Hate flying- close mild weather honeymoon spots

gottadance64

I hate flying, but I'm going to do it for our honeymoon. My fiance wants a warm weather destination -Hawaii, Cancun, U.S. Virgin Islands. I could care less about beaches, etc., I love history and cool weather - 70 is ideal for me.  But I'm willing to compromise. I'm willing to do a warm weather destination that a) isn't too warm b) has more than beaches (something interesting to see/experience- maybe historical) and c) is the shortest flight possible.

We're in Chicago - what do you recommend? 

Jells2dot0

You are lucky that Chicago has so many direct flights either on American or United. I see that you are getting married in September, so that is good from the perspective that the humidty won't be quite as bad as it is on a lot of the islands. Some of the more milder Caribbean destinations are the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Turks and Caicos. I don't think you'll get much history in the Bahamas or Turks, but Bermuda is probably better suited for that.  Hawaii is a very long flight, so probably not ideal. Cancun is a great option, but it will be warmer (mid to high 80s). But, lots to see and do and many resorts to choose from!

thurmanpowell

Do you have to leave the US? What about Key West or Puerto Rico?

Also, if you can convince your FI to stay on the mainland, I highly recommend Savannah, GA. It's close to beaches (Tybee island which is super laid back and Hilton head which is more resorty) and FILLED with history. It's one of the few southern cities which wasn't burned by Gen. Sherman and has sections of the city from the 1730's I believe.

It'll probably be hotter than 70 degrees though.

NYCMercedes

September is hurricane weather in the Caribbean, as well as August and October, so I would not head there. Thurman's suggestion of Savannah is great. There is so much to do there, regardless of the weather, and you can head inland if a hurricane threatens.

Kristin789

I'll suggest that you HM in San Diego.

The Weather Channel named SD the top summer climate in the world.
The temperature there in August is 78, in September it's 77, and in October it's 75.

That's perfect weather to go to the beach, to go exploring at the famous zoo, to spend a half-day in Balboa Park with the museums and attractions, to go poke around the Hotel del Coronado (no one can afford to stay there, but everyone goes there because it's a tourist attraction and it's beautiful), maybe go to La Jolla, maybe take a sightseeing or sunset cruise on San Diego Bay or Mission Bay,

Do not think about taking a quick ride across the border into Mexico.  Just not a good idea.

But we HMed in SD in July and had a fabulous time. 

kaos16

In Response to Re: Hate flying- close mild weather honeymoon spots:
[QUOTE Cancun is a mess.  Totally full of kids getting wild and drining too much, while the locals push you to buy stuff.
Posted by Kristin789[/QUOTE]

Please ignore this advice.  I honeymooned in September in Cancun and it was amazing.  We stayed at a Secrets Resort.  I think we laid by the pool/beach for a total of 4 hours in the entire week because we were too busy doing other things.  There are plenty of historical things to do, and lots of fun places to visit.  It also isn't very pricey, which is nice.  As for the locals pushing you to buy stuff . . . . we saw them off in the distance on the beach from the resort, and near one of our excursions.  Either don't engage them or say "no, thank you" and you'll have no problem.  If you go to a place like Senor Frogs you may see kids getting wild and drinking too much, but if you frequent places where other civilized adults go, you'll be just fine.

dazyabbey

Agree with Riviera Maya Mexico. We went in September and it was GORGEOUS. It was upper 70's so it was warm for swimming plus there was a ton of history and gorgeous cenotes and other things you can do. We went there because it was affordable and also because there was so much to do and so much history. Don't listen to the other people on here about it. We went in September and we had rain once. It was beautiful the rest of the time and it was about 30 minutes of rain.

MrsGandthebeag

I don't agree with Kristin about Cancun either.  We went in February and it was far from a mess.  We had an awesome time.  

hoffse

Being from the area, I also have to give a plug for the GA coast.  It's a pretty fun area if you've never been, and it's very old world and romantic.  FI and I actually met in Savannah.  Plenty to see, beaches nearby, and EXCELLENT food, particularly if you like seafood.  If it were me, I'd split my time between Charleston and Savannah.  They are an easy drive apart but have completely different feels.  Both are surrounded by islands with beaches, though nothing beats the gulf when it comes to nice beaches in the US.

thurmanpowell

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_hate-flying-close-mild-weather-honeymoon-spots?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:d7a9a489-49b7-4830-a311-ade6b94a022aPost:a6d67308-473c-4849-a717-db3185723c30">Re: Hate flying- close mild weather honeymoon spots</a>:
[QUOTE]Being from the area, I also have to give a plug for the GA coast.  It's a pretty fun area if you've never been, and it's very old world and romantic.  FI and I actually met in Savannah.  Plenty to see, beaches nearby, and <strong>EXCELLENT food, </strong>particularly if you like seafood.  If it were me, I'd split my time between Charleston and Savannah.  They are an easy drive apart but have completely different feels.  Both are surrounded by islands with beaches, though nothing beats the gulf when it comes to nice beaches in the US.
Posted by hoffse[/QUOTE]


I just came back to highlight this. EXCELLENT FOOD. FOR REAL.

alithebride

i 4th the dispute about cancun. dh and i are there every december and it's neither full of kids or full of vendors. they have great hotels, nice beaches and some really great restaurants.

but i'm not sure when you want to go on this trip either. what time frame are you looking for?

Lisa50

I recommend you post this on the Chicago board.  Those ladies will have a better idea of "close" than most on this international board.

Summer2011Bride

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_hate-flying-close-mild-weather-honeymoon-spots?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:d7a9a489-49b7-4830-a311-ade6b94a022aPost:64d34ec1-b6d3-4799-a21d-47c7383ec246">Re: Hate flying- close mild weather honeymoon spots</a>:
[QUOTE]Hawaii is too much flying.  You'll fly into LA which is long enough from Chicago, and then you have to get on another plane and fly another FIVE HOURS to get to Hawaii.
Posted by Kristin789[/QUOTE]

OP, while Hawaii is further than you want to fly, Kristin's comment above is not true. You can absolutely fly directly from Chicago to hawaii--we just did it two years ago and the in laws are flying direct to Honolulu as well in Feb. In fact, there are direct flights from Chicago to Maui as well. So in the future if you do ever want to make it to Hawaii, direct flights to two of the islands are definitely possible.

Plus stopping on the way can make flying even MORE bearable if you wanted to consider a layover.