AddictedToTravel.com

Hi

Following a web chat I was advised I may get some help for my queries on this site. I have my fingers crossed!

We will be getting married at the end of august in 2010. We really want to do a split honeymoon, starting in mexico touring the ruins and then a week or so relaxing. My original idea was to go onto the Cayman Islands, though am now very concerned about it being hurricane season. My other thought was Bora Bora or one of those islands. As you can see my honeymoon is going to get very expensive!

Can anybody help with:

1) do you think it is best to stay away from the Cayman Islands at the beginning of September?
2) When is the best time to book the honeymoon to get the best value for money?
3) Do you have any ideas on trying to keep my costs down on this, ways of getting extras out of the holiday companies etc?
4) Are there any other of the islands around Tahiti you would recommend. We wnat somewhere that has some character, not where you spend the whole time on the beach.

thanks for your help.

Carla

Hi Dave

Stuart held this yesterday and couldn't help me, he suggested that I use this forum.

Thanks anyway.

Mexico

Firstly, your trip to Mexico sounds fantastic.

Mexico is a wonderful country, with so much to do and see. It’s got everything – culture, wildlife, history, ruins and, of course miles and miles of seemingly endless, beautiful beaches.

Have a look at our Country Guide to Mexico on addictedtotravel.com and you’ll also see we have an ever increasing number of holiday ideas in Mexico and recommended local travel specialists in Mexico.

There are loads of great places to stay in Mexico, if you want to find something really exclusive look out for the book called Mexico Chic, published by Kuperard.

With regard to the weather in Mexico - September is not necessarily the best time to visit. It’s the wet season, so while many people who go at this time enjoy beautiful days interspersed with cooling showers here and there, it can also mean heavy downpours and, occasionally hurricanes in the area.

That said, Mexico is vast, so if you wanted to cut down on travel, you could stay in a few different places to visit in Mexico, combining relaxation with some culture and activity.

You could even head down into Central America or South America which offer no end of tempting opportunities!

When to book / getting the best value for money

As a general rule you will get the best deals by booking as early as you can.
Decide where you want to go and plan ahead, researching the areas well and keeping your eye open for good deals.

Booking direct with local specialists can often offer much better value than getting someone else to do it all for you, but this can take time, effort and you don’t always know that the local operator is reputable.

A website like addictedtotravel.com works with carefully vetted local specialists, so you can be sure you are travelling with the best – do keep an eye on the site as more country guides, worldwide holiday ideas and specialist travel companies go live every week.

When you’re booking your flights, prices are often better if you fly with one airline company, rather than several, or airlines that have an special commercial agreement - like the One World Alliance.

Alternatively, you may be able to arrange an Airpass deal – such as a ‘Round the World’ ticket – from a good airline booking agent like Trailfinders. Companies specialising in air pass deals can often be found in the adverts in the back of the weekend newspapers’ Travel Supplements. Phone around and see what they can offer.

Several airlines have regular sales, which can offer great savings – I got a return to Mexico on BA earlier this year for a fraction of the normal price. It’s well worth signing up to their regular emails so you know when they are.

Thanks for all your help.