Honeymoon in the US, with a budget

Knottie66874557 · February 2016

With everything going around about the Zika virus in tropical areas we are looking to do something different for our honeymoon. I have been talking with a travel agent but everything seems to come out pretty high price wise at $2,500+

We are hoping to keep something under $2,500. I am wondering if anyone has gone on a great honeymoon here in the states. We enjoy doing things outside and activities. I was thinking maybe Colorado. Really getting out of town I feel like is the most important thing.

If anyone has some suggestions on cities, any help would be greatly appreciated!

Ghostie625 · February 2016

Colorado is beautiful. I've been twice- both in the summer. The scenery is gorgeous and if you like doing outdoors activities there are definitely options there. Not sure when you're planning on going but destinations tend to be cheaper in the off season, so I would expect a ski destination like Colorado to be cheaper in the summer.
Where are you located? If you're closer to the East coast then there are mountain destinations there that could be cheaper. I've also been to Vermont in the summer and it's also lovely- similar activities to what you'll find in Colorado. I don't remember the name of the city but it was a ski area so off season prices there too.
My cousin and his wife went to Vancouver for their honeymoon several years ago, so Canada could also be an option depending on where you are and whether or not flying is an option.

Knottie66874557 · February 2016

We are actually in South Dakota and I have been to Colorado before and totally agree that it is gorgeous. what cities did you go to when you were there? I have been to Fort Collins, Denver, and Estes Park. If we were to go out there I think I would want to look into a resort style area up in the mountains!

ernursej · February 2016

We've loved Jackson Hole in Wyoming. Have always gone in the winter for skiing, but we've been told it is even better in the summer. Food options are fantastic. Lots of hiking and interesting outdoor activities. The airport is well served by United/Delta and is really close to downtown Jackson Hole. Looks of great options for accommodations from backpacker basics to The Four Seasons.

Ghostie625 · February 2016

One of the times was in Vale. I honestly don't remember the other city- Breckenridge maybe? It wasn't too far from the Denver airport either time but I was a teenager traveling with my family so I didn't plan either trip. We didn't stay in a resort but we rented bikes and happened to ride through one and I could see that being a great way to spend a honeymoon. The only downside is that on one of the trips I got altitude sickness.

[Deleted User] · February 2016

It really depends on what you like to do. Museums? Hiking? Food? Culture? As a Chicagoan, I'd like to recommend my city. Great sight-seeing, shopping, food, museums, sporting events.

kvruns · February 2016

What kind of honeymoon are you looking for? If you were considering a tropical place in the Caribbean (based on Zika reference) I would assume you were wanting a beach type vacation so then I'd definitely look at the US beach areas (FL or CA, or, depending on time of year some other east coast states).

Unless I was already pregnant or had plans to be pregnant right after my wedding I personally wouldn't let the Zika thing keep me from a tropical location but I know everyone is different.

CMGragain · February 2016

I'm headed for the Caribbean very, very soon. The cruise line sent out notices about the Zika virus to everyone, and had us respond. (Their lawyers probably made them do this.) Funny, because it is a Holland America cruise, and probably the only pregnant ladies on it would be crew members! I'm not at all worried. My daughter is glad that she decided not to go with us, though, as she is 22 weeks preggers.
OP, when are you going on your trip, and where do you live? That makes a big difference in our recommendations.

thisismynickname2 · February 2016

Knottie66874557 said:

We are actually in South Dakota and I have been to Colorado before and totally agree that it is gorgeous. what cities did you go to when you were there? I have been to Fort Collins, Denver, and Estes Park. If we were to go out there I think I would want to look into a resort style area up in the mountains!

Vail would be great for this. I was just there- lots of restaurants, fun shops to look around (too expensive to buy anything, yowza, but one can dream). If you're in summer, you can still go up the lifts to mountaintop restaurants and go hiking and whatnot. Obviously it's great for skiing in winter. I stayed at Vail Cascade resort and highly recommend it- exactly how I envision a mountain ski resort should be, great hot tubs, amazing spa. The spa is one of the best in Colorado in fact. Also, it's one of the less expensive "resorts". You could stay at a hotel for cheaper but the resort element was great.

I second ADK as a Chicagoan that Chicago would also make a great honeymoon spot in spring/summer/fall! Tons of stuff to do- museums, food, sports, architecture tours, water sports, etc.

teddygirl9 · February 2016

Alternative - Come to Canada! The USD goes SO far, you'll live like rockstars. Canadian rockstars, but still!

If you like Colorado you can do AB/BC rockies. Banff, Jasper, Radium, Fairmont, Fernie. Just another idea

CMGragain · February 2016

Colorado is a huge states with three different distinctive terrains. The most popular resort areas include Vail, Aspen and Steamboat Springs.
I live in the red canyon country of the western slope, on the other side of the continental divide. Here is a different style resort you might consider:

http://www.gatewaycanyons.com/resort-news-4.aspx

Horseback riding, hiking, relaxing in your hot tub, antique car museum, and a day trip to Arches National Park. You are out in the middle of nowhere - very serene. You will need to rent a car. The nearest airport is in Grand Junction - a 4 hour+ drive across the mountains from Denver! I recommend flying into Grand Junction instead.

http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm

thefanciestbeckler · February 2016

Check out Crested Butte, CO. It is an absolutely gorgeous town with lots of great shops and local restaurants. The scenery there is to die for, and there's lots of outdoorsy activities to do. I've been to Colorado in the summer twice and loved it both times!

badbnagdway · March 2016

Don't know if this would be too far (I would think somewhere driving distance would be the best bang for your buck) but we did a domestic honeymoon last year. We live in Tennessee and we drove to Charleston (two nights), Myrtle Beach (one night) and Asheville (two nights). We had a great time, except in Myrtle Beach, which we kind of hated. We took advantage of last minute hotel deals on Hotel Tonight so we kind of just winged it all.

I can tell you from my experience a driving honeymoon can be fun, especially if you are a laid back couple.

madamerwin · March 2016

kvruns said:

What kind of honeymoon are you looking for? If you were considering a tropical place in the Caribbean (based on Zika reference) I would assume you were wanting a beach type vacation so then I'd definitely look at the US beach areas (FL or CA, or, depending on time of year some other east coast states).
Unless I was already pregnant or had plans to be pregnant right after my wedding I personally wouldn't let the Zika thing keep me from a tropical location but I know everyone is different.

I agree with all of this!

RE: Zika - Like @kvruns said, unless you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant within a few months of visiting a tropical location, Zika should not be too much of a concern. My understanding is that as long as you are not infected when you are pregnant or right before, it will not have any affect on future pregnancies. But I do understand the desire to play it safe, so if you want a beach/tropical destination, consider Florida, South Carolina (the Outer Banks are awesome), or San Diego.

ernursej · March 2016

madamerwin said:

kvruns said:

What kind of honeymoon are you looking for? If you were considering a tropical place in the Caribbean (based on Zika reference) I would assume you were wanting a beach type vacation so then I'd definitely look at the US beach areas (FL or CA, or, depending on time of year some other east coast states).
Unless I was already pregnant or had plans to be pregnant right after my wedding I personally wouldn't let the Zika thing keep me from a tropical location but I know everyone is different.

I agree with all of this!

RE: Zika - Like @kvruns said, unless you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant within a few months of visiting a tropical location, Zika should not be too much of a concern. My understanding is that as long as you are not infected when you are pregnant or right before, it will not have any affect on future pregnancies. But I do understand the desire to play it safe, so if you want a beach/tropical destination, consider Florida, South Carolina (the Outer Banks are awesome), or San Diego.

Generally, that is the group with precautions but there have been concerns about Zika virus remaining in semen for a lot longer. Also, if you have any chronic diseases that impact your immune system, best to avoid.

JediElizabeth · March 2016

Depending on where you are, I'd also look into HomeAway for nearby rentals. We often get Pocono vacation homes in the summer and fall for a week. Generally, they're close to hiking, rivers for kayaking, zip lining, etc. It's honestly just good to be in a secluded spot with no responsibilities, lots of nature and a hot tub for me.

I always get houses that sleep 6+ comfortably, and they've ranged from $1200-$2500+. Smaller ones for just you and your FI would probably be cheaper.

[Deleted User] · March 2016

Seattle
San Fransico
Las Vegas
Grand Canyon
Niagara Falls
Disney (who says you have to have kids to go there & have fun)
Salt Lake City/Utah (they have some great national parks)
New England, especially if in fall, beautiful colors & great clam & lobster bakes

ernursej · April 2016

scribe95 said:

Did an AirBnB in Asheville NC and had a ball. Lots to do in the area; great craft beer and food; hiking etc. For our honeymoon we rented a cabin in the Smoky Mountains and it was so much fun and so relaxing.

I love Vegas but with you being out that way you might go a lot. For us it's a treat and we always have a great time.

Love trying out craft beer in places we travel to. Sounds like a lovely honeymoon!

floridabride44 · April 2016

scribe95 said:

Did an AirBnB in Asheville NC and had a ball. Lots to do in the area; great craft beer and food; hiking etc. For our honeymoon we rented a cabin in the Smoky Mountains and it was so much fun and so relaxing.

I love Vegas but with you being out that way you might go a lot. For us it's a treat and we always have a great time.

I second the Asheville recommendation. Really cool city, food/drink scene is great and there are lots of opportunities for outdoorsy activities.

OliveOilsMom · April 2016

Might be a little late for OP, but H & I went to Pagosa Springs CO and had so much fun! We flew into Durango and had about an hour's drive to Pagosa. They have hot springs there, so most nights after our walks/hikes we would hit that up and be ready for another day of hiking without the sore muscles!

There was so much to do. We went on a rafting trip, visited Mesa Verde National Park, and took some scenic drives and hikes. Mesa Verde was beautiful and it was amazing to see the cliff dwellings. If we drove another hour west, we would have been at the 4 corners. We did not do that. There is also a great train ride from Durango to a mountain town. We did the drive, since the train doesn't run all year long and that was amazing too! We very much enjoyed ourselves on that trip and plan to go back!

Honeymoon in the US, with a budget

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