Apprehensive about international HMs

bbyprincesss

I've always wanted to experience the world outside of the states. But as a young adult going to school, working full time, it hasn't been in the cards for me yet. I would really love to go out of the country for my HM, but FI and I have not ever been out of the states, besides him taking a trip to Canada once upon a time when he was 19.

I'm a little apprehensive about leaving the states but I really really want to. I'm 21 and he is 23. I'd love to do like Italy or even the UK. Does anyone have any suggestions, tips, or advice about leaving the states for their HM. I guess anyone who travels has to start somewhere.

SuMmErKuTiE

Going to Italy or the UK as your first trip outside of the country would be amazing! There aren't any rules that you have to start off small and work your way over to Europe.

My first trip out of the country was also to Canada since I lived in the northeast growing up. Then my next big trip was my 1st cruise which was to Mexico, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman. And from there I've been to Mexico 3 more times, to other various Caribbean islands, and to Fiji. I have yet to make my way over to Europe, but that's definitely coming up in the near future.

Your profile says you're here in Florida. If you're not willing to make a big jump for your 1st trip outside of the country, there are many cruises that leave out of Florida where you can hit up different Caribbean islands and Mexico. You're also a very short plane ride away from the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the virgin islands, Mexico, etc..

But in all honesty, if what you really want to do for your HM is go to Italy or England then I say go for it! Just make sure you apply for your passport sooner than later so you're all set. Once you have your passport, it opens up the door to a lot more travel and seeing the world. I love knowing that DH and I could be spontaneous and jump on a last minute deal and not have to worry about having a passport since we've had them for several years now. HTH!

parrothead84

Look at your budget and compare places that you want to go. It may determine for you how many places you can go to, things you can do, etc.

For your HM, I would recommend sticking to one country, otherwise it's a ton of traveling and exhausting!

Since you both haven't been to Europe, I totally think you guys should do it! I've had such amazing experiences across the pond!

hz80408

Either place would be great for a HM and there are several people I know who have taken their first international trip as their HM.

jennylove810

If you've never been out of the country, I would highly recommend using a travel agent to assist you in booking the trip.  Travel itself isn't scary, but if you're unprepared or inexperienced in traveling internationally, it can be.. intimidating.

That said, I totally echo PPs - traveling is an amazing experience and I've treasured every moment of my trips with H.  Go for it!!

bbyprincesss

Thanks for all of the input, I love hearing about other peoples experiences, I think I'm going to go for it! I would love to do it and get FH over there young so he realizes how amazing it is and wants to make more trips to other places before we settle down and have kids and all that grown-up wrought :P

[Deleted User]

I live in London, I moved here 4 years ago from Philadelphia.  

It's a pretty easy place to travel to, people speak English, it's easy to get around on public transport etc.  

I would be happy to answer any questions you have, you can page me on May 2011 if you think of any questions about London/ England if you like.

bridetobemo

I definitely say go for it! If you have the financial means to do it I definitely wouldnt not go just because its your first trip out of the country!

lopezalonso

a Caribbean cruise might be the best option if you are looking to get the mjost bang for your buck. Food is included and you get to visit multiple islands. You also get to experience being on a ship!

If it's in your budget, Europe would be fantastic but remember that the currency exchange is quite high and you will loose alot of money changing your dollars. This can be a very expensive trip. If you do a European cruise you can visit alot of places and you pay in dollars (except when you are on the mainland of course). 

Costa Rica is beautiful and tropical if that's what you are looking for. Aruba tends to have really great all inclusive resort deals. Thailand is a very expensive flight but REALLY affordable 5 star hotels and food. 

Lots of options!

dalm0m

Why are you apprehensive? 

I was concerned about possible language barriers so my 1st trip out of the country was to England & Ireland. 

You are only young once.  If you have the budget, go for it.  There is a whole great big bright world out there for you to explore.  Plust you will be with your new husband for support.  It could be great binding plus something you will remember forever.

bbyprincesss

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_apprehensive-international-hms?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:9e29f238-bf61-454a-bef4-3530b1f072a2Post:fb0f7532-0df1-4dd2-a278-8d46f627aa5d">Re: Apprehensive about international HMs</a>:
[QUOTE]Why are you apprehensive?  I was concerned about possible language barriers so my 1st trip out of the country was to England & Ireland.  You are only young once.  If you have the budget, go for it.  There is a whole great big bright world out there for you to explore.  Plust you will be with your new husband for support.  It could be great binding plus something you will remember forever.
Posted by dalm0m[/QUOTE]

This is a lot of the fear, the language barrier and getting ripped off or like robbed or something.

dalm0m

You can just as easily get robbed at home.  Be smart.  Buy some security measures . . the wallet you wear under your clothes, close to your body.  Don't flast a lot of  cash.  Travel with a group not on your own & behave like you would in aany American city. 

People speak English everywhere.  It's not like here where few people speak other languages. 

Everyone is nice if you try . . . even the French.  People say that Parisians are snobby.  Other than a bit lonely/isolated b/c my French is lousy, I found the people to be warm . . . way nicer than most NYers in fact.  [to any NYer out there . . .I grew up near the city; I can be brusque too; it's a generalization not a blanket insult.]

If you want the best of both worlds think about booking a European cruise through an American company -- Carnival, Royal Carribean, NCL, etc.  On board will feel like home.  You will only get a small taste of Europe but it's not a bad start until you get more comfortable.  Also you only have to unpack once. 

tldh

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_apprehensive-international-hms?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:9e29f238-bf61-454a-bef4-3530b1f072a2Post:ea00a9be-9ff6-4955-81da-b301e130afaf">Re: Apprehensive about international HMs</a>:
[QUOTE]You can just as easily get robbed at home.  Be smart.  Buy some security measures . . the wallet you wear under your clothes, close to your body.  Don't flast a lot of  cash.  Travel with a group not on your own & behave like you would in aany American city.  <strong>People speak English everywhere.  It's not like here where few people speak other languages.  Everyone is nice if you try</strong>. . . even the French.  People say that Parisians are snobby.  Other than a bit lonely/isolated b/c my French is lousy, I found the people to be warm . . . way nicer than most NYers in fact.  [to any NYer out there . . .I grew up near the city; I can be brusque too; it's a generalization not a blanket insult.] If you want the best of both worlds think about booking a European cruise through an American company -- Carnival, Royal Carribean, NCL, etc.  On board will feel like home.  You will only get a small taste of Europe but it's not a bad start until you get more comfortable.  Also you only have to unpack once. 
Posted by dalm0m[/QUOTE]

Most people speak English, not everyone.  You are correct though that it is important to make an attempt to speak the native language.  People are much more willing to help you when they see you making the attempt.

OP - For your first trip, I'd go to England, Scotland or Ireland.  At the very least, you will be speaking the same language.

alithebride

my advice is to expect everything and anything to happen and to plan accordingly and remember that outside the  US isnt the us. people complain abotu the silliest things-wow spaghetti and meatballs isn't an italian dish that's served in italian restaurants (i heard a lady in rome get upset one night because her 3 year old absolutely HAD to have meatballs or some crap-it was ridiculous!) wow they eat dinner at 9pm-what do you mean restaurants arent open until 8pm? I like to eat at 5!-stuff like that. it makes me nuts.

if you go iwth an open mind, be polite, smile and roll with the inevitable travel punches you'll do fine anywhere.
and go ahead and do it.

if you need more advice come over to the travel board ont he nest. we have some prettt seasoned travelers over there who are super nice and helpful and (no offense to anyone on thsi board) have traveled more extensively

clade

I went to Italy in October with my mom and I went to England about 5 or so years ago. The UK would be a nice first trip to Europe since you won't have to worry about the language barrier and the culture is probably the closest to ours. However I have to say Italy is amazing! (I also think a bit more romatic) I would recommend Rick Steve's guidebook for pretty much anywhere in Europe it was great and really helpful. We were able to get along pretty well knowing pretty much no Italian. We did Venice, Florence, and Rome. Venice is beautiful and very romantic. Florence was our favorite, so much to see and everyone was very friendly. Rome has so much to see but is really crazy so if you go there be prepared (traffic, people, just fast-paced). We didn't have any trouble with pickpockets but we took precautions and kept our eyes open. If I went back I would like to to the Tuscan countryside.