Creative Honeymoon Ideas?

Veesmart

We are getting married in August 2014 but will be delaying our honeymoon until January 2014 (at the earliest but we are flexible).

The reason for the delay if because my fiance will be finishing school in January 2014 and so the honeymoon will be a bit of a double duty vacation celebrating our marriage and the completion of this very intensive program.

We aren't looking for the typical all-inclusive type vacation and are trying to come up with some alternatives. A little more of a back-packing feel. Here's what we do know:

• We live in Toronto, Canada
• We are in our 30s and are looking at this trip as something you check off your bucket list before kids
• Duration of 3-4 weeks
• NOT interested in any of those package "adventure getaways". We like a flexible schedule and not too much of a set itinerary
• The idea of travelling around to a few different locations is appealing
• It would be nice to find a balance between some culture shock and then some relaxing retreats
• Budget is not unlimited but we welcome any ways we can be thrifty about things 
• India has been a consideration but we draw a blank after that and I KNOW its a big world and there must be more options out there.

Anyone have their own creative honeymoon stories to share?

Thanks in advance

[Deleted User]

What about South America? Lots of beautiful destinations in Brazil, Chile, Peru, etc. 

JoanE2012

What about Thailand?  Bangkok for the city, Phuket for the beach....plus plenty of other areas in between depending on what you want to do.   I know tour companies often combine Thailand with Vietnam or Cambodia, but I'm not sure what that's like doing on your own.  

manateehugger

Trekking in Northern India and then a tour through the Palace District Rajahsthan. 

Lored

Africa?? We are going to South Africa. Haven't been yet so I can't give you specific rec's, although some girls on here definitely can. But you can do "once in a lifetime" city, safari, and amazing beach in one trip (with a couple of short flights along the way). It will certainly hit your culture shock plus relaxation requirements.

girlinchicago

We loved Thailand, but there, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, etc are all good choices. January is a great time of year for that area of the world weather-wise.

[Deleted User]

Costa Rica is beatiful in January.  It is so much more than ziplining.They have many unique 'off-the-beaten-path" boutique hotels and widely diverse landscapes and microclimates.   We spent 10 days and saw 3 very different parts of the country and stayed in some unique places. And it's very affordable.  Direct flights from Toronto to San Jose and Liberia - Air Canada Rouge is starting soon!  You could add on other parts of Central America as well, to round out your 3-4 weeks.  I loved Belize for the Mayan history, and I would love to see Panama as well. I hear they have over-water bungalows!

winelover123

If you do India and want some beach time you can do the coast/islands too. Sri Lanka is supposed to be pretty sweet. India is so diverse, that you could spend 3 - 4 weeks just traveling around it. Otherwise, Africa would be awesome. Or Eastern Europe.

GlassButton

trinitygc said:

Costa Rica is beatiful in January.  It is so much more than ziplining.They have many unique 'off-the-beaten-path" boutique hotels and widely diverse landscapes and microclimates.   We spent 10 days and saw 3 very different parts of the country and stayed in some unique places. And it's very affordable.  Direct flights from Toronto to San Jose and Liberia - Air Canada Rouge is starting soon!  You could add on other parts of Central America as well, to round out your 3-4 weeks.  I loved Belize for the Mayan history, and I would love to see Panama as well. I hear they have over-water bungalows!

I was going to suggest the same thing.

krizzo17

What about the Galapagos? We are planning a trip for next April and definitely considering it a bucket-list-before-kids item. You could also combine it with some time in mainland Ecuador, and travel down to Peru as well to see Machu Pichu

nalex420

we are going to Australia...but we are doing a tour because it is a once in a lifetime trip I want to be able to see as much as possible.