canadiantree From France, joined Jun 2006, 92 posts, RR: 0 Posted (3 months 2 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 1782 times:
Hi all,
A few weeks ago I started a thread asking advice on finding cheap airfare. Now I am addicted to holidaypirates lol I am always on there sifting new deals! (Just yesterday there was a biz class error fare from WAW-KUL for 625 euros!
Now that I know where to look for flights, I was wondering if many of you well traveled lovely folks could give me some tips and tricks on where to go for my honeymoon? I am really interested in Asia as I've never been in my life, I just know the US, Canada and Europe :/
My fiancee wants to go somewhere with white powder sandy beaches, blue lagoons etc. I was looking in Thailand and so on but places seem expensive. Is it not possible to find an all inclusive decent hotel for say 100 euros a night for 2 people? Everything I see is at least 200...
I am looking at Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka but I am really open to any destination as long as it is safe lol. And I love Asian food so i'm definitely excited to be eating some
Anyways if you have any tips on not so touristy resorts that are cheaper maybe. We aren't party animals, we want to relax, tan, swim maybe go snorkeling or boating, eat awesome food, you know, farniente lol
i am also open to doing a sort of tour of 3 or 4 different countries since I know airlines such as Air Asia offer very cheap fares, so visiting capitals, tropical islands etc would be sweet, we are looking at going 2 to 3 weeks.
HT From Germany, joined May 2005, 6473 posts, RR: 27 Reply 1, posted (3 months 2 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 1739 times:
Traveling to Thailand ? = Avoid All-inclusive resorts !
If you travel to Thailand you want to sample the real Thai cuisine, not the one offered in All-inclusive resorts. Go to some place where a village / city is close by and go out for some cheap(-ish) dinner each evening. You will not regret.
Sandy Beaches ? Have you had a look into the usual spots in The Philippines ?
East Malaysia (the provinces of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo) could be another option.
-HT
Carpe diem ! Life is too short to waste your time ! Keep in mind, that today is the first day of the rest of your life !
Fallap From Denmark, joined Jan 2009, 86 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (3 months 2 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 1721 times:
You could use Singapore/Hong Kong as a Base of Operation, and from there use Cebu Pacific (VERY cheap Phillippine airline) to go to Cebu / Other parts of the Phillippines for a week or two. The beaches and the water whould be absolutly
astonishing. Especially if you like to snorcle/dive.
What you could do, is to fly coach and use the surplus on a luxury beach resort in The Phillippines.
My idea would be:
Fly to Singapore, explore Singapore for a few days (Max three)
Continue to Siem Reap in Cambodia, see the amazing Angkor Wat. (In Siem Reap, a hotel with a pool is HIGHLY recommended! )
Take the bus to Phnom Penh and explore what needs to be explored: S21 prison, Killing Fields, perhaps shooting with AK47 and drinking Cambodian beer! Remember to bring $, since the local currency is pretty useless.
Fly with Cebu Pacific to the Phillippines and have fun!
Fly with Cebu Pacific back to Singapore and head home
alfa164 From United States of America, joined Oct 2012, 79 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (3 months 2 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 1688 times:
I'll second the motion for the Philippines! Aluna Beach, off Bohol Island (a pleasant ferry ride from Cebu) is the most beautiful cheap beach in the world.
Besides Cebu Pacific, Air Asia flies into the Philippines with cheap fares.
Akiestar From Philippines, joined May 2009, 603 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (3 months 2 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 1640 times:
Quoting alfa164 (Reply 3): I'll second the motion for the Philippines! Aluna Beach, off Bohol Island (a pleasant ferry ride from Cebu) is the most beautiful cheap beach in the world.
I was at Alona Beach just a few days ago, and I couldn't agree more. (Yes, I am partial to the Philippines. )
To the thread starter: you can also fly 2P within the Philippines. As they are owned by PR, they are seen as better-capable of handling IRROPS (irregular operations) than 5J is. But yes, 5J is all right most of the time.
Bali can be a very affordable destination, but DO NOT go anywhere near Kuta!!! Not, that is, unless you want to see 20 year old Australians throwing up in the gutter!
Think Cancun for spring break, and draw it out year round and you will start to get the idea
I've never been to the Philippines, but everyone I know who has would recommend it 110% for its powder white beaches, beautiful water, great diving, value for money, and the fact that it isn't overrun with Western tourists like Phuket etc.
b2319 From China, joined Jan 2013, 83 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (3 months 1 week 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 1457 times:
canadiantree,
I'd agree with the Philippines, it has some amazing islands that are good for relaxing, swimming and diving.
It may be a little costly to get there, however, once you are, I guess, at Manila, you can inexpensively fly around the country on the likes of Cebu Pacific, if you plan well enough in advance and avoid the Christian holidays such as Xmas and Easter.
Somewhere else I would throw in, not yet mentioned, is Cambodia.
You could do a trangular Siem Reap-Sihoukanville-Phonm Pehn routing where 'Snooky' is your beach part. Siem Reap is 10km from the amazing Angkor Wat, whilst Phnom Penh is just one of the most interesting cities I've been to. Whilst all of Cambodia may look shoddy, in no way, for Westerners, is the country unsafe.
Akiestar From Philippines, joined May 2009, 603 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (3 months 1 week 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 1362 times:
Quoting canadiantree (Reply 6): Any resorts you would recommend for Alona beach or should I just go local?
I stayed in Tagbilaran, so I can't really recommend, though Panglao (where Alona Beach is at) has a bunch of nice resorts. The nicest (and most exclusive) of these is the Eskaya Resort and Spa.
usflyer msp From United States of America, joined May 2000, 1787 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (3 months 1 week 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 1362 times:
It is a different part of the world than what you are looking at but I have found the Dominican Republic to be very cheap for all inclusive resorts (like US$50 per night). That said, be prepared for the resort workers to make attempts to have sexual relations with you and/or your wife. They are all interested in getting a foreign lover who can get them a visa to work in a wealthy country.
PI4EVER From United States of America, joined May 2009, 599 posts, RR: 2 Reply 14, posted (3 months 1 week 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 1281 times:
canadiantree,
I originally was going to suggest the Caribbean, or even a cruise, until I saw that your interest was more to Asia. As I am more experienced with that region, I decided to respond when I read the suggestion and your response to the Dominican Republic.
If you consider the DR, or Cancun/Cozumel/Riviera Playa or the ABC Islands I recommend you book a package trip/tour with a Canadian or European charter airline. It is rare to find $50 per night all-inclusive in the DR, and frankly I doubt you'd want to stay there. Much less on a honeymoon trip, and while those areas are famous for their beautiful resorts and all-inclusive features you'll not going to find anything in that price range and to add in your airfare, transfers and service fees. I feel also that 2 weeks would be about the max to enjoy these locations away from the immediate resort offerings.
The best cruise options would be a 7night from San Juan to "island hop" but this type trip only offers brief day stops at numerous islands to give you a brief introduction to the Southern Caribbean region. Even consider a back-to-back cruise if the ship itinerary changes to different ports from week-to-week so you'd get the same ship, cabin, all-inclusive service and see potentially 10+ different ports/islands during the 14 days. Royal Caribbean and Carnival sail from San Juan. A big factor is how to get to SJU....it can be pricey as it is off the "beaten path" for charter airline services and coming from Europe you may have to transit via the U.S.
The Caribbean/cruise options are simply something to consider, and could possibly fit into your targeted Euro100 per night budget......maybe.
You do have ambitious plans for a honeymoon trip so definitely keep us informed of your plans.
Good Luck and Best Wishes to you and the Bride-to-Be.
Thomas
Reminds me about my trip to Jordan back in 2011, where the owner of our small beach hotel, encouraged my parents (Divorced) to go up and make some more babies. (He was very surprised that I was their only child)
neutrino From Singapore, joined May 2012, 350 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (3 months 1 week 3 days 8 hours ago) and read 1269 times:
Having been to the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand about 70, 40 and 30 times respectively, no prizes for guessing which country I would strongly recommend. All things considered, to me, only the food choices in Thailand bested the Philippines which come up top by all other measures. Mabuhay!
b2319 From China, joined Jan 2013, 83 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (3 months 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 1033 times:
Quoting canadiantree (Reply 9): B-2319 I tried pming you but it isn't working :/ Which beaches would you recommendin Cambodia or Bali?
Sorry for the late respnse. Chinese New Year and all that!
Bali- never been.
Cambodia- Sihoukanville is just a small town and the only seaside resort in Cambodia. Just that I believe this country has so much going for it: friendly people, great heritage and culture, great food, superb value for money.
I could sit in a downtown bar in Siem Reap taking a 330 ml can of great beer (Beer Lao, Anchor, Angkor) for 50 USD cents, then a great meal for USD 5.
Overall, in my opinion, the country is a dream, and, maybe importantly, very, very safe.
Hmm, if there was a competition for the most obvious rhetorical question posted in the entire history of the internet , I think you would stand a good chance of winning, mate.
copter808 From United States of America, joined Dec 2000, 752 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (2 months 3 weeks 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 833 times:
Quoting usflyer msp (Reply 11): be prepared for the resort workers to make attempts to have sexual relations with you
When does the next flight to the DR leave???
More to the point though, I frequently travel to Asia and there are some difficult choices. Since the Philippines are islands, there are far more beaches than in Thailand. However, Thailand is my favorite country and I love the food and culture. Bali is ok, as long as you heed some of the advice given here. You might also want to consider CAmbodia and Vietnam.
It might cost more to get to Asia than Orlando, but you will likely save on the hotel and living costs in Asia.
canadiantree From France, joined Jun 2006, 92 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 688 times:
Thanks guys for all the great tips!
I guess my main concern is finding decent accommodation in a part of the world I've never been to, I don't know what standards to expect in Asia, we want to be 2 to 3 weeks away so I can definitely not afford to pay 200 euros a night for a hotel. So any tips on that regard would be helpful
As I mentioned in post 16 above, The Philippines is my favourite go-to country.
About P2,000 (approx US$50) gets you a no-frills but decent and clean place to stay in Manila and other more "touristy destinations". Not-so-well-troden towns could cost as little as half of that.
If you want to be a little bit more pampered, four-star ones range from around US$80 to US$150.
Thailand is slightly up the price scale but still affordable.
PI4EVER From United States of America, joined May 2009, 599 posts, RR: 2 Reply 24, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 654 times:
OK, you've received suggestions on locales from the Philippines to Cancun. It is difficult to suggest "any tips" beyond what has been provided until you and bride-to-be decide:
1. Pick 3 specific locations....not just Thailand or the Caribbean....but specific countries/cities/resorts to pin down what are your top 3 choices,
2. Origin city you will fly from and any specific frequent flyer/alliance program you prefer to use if any,
3. Specific dates of travel and how flexible you can be to move dates by up to 2 or 3 days either side of those preferred dates,
4. Accomodations you prefer and those you don't.......like a garden view room but not a hostel/dormitory layout. You are on your honeymoon after all, and WE DON'T want to look over and tell you "Get a room!",
5. What is your budget for airfare, baggage/fees, transportation, food and beverage, activities/sightseeing and hotel accomodations for the dates of travel specified from above,
That simply said is what the travel industry calls "qualifying your client." You must provide this information to an airline/tour operator/travel agent or internet booking engine to get specific pricing and information to make an informed decision to buy.
Start there and let's see how all the resident experts here on A.net can help you plan your trip,
Thomas
canadiantree From France, joined Jun 2006, 92 posts, RR: 0 Reply 25, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 655 times:
Hi
You’re right I should be more specific, so here we go!
1. Pick 3 specific locations....not just Thailand or the Caribbean....but specific countries/cities/resorts to pin down what are your top 3 choices, sorry couldn'tnarrow it down to 3 :/
- Koh Samui
- Palawan
- Solomon Islands
- Bali
- Seychelles
- Maldives
2. Origin city you will fly from and any specific frequent flyer/alliance program you prefer to use if any,
- Vienna, Paris, Budapest, Prague, Brussels, Amsterdam, London, Munich or Frankfurt (Any European city really if a good deal is found)
3. Specific dates of travel and how flexible you can be to move dates by up to 2 or 3 days either side of those preferred dates,
- - We are looking at a 3 week period over the Fall anywhere between mid September to mid November. Dates are flexible.
4. Accomodations you prefer and those you don't.......like a garden view room but not a hostel/dormitory layout. You are on your honeymoon after all, and WE DON'T want to look over and tell you "Get a room!",
- - I am open to anything really. I’d be willing to spend 200 bucks a night if it was all inclusive for 2 people. Otherwise 100 dollars a night or less for a private room, ideally overlooking the ocean and with AC if temps during the night exceed 20 degrees Celsius.
5. What is your budget for airfare, baggage/fees, transportation, food and beverage, activities/sightseeing and hotel accommodations for the dates of travel specified from above,
- - Budget for travel is less than 1,000 USD per person. All other activities say 100 dollars a day.
I'm open to the idea of spending a week at 3 different places, I wanna be able to swim in white powder sands with turquoise waters and palm trees (no sharks if possible), as well as see mountains, go hiking, see beautiful waterfalls and rain forests, maybe see some exotic animals, I wanna eat delicious local food (not touristy food found in hotels).
Also preferably somewhere we can rely on cheap ground transport so we don't have to drive (I can't drive and would prefer my fiancée didn't either)
signol From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2948 posts, RR: 7 Reply 26, posted (2 months 2 weeks 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 579 times:
A couple of places to consider are the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and Mozambique. Yes, Mozambique. Do a Google Image search for Bazaruto, or Vilanculos. If you can get to South Africa, there are reasonable package deals from there.
canadiantree From France, joined Jun 2006, 92 posts, RR: 0 Reply 27, posted (2 months 2 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 538 times:
Hi guys,
I think I've decided on which country I want to go to. And with all your wonderful suggestions, it should come to no surprise
So, I want to honey moon in the Philippines. I want to go for 3-4 weeks, and right now the number 1 island I'm interested in is Bantayan... But see this is the thing when you wanna go to an archipel of islands... It's so hard to choose... So here are my new questions (keeping in mind I've never ever been to Asia):
- Should I spend my 3-4 weeks in one island or will I get bored? ie should I spend a week in 3 or 4 different islands? Having had the chance to research more of what the Philippines have to offer, I would be interested in the following
- boating
- snorkeling
- hiking
- visiting caves and geothermal waters
- biking
- swimming (obviously)
- eating GREAT Asian food (I'm worried that if I stay on one island for the whole trip I will be eating the same food, ie Bantayan island only has 10 restaurants I think and some of them have poor ratings on Trip Advisor)
I was also thinking of doing both the Philippines and another country like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam or Cambodia, is that feasible?
My other concern is luggage, being from Europe we will probably want to bring one bulky suitcase each and a carry on. But it seems it will be very difficult to move around with such baggage? I probably don't realize it but it's hot there so no need for sweaters I suppose lol
Can anyone advise me whether September, October or November/early December is a good time to visit the area? (ie not too much rain?)
Hurray. Good for you. You won't regret it.
Thats a lot of activities you listed. Have fun.
3-4 weeks is more than sufficient. Its an overkill for just one destination. Explore a few places/islands and take a side trip to Thailand. Two countries will be optimal for an easy leisurely honeymoon. More than that is doable but cutting it too hectic. Remember; its not the quantity but the quality that matter more.
Again, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I would give The Philippines the edge over Thailand in just about every measure except for food. The Land of Smiles is a gastronomist's delight. You can eat and eat till you almost drop.
As for luggage, for more convenience & flexibility, use backpacks rather than suitcases. A small daypack for critical stuff, and a "huge" one for all your worldy possessions....and the kitchen sink.
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