Honeymoon havens for the mature adult

Whether lollygagging on a Hawaiian island or setting sail for a cruise to the Caribbean, senior honeymooners have plenty of options in which to kick-start their new lives together. While it's not always possible to match all of your interests in one pretty picture (compromise is part of marriage), it is important to begin with each of your favorite activities and "dream" vacation spots and go from there. Like antiquing or exploring art galleries? Cruising or hiking mountains? Scuba diving or gambling? Once you've narrowed your list of favorite activities, possible destinations, and set your budget parameters, take your wish list to a travel agent and let them figure out the rest.

Maureen Ray, Travel Manager of AAA in Lakewood Ranch, says the top two honeymoon vacation packages are cruises and trips to Hawaii. She says Eastern and Western Caribbean 7-day cruises seem to be the first choice for senior lovers. They're convenient, with ports out of Florida, a great value, and aren't nearly as energy-draining as travel by air and car. She recommends Holland America, Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruises as the best senior-friendly cruiselines.

Second in popularity are trips to Maui, a perfect, romantic destination for couples who don't choose to cruise. Gorgeous beaches, swaying palm trees, and green mountains skirted by the royal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean are the backdrop to dancing in the sand donned in leis and sipping frozen drinks on your private balcony.

The AAA travel agents work within your budget to plan the great honeymoon hula escape.

"There are many variables that we work with to meet people's budget needs, from adjusting length of stay and type of resort to recommendations on travel times and seasons," Ray says. "For folks on a limited budget, the starting rate for a 7-night package in Maui at the Aston Maui Lu is $1,353 per person."

ÊThis package includes airfare on Delta airlines from Tampa, seven night's accommodations and a rental car for the week.ÊFor couples looking for a more deluxe package, airfare on Delta, 7 night's accommodations at the 5-star Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, and a rental car starts at $2,857 per person.Ê

One of the most popular and reasonable resorts is the 3-star Kaanapali Beach Hotel in Maui that features honeymoon specials and senior-saver rates. The resort features low-rise architecture comprised of 430 guestrooms and suites overlooking a lush tropical garden filled with the sounds of soft trade winds and gentle surf. From Hawaiian quilt designed bedspreads, tropical furnishings and original art, to cozy balconies, it's certainly not the typical pre-packaged chain hotel.

Kaanapali Beach Hotel was voted #1 Best Value by Travel & Leisure Magazine and it made the 2000 Gold List Best Places to Stay, Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Honeymooners will enjoy spectacular private beaches, mountain and blue sea vistas, ocean activities, excellent shopping, championship golf courses, a nice variety and range of dining spots, an on-site spa salon, and the classic Hawaiian activities. What's a trip to Hawaii without a luau on the beach and dancing .hula girls?

"There are also optional tours available in Maui such as dinner cruises, the Royal Lahaina Luau, snorkeling tours and helicopter flights," Ray says. Another option is to add a couple of short jaunts with inter-island flight packages to the big island of Hawaii or Honolulu.

"People often like to explore Pearl Harbor or the Polynesian Cultural Center," Ray says.

Whether donning leis and hula dancing in Hawaii or cruising the Caribbean, be certain to get with a travel agent several months before your honeymoon trip for the best selections and prices.