day for best memory. I do love me some guacamole and empanadas!
What made you choose your honeymoon destination(s)?
My husband actually had been to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico with his ex-girlfriend. He always raved about how much he enjoyed his stay. And I kept telling him that he had to take me there. Then, an earthquake in our chosen destination, Costa Rica, led us to Mexico.
How did you afford the trip? Any tips for saving money?
Mexico is actually quite affordable, especially with the all-inclusive resorts. I highly recommend it. If you don't take any tours and stay at the resort the whole time, you can save even more money. There's plenty to do at the resort, including bike riding, the beach/pools, activities, etc.
Is there anything you'd change about your honeymoon?
I wish it could have lasted longer. It was the most relaxing and fun vacation I had ever experienced. I think my husband would agree.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
My husband and I had two weddings and three honeymoons -- a weekend at Disney World (where my siblings live and work), nine days on Mexico's Riviera Maya, and a cruise to the Bahamas (which was a wedding gift and a trip we spent with my side of the family). But the Mexican destination was the true honeymoon just the two of us. We stayed at the all-inclusive resort Gran Bahia Principe and it was a dream. We also took a day trip to Cozumel and another to Xel-ha, an ecological park not too far from the resort. We also paid for a couples massage at the resort, which was well worth it. And we gorged on all the food.
When did you go?
We spent our wedding night (Oct. 2, 2008) at the Hotel Parco Smeraldo Terme, a gift from the owners who are our great friends, in Ischia, Italy, where we wed. Then, we had a vow renewal in the States on Nov. 29, 2008, and we went to Disney World the following December. We went to Mexico from Feb. 1 to 9, 2009. We went on the cruise to the Bahamas with my family at the end of February 2009. Going months after the wedding was kind of nice because it gave us something to look forward to and made the celebration last longer.
Tips and Tricks
- Don't get hung up on the prestige of the place. Pick somewhere nice with activities and scenery that will please both of you. It should be within your budget, too. The most important factor is that you get to spend quality time together, even if it's in your own house or a nearby hotel. Nothing else really matters. Enjoy each other.
