There are honeymoons on a shoestring and there are the-sky's-the-limit honeymoons. But while you may eat better and get chocolates on your pillow if you're staying at the Ritz-Carlton rather than a budget motel, you can still have a great honeymoon no matter where you go.
A cabin at Cayo Costa State Park (813-964-0375), a pristine island on Florida's Gulf coast near Fort Myers, costs only $20 a night, but what could be more serene and exciting than miles of uncrowded white beaches, hiking trails, and the sounds of gentle lapping waves and the wind in the palm fronds at night?There's no water or electricity in the cabin, but you'll have candles and a cooler. What could be nicer? Bring groceries; there are no stores or restaurants. The only downside: bunk beds. But we're sure you can work around them. The tab for a 7-day honeymoon: cabin, $20 a night; round-trip ferry, $36; food, $20 a day. Total: about $300.
Or you could spend more money for a trip to the Caribbean. Never been out of the country? This is a great first step. In Saba, for example, you and your beloved will have the rain forest to yourselves on the 5-square-mile volcanic island. The adventurous go to Saba to hike and dive. (It has no beaches.) The Captain's Quarters, a sea captain's home built in 1832, has 10 rooms and a pool. Room rates are $135 per night, food, $60 a day; $50 for taxis. Call 800-SABA-DWI.
And what could be more memorable than New York, the world's most exciting city? Do you like the Late Show with David Letterman? Get tickets. Go to a Rangers or Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. See foreign films that may never show at your theater, or go to a concert at Lincoln Center or in Central Park.
Seven nights in the world's most exciting city don't come cheap. You'll want a romantic view of Central Park, of course. The least expensive room we could find was $190 at the Mayflower Hotel (800-223-4164). With taxes, it comes to $220. Plan on $175 a day for food for two; $200, taxis; $200 for two Broadway shows. Call 800-NYC-VISIT and ask for the Visitors Kit, which includes a guide to the city, map and `Twofer," two-for-the-price-of-one tickets to a Broadway Show.
And, of course, you could spend an obscene amount of money, and go to Paris. Get a loan on your 401K and see The City of Light like Lyle Lovett and Julia Roberts. Their marriage ended, but they'll always have Paris.
Take Air France's Concord (800-237-2747) from New York, which takes only 3 hours and 45 minutes. It's $5,558 for one round-trip ticket and half price for the second ticket. You will need $505 per night at the chic Plaza Athenee (800-223-6800), a stately turn-of-the-century hotel, and at least $200 a day for food.
The key to a perfect honeymoon is planning, and communication about what you both want to do. Here are a few tips for having a trip to remember:
- Custom-design the trip just for you. Take some time to look at both your interests.
- Stick to a budget that won't break the bank. You don't want to be worrying about how much you're spending. If your trip costs a bundle, you'll feel too much pressure to have a good time.