We will be leaving New Orleans and headed to ??? and then ???, and
perhaps ??? before returning home there.  I'm looking for several
fantastic package plans, and there are few restrictions, except for
time frame and budget (c. $4,000.00, + or -).  If there are some great
travel options that cost far less, or significantly more, but that you
highly recommend (b/c super deal found, or super place, etc.), please
let me know that, too, as it may be worth the extra money, or great to
spend a lot less without sacrificing on beauty, fun, sights.
     It's worth $100 EACH to the top 3 responses (I hope I can get
several researchers involved, trying to outdo one another!).  If I
cannot pay more than one researcher (say it ain't so!), then I'll up
the pay to $200.  So help me put this awesome honeymoon together!
     NOTE - my fiancee has given me permission to plan the whole trip
and surprize her with it at the appropriate time.
     HERE ARE SOME ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:  We probably prefer
tropical over strenuous mountain trailing or skiing, but we're open to
reconsider any trip suggestion.
    We want to be very comfortable and pampered overall, but, we might
prefer not to stay at an "all-inclusive" resort (at least not the
whole trip), and go out and eat/drink/party at the great local
establishments to take in that town's charm.  I've found that some
all-inclusives are homogenized,
all-the-same-no-matter-where-in-the-world-you-are places that cheat
tourists out of appreciating the unique charms, culture, cuisine, etc.
of that country, city, island.  But I know there are nice exceptions
to that rule, too.
   So a paradise on a beach, or two, is one attractice option we'd
like looked into, in any Latin American Country, or perhaps the west
or south coasts of France, Greece, Pto. Rico, or ???.   OR perhaps the
British Virgin Isles?
   If the place is way hot, that's not good.  But sunning, snorkeling,
sailing in reasonable temperatures is always nice.
   On the other hand, another fantasy trip I've considered (but
doubted easily affordable, weak US$ and all) is N.O. to Paris for a
week (w/ day trips to see friends nearby), then go (fly, preferably)
to Athens/Greek Isle(s) for a week, and, maybe, squeeze in Rome for a
couple of or few days on the way there or back.  But we would not want
to stay in crummy, cheap hotels, and try and live on $100 day for all
of our meals/entertainment, just to be able to afford it.  But I am
aware of super cheap airfares within Europe that may be attainable,
and other fantastic, but not well known, hotel deals, as well.
   OTHER ATTRACTIVE OPTIONS:  AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND, PRAGUE,
POLYNESIA, ST. PETERSBURG - ALL OF WHICH WE'VE NEVER VISITED.  YOU
TELL ME ABOUT THE FANTASTIC, PERHAPS VERY LITTLE KNOWN (but still very
safe, comfy).
   If it can be done without too much labor, aggravation, time
consumption, perhaps we can combine one, to or three great locations. 
Or have a base (say Paris), and do short, several day trips out of
there.
    OK.  I HOPE I'VE GOT SOME ARMCHAIR TRAVELERS INSPIRED TO COME UP
WITH SOME AMAZING OPTIONS AND DEALS!
    I am very excited about this, and look forward to seeing what
replies I get!  John

---

Request for Question Clarification by leader-ga on 15 May 2004 06:58 PDT

Hello jred-ga:

OK! Here is the first researcher. I will like to undertake this
assignment because  I have worked in the travel industry as a
consultant and have helped several clients make their honeymoon trips.
What I will do here is provide you with a scenario and than ask your
opinion about it before I post any answer. If you feel that my answer
satisfies your needs, I can post it as an official answer OR we will
leave my opinion as just another suggestion. In the mean time, we can
also have other great researchers come out with their opinions.

Let me get started now and I will keep in contact. Thanks.

---

Clarification of Question by jred-ga on 15 May 2004 11:22 PDT

Sounds like I have at least one very qualified researcher on board!  I
look forward to hearing from you.

I like your idea to post your thoughts/ideas as "Comments", but
letting me know that you are a researcher as well.

John

---

Request for Question Clarification by leader-ga on 15 May 2004 19:56 PDT

Hello John:

I was doing research on your honeymoon vacation. Here is my first
idea. I can guide you on arranging a trip which includes departing
from New Orleans to Paris > staying in Paris for a week (either in
Paris or in the surronding country side) > going to Brussels > stay
there for a day > flying to Athens > stay there for two or three days
> Cruise the Greek Islands (of your choice) for a week > fly back to
Paris via Brussels > Fly back to New Orleans.

I have selected specific accomodations for this journey that are
appropriate for a honeymoon and have a very romantic ambience. I will
need to know the french country side where you would like to visit and
the particular Greek Islands so I may suggest additional
accomodations.

The price tag for such a journey will be $3800 to $4300. Let me know
if you think this might be a good idea. I can also suggest other
vacations.

Sample of the type of Accomodations for this Journey

Paris
http://www.chambresdhotes.fr.fm/

Paris & Surrounding Areas
http://www.chateaudereilly.fr/

Crete Island
http://www.greekhotel.com/crete/heraklion/nymphes/home.htm

Thank You.

---

Request for Question Clarification by politicalguru-ga on 17 May 2004 04:30 PDT

Dear John, 

Let me differ with my colleague and offer two alternative routes. I am
not a great supporter of the "see 6 countries in 14 days" approach.
You get tired, some of the amenities might get wrong (especially if
you plan this on your own: reservations gone foul, etc.).

Both my suggestions would fit your budget and would be romantic,
fascinating and warm.

First suggestion 
----------------
Tropicana: Belize and/or Costa-Rica are great this time of the year,
are very friendly and not as expensive as the Caribbean Isles. If
you're looking for a peaceful resort, or for an adventure travel, this
is highly recommended. This is the more lay-back, but tropical,
version. Though I also recommend Thailand, I am not sure I would have
gone to Australia or New Zealand at this time of the year (as the
weather might not be favourable), and in any case, a holiday in these
areas might eat-up your budget.


Second suggestion
-----------------
You've mentioned Prague. Highly recommended, and with a
recommendation, to start in Berlin - stay for a few days (great summer
events, although the Love Parade is probably off this year) take a
train or a car to Prague, through the beautiful scenery of Eastern
Germany, and from there take a fligth, a car or a train either to
Hungary (Budapest and the Balaton sea resorts) or to Bulgaria's
Black-Sea resorts, for a bit of sun and "exotica". Berlin and Prague
and especially warm and comfortable this time of the year, with Berlin
being probably the most affordable city in Western or Central Europe
(Prague is a bit more expensive, but no comparison to Paris or
Brussels - which is in my opinion not a very romantic or warm city in
July, apologies to the Belgians); with a favourable weather (though
not tropical) in all places; with Berlin, Budapest and Prague being
beautiful, interesting and culturally fascinating cities; and with
Black-Sea or Balaton as a warm, relaxing, and a bit "unique" type of
resort.

If you want me to, I'd research further. I have in fact several other
recommendations, but don't want to load you with ideas before I get
the drift.

---

Clarification of Question by jred-ga on 20 May 2004 05:09 PDT

LEADER-GA,

  I'm torn between the prospects of 1. Europe (as you've discussed),
but perhaps swapping Prague for Greece or Rome; 2. Thailand/Asia as
another comment made very attractive; and 3. Carribean - Costa Rica,
BVI, etc.
  Your input on my Europe trip was great.  I wonder if you can factor
in my comments on your trip you outlined, and get back to me?  I hope
so.
Many Thanks!

---

Request for Question Clarification by leader-ga on 20 May 2004 07:17 PDT

Thank you John:

We can definitely cover Prague instead of Greece or Rome. As you have
also discussed other options, please allow me to come with something
special on those other destinations OR may be get an even better deal
in Europe. I will contact you very soon (within 48 hours from now).

Sincerely,
leader-ga.

---

Clarification of Question by jred-ga on 20 May 2004 09:22 PDT

Great!  I look forward to hearing from you.    John

---

Request for Question Clarification by leader-ga on 20 May 2004 09:23 PDT

Hello John:

I have come with another spectacular honeymoon trip to Costa Rica at a
very reasonable price $2700 - $3600 for 10-12 days. It includes
lodgings in some of the world's best eco lodges (both of these lodges
are considered to be among the worlds most exotic eco resorts). The
prices include every type of activity imaginable with meals and other
costs. I will post the information by midnight. I am also working on
the trips to Europe and Thailand/Asia (please refer to the previous
notes).

Sincerely,
leader-ga.

---

Clarification of Question by jred-ga on 20 May 2004 11:11 PDT

You're good, Leader, damn good. ... I'm standing by. john

---

Request for Question Clarification by leader-ga on 20 May 2004 21:59 PDT

Hello John:

Here is a breif overview of the Costa Rica Package. It will be a
9nts/11 days journey costing you anywhere from $2688 to $2964. It will
include:

Flights

Round Trip from New Orleans to San Jose on Major Carrier

Accomodation

2 nts at Real Intercontinental (Honeymoon Package)
4 nts at Arenal Observatory Lodge in Smithsonian Suite (Panaromic view
of the active volcano which is currently constantly erupting).
3 nts at Selva Bananito in Premier cabin (Among the top ten eco lodges
in the world - Outside Magazine)

Transportation

From San Jose to the two lodges and back.

Meals

All meals included (except the lunch and dinner for 2 nts at San Jose
at Real Intercontinental)

Activities

Most Activites including Horse Back Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall,
Volcano Tours, Arenal Hanging Bridges, Venado Caves, Canopy Tour,
Kayaking at Arenal Lake, Bird Watching, Hiking Tours, Tree Climbing
and more......

***You can definitely change the length of the program but if you want
to spend the rest of the dollars and surprise your lady than a hot air
balloon trip at the end of the journey over the active Arenal Volcano
is highly recommended. The cost of the ride is $900 that will be a
private charter from the only hot air balloon company in Costa Rica.
You will be able to pick young local kid to ride the balloon with you
at no additional cost. This is to ensure a minimum weight.  You will
actually be able to drive the balloon.

I am still working on the other trips. We will have to decide quickly
because July is fast approaching.

Thanks.
leader-ga.

---

Request for Question Clarification by leader-ga on 20 May 2004 22:02 PDT

I am sorry for the typo.........I meant "young local kids".

---

Request for Question Clarification by leader-ga on 21 May 2004 23:27 PDT

Hello John:

OK! Here is another trip to match the costa rica adventure. This time
it is to the exotic Morocco for 9-10 nights high in the Atlas
Mountains and the African Desert. For a price tag of $3500 It
includes:

Round Trip from NYC to Marrakesh (please add $180 from New Orleans per person)

2 nights at the famous La Mamounia in the Rooms (with large balcony)
facing the grand mosque. This hotel is among the most famous hotels in
the world. It is not romantic, it is just out of this
world..............

3 nights at the Kasbah Du toubkal in the Deluxe Room facing the
Africas highest Mountain Jbel Toubkel (This hotel is regarded as the
world's foremost mountain resort and is unmatched in whole of Africa.)

3 nights at Kasbah Itran (A truly unique berber hotel made from just
EARTH ; pitched on the hill with a thousand feet drop and in the most
traditional mountain village scenery that you will never forget.)

2 nights in the desert camp with a nomadic family.

* Most adventure activities included. Some Meals included.

I will explain the adventure activites if you feel interested.

Sincerely,
leader-ga.

---

Request for Question Clarification by politicalguru-ga on 08 Jun 2004 01:39 PDT

Dear Jred, 

Do you still need an answer, either from me, or from my colleague?

As an interested observer (and only because you seem so passionate) if
I can make a suggestion.....

Think about Koh Samui, Thailand (7 days) and Bangkok (7days). 

Airfare will cost you about $1100 per person (24hr flight time) with
either Delta or United. Suggest United via Hong Kong. See and book at
www.orbitz.com

You will also need to buy connecting flight to Koh Samui Island. About
50mins flight time and @ $100pp return.  You can book this online at
http://www.bangkokair.com

I suggest you stay for the first 7 days at the Le Royal Meridian Baan
Taling Ngam (Koh Samui). This is a 5+ star resort (one of the best in
Asia). The hotels' website is below. On top of that they have specials
on for that period so a deluxe oceanfront room will only set you back
around $120-140 a night (per room). You can upgrade to something more
like royalty for higher prices. Either book it on there website on one
of the plethora of other sites (google search: Koh Samui Accomodation
Le Meridian).

http://www.meridien.kosamui.com/offers.htm  

Although this resort is off by itself to a degree (that can be a good
thing?) the hotel has a shuttle that will run you into one of the
local centres (10 mins drive) that are vibrant and cultural year
round. The food and hospitality is nothing like you have experienced
before? Meals at a 4-5* restaurant are relatively cheap at $7-10. See
http://www.kohsamui.org for an idea.

For the next seven days I suggest you return to Bangkok to soak up the
culture there. Bangkok is a big city and there is a million and one
things to do. On top of that everything is cheap cheap cheap (with
high quality product and services). Meals will set you back $5-$10
(restuarant quality). As for accomodation, I would suggest making a
bid on the Priceline Hong Kong website (www.priceline.com.hk and much
the same as the US site) for a 5 star hotel in the Sukhumvit area of
Bangkok (all the large name western hotels. You will pick up a 5+star
hotel here for about $80-$100 per room per night. I bit $75 and got
the Westin Grande. This hotel was newly renovated and I would say one
of the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at (I have stayed at a few).
From there you can explore bangkok by foot, boat, taxi, monorail
(whatever ever takes your fancy and again everything is cheap). The
are many health spas as well.

As for coming home you have the option of a stopover (incl in your
airfare) in Hong Kong. Again a great City to explore and you book
accomodation either through your airline or on priceline again. On
priceline you can probably pick up a 4-5* hotel in HKG for about $100
a night. For further info see the www.biddingfortravel.com - Asian
Discussion forum   http://p197.ezboard.com/bpricelineasiadiscussions

Overall I think you will roughly come in around $4000 for two for that period. 

If you have queries about the exchange rates, use the currency
converter at www.oanda.com

Out of interest I also considered Australia (Sydney and Barrier Reef);
Boracay Island, Phillipines; Toldeo and Barcelona in Spain; and Italy.
But I think you will exceed your budget and/or do it at a 3-4 star
level. Remember this is your honeymoon. You want to relax and spend
time together.

The only downside is the travel time to Bangkok (24hrs). But at least
you will be together ;-)

Food for thought. Whichever way you choose, have a great honeymoon and
if you happen to choose the above, make sure Leader gets the cash.

Regards
Jesterinoz

Jesterinoz
   You are a kind and generous person, going to a lot of trouble to
offer some fascinating ideas to me!  It sounds extremely tempting.
   Q: No concerns in Thailand, etc., re safety and excellent food
options?  I don't imagine so, but, I don't want to worry too much
about getting pick-pocketed (or worse), nor about getting a good steak
or international fare other than entirely the fabulous native cuisine.
  Thanks!  John

LEADER-GA,
  Apologies I have overlooked your preliminary response; it sounds quite lovely.  
  Along the Paris/Brussels/Athens/Isles lines, I'd like to
mention/reply some to help you help me:  In Paris, I've stayed at an
awesome hotel (mostly due to location/price) called the Hotel Brighton
(they are on the web @ hotel.brighton@wanadoo.fr).  It is on the Rue
de Rivoli, and offers rooms with thin, but useable, balconies with
incredible views of the city and many landmarks, couple blocks from
the Louvre, Metro, many neat bitro's, and other cool stuff.  I also
have a good friend at the Ritz nearby (the concierge, and a
world-class bartender in the Hemingway bar there, but I think the
cheap rooms there run like $600/night, while at the Brighton, a lovely
room w/ balcony, large bathroom, should be about $175/night.  And the
Brighton has a far superior view.  But summer rates may be
significantly higher (?).  The Ritz is substantially classier - bien
sur! - but can we get a deal there?
   As to Athens, a few days sounds great; with time to sight see,
tour.  I've visited Santorini - beautiful, but it is a ways out,
taking an overnight ship to get there.  Also a couple of other
islands.  We'd love probably any isle, but would like at least the
creature comforts (A/C if neeeded, decent restaurants, safe-kept rooms
for our belongings, etc.).
   And what about Roma?  I'd trade Brussels for Roma, but, this may
not be so practicable.
   Well, it is exciting just considering the possibilities.  Any
further comments from you will be MOST appreciated!
John

John, 

To your question:

Food: The local Koh Samui food has pretty much everything you could
imagine and is what I would describe as international. Far from just
Thai restaurants! For example there was a 5* Brazilian restaurant with
caberet; Great seafood (fish/lobster/ prawns); Gourmet Pizzas; Steak
Houses; Indian; French; Mexican; Pancakes; Chinese and as a guide
McDonalds; KFC and Pizza Hut. Bangkok has everytype of restuarant you
could possible want and more. They may even have a few Cajun shrimp
resturants if required.

Crime: I stayed on Koh Samui for about 3 weeks last year and did not
have to consider my own safety at any time during that period. There
was certainly no petty crime that I saw. On the contrary things seemed
very secure to the point where I left valuables on the beach
unattended. As for Bangkok it is a large city and I am sure that crime
occurs there, but I would say the problem is no more than any other
Asian; Australian; European and US city. I have been to New Orleans as
well. We were out late at night walking the always lively streets and
never had an issue. You have to remember also that the streets are
crowded with foreign visitors so I would say there is relatively
"safety in numbers"; there are special Tourism Police mainly to ensure
no one gets ripped off and the local community are very keen not to
tarnish the country's reputation or Tourism industry. Overall it is a
very friendly and safe place and I dont think you will have any issue.

As for the issue of terrorism, Thailand has concerns (and security to
match) about Al-Queda, but again no more than Australia; US and Europe
(or most other countries to think about it). About 3 weeks ago there
was "crackdown" of a muslim insurgent group by the Army/Police in the
province bordering Malaysia. This is an ongoing and at times violent
problem, but always limitied to that province and is well away from
any tourist centres, such as Koh Samui; Bangkok or Phuket. Overall the
risks are no more than Europe; Australia and/or US. One thing you may
also want to consider if you are concerned about security, I note
there are now travel warnings in place for Greece following on from
the minor bombings there and leading up to the Olympics
(www.dfat.gov.au).

Climate: I forgot to mention the period from May-July is the best time
to visit Koh Samui. Temperates in the area of 25-30 degrees (CELCIUS
and I dont know what it is in farenheit) with little to no rain and as
such cloud free days.

Language: Most of the locals speak at least broken English. No problems there. 

Again food for thought and regardless have a good trip. 
 

Jesterinoz

John, 

I forgot to clarify how to use Google Answers in my first addition to
this question. I am doing this because you have written "It's worth
$100 EACH to the top 3 responses (I hope I can get several researchers
involved, trying to outdo one another!).  If I cannot pay more than
one researcher (say it ain't so!), then I'll up the pay to $200."

I suggest you'll post your question more than once if you want a 'second opinion'. 

The page here has four parts: 

- Your question

- Under which, Researchers could ask you for clarifications, like
Leader-ga and I have done (each request is titled by the name of the
person who asked for it, for example: "Request for Question
Clarification by leader-ga on 15 May 2004 06:58 PDT"); you could
clarify your question in accordance (for example, I asked you "should
I go further with my suggestions?" and I think leader-ga asked
something in the same spirit). This is NOT the answer part and no-one
would post an answer unless they are sure they're answering your
question.

- Under this part, there's a part marked in purple "Answer". Only ONE
Researcher could post an answer there. Therefore, if you're interested
in answers from more than one Researcher, you should post more than
one question, and not only this one. Only the Researcher who answers
this question gets paid.

- The last part, where this comment is written, is titled (surprise!)
"Comments". Here, both Researchers and members (who are not
Researchers and cannot post an answer) could post comments on the
question or on the topic itself. You could identify who's a Researcher
and who's a member, by the blue link on Researchers' names. No one who
posts a comment gets paid (but also not charged ;-)

I hope this helps to clarify things.

Europe is pretty cold around Christmas.

Mike - when Americans write 7-12 they mean July 12th.

Oh yea.  So they do - sorry!

Mike :-)

Hi!
 I am not a proffesional honeymoon consultant but I live a vacation every day!!
 yES EVERY DAY is like a vacationn.  My country Jamaica is now
undergoing some drastic changes to accomodate tourist who want to
enjoy the luxury of a five star hotel but have the choice of living as
a local. You can be pampered or just relax and enjoy the hospitality
of the Jamaican people. There are daily excursions to naturiistic
sites. Homes of local or even onjoy real African heritage in   Maroon
village.  Depending on where you want to stay or even if you are not
staying in a particular section of the Islan you can go on fishing
trips wether with locals on a yacht or a speed boat or probably right
on one of our wonderful piers.
 Where food is concern  the choice is between international cuisine of
local dishes the world famous "curry Goat" or sample jerk chicken,fish
or pork with an ice cold red strip beer.
 There are also   many resturants and grills or go total local by
buying from the  "jerkman" off the streets. There are many world class
duty free shopping area, craft markets and other local markets.
 Your choice is between a hotel, Villa , cottage,Bungalow or a thatch hut.
 There are hotel that also offer all in clusive packages but you  DONT WANT THAT.


I could tell you the secrets of how to come to Jamaica have lots of
fun  and it wont even cost much!!

I can say that after the fact, my honeymoon in Florida was expensive
and nothing like my 1 year anniversary at http://www.mtpalmera.com
which offered all that Costa Rica has for under 3000 dollars.  No
resort or hotel we approached for a week stay was cheaper, or offered
as much.  I liked it so much, I stayed on in Costa Rica to work.

Each day is like another day in paradise!  I would honeymoon here, if
I had the chance.