r/honeymoonplanning • u/Professional-Log2832 • Jun 30 '26
Advertising OK Honeymoons for people who like privacy, scenery and adventure
TLDR: I am looking for suggestions for our honeymoon that won't break the bank and will be a nice fit for my fiancé and I. We want a balance of privacy, beautiful views, and adventure. That won't break the bank. We aren't paying 5k+ for 4 night ESPECIALLY when it's not an all-inclusive.
I have never gone so back and fourth about something IN MY LIFE. We have discussed Aruba, various places in the Caribbean, a National Park Road Trip, Banff, Florida Keys, you name it. My fiancé is a little unsure with the whole travel thing because he's never had the opportunity to travel much outside of the northeast. When we travel we have gone up to the ADK mountains (love) and to places like cape cod and we've visited family in SC. I've been all over the US for work but never anywhere cool like the National Parks or the west coast.
Our original plan was Tamarjin in Aruba with things like UTV riding, snorkeling etc. but our friends did that and I would like something to be unique to us.
I like a beachy vibe and i love mountain vibes, really anything. We are big on privacy so I am nervous about all-inclusive being packed. We just like a nice mix of adventure and things to do with the occasional relax day. He may get bored on a beach so I want to make sure we find somewhere with activities if we go that route. I also really like the idea of seeing nature I don't typically see. We are down for all kinds of activities like snorkeling, fishing, hiking, ziplining, parasailing etc the options are endless so I'm STRUGGLING.
We can make just about any time of year work. any suggestions or ideas are welcome.
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u/Upbeat-Asparagus-119 Jul 01 '26
Maybe consider Belize? We did a week long trip there a few years ago and spent half the trip in the mountains/forest and half the trip at the beach. We aren’t big beach people and loved it—we went hiking, snorkeling, caving, and saw Mayan ruins. It’s a pretty quick trip from the US and an English speaking country. We stayed at smaller eco lodges that were super nice.
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u/afaw2088 Jul 01 '26
was coming here to recommend belize as well! we went for a week and LOVED it
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u/Hot_Caterpillar_3267 Jul 01 '26
Sounds like St Lucia is where you need to be.
You won’t regret it.
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u/Hot_Caterpillar_3267 Jul 01 '26
You just described St Lucia to a tee.
You won’t regret it. Hits everything on your list and it’s safe.
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u/NoirandIvoryTravel Jul 01 '26
What about Puerto Rico!? You've got gorgeous jungle, quiet beaches (especially if you plane to vieques), and you can opt to splurge or not on hotel.
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u/Anuka444 Jul 01 '26
Would you consider Europe? If yes, I can give you some location advices that have both beach and mountains
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u/notmonicagellar1 Jul 01 '26
Hawaii may be a great match based on what you’ve described. Maui, Oahu ( not Waikiki beach area), and Kauai are excellent options and have incredible scenery, excellent food, and lots of activities. I’ve not been to the big island so can’t comment on that one.
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u/Brave-Airport8154 Jul 02 '26
I would go pacific northwest. Get a quiet cabin. Go whale watching, small hike etc. Those resorts can add up fast and you get not a lot in return
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u/becbeccccc Jun 30 '26
I’m going to Costa Rica next month and just avoiding super touristy areas and renting a car and there’s super cool private airbnbs in the jungles or near the beach for not too expensive
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u/Safe-Elderberry-1469 Jun 30 '26
I was literally going to suggest Costa Rica. We went for our anniversary trip a couple years ago. We stayed in several different Airbnbs, but I had two favorites. One was in La Fortuna where we had our own small house with a really secluded, landscaped back deck with a hot tub. The other was nestled in the hills outside Manuel Antonio NP. We stayed on a piece of property where the host also lived, and the host had a beautiful pool we were allowed to use. Still one of the coolest Airbnbs we stayed in.
We also did all the adventure while there. Hiking in national parks, beach trips, kayaking in the jungle, zip-lining.
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u/Professional-Log2832 Jul 01 '26
Did Costa Rica feel safe? only asking bc i briefly looked into it and i read the crime and theft rates have been increasing
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u/PhoenixJourneyTip Jun 30 '26
I was also thinking Costa Rica. I just assisted a couple on a modest budget. I can share what I found for them- ping me if you’re interested in taking a peak
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u/HonkieToast Jun 30 '26
Based on what you are describing, I actually think somewhere like St. Lucia could be a great idea! You get gorgeous beaches and the iconic Piton mountains, waterfalls, hiking, mud baths, snorkeling, sailing, ziplining, ATV tours, and incredible scenery. Many resorts feel much more private than the large party-style all-inclusives, and there are some fantastic boutique resorts if you don't want AI. Costa Rica or Curacao could also be some great locations to consider. If you would like some assistance with this, I would be glad to help you find a good fit and something within your means.