10 Year Wedding Anniversary - Kauai (1 Viewer)

[Polish Hammer]

So this August my wife and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary (assuming she doesn't divorce me prior to). We are going to have the chance to get away from the kids for 5 days or so for a trip and are really looking forward to it. Right now we are tying to brainstorm locations and then go from there. If I ask her what she wants to do (history, sightseeing, beach, wine, food, etc) she is still relatively uncertain. So I'm figuring that if I can get her to pick a location she likes we can narrow down the activities/interests at that point.

Here are some places we've already visited together: London, Hungary, Ireland, Aruba, St. Lucia, Orlando, San Francisco (very brief trip, though). On her own she has also toured through Europe during a college spring break (Paris, Rome, Germany, Switzerland, Barcelona). We live in PA near Philly so getting a flight somewhere shouldn't be too tough. She has mentioned Hawaii before as a place she wants to get to, but at the same time she feels bad flying that far away while the kids are at her parents' house. I'm also cheap by nature so if I can get there via US Airways (ton of miles) or stay at a Marriott or Hilton family hotel (ton of points) then that's just a bonus.

Alright, let the ideas (and jokes) fly!

 

[pittstownkiller]

Massage parlor.

 

[Steve Tasker]

What was Hungary like?

 

[wildbill]

Where did you go on your honeymoon? Maybe you could go back there again.

 

[Polish Hammer]

What was Hungary like?

Really liked it a lot. Her father came over from there in '56, so we took a few days in Budapest then a day and a half in the countryside with the family. Budapest was awesome with all the history, restaurants, bars, sightseeing, etc. We would definitely go back. Seeing the family and where her father grew up, etc. was just eye opening and gave me a great appreciation for what he did with his life.

 

[Polish Hammer]

Where did you go on your honeymoon? Maybe you could go back there again.

We did St. Lucia. If we are going to do an island we'd like to try a new one since there are so many that are relatively close for us. If anyone has any suggestions of other islands through the Atlantic/Caribbean/etc that would be cool.

 

[modogg]

So this August my wife and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary (assuming she doesn't divorce me prior to). We are going to have the chance to get away from the kids for 5 days or so for a trip and are really looking forward to it. Right now we are tying to brainstorm locations and then go from there. If I ask her what she wants to do (history, sightseeing, beach, wine, food, etc) she is still relatively uncertain. So I'm figuring that if I can get her to pick a location she likes we can narrow down the activities/interests at that point. Here are some places we've already visited together: London, Hungary, Ireland, Aruba, St. Lucia, Orlando, San Francisco (very brief trip, though). On her own she has also toured through Europe during a college spring break (Paris, Rome, Germany, Switzerland, Barcelona). We live in PA near Philly so getting a flight somewhere shouldn't be too tough. She has mentioned Hawaii before as a place she wants to get to, but at the same time she feels bad flying that far away while the kids are at her parents' house. I'm also cheap by nature so if I can get there via US Airways (ton of miles) or stay at a Marriott or Hilton family hotel (ton of points) then that's just a bonus.Alright, let the ideas (and jokes) fly!

wow bud, congrats. Had no idea it has been 10 years

 

[eoMMan]

Divorce court. Hayoooo!

 

[Polish Hammer]

So this August my wife and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary (assuming she doesn't divorce me prior to). We are going to have the chance to get away from the kids for 5 days or so for a trip and are really looking forward to it. Right now we are tying to brainstorm locations and then go from there. If I ask her what she wants to do (history, sightseeing, beach, wine, food, etc) she is still relatively uncertain. So I'm figuring that if I can get her to pick a location she likes we can narrow down the activities/interests at that point. Here are some places we've already visited together: London, Hungary, Ireland, Aruba, St. Lucia, Orlando, San Francisco (very brief trip, though). On her own she has also toured through Europe during a college spring break (Paris, Rome, Germany, Switzerland, Barcelona). We live in PA near Philly so getting a flight somewhere shouldn't be too tough. She has mentioned Hawaii before as a place she wants to get to, but at the same time she feels bad flying that far away while the kids are at her parents' house. I'm also cheap by nature so if I can get there via US Airways (ton of miles) or stay at a Marriott or Hilton family hotel (ton of points) then that's just a bonus.Alright, let the ideas (and jokes) fly!

wow bud, congrats. Had no idea it has been 10 years

Well, we're not there yet, Mo...she still gets pissed when I bring up the time she broke the table at 45th street after Brownies 23 East. The part that sucks is that depending on when the draft is I may miss it b/c of this. I'll rearrange my family vacation but 10 year anniversary is tough to get out of.

 

[spOOfy]

since it's just for 5 days, i'd skip HI or Europe. Too much wasted time flying, imo.

My wife and I returned to our honeymoon location, we just splurged more on a really nice room. Sandals Antigua.

Congrats on making 10 years.

 

[Steve Tasker]

What was Hungary like?

Really liked it a lot. Her father came over from there in '56, so we took a few days in Budapest then a day and a half in the countryside with the family. Budapest was awesome with all the history, restaurants, bars, sightseeing, etc. We would definitely go back. Seeing the family and where her father grew up, etc. was just eye opening and gave me a great appreciation for what he did with his life.

pretty awesome. I'd love to go there.

 

[Polish Hammer]

since it's just for 5 days, i'd skip HI or Europe. Too much wasted time flying, imo.My wife and I returned to our honeymoon location, we just splurged more on a really nice room. Sandals Antigua.Congrats on making 10 years.

Thanks man. We could stretch it to 6 days if it was worth it, but I hear ya. We did Sandals St. Lucia. I am pretty sure that while we had a good time there, it doesn't hold much sentimental value. We'd probably be open to trying another Sandals, though. How was Antigua?

 

[Polish Hammer]

What was Hungary like?

Really liked it a lot. Her father came over from there in '56, so we took a few days in Budapest then a day and a half in the countryside with the family. Budapest was awesome with all the history, restaurants, bars, sightseeing, etc. We would definitely go back. Seeing the family and where her father grew up, etc. was just eye opening and gave me a great appreciation for what he did with his life.

pretty awesome. I'd love to go there.

If you ever go, I recommend staying at the Hilton in Buda. It is a converted castle and really nice property. Plus you overlook the Danube and the parliament building...andyou get access to a casino. It was great.

 

[Tiger Fan]

New orleans is a great option. You'll get history, food, drinks, culture, music, etc. no beach but it will be very hot (and humid, could be a downer potentially). But they have great Hilton a and a marriott in great locations

 

[pittstownkiller]

New orleans is a great option. You'll get history, food, drinks, culture, music, etc. no beach but it will be very hot (and humid, could be a downer potentially). But they have great Hilton a and a marriott in great locations

No shtick, N.O. is a ####hole. I wouldn't bring my wife within 500 miles of that place, way too much crime. Sorry if that offends but it is the truth. Fun drinking though but you can do that almost anywhere and not have to worry about getting your head caved in by a mugger. I imagine it is even nice after Katrina.

 

[wildbill]

New orleans is a great option. You'll get history, food, drinks, culture, music, etc. no beach but it will be very hot (and humid, could be a downer potentially). But they have great Hilton a and a marriott in great locations

No shtick, N.O. is a ####hole. I wouldn't bring my wife within 500 miles of that place, way too much crime. Sorry if that offends but it is the truth. Fun drinking though but you can do that almost anywhere and not have to worry about getting your head caved in by a mugger. I imagine it is even nice after Katrina.

Agreed. Five days is way too long for New Orleans. After a couple of days that smell of urine and vomit starts to get to you.

 

[tri-man 47]

You could consider the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Also, a place that interests me is Quebec City.

 

[The Hank]

Wife and I had our honeymoon in Zihuatanejo Mexico. We stayed at the Club Intrawest.

Awesome time, friendly staff and great food

We used points from my parents DVC time share points, only spent like 200 pts too!

 

[belljr]

We went to Punta Cana Excellence a few years ago, I enjoyed it.

For our 10th this year we are doing a cruise out of San Juan. Wasn't my first choice but it made sense for us

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Krakow, Prague, Budapest

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Only 5 days? Go to the Mayan Riviera. We stayed at Aventura Spa Palace. All inclusive really means all inclusive. Alcohol dispensers in-room, multiple restaurants, free (limited) excursions.

 

[pantherclub]

Poundtown

 

[Tiger Fan]

New orleans is a great option. You'll get history, food, drinks, culture, music, etc. no beach but it will be very hot (and humid, could be a downer potentially). But they have great Hilton a and a marriott in great locations

No shtick, N.O. is a ####hole. I wouldn't bring my wife within 500 miles of that place, way too much crime. Sorry if that offends but it is the truth. Fun drinking though but you can do that almost anywhere and not have to worry about getting your head caved in by a mugger. I imagine it is even nice after Katrina.

There is a lot more to do in New Orleans than Bourbon Street. In fact, you can have an absolute blast by avoiding it the entire team.

 

[jamny]

I would recommend NY but not in August. I'll second Quebec City. It feels like you're in a European city, just a beautiful place.

Or Savannah. It's got a little of everything. You can hit the beach at Tybee or Hilton Head and spend a day or two in Charleston. Savannah is a great walking city with tons of bars and restaurants.

 

[Polish Hammer]

You could consider the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Also, a place that interests me is Quebec City.

That looks really nice, but too pricey at $400+/night, I'm thinking.

 

[Polish Hammer]

Wife and I had our honeymoon in Zihuatanejo Mexico. We stayed at the Club Intrawest.

Awesome time, friendly staff and great food

We used points from my parents DVC time share points, only spent like 200 pts too!

We went to Punta Cana Excellence a few years ago, I enjoyed it.

For our 10th this year we are doing a cruise out of San Juan. Wasn't my first choice but it made sense for us

Only 5 days? Go to the Mayan Riviera. We stayed at Aventura Spa Palace. All inclusive really means all inclusive. Alcohol dispensers in-room, multiple restaurants, free (limited) excursions.

How is the safety situation in Mexico? I wouldn't mind going there if I knew we wouldn't really need to worry during the vacation and the prices were reasonable. Is there really concerns about drinking water or drinks with ice in them? Do you all find it is better to book on your own or through a travel agent?

 

[Polish Hammer]

Krakow, Prague, Budapest

We've done Budapest and liked it. I really think we would enjoy Krakow or Prague...only two concerns. 1 is that I think the wife doesn't want to be quite that far from the kids, though I'm not sure. 2 is that with going in the summer time I have a feeling she wants to go somewhere sort of beachy or at least resort-like. Not sure how well those locations fit in with that.

 

[Polish Hammer]

Poundtown

:fingerscrossed:

 

[Polish Hammer]

I would recommend NY but not in August. I'll second Quebec City. It feels like you're in a European city, just a beautiful place.Or Savannah. It's got a little of everything. You can hit the beach at Tybee or Hilton Head and spend a day or two in Charleston. Savannah is a great walking city with tons of bars and restaurants.

Where in NY were you thinking? We've done NYC before. Quebec City is intriguing as it is close and can give that Euro feel...just need to see how the wife feels about a non-beach/resort type of place.We have been to Savannah and loved it (went when she was expecting our first child as a "baby-moon"). Forgot to include that on the list. Also have done Myrtle Beach, Chicago, New Hampshire, Portland Maine, and she has been to the Grand Canyon.

 

[ODoyleRules]

We just had our 10 year anniversary in 2011 and we had honeymooned in St. Lucia too. My wife also had the 5 day window max for the same reasons you outline which ruled out HI and Europe.

We wound up doing Carmel / Monterey CA area. It was good in that it had enough to do for 4 days, it was relaxing and it combined our interests in hiking, scenery and good food/wine. We had just done Riviera Maya Mexico the year before so that's the only reason we didn't pursue that.

If your goal is just to take your brain off for a few days and chill, I'd lean towards Riviera Maya Mexico. There are no worries from a safety standpoint, the rates are good, and your likelihood of hurricane impact in August is pretty low.

 

[Sand]

Rome. Or if you really want romantic, go to Positano or Capri.

 

[Lehigh98]

In the same boat for October this year (right down to your location), I'll hang up and listen.

 

[belljr]

Wife and I had our honeymoon in Zihuatanejo Mexico. We stayed at the Club Intrawest.

Awesome time, friendly staff and great food

We used points from my parents DVC time share points, only spent like 200 pts too!

We went to Punta Cana Excellence a few years ago, I enjoyed it.

For our 10th this year we are doing a cruise out of San Juan. Wasn't my first choice but it made sense for us

Only 5 days? Go to the Mayan Riviera. We stayed at Aventura Spa Palace. All inclusive really means all inclusive. Alcohol dispensers in-room, multiple restaurants, free (limited) excursions.

How is the safety situation in Mexico? I wouldn't mind going there if I knew we wouldn't really need to worry during the vacation and the prices were reasonable. Is there really concerns about drinking water or drinks with ice in them? Do you all find it is better to book on your own or through a travel agent?

Punta Cana is in DR not Mexico. We went with an agent but did our own leg work and she matched the price for us. Excellence is ALL-Inclusive and there was no water issues there.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Wife and I had our honeymoon in Zihuatanejo Mexico. We stayed at the Club Intrawest.

Awesome time, friendly staff and great food

We used points from my parents DVC time share points, only spent like 200 pts too!

We went to Punta Cana Excellence a few years ago, I enjoyed it.

For our 10th this year we are doing a cruise out of San Juan. Wasn't my first choice but it made sense for us

Only 5 days? Go to the Mayan Riviera. We stayed at Aventura Spa Palace. All inclusive really means all inclusive. Alcohol dispensers in-room, multiple restaurants, free (limited) excursions.

How is the safety situation in Mexico? I wouldn't mind going there if I knew we wouldn't really need to worry during the vacation and the prices were reasonable. Is there really concerns about drinking water or drinks with ice in them? Do you all find it is better to book on your own or through a travel agent?

Mayan Riviera is perfectly safe. We had no issues whatsoever and the water at the resorts was all fine as the water and ice are distilled. We booked through a travel agent and don't regret it. For both of us, for 6days/5nights, including flights, we spent under $3,000 for all-inclusive. We spent maybe another $200 during the trip total.

 

[Polish Hammer]

Mayan Riviera is perfectly safe. We had no issues whatsoever and the water at the resorts was all fine as the water and ice are distilled. We booked through a travel agent and don't regret it. For both of us, for 6days/5nights, including flights, we spent under $3,000 for all-inclusive. We spent maybe another $200 during the trip total.

What room type did you go with? Is it worth an upgrade?

 

[Don Quixote]

Quebec City is great. You could combine it with Montreal too; maybe spend a couple of days in Montreal and then take the train or drive up to Quebec City. August is probably the best time to visit there too.

If she wants a more traditional beach/resort... I mostly head north for those types of vacations during August because I want to get out of the humidity, but not sure your feelings on that. Newport, RI and Martha's Vineyard/Cape Code are a couple of cooler options. I also stayed at a great resort in Kennebunkport, ME this summer.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Mayan Riviera is perfectly safe. We had no issues whatsoever and the water at the resorts was all fine as the water and ice are distilled. We booked through a travel agent and don't regret it. For both of us, for 6days/5nights, including flights, we spent under $3,000 for all-inclusive. We spent maybe another $200 during the trip total.

What room type did you go with? Is it worth an upgrade?

I think the standard room has a King, Jacuzzi Tub and Alcohol dispensers. Our view was good enough. Don't see what advantage would have been gained from an upgrade, but maybe an ocean view? We really didn't spend that much time in the room.

 

[jamny]

I would recommend NY but not in August. I'll second Quebec City. It feels like you're in a European city, just a beautiful place.Or Savannah. It's got a little of everything. You can hit the beach at Tybee or Hilton Head and spend a day or two in Charleston. Savannah is a great walking city with tons of bars and restaurants.

Where in NY were you thinking? We've done NYC before. Quebec City is intriguing as it is close and can give that Euro feel...just need to see how the wife feels about a non-beach/resort type of place.We have been to Savannah and loved it (went when she was expecting our first child as a "baby-moon"). Forgot to include that on the list. Also have done Myrtle Beach, Chicago, New Hampshire, Portland Maine, and she has been to the Grand Canyon.

How about Jackson Hole WY. Check out Yellowstone.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Kauai, HI

-You feel like you are out of the country but in fact you are still in the comfy confines of the United States

-No panhandling like the Caribbean Islands

-Total relaxation

-Some of the most beautiful scenery and water you have ever seen.

-Kauaivacationrental Link

 

[The Hank]

Wife and I had our honeymoon in Zihuatanejo Mexico. We stayed at the Club Intrawest.

Awesome time, friendly staff and great food

We used points from my parents DVC time share points, only spent like 200 pts too!

We went to Punta Cana Excellence a few years ago, I enjoyed it.

For our 10th this year we are doing a cruise out of San Juan. Wasn't my first choice but it made sense for us

Only 5 days? Go to the Mayan Riviera. We stayed at Aventura Spa Palace. All inclusive really means all inclusive. Alcohol dispensers in-room, multiple restaurants, free (limited) excursions.

How is the safety situation in Mexico? I wouldn't mind going there if I knew we wouldn't really need to worry during the vacation and the prices were reasonable. Is there really concerns about drinking water or drinks with ice in them? Do you all find it is better to book on your own or through a travel agent?

We had a great time in Mexico, Zihuatanejo has its own airport and the drive from there to resort was about 15 min. There are tons and tons of taxis that are around that are decently cheap (around $5-10 a fare -- some of them are strange but thats what happens when you get to Mexico)

When on the resort, was great (Swim-up bar, semi-private beach, excellent food). Resort had its own filtering station on site, but we decided to have a case of bottled water/pop/beer when in our room.

Dining was exceptional, we went into town a few times to eat (asked the locals and they KNEW what was up!).

Nice thing about Zihua is that even though its pretty touristy now, it is pretty well renowned as a sleepy fishing town (we went by the fish markets through town) and all the locals were very friendly.

I wouldnt go OUTSIDE of town but in the city limits wasnt too bad (I also wouldnt go out after dark; because you're in Mexico)

Wife and I plan to go back eventually because it was so wonderful, and also because the food changed my life!

 

[rascal]

as our 10th is in June.

FWIW, went to Punta Cana Excellence two years ago (2010) and loved it. Last year we went to Secrets Capri. Would recommend both places.

 

[pittstownkiller]

New orleans is a great option. You'll get history, food, drinks, culture, music, etc. no beach but it will be very hot (and humid, could be a downer potentially). But they have great Hilton a and a marriott in great locations

No shtick, N.O. is a ####hole. I wouldn't bring my wife within 500 miles of that place, way too much crime. Sorry if that offends but it is the truth. Fun drinking though but you can do that almost anywhere and not have to worry about getting your head caved in by a mugger. I imagine it is even nice after Katrina.

There is a lot more to do in New Orleans than Bourbon Street. In fact, you can have an absolute blast by avoiding it the entire team.

My advice would be not to avoid Bourbon street, at least the police patrol there; the rest of the city is a war-zone. Being a nice northern boy, I found the race relations jaw-dropping-ly amazing; I couldn't believe places like this still existed in modern America. IMHO, the food was blah, the music better, and the women were homely. Metairie, was okay but I don't think anyone is going to vacation there. When it all boils down to it the whole trip is about Bourbon Street and I think there are better "Streets" to hit up in America and around the world. Jackson Square is like going to Bryant Park in NYC and I can think of about 100 things I would rather do. I have been there more than once and would go back but bring the family or S.O., you must be crazy.

 

[Major]

What was Hungary like?

Awesome country. Budapest is one of my favorite cities in Europe. Awesome place to go to if you're single - the women are absolutely beautiful.

 

[Major]

I'd suggest somewhere in South America/Central America. Brasil, Argentina, Colombia (Cartagena is awesome/very safe) or Costa Rica are all can't miss places.

 

[ZenMaster]

My 10-year anniversary is this year as well. My wife and I are considering somewhere in Europe (Spain or Italy). I've also suggested Belize if she wants something a little more tropical.

 

[ffldrew]

Staying at the Hilton Waikoloa this week....for only 5 days for a trip to Hawaii all the way from PA is a bit insane....but this place is awesome - I used my United miles, Hilton points and Hertz points for the trip. It's great. Weather is awesome this week

As an alternative - here is what I did in August with the family before school started. - we went to Oxnard...Oxnard? Actually there is a fun Embassy Suites right on the beach there next to the marina area for the Channel Islands - you can find a sailboat ride for sunset, we also went on a great great kayaking trip to the Channel Islands - you go through some caves and view sea lions and other wildlife. ES has a nice pool - they have the ES breakfast and happy hour. It's a great time - some good little food places and we ran into a street fair at the Naval base area that was lots of fun. After that we went down to San Diego and went to the races at Del Mar. Call and rent a table - dress up and make it a day - my wife and daughter really liked it. Time it for Fridays and they have a concert afterwards...you can use hilton points at the Hilton LaJollla or Hilton Garden Inn in Carlsbad - there is a new Hilton that is supposed to open just down the road. We went to the beach there and to the Zoo as well. A nice way to spend 5 days.

 

[greenf7cat]

Went to Anguilla on our honeymoon two years ago. Stayed here

The wife and I agree that we could not have chosen a better destination. It's definitely low key and it's all about relaxing. If you are looking for hikes and things like that, then this is not the place.

 

[Dr. Gobbler]

Poundtown

:fingerscrossed:

Alan Town?

 

[spOOfy]

since it's just for 5 days, i'd skip HI or Europe. Too much wasted time flying, imo.My wife and I returned to our honeymoon location, we just splurged more on a really nice room. Sandals Antigua.Congrats on making 10 years.

Thanks man. We could stretch it to 6 days if it was worth it, but I hear ya. We did Sandals St. Lucia. I am pretty sure that while we had a good time there, it doesn't hold much sentimental value. We'd probably be open to trying another Sandals, though. How was Antigua?

Awesome. Sandals added a new wing to the Antigua hotel and we stayed there. Best room I've ever stayed in. Beaches are incredible there. And Sandals Antigua has lots of choices for food. Not too long for a plane ride from Philly (I'm also in Philly) and shuttle to the hotel. It's also cheaper than St. Lucia in my experience and have MUCH better flight options. Twice I've looked into St. Lucia but went to Antigua instead simply because the flights to St. Lucia sucked.Last time I was there was June 2009 for my 10-year. If you have more detailed questions about it, feel free to PM me.

 

[Judge Smails]

Staying at the Hilton Waikoloa this week....for only 5 days for a trip to Hawaii all the way from PA is a bit insane....but this place is awesome - I used my United miles, Hilton points and Hertz points for the trip. It's great. Weather is awesome this week

As an alternative - here is what I did in August with the family before school started. - we went to Oxnard...Oxnard? Actually there is a fun Embassy Suites right on the beach there next to the marina area for the Channel Islands - you can find a sailboat ride for sunset, we also went on a great great kayaking trip to the Channel Islands - you go through some caves and view sea lions and other wildlife. ES has a nice pool - they have the ES breakfast and happy hour. It's a great time - some good little food places and we ran into a street fair at the Naval base area that was lots of fun. After that we went down to San Diego and went to the races at Del Mar. Call and rent a table - dress up and make it a day - my wife and daughter really liked it. Time it for Fridays and they have a concert afterwards...you can use hilton points at the Hilton LaJollla or Hilton Garden Inn in Carlsbad - there is a new Hilton that is supposed to open just down the road. We went to the beach there and to the Zoo as well. A nice way to spend 5 days.

Hey ffldrew - didn't know you'd be at the Hilton Waikoloa this week. Very cool - glad you are having a blast. Let me know if you hit the private black sand beach for snorkeling I told you about.I live 10 minutes from Oxnard, and while the Embassy Suites Mandalay is cool I don't know if I'd go there for a 10th wedding anniversary. If you the OP does come out West, I'd recommend either San Francisco, Napa if they are in to wine or La Jolla/Del Mar area of San Diego. Actually love that area in August. Lots to do - can stay at some place like the Hotel Del Coronado:

Hotel Del Coronado

or if you want to use Hilton points stay at the Hilton Torrey Pines

Hilton Torrey Pines

or Del Mar Hilton.

This might be the best spot though - on a perfect beach with a ton of shops, restaurants, etc around it.

La Auberge Del Mar

Great area to be in August. Race track is a great scene, great beaches in La Jolla, great restaurant, downtown San Diego with the revived gaslamp quarter is happening, etc.