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Hawaii----its the USA, go traveling but keep your money inside the country! Also, more security for a US citizen if you're in your own country, too much crap happening in the world now.
I haven't been to Hawaii so I can't comment, but I have done the all inclusive thing in Mexico.
All inclusive means exactly that. All your food (meals and snacks) and drinks are included. Liquor, beer, wine, etc. Depending on resort, many have a mini bar in your room as well. Some include transportation to the resort for free, some you pay extra. Many also have things such as kayaking, snorkling, short excursions, etc included. Others offer other excursions for an extra cost.
The Pacific side of Mexico is a rougher ocean, and in generally more mountainous. The Caribbean side is going to be clearer water and calmer (in general). You can still swim in the ocean opn the Pacific side, usually, but the waves can beat you down! (ask me how I know ) Some places, like Cabo, have areas you can't swim in the ocean at all.
We stayed at Riu Palace Pacifico in Puerto Vallarta almost 2 years ago. We rented a car for a day and explored the downtown/boardwalk area and shopped, and visited a tequila distillery, which was a lot of fun. Most of the time we just enjoyed the resort and beach. We were also able to walk down the beach to another Riu property and eat in one of their restaurants as well.
Since it is your honeymoon you may want to look into adults-only all inclusives as well.
I'm a big fan of an all inclusive. The Flight to Mexico is much shorter than to Hawaii.
Yeah I agree. Oahu was boring compared to Riviera Maya. I mean, unless you like a big city with a million tourists, and no room on the beach to lay out; there's always the Polynesian Cultural Center which took up a whole day but it was a little cheesy. Hanauma Bay was gorgeous but packed with people.
Tulum and Chichen Itza are beautiful, and if you like to snorkel, there's Xcaret which is awesome and beautiful. I never felt crowded at any of those locations.
I went to all those sites in Cancun. While they were interesting (and I got to swim with manatees in Xcaret), I would much rather be in Hawaii.
I went to all those sites in Cancun. While they were interesting (and I got to swim with manatees in Xcaret), I would much rather be in Hawaii.
I've been to both places as well. When I was in Cancun, I saw Xcaret, Tulum, Xel Hua, and Chichen Itza. All are great sites. However, I would choose Hawaii over Cancun because:
1. The cost was roughly similar.
2. Hawaii is cleaner and you are far less likely to get sick.
3. Hawaii is safer because violent crime there is very rare.
4. Its easier to navigate for someone who is English speaking.
5. Its easier to get around with a rental car.
The variety of answers here though definitely makes the point that some disagree with us. I think Mexico may appeal more to those with a great sense of adventure. Hawaii appeals more to those who seek something beautiful and safe. In reviewing the OP's post, it appears that they are interested in pursuing a lot of water sports. They can pursue these sports in each place. It does make their vacation budget though seem unrealistically low.
If you go to the neighbor islands, I recommend you stay at least overnight or even longer.
The inter-island airfare is expensive. Round trip cost about $130. In Maui, I strongly recommend you to do a hike at the peak of Haleakala National Park. The view is stunning. Just the drive up and down the peak, and the hiking, will cost you almost an entire day.
If you try to save money, you can compromise on lodging. There are a lot of transient vacation rental and B&B in Waikiki. You can prepare food in the unit which saves you even more.
That is a huge cost savings, but I am wondering if the OP will really want to do their own cooking while on their honeymoon? I know when I am on vacation I don't want to cook!
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That is a huge cost savings, but I am wondering if the OP will really want to do their own cooking while on their honeymoon? I know when I am on vacation I don't want to cook!
True for sure, and I generally feel the same way.
However, the couple of times I've been to HI with the family it's been super helpful and economical to make simple breakfasts and/or lunches and then have a nice dinner out. It gets you on the road quicker. Saves a ton of $. And so on.
However, the couple of times I've been to HI with the family it's been super helpful and economical to make simple breakfasts and/or lunches and then have a nice dinner out. It gets you on the road quicker. Saves a ton of $. And so on.
Vacation with the family is one thing, honeymoon is another
Judging from the budget the OP gave, I don't think HI is really doable unless the budget can be increased, though
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) Some places, like Cabo, have areas you can't swim in the ocean at all.
