- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee Blog
Mr. Jasmine and I are planning an amazing Hawaiian getaway for our honeymoon…but unfortunately we won’t be able to go right after the wedding. We have our valima in Michigan one week after our wedding and several can’t-miss weddings of our friends in the weeks following. So we’ve decided to take a minimoon directly after the wedding (from Sunday to Wednesday), so we can have some much-needed alone time together. We’re having a difficult time choosing a destination though, so we need Weddingbee input! Here are the three options we’re considering:
(1) Las Vegas: Sin City may not seem like a destination for romance and respite, but I think Mr. Jasmine and I could have a fabulous time there! We both *love* Las Vegas and know there is much more to the city than slot machines and strip clubs. Some of the highlights would be dining at world-class restaurants (Okada, Le Cirque), enjoying some fabulous nightlife (The Bank at the Bellagio, Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay), taking in a show (Le Reve at the Wynn), and rest and relaxation (Canyon Ranch Spa, Mandalay Bay Pool). Additionally, Las Vegas is a quick flight from Los Angeles and we can probably keep costs low with flight and lodging (even if we stay at a luxe hotel like Bellagio or Wynn, weekday prices are within reach at ~$250 a night). The cons: We’ve both been to Las Vegas multiple times, so it’s not a new experience for us.
(2) Napa: Neither of us has been to Napa, but we both have lovely dreams of vineyard tours and the beautiful countryside. Napa wins for the most romantic minimoon option and it’s also a quick, cheap flight from Los Angeles. We could visit a few vineyards, explore the Napa Farmer’s Market, maybe see a show at the Napa Valley Opera House, have an amazing dinner at Bouchon or The French Laundry (haha, I wish!) The con: the cost– I anticipate it would be difficult to keep costs down (maybe because I’m entertaining fantasies about staying at Auberge du Soleil).
(3) New York: It’s been over ten years since either of us has been to New York, so it might be time for a trip! New York has a wonderful feeling of big city romance that is very “us”. There would be so much for us to take in— the food (we would love to try Spice Market and Babbo), the shopping (I could finally visit the Bond No. 9 boutique), the culture (museums galore!), and the shows/nightlife. Plus, a family friend has a second home in Manhattan and has graciously offered us a stay there. The con: the price of airline tickets from Los Angeles to New York.
Which minimoon sounds like the most fun? Is there another option we’re not considering? Please share!
Here we go: 2, 3, 1.
2 because thats where I want be. Outside in nature with my honey.
3 because NYC is my home and there is no other place like it in the world. Plus, you have a place to stay free of charge so that makes up the difference in hotels fees.
1 Not really my idea of a honeymoon.
Oh, those are all such great options! If it were me, I’d pick Napa for pure relaxation…but NYC is a close second for all the fun couple-y stuff to do! Also, I think you’d be surprised how affordable a trip to NYC can be, especially since your lodging would already be covered - things like opting for walking or the subway over cabs, finding off-the-beaten path spots for breakfast & lunch, window shopping on 5th, and spending time on free attractions like Central Park all free up minimoon dollars for splurging on a fabulous dinner or a Broadway show.
I think I would definitely go with Napa. If it does get to be too expensive, then NYC since your lodging is covered, and since you’re staying in a house you can cook some meals and splurge on others instead of eating out for every meal.
I think Napa is a great choice but why not go someplace like Austin or San Antonio, TX. Both are beutiful and have some great attractions and they are fairly decent flights from LA. You could go to the botanical Gardnes and the Riverwalk in San Antonio and the Alamo too.
I’ve never been to Austin but I have heard it is a lot of fun. Lots of clubs and other interesting things to do.
How a bout going to Vale or one of the other Mountian resort towns. They are also relatively short flights form LA and it is off season so hotels are cheaper and because they are resort communities they offer most of the same things that Vegas does except the gambling of course.
Go to NY - free place to stay!
I’d go with Napa too! I like the idea of it mostly because you guys have never been there, and it’s something you can experience together.
If Napa is too expensive, NYC would be my second choice. 
I’d pick Napa too. I always think of Sideways… But it’d be so much fun tasting and enjoying the scenery. And of course I’m biased and I would love for you to pick New York too! I agree with a lot of the comments, free lodging is the best perk! There are so many great free things to do in New York. And in the summer there’s a neverending list of free concerts and events all around the city.
i’d say napa or new york- even though i live in NY we still find the most romantic little spots and napa is just napa! vegas has little appeal to me and all the shows food and spas are everywhere in NY… but BETTER!
Another vote for Napa.
I was thinking of going there for our actual honeymoon and found a lot of reasonably priced, and quaint, hotels and b&b’s. Most of the vineyard tours are also free/cheap. The only potentially expensive thing is the food but that’s up to you guys. Also, it’s closer to home and super relaxing (which is what you need after the crazy day!)
It depends on whether you’re a relaxation type of couple, or a gets bored of relaxing after a day or two.
Napa is great and I looooove wine, but after a spa day, dinner and a day of touring wineries, you’ll have a ton of down time. Which can be great after the hustle and bustle of a wedding!
If you like seeing/doing things, I’d definitely recommend New York. But there’s just so much to do, you might feel obligated to get out there and do everything without enjoying much downtime! I still love it here after 3+ years and can help you pull together an awesome itinerary. =) And you can definitely find airfare for $200 or less from Chicago!
Vegas I’ve been so many times and though I do always have fun, it’s like you said…. not a new experience.
So Napa or New York!
Ooops you’re flying from LA - but you can still find great rates.
Virgin Air still has a sale going for buy one get one free airplane tix (they were selling out fast tho - it was $250 for two people to LA from NY!). And jetblue you can often find tix for around $220.
Since Las Vegas and Napa are both really close LA destinations that many people do just for the weekend - I’m going to have to vote NYC
Napa is my second choice. I think it will be the more relaxing choice.
PS Your getting married in June - Vegas is going to be HOT HOT HOT! Did I say HOT. It’s going to be HOT. Like too HOT to lay by the pool HOT. Too HOT to walk on the streets during the day HOT. Almost too HOT to walk on the streets at night HOT :) Ok I went last year in August - which was maybe a little HOTTER than it will be in June So I may be a bit biased!
Napa for sure. NYC is amazing (and the free place to stay helps too) but it’s not relaxing at ALL since you want to be a tourist and see everything that there possibly is to see. I would go to napa, relax, and drink wine!
I vote Napa Valley. It’ll give you guys time to relax and enjoy each other and rejuvenate for the other upcoming weddings.
i think NYC in june would be amazing(i believe that is when your wedding is) so you get the city minimoon and hawaii relaxation later
Napa, Napa, Napa. Because you don’t have that much time, you don’t want to waste it traveling (which you would do with a cross-country flight). Plus, Napa is ultra romantic, beautiful and relaxing — key for a short post-wedding trip. My fiance and I went to Sonoma last summer and found great, affordable lodging right in downtown Sonoma — I’m sure if you do some searching, you could find something in Napa that’s not outrageous. Maybe consider staying at a B&B or an Inn?
If you’re leaning toward Napa, let me strongly recommend that you consider Sonoma instead. The wineries are smaller (but excellent) and far more intimate — no waiting in lines for tasting. Also, it’s only 30 minutes away from Napa, so if you want a taste of the corporate wineries, you can get there quickly. Mr. Smashie and I took our vacation in Sonoma last June and LOVED it. We also strongly recommend our B&B in Sonoma, The Hidden Oak Inn (http://www.hiddenoakinn.com/). Our room was gorgeous, and the proprietor, Valerie, prepared wonderful breakfasts as well as free wine and cheese in the afternoon. Hidden Oak also gives their guests a tasting card, which will save you hundreds in tasting fees!
Napa…it’s so romantic and I enjoyed taking the wine train (and we’re not wine drinkers). There’s a certain quiet charm to the place. NYC would be a close second but it’s my hometown so I take it more for granted.
Napa…weddings are pretty intense in general.. but an Indian/Pakistani wedding is even more so with all the different events… You might just want some downtime where you can rest and relax before you start attending weddings again…
NYC is great but it’s a pretty intense city, it has this nervous energy that doesn’t say relax.
And like you said vegas would not be a new experience…and i think somehow a honeymoon or even a minimoon should be something of a new experience since you’re starting a new life
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Mrs. Jasmine, Chicago/LA Age and Occupation: 25, Attorney Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Attorney Engagement Date: March 24, 2007 Wedding Date: June 7, 2008 Blogging Since: September 20, 2007 Venue: Hotel on the westside of Los Angeles About Me: I'm a happy-go-lucky, imaginative spirit trapped in the body of a lawyer. I love reading, shopping, dining out, and exploring my beloved adopted city of Chicago with my fiance. We're planning the wedding of our dreams in my hometown of Los Angeles and we're excited to incorporate our cherished Indian/Pakistani customs and traditions.
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
Latest Gallery Pics