Honeymoon Discussions

Where to go for our honeymoon?

We are getting married in April of 2016. FH wants to go to Jamaica. But i am not sure. I want to go to Kauai. Have heard that Jamaica is unsafe and will be really humid. Can anyone give me any advice? He likes that Jamaica is tropical. Thoughts? 

Re: Where to go for our honeymoon?

  • I've been both places and pick Kauai hands down. Not because Jamaica is unsafe though. Kauai is just prettier and there's moremore outdoorsy stuff to do. Jamaica is cheaper and more resort-y. Just depends what you're looking for.
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  • I agree with @southernbelle0915- it depends what you are looking for, but I have also been to both (twice!) and definitely prefer Kauai. However, don't go to Kauai if you just want to relax, eat, and drink.

    Also, what is your budget? How long do you have to travel and from where are you leaving? That will also play a role.

     







  • I have been to both and preferred Kauai...however there could be a fairly substantial budgetary difference there, depending on where you are traveling from.  What is your budget and where are you from?  I know our flights from the east coast to kauai were $1k+ each round trip (we went in May 2012), and our flights to Jamaica were far less than that.  Jamaica also has the benefit of several AI resorts which can be a money saver if you're planning to eat and drink a lot.  Kauai has nothing like that and food is on the pricier side.  That being said, Jamaica will likely be humid in July.  Kauai is partially a rainforest climate zone, so it will also be humid in some parts but drier in others.

     

    I wouldn't be renting a car and sight seeing in Jamaica on my own personally, but we did a few day tours that were both fun and safe.  We also did some day tour and off-resort activities in Kauai.  I would feel more comfortable out and about on my own in Kauai, but if you're not planning to rent a car and find a hiking trail on your own either way, safety isn't really as big of a concern.

  • CMGragainCMGragain member
    First Anniversary First Comment First Answer 5 Love Its
    edited October 2015
    I didn't like Jamaica.  There were so many street people constantly bothering me, both on the street, and in the attractions.  It was very hot and humid, but Kawaii can be, too.  You might investigate St. Lucia.  It is the Caribbean island that has a climate and foliage similar to Hawaii.
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  • The whole world is unsafe.  They key is being aware of your surroundings.

    What's your budget?  That is probably going to dictate your choice because Jamaica will be more affordable.
  • CMGragain said:
    I didn't like Jamaica.  There were so many street people constantly bothering me, both on the street, and in the attractions.  It was very hot and humid, but Kawaii can be, too.  You might investigate St. Lucia.  It is the Caribbean island that has a climate and foliage similar to Hawaii.
    This is also an excellent suggestion, especially if you are traveling from the east coast and want to visit an AI resort.  As soon as we landed in St. Lucia, DH was like "this looks so much like Kauai."  And they have several really nice AIs in St. Lucia.  My sister wanted to go to Hawaii on her honeymoon but hates long flights and wound up in St. Lucia instead...she loved it.
  • I agree with the PPs.  From what I understand you really can't safely leave the resorts in Jamaica so it will be similar to any AI resort.  Of the two I definitely vote for Kauai - we are probably going to Maui and Kauai for our HM.  If you want to do the Caribbean but not necessarily an AI maybe consider Aruba.  
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  • laurad75 said:
    I agree with the PPs.  From what I understand you really can't safely leave the resorts in Jamaica so it will be similar to any AI resort.  Of the two I definitely vote for Kauai - we are probably going to Maui and Kauai for our HM.  If you want to do the Caribbean but not necessarily an AI maybe consider Aruba.  
    Well, Aruba is nothing like Hawaii.  It is a dry, desert climate.  No lush foliage.  I think it is over developed.  You would never know you were in a foreign country until you buy something with local currency.  The beaches are beautiful, though.
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  • Go see a travel agent.  They are free.  Go together.  They will listen to what you both are looking for, take in to account your budget and find the perfect place. Travel agents often get perks for you that you cannot get yourself. 
  • We went to Jamaica for our honeymoon and LOVED it! If you stay on the resorts or with tour guides I don't think it's unsafe at all. Our main draw to Jamaica vs. Hawaii was that they had all inclusive resorts and Hawaii didn't. For us we just wanted to relax by a beach or pool and drink and eat food and not worry about anything so an all inclusive was exactly what we were looking for. They had a ton of off resort tours you could do and we did one to Dunns River Falls and had a blast! Plus the resort (Sandals Ochi) had a bunch of water sports that were included so we took a tandem kayak out one morning and a sail boat another morning. We got to go snorkeling on a coral reef! I would recommend it to anyone who just wants to relax during their honeymoon and throw in a couple small excursions. Also the resort didn't allow children which was soooo nice!
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  • I loved loved loved Kauai for our honeymoon, but if you're on a budget, Hawaii is NOT the place to go. 
  • laurad75 said:
    I agree with the PPs.  From what I understand you really can't safely leave the resorts in Jamaica so it will be similar to any AI resort.  Of the two I definitely vote for Kauai - we are probably going to Maui and Kauai for our HM.  If you want to do the Caribbean but not necessarily an AI maybe consider Aruba.  
    That hasn't been my experience.  Admittedly, I've never been to Kingston, but I've heard that parts of it are dangerous.  (Much like any large city.)  But Kingston isn't really near any of the resorts, so it shouldn't be an issue.  We went on a number of excursions (including one where we got to wander around Montego Bay, shop in the market, etc., so not always escorted) and never had any problems.


    CMGragain said:
    laurad75 said:
    I agree with the PPs.  From what I understand you really can't safely leave the resorts in Jamaica so it will be similar to any AI resort.  Of the two I definitely vote for Kauai - we are probably going to Maui and Kauai for our HM.  If you want to do the Caribbean but not necessarily an AI maybe consider Aruba.  
    Well, Aruba is nothing like Hawaii.  It is a dry, desert climate.  No lush foliage.  I think it is over developed.  You would never know you were in a foreign country until you buy something with local currency.  The beaches are beautiful, though.
    OP, if you're interested in Aruba but looking for something less touristy, Curacao is the next island over, has a very similar climate, and is more laid back, IMO.  Excellent diving, too, if you're into that.
  • I went to Kauai for My HM back in April, it was AMAZING! 
  • If you stay at an all inclusive I think you would be fine as long as you do not leave the resort. I have had lots of friends honeymoon in Jamaica at Sandals and places like that and really loved it!
  • First wedding was an elopement to an all inclusive in Jamaica. Agree with Knottie143... Once you are at the resort you don't have to leave. If you choose to take an excursion, go through the resort.

    Remember, all third world countries are going to have the good with the bad, just consider it all part of your experience.

    Most of all... ENJOY EACH OTHER!!! :)

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  • We chose Jamaica all inclusive. We won't leave the resort..there is plenty to do there...we love the water and everything is available sports wise..
    We did not choose Hawaii due to the time it takes to travel there and the cost. Anywhere in Hawaii is VERY expensive.
  • Sounds similar to my situation. I wanted to go to Maui and tour a couple of the islands out there, but he wanted somewhere closer and had originally booked Jamaica. We finally settled on Sandals at St. Lucia because I was a little skeptical, like you, about our safety. We can go to all 3 of the resorts, we can go off on our own and explore the island, and its all inclusive, and in the end a couple thousand dollars cheaper. On top of that, taking 2 weeks off from work, some days off before the wedding to prep for everything, and then also for the honeymoon, we felt that it 5-6 days just wouldn't be enough for us to fly across the country (we live in Charleston, SC) and be able to enjoy everything the Hawaiian Islands have to offer, as well as adjusting to the time change. We decided that maybe for our 1 year, we would go to Maui, that way we have time to save since we are paying for our wedding.  We will also be able to take more time to enjoy it rather than trying to squeeze in everything in 5 days. We are getting married in March 2016!

    Good luck to you and all other brides to be!

    Best Wishes
  • We were married last April and honeymooned at Half Moon in Jamaica.  We had a wonderful experience there from start to finish.  We never left the property by choice (not necessarily out of any concerns, we just wanted to completely relax and escape the world), so I can't speak to the rest of Jamaica, but we could not have been more happy with our choice and would very highly recommend the resort if you are looking for a relaxing honeymoon - the beaches were beautiful, the service was outstanding - it felt like paradise to us! 
  • Jamaica is not more unsafe than it is in the US.  Jamaica is a great vacation and you don't have to do like regular people and stay in resort. You are subject to their food their excursions etc.  I would rent a home with a maid, butler, and cook.  you get that authentic Jamaican feeling.  I have stayed at the www.skylarkvilla.com more than once, and its also a place in Negril that is right on the water with a pool etc. that is beautiful
  • Jamaica is not more unsafe than it is in the US.  Jamaica is a great vacation and you don't have to do like regular people and stay in resort. You are subject to their food their excursions etc.  I would rent a home with a maid, butler, and cook.  you get that authentic Jamaican feeling.  I have stayed at the www.skylarkvilla.com more than once, and its also a place in Negril that is right on the water with a pool etc. that is beautiful
    One post?  Smells fishy.  Is that your villa?
  • CMGragainCMGragain member
    First Anniversary First Comment First Answer 5 Love Its
    edited November 2015
    One of the biggest dangers in Jamaica is the taxi drivers.  Most drivers are honest, but there are some that will take you out into the country where a prearranged group of thugs will rob you and demand money before you can return to your hotel or ship.  This is a known scam, and good hotels or resorts will only deal with drivers that they know.  US Gov't rates crime in Jamaica as "critical".

    https://www.osac.gov/pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=17248



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  • CMGragainCMGragain member
    First Anniversary First Comment First Answer 5 Love Its
    edited November 2015
    @lyndausvi  I think we have a vendor, two posts above.  The report button isn't working tonight.
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  • I stayed at a resort in Jamaica a few years ago. It was one with good reviews, and we stayed there the entire time. Pretty safe, and I enjoyed it.

    Good luck!





  • I stayed at a resort in Jamaica a few years ago. It was one with good reviews, and we stayed there the entire time. Pretty safe, and I enjoyed it.

    Good luck!
    Yes, as long as you stay within the resort, it is safe.
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  • @lyndausvi - Vendor above me.  Look at posting history.
  • Like most Caribbean islands or countries, there is danger if you don't exercise wisdom (ie. leaving resort late at night, going on excursions outside of the ones partnered with the resort). Jamaica is a beautiful island and I have been there on vacation as well as had friends who married there. As beautiful as Hawaii is, if your fiance prefers the Caribbean then a travel agent can help you guys decide on a place to go (as previously mentioned). There may be islands outside of Jamaica that you may consider.
  • Jamaica and pretty much all of the Caribbean isn't part of the third world.
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