Where to go for Honeymoon for a week?

Hi Kim. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! If you are thinking of Europe in March, nowhere is going to be too hot. Southern Spain comes to mind, maybe Seville. Or the Amalfi Coast in Italy, since off-season prices are often quite reasonable then. Weather's unpredictable, but the south is generally warmest and driest. Those places are about the same latitude as St. Louis. The rest of Europe is north of that, a lot of it is about the same as Canada.

I spent my honeymoon in Belgium: 5 nights in Bruges and 3 in Ghent. We stayed in nice B&Bs, oftan more charm than a hotel, the one in Ghent was across the street from the city castle. Not too much walking needed as the towns are on the small side; in Ghent, there are trams if the walk is a bit much. So if you only have 5 nights, you could spent 2 nights in one city and 3 in the other. Brussels is only a short train ride away from Ghent, so you could leave from Ghent on the morning your flight, you just might have to leave early. Chocolate, awesome beer, fries, waffles, mussels. Amazing art. Beautiful architecture. Romantic cities. Perfect for honeymoon.

March isn't a great time to go anywhere north, but southern Europe should be fine - Italy, Spain or Portugal (maybe southern Croatia - it's super laid back). But honestly 5 days is really cutting it in Europe - it's not cheap to fly there (although it should be much cheaper in March) and you lose 2 days in travel and then there's at least a day in jetlag...if you do go there, I'd suggest picking one city or region and not worrying about language issues (pick up one of Rick's language books and learn a few phrases to get by). Have you written off Mexico, Central America, or Puerto Rico? Those would be better strictly budgetwise and still very interesting (in theory, they'd be cheaper since I have no idea how much flights costs are from MO). On the off chance you end up staying in the US, I would strongly suggest CA (southern, central or northern coast - whatever you prefer) - there are limitless possibilities there and the weather would be great in a lot of areas. The coastal drive on Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) is spectacular and you can stop in nice places along the way. It would not be as cheap as Mexico and south and probably comparable to Europe (flight would be cheaper but you'd have to rent a car, so that would offset a cheaper flight). Try setting an overall budget first - then you'd have to guesstimate the flights, lodging and food costs for each option, and then weigh in all the other variables.

Kim as others have said, there is not going to be anywhere
"too hot" in Europe in March, thats early spring most places and still winter in the northern countries.. lol Suggest if you only have a week you visit Rome or Paris. Weather may be nicer in Rome, but you can get lucky with Paris too. English is not a problem, sure not everyone will be able to speak to you but so what, at most tourist sites and cafes you will get by just fine.. enough english will be spoken or understood to get you a coffee or a ticket etc. Its always a good idea no matter where you go to bring a small pocket menu translator since many menu items to not translate literally. If I was you I would push hard to tack a few extra days on to holiday,, a week is really pushing it for a Europe trip and an airplane ticket costs the same for a 7 day visit or a 10 day visit ( usually !)

For an overseas place pick Hawaii. Pick any island. They speak English, at least sort of English, given that Hawaii is the southern most state. March weather is generally pleasant. Leeward locations are generally dry. A weak US dollar will not be a financial hit. Wide range of prices for accommodations from deluxe to condos.
Added note: And food and dining options in Hawaii are numerous with muli-ethnic cuisine and even American food. The Ilikai Hotel offered local breakfast favorites such as fried eggs, rice and Portuguese sausages in addition to standard American breakfasts choices. Or you can pick up fresh ahi tuna steaks and grill them your self if your condo has a gas grill as many do. Pick up a"bento" box at a deli for your beach picnic lunch. And yes, you can get French and Italian food too.

Thank you Edgar. Kim: If you decide to come my way send me a private message if you need any encouragement or information. aloha charlie

Kim, First of all, congratulations! Some of my suggestions have already been mentioned..... > Amalfi Coast / Rome - visiting the south would be better at that time of year, as weather should be warmer and hopefully drier. As someone else posted, you may be able to get some off-season deals. > Southern Spain or Portugal (Algarve) - the weather should also be better in that area, but language could be an issue in Spain. I was there recently and language was a challenge at some point every day. I'm not sure about Portugal as I haven't been there yet. > Hawaii - always a good choice and as others have said, you won't have currency exchange or language issues. You'll be able to choose the type of experience that best fits - a larger city with all the amenities like restaurants on Oahu, or great beaches and quieter in Maui or the big Island of Hawaii. > Mexico - as it's close, the flights should be cheap and easy. You can choose either the Pacific side (Puerto Vallarta) or the Caribbean side (Cancun, etc.). I haven't checked the exchange lately, but it should be favourable. It's been awhile since I've been there, but I don't recall any issues with language. > Caribbean - not sure if that will be hurricane season, but places like the Turks & Caicos, Bermuda, Curacao or places in that area may also be good. > Vegas - is that something that would interest you? I'm not sure what the current U.S. position is on Cuba, but that occurred to me as well. I agree that it would be good if you could get more time if visiting Europe, as you'll need to allow for 2 flight days and will have to deal with jet lag. As you're on a "limited budget" staying closer might be better on this occasion, and then take a longer honeymoon in future. Happy travels!

Kim, One other point to mention...... Once you've decided on a location, you might want to speak to a Travel Agent. At that time of year, some of the "sun destinations" may have some end-of-season package specials including flights, hotels, etc. For some examples, you can have a look at www.travelbestbets.com/ (there should be similar sites in the U.S.). While you can probably find the information online, a Travel Agent may have some good information readily at hand.

Hello Kim. Your question is posted at Rick Steves' website, therefore I assume that you want to go to a country in Europe or Britain or Ireland. Going in the month March, and you do not like to do much walking. I suggest : go to Sorrento in ITALY. It is a location that is described as being romantic. Be in a good hotel located at the top of a cliff, with a panoramic view of the Mediteranean Sea. A hotel room there is expensive, but the airline tickets for flying to Rome can be a low price for flying there in the month March. Transportation between Rome and Sorrento takes some time, but it is worth it.
Search at the internet website www.kayak.com for the lowest priced flight to Rome. And then buy the airline tickets at the airline's internet website. It will probably be with Delta airlines, for flying from Springfield, Missouri. Italian people enjoy their life, every day. And Italian people will be happy for you, knowing that you were recently married ! (Did you see the movie "Roman Holiday" : made in the year 1953. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck).

Ireland. Aer Lingus flights are around $800. CHEAP European airfare these days. Kansas City to Chicago. Chicago to Dublin. The economy is hurting so deals to be found. Stay in B and B's. Lovely country. Lovely people. Small island. Can see a lot especially if you rent a car. English is spoken but with an accent. In the 50's most of March. Raincoat needed but who cares! It's Eire. And if you play your cards right you'll be able to enjoy St. Patrick's festivities. Your text to link here... Slainte.

What about Greece? It's preseason and so affordable. I was there in March years ago and we ended up on Corfu. It you wanted an island you probably need to pick carefully as it is out of season. I would recommend that you post on the to the East section. Someone there will have more current advice. Pam