October HM...need ideas!

CaseyS88

My FMIL told us last night that since we arent having a RD, she would pay/ help us pay for our HM (depending on where we are going.) The FI has said "I don't want to go to the beach" (blah). So my questions is, where in the world can we go for our HM in October that isn't a beach. (or isn't all about the beach) We are outdoorsy people. Any and all ideas are welcome. Our budget is around $2000.

TravelingJen

With your budget, most of my recommendations will be in the US due to the cost of airfare and since your fiancé requested no beach: -San Francisco/Napa Valley/Sonoma -Boston/Cape Cod/Salem/Plymouth -New Orleans -National Parks of Utah -Sedona/Grand Canyon -Costa Rica (since your fiancé isn't into beaches, you could visit the interior of the country such as La Fortuna/Arenal/Monteverde/etc) -Puerto Rico (although many people visit the beach, you could focus on San Juan and the mountains and rain forests) I would normally also recommend Seattle and the surrounding vicinity (lots of National Parks/other outdoor stuff) but only if you are traveling at the beginning of October; otherwise the weather could be a crapshoot.

alithebride

does he mind if it's located near a beach? i mean your question is very broad.
also do YOU want to go to a beach? i mean it's both of your HM not just his. the pp gave good recs if you do and he doesn't. plenty to do on and no on beach in many of the suggestions.

CaseyS88

I don't care either way. Beach or no beach, I am just excited for this opportunity to spend some time with my husband! The PP was a great list! I don't think he would care where it was located, just as long as we don't spend all day every day on the beach.

petebergsh

FI is the same way, he didn't think he liked the beach, until we went on a Southern Caribbean cruise. We chose that cruise because we went to a different place every day and he found out that he loved the beach.
That being said, we have been on two cruises (Southern Caribbean and New England) and loved them both. Since the cruise industry is really hurting you can get a lot of bang for your buck with those.
I would also second the suggestion of San Francisco, or fly into LA and drive up the coast for a few days, it's incredibly beautiful!!

Sue-n-Kevin

Do you like history, particularly US history?

I'd definitely recommend Washington DC and Charleston SC. DC is somewhere I think all Americans should go once, if you haven't. The museums are free, you won't need transportation because the Metro (subway) gets you everywhere.

If you go, I'd recommend the State Plaza hotel. It's walking distance to the Vietnam War Wall & Lincoln Monuments, and reasonably priced. They are converted apartments, so the rooms have refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishes & utensils. There is a CVS around the corner that sells food and it helps reduce the cost of eating there.

The weather is still great in October.

Charleston is lovely, very historic, and has fabulous restaurants.

I'd recommend signing up for weekly email alerts from www.travelzoo.com. You get a list of "top 20" location bargains. Also, when researching, check out www.tripadvisor.com. Reviews by real customers of hotels and restaurants.

Good luck.

Jen6862

I second Costa Rica... their is soo much to do. Stay away from San Jose and go to Arenal Volcano, Cloud mountains, and the beaches that are near tropical rain forest for hiking, zip lining, canapy tours, and if you do go to the beach they have those little monkies! 

You will need to drive and rent a car, but airfare and hotel are usually good bargains.

I believe you can also find tours that will take you to all of these places.