Honeymoon in Mexico or Aruba or Barbados?

Re: Honeymoon in Mexico or Aruba or Barbados?

• ashlieandfrank

  

  December 2011

  August is the beginning of Hurricane season, so it really is a toss up regarding weather. I honeymooned in Mexico at Excellence Playa Mujeres and LOVED it. I couldn't be happier about the level of service and exclusivity that they provide. I have never been to Aruba or Barbados, so I couldn't speak for either of thos. Hope this helps!

  

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• hz80408 member

  

  December 2011

  Personally, I wouldn't avoid Mexico during hurricane season just for fear of bad weather.  I've been to Riveria Maya a handful of times in Oct and had sunny 90 degree weather for the entire trip.  However, I would purchase travel insurance that covers change or cancellation due to poor weather for peace of mind.
  
  We HMed at Secrets Maroma Beach in RM and loved it!  We've raved about it so much that my best friend HMed there (1st wk of Sept and had great weather) and my bro/SIL went their for their anniversary (in oct and had great weather).
  
  I have a review and few pics in my bio if you're interested

  Mrs. Blog | Ms. Bio
  
  

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• LADY324

  

  December 2011

  If you go to Aruba I would not do an AI.  The food is supposed to be great so I don't think you would want to be locked down to your resort.  But if you do still want to do AI check out the RIU palace.

  

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• kekr0202 member

  

  December 2011

  I cannot speak specifically for all inclusives in these destinations because I prefer to stay non-AI (I've found that staying AI limits your experiences-culture, food, drink, etc.).  Major missing piece of info-how long do you want to vacay for?  I will say that if you want to make the most of your budget head to Mexico.  $3500 won't get you far in Aruba or Barbados especially considering flight prices have increased dramatically in the past year.  Aruba is amazing-don't get me wrong...but it is very expensive & you will need to devote 2 days for the travel alone-1 to get there & 1 to get back. 
  
  To give you an idea of price comparison-my FI & I are traveling to Playa del Carmen (my absolute fav chill tropical spot I've traveled to by far-and I've been many places-plus lists in the top 10 best beaches on earth) for our honeymoon next May.  We'll be in Playa for 2 weeks.  We're renting a gorgeous penthouse condo with awesome amenities.  Our total for the penthouse & airfare will not be over $2500...for TWO WEEKS!  You can only imagine what we'd do with another $1000 for dinner, drinks, excursions, etc.  We'll prob bring $2k but you could def get by with only $1k spending.

  

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• lopezalonso member

  

  December 2011

  Mexico has alot more out-of-resort things to do than Aruba or Barbados but it can also be more expensive. I know that orbitz and expedia usually have really great deals on al inclusive resorts in Aruba. Aruba is beautiful and is a tiny island. Barbados is also small. I personally preferred Aruba to Barbados but that's a personal choice.

  

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• ErinJeff2012

  

  December 2011

  We've decided on Cabo for our honeymoon in August.  It's on the Pacific side, so much less chance of hurricanes compared to other parts of Mexico or the Caribbean.  Cabo doesn't seem to have as many AIs as the Caribbean, but our resort (Pueblo Bonito) is going to have one starting in 2012 so you could look into it.  Anything you choose will be amazing, it's your honeymoon!!

  

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• alithebride member

  

  December 2011

  In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_honeymoon-mexico-aruba-barbados?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:fc1399c6-a712-48e5-a6e1-432b00383a37Post:5bd3c1ba-01fc-4610-a715-5314fc0027b2">Re: Honeymoon in Mexico or Aruba or Barbados?</a>:
  [QUOTE]I cannot speak specifically for all inclusives in these destinations because I prefer to stay non-AI (I've found that staying AI limits your experiences-culture, food, drink, etc.).  Major missing piece of info-how long do you want to vacay for?  I will say that if you want to make the most of your budget head to Mexico.  $3500 won't get you far in Aruba or Barbados especially considering flight prices have increased dramatically in the past year.  Aruba is amazing-don't get me wrong...but it is very expensive & you will need to devote 2 days for the travel alone-1 to get there & 1 to get back.  Posted by kekr0202[/QUOTE]
  I disagree with some of these statements. As for the airfare increase that's the same for mexico as well. dh and i go every december (just got back on saturday) and the prices for the flights were about 35% more than in past years. same dates/airline etc...barbados and mexico will also take a good chunk of your day to get to adn from. as for staying in AI and limiting your contact with the outside-that depends on the traveler. dh and i have stayed at many and never feel that we miss out on anything outside-you only miss out if you stay at the resort-which could just as easily be done at a non-AI.
  i do agree though that mexico (some resorts there) will be more affordable than barbados and aruba. i love mexico and barbados, don't care for aruba at all.
  then there's the issue of what you want to do while you're there. aruba is a desert island-no lush rainforests etc.. while barbados and mexico are the opposite.
  do a bit more research on the 3 and what they have to offer and price them out online to see which fits your budget the best.

   

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• alithebride member

  

  December 2011

  also-they all have the hurricane season from june 1 to nov 30. aruba is hit less than the rest of the caribbean but it's happened. i wouldn't NOT go to the caribbean at that time but be aware that a hurricane can happen adn know what your hotel's cancellation policies are about that and get yourself trip insurance for it just in case.

   

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