Honeymoon Talk...

TogetherPerfect

So FI and I have been discussing the HM and this is seriously the only thing we are disagreeing on. At first, I would have liked to do a cruise, but the more I thought about it, I would like to have more of a "private" place to go an relax and stare at the beachfront instead of staying busy the whole time. We both can agree we want white sands, the perfect blue water, something AI... and when I think of this, Mexico comes to mind. It seems to fit our budget (around 5k with flight) and has the amazing beaches that we want, and I keep reading really good reviews about it ( especially Riviera Maya).
FMIL keeps saying to stay away from Mexico and would rather us go on a cruise (as does FI). I'm even open to other places like Mexico around the same price (I would love to go to St Lucia, but the flight alone is about 1200 per person round trip).
Any thoughts/ ideas/ suggestions?

charbakes

What about Barbados or somewhere else in the Carribean?

Fun fact: white sand beaches are made from parrotfish droppings.

EDIT: I just noticed we have the same wedding day!

hisbabygirl76

There are some beautiful white sand beachs on the gulf side of Florida and the keys.

Swazzle

Why does FMIL want you to stay away from Mexico? Does her opinion matter? Have you been on a cruise before? We went on a cruise a few years ago and while we had a blast, we've decided against one for our honeymoon mainly because we want a truly all-inclusive. We spent a lot of money on drinks and some activities that jacked the price up big time after all was said and done. Just something to think about if you haven't already.

shano06

I agree that the flights are expensive. Pretty much any place that you would want to go with white sand beaches and that tropical feel are gonna be expensive. I have been on lots of vacations, and would definitely prefer a cruise. You can go to five different locations, have food and drinks included, and pay about 1600-1800 (with a blaony room). Of coourse its cheaper if you get and inside cabin or ocean view with a window, but you have to add the flight in. Like you said, plane tix to St. Lucia alone are 1200, and the same is with Barbados, St. Thomas, etc. You can still get your privacy on a cruise, you don't have to be busy but it's up to you. Me and FI are travel junkies and the cheapest place we have been to, flight included, is the Bahamas. So maybe you guys could talk about that. The Bahamas is the cheapest island and its TONS OF FUN.

[Deleted User]

I have found through my research that Barbados is in the middle price wise between Mexico (Cancun) and St. Lucia. I think we're leaning towards Barbados. We really like (just by their website) Crystal Cove. There are a few other Elegant Resorts but I believe only this one and another are all inclusive.

melb2013

Mexico is amazing. Why doesn't your FMIl want you to go?  I'd also like to know why her opinion matters.

Danny&Mel2003

Go where you guys want. You can do a lot of 5k. I love cruises so I know well be incorporating a cruise. Sea days you can relax!!!

rswans

I also love St. Lucia, Antigua, etc, but the flights are crazy! We've been considering either Jamaica or the Bahamas because the flights are much more reasonable. I definitely want an all inclusive because we just want to sit on the beach and not have to think about doing anything if we don't want to. 

TogetherPerfect

Her opinion doesnt matter as much to me as it does to my FI.. he's convinced she's going to help us pay for it, but I'd rather us try to pay our own way. So since its our decision and not just mine, I don't want her forming his opinions for him. FMIL and her brother are concerned with what goes on more in land Mexico... But obviously if we're looking for more AI, we would stay in/around the resort...

msbdumas

I want to know too why FMIL says stay away from Mexico ?! We are talking Putna Cana..it is very pretty there with crystal clear water and nice and warm ! It is very inexpensive as well ! I say what ever you and FI want you guys go for it !

kmsst48

Well, your FMIL is concerned. Mexico resorts are great and generally safe but once you go off the resort it gets iffy. Her concerns are valid but so is traveling ANYWHERE internationally. If you plan on staying on the resort the entire time or doing extra activities with the resort, your fine. If your someone who wants to go off on their own... just be careful. Her opinion matters because she's part of your life - it matters because it's your future husbands mother just as your mother or father or family matter to you. Do what you want but be safe. Go where you want even if others don't approve but be reasonable and respectful.

Sandles and Dreams have what you're looking for in Mexico. Try them. They are a closed resort and they have security. Same issues with crusies as anywhere international -  you can get left behind and your trusting others with your safety. Think about how the cruise line just leaves your luggage at your door... scary.  If you've never been on a cruise go on a NEW ship. My friend went on one that had an Ice Show. We looked into a Eurpean Crusie and it was about 6 for everything. Everyone I know who took a cruise for their honeymoon enjoyed it but said they would have rather did it for their anniversary since it's not all inclusive and stayed in one place instead of hopping around to 2 or 3 beaches for a few hours and then you're on the water. 

Have you thought about something like Peurto Rico? I hear amazing things about there.

melb2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2013-weddings_honeymoon-talk?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:ea657a87-d1dc-4588-999f-31c9deeef720Discussion:2a81996f-6110-42da-8792-594640a58d03Post:40ab53d6-4464-4925-92a3-11941a412f67">Re: Honeymoon Talk...</a>:
[QUOTE]Well, your FMIL is concerned. Mexico resorts are great and generally safe but once you go off the resort it gets iffy. <strong>Her concerns are valid but so is traveling ANYWHERE internationally.</strong> If you plan on staying on the resort the entire time or doing extra activities with the resort, your fine. If your someone who wants to go off on their own... just be careful. Her opinion matters because she's part of your life - it matters because it's your future husbands mother just as your mother or father or family matter to you. Do what you want but be safe. Go where you want even if others don't approve but be reasonable and respectful. Sandles and Dreams have what you're looking for in Mexico. Try them. They are a closed resort and they have security. Same issues with crusies as anywhere international -  you can get left behind and your trusting others with your safety. Think about how the cruise line just leaves your luggage at your door... scary.  If you've never been on a cruise go on a NEW ship. My friend went on one that had an Ice Show. We looked into a Eurpean Crusie and it was about 6 for everything. Everyone I know who took a cruise for their honeymoon enjoyed it but said they would have rather did it for their anniversary since it's not all inclusive and stayed in one place instead of hopping around to 2 or 3 beaches for a few hours and then you're on the water.  Have you thought about something like Peurto Rico? I hear amazing things about there.
Posted by kmsst48[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Duhhh. I think she's being nuts.  I've been to Mexico at least a dozen times and have never stayed in a resort.  I've never felt unsafe, although I would stay away from border areas.  Don't do anything you wouldn't do at home, and you'll be fine.  Most of the islands are way less safe than Mexico...  I think you need to settle who's paying for the honeymoon with your FI.  If you are totally paying, then your FMIL shouldn't get a say.</div><div>
</div>

TogetherPerfect

Thanks everyone... I think we've decided to just get a travel agent so it will be easier to compare different places/resorts and prices. I think the only way she will be helping us pay is if something comes up financially between now and then... And even then she doesn't want to say where we should go... Just voicing her concerns I think. :

marston258

Maybe invite her to talk to the travel agent with you. Maybe the agent could ease her concerns for your safety. You do hear these things about Mexico, but I have been twice and I feel like they are pretty careful about keeping the Riviera Maya area safe - they need those tourist dollars. My sister goes every other year with her husband and two kids and rents a car and everything and has never had a problem. We rented a car as well and drove to one of the eco-parks. You can also do guided tours from all of the resorts with no problems. It sounds like your FMIL is just worried about you and doesn't understand what parts of Mexico are having the issues.