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Caribbean Honeymoons
There's nothing quite as breathtaking as the sandy white beaches and turquoise blue water of the Caribbean. From Antigua to the Turks and Caicos, and everywhere in between, you can expect warm weather, gentle breezes, and plenty of sun. So gather up your suntan lotion,  beach towels, swimsuits, snorkel gear, sunglasses, and a waterproof camera, because before you know it you'll be heading to paradise. And in paradise, these are all the things you'll need.
When to Go
High season in the Caribbean usually runs from the end of November to the middle of April -- the times when everyone up north is dying to get out of the cold weather. The highest prices peak during the holidays. On the other hand, June through November is low season, when it's least expensive to fly south. The problem with low season surely isn't the prices. It's the weather. Hurricane season is in full effect and planning your romantic getaway around mother nature can be risky. If you do choose to fly during low season, try to avoid August through November -- the times when hurricanes are most likely to strike. Two things to remember: where you go can have a great effect on whether or not you encounter any hurricanes and sometimes choosing the eastern islands rather than the Mexican coast can make a huge difference in the weather.
Who Should Go
Caribbean holidays are usually cheaper than flying to Europe, Asia, or the Pacific, which is why it's often favored by younger couples. It also happens to be closer, meaning that you won't have to waste precious time traveling, which for a couple short on time, would be the perfect option. For those with children, a Caribbean honeymoon might be the escape from reality you need -- more exotic than staying stateside, and not as hard as traveling half way around the world.
If you've never seen the Caribbean, but perhaps you have seen Europe, taking a trip to this paradise would be a perfect option. However, if you and your spouse are of the type that like to keep on the go, sight seeing, visiting museums, eating in posh restaurants, or snapping photos of elegant architecture and historical monuments, this is not the trip for you. Only go to the Caribbean if you don't mind relaxing, kicking back, taking your time, and just lazing around in the surf and sand. Fear not though, there are plenty of fun outdoor things to try too, such as horseback riding, jetskiing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and fishing. All-inclusive resorts often have sports activities to participate in as well.
Where to Go
There are several islands to choose from, all of which are popular amongst honeymooners. Which you choose is up to you. And, don't forget that besides the lovely beaches, fun in the sun, exotic cuisine, and lively customs, you can take advantage of more than just one locale. Because most of the islands are grouped closely together, you can take excursions to other islands should you get bored on one.
Finally, consider your budget and plan what you want to get from your vacation. Sometimes choosing between an all-inclusive honeymoon or a trip à la carte can make all the difference in your possibilities. Remember that cruises are a great way to experience the Caribbean because you can easily island hop.
Antigua and Barbuda -- It's beaches as far as the eye can see on this island voted number one for weddings in 2005 by the Caribbean Travel Awards. - Why Go?
- The long stretches of protected coral reefs make it perfect for beginning and intermediate divers. You can see a sunken wreck or get your certification.
- The pristine waters are some of yacht cruisers and racer's favorites. Sailing Week usually runs in late April, early May.
- Add a touch of culture to your trip by traveling towards the end of the summer, usually the first week of August to see the colorful festival of Carnival, complete with steel bands, dancing, and flamboyant costumes.
- Where to Stay?
Aruba - Why Go?
- Enjoy gambling? World class casinos make Aruba unique. Enjoy live entertainment in most of the hotels and nightclubs.
- Visit throughout February and experience the floats, costumes, and flair of Carnival.
- Beaches, water sports, windsurfing, scuba diving, and deep sea fishing are just some of the fun things to do.
- Where to Stay?
Bahamas - Why Go?
- With beaches, casinos, spas, water sports, and golf how can you go wrong?
- There are several islands to choose from. If it's your first time to the Bahamas, you might choose the grand Bahama Island, a hot spot for just about everyone, or Nassau/Paradise Island. Both locales give you fun in the sun, a wide range of activities, and plenty of beach front. Perfect for active travelers and those who just want to relax.
- The Abacos draws boaters, Andros the bonefishermen, the Berry Islands the billfishers, and Bimini to big-game fishers.
- Divers are keen to Crooked Island or San Salvador.
- For charming, quaint villages, and a whole lot of beach try Cat Island, Eleuthera, or Long Island.
- If you need privacy, Mayaguana is the ultimate in R&R.
- For the avid bird-watcher, Inagua is the place for you, where more than 80,000 flamingos call home -- more even than Bahamians themselves.
- Where to Stay?
Barbados - Why Go?
- Sip a Carib and read a book on the beach or explore the old West Indian towns and eat fish while listening to a steel drum band.
- Go in July to see the sugar-cane harvest called the Crop-Over Festival. It's a time to enjoy weeks of fun, including calypso competitions and a Carnival parade. Other fun times to go are in February for the Holetown Festival, over Easter for the Oistins Fish Festival, and in November for the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts. Don't forget the Windsurfing World Cup and the Caribbean Surfing Championship.
- Where to Stay?
Bermuda - Why Go?
- The beautiful pink beaches, the azure sky, green landscape, and crystal clear water.
- Golf, diving, crafts, underground caves, and festive nightlife.
- Great weather, fantastic prices, and fun festivals all year round.
- Because you can swim with the dolphins.
- Where to Stay?
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands - Why Go?
- Close to home, yet it will make you feel like you are worlds apart. Little Cayman is the place to be if you want to really have privacy and utter relaxation.
- The beaches are beautiful and untouched, plus the snorkeling and diving is very popular.
- The shopping is some of the best in the Caribbean.
- Hit Little Cayman if you are an avid bird watcher.
- Where to Stay?
Dominican Republic
Grenada - Why Go?
- The spice capital!
- Head down for Carnival and catch a ferry to Curaçao. Sip rum on the beach or take a hike through the tropical rainforest.
- Boat around the bay at St. George's and enjoy scintillating cuisine.
- Check out the world class diving and snorkeling too.
- Where to Stay?
Jamaica - Why Go?
- Visit the birthplace of Bob Marley. And celebrate reggae at the Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay during August.
- Some of the best golfing in the Caribbean can be found in Jamaica.
- Choose your destination from Negril (best for beaches), Montego Bay (the busiest area with nightlife, golf, shopping, and more), Ocho Rios (for beaches, shopping ,and sight seeing), or Runaway Bay area, and get a different taste of Jamaica in each place.
- Hit Jamaica for Carnival in April or May depending on your destination.
- One tip: avoid Kingston unless it's only the first stop on your way to other parts of the island.
- Where to Stay?
St. Kitts and Nevis - Why Go?
- Only 45 minutes from Miami.
- Any and all of the fun water sports that you love are yours to take part in.
- Horseback riding on the beach is a perfectly romantic way to spend an afternoon.
- Outdoor shopping malls are a dream for the shopaholic.
- Golfers will love the fine greens.
- Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can hike Mt. Liamuiga or walk through the rainforests.
- Where to Stay?
St. Lucia - Why Go?
- An extraordinary island with beautiful mountains and lush jungles, sensuous white sand beaches and plenty of palm trees is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean.
- Enjoy quiet bungalows and relax on this quiet island.
- Plenty of all-inclusive resorts to choose from.
- Top-notch snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Well known as a great place to go sailing.
Turks and Caicos - Why Go?
- Great deals and low prices for top-notch treatment.
- Amazing beaches rated as being some of the best in the Caribbean.
- Snorkeling and scuba diving is very popular here.
- Quick escape from the United States makes it easy for people with limited to time to snag a great getaway.
- Where to Stay?
U.S. Virgin Islands - Why Go?
- St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas are just like America, but situated in the warm Caribbean.
- Plenty of activities, shopping, and nightlife as well as beaches.
- Easily travel from one island to the next and hop a quick flight to the Virgin Islands from Miami. It can't get any easier.
- Relatively inexpensive.
- Great for sailing.
- Where to Stay?
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