Honeymoon hot spots

The top 10 places to go, according to Modern Bride magazine -- and less expensive knockoffs, according to us.

Last update: February 1, 2008 - 3:11 PM

Every year, Modern Bride magazine surveys thousands of travel agents to find the best honeymoon destinations. Here is the magazine's most recent list of top 10 spots -- and places we've selected that have the same romantic pizazz without the economic punch.

1 THEY SAY: ITALY

"Vibrant cities, tantalizing cuisine and a culture that has embraced love for centuries."

WE SAY: SLOVENIA

In Italy, your dollar will be scorched by the Tuscan sun. In Slovenia, you get all the romantic flair (think beautiful landscape, rich cuisine and great wines) and far more bang for your buck.

2 THEY SAY: HAWAII

"The top destination [according to the magazine's poll] for a decade with its luxurious resorts and stunning beaches."

WE SAY: ST. JOHN'S

St. John's in the U.S. Virgin Islands is closer to home, cheaper and far less crowded.

3 THEY SAY: TAHITI

"Sights, scents and flavors of French Polynesia."

WE SAY: SABA

Fly to St. Maarten and take a ferry to the remote, volcanic island of Saba, where you'll meet strange Dutch-Caribbean natives and avoid jet lag.

4 THEY SAY: COSTA RICA

"Lush rain forests, erupting volcanoes and wildlife reserves promise an adventure lover's paradise."

WE SAY: BOUNDARY WATERS

Head north to the Boundary Waters in September. Nature's beauty doesn't get any better, and a week in a canoe will cement the new bond of love -- or provide fodder for your first big argument.

5 THEY SAY: MEXICO

"Rich culture, endless fiestas and thousands of miles of white-sand beaches."

WE SAY: THE U.P.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior off Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Lots of spectacular beaches. Plenty of siestas. As for culture, grab a U.P. pasty before you head home.

6 THEY SAY: FRANCE

"Exquisite works of art and architecture, decadent cuisine and romantic countryside."

WE SAY: MONTREAL

In Montreal, croissants and cuisine come without the attitude -- or the terrifying exchange rate.

7 THEY SAY: MALDIVES

"More than 1,000 secluded isles."

WE SAY: APOSTLE ISLANDS

The Apostle Islands may number only 22, but secluded they are. Use Madeline Island as a base and kayak or sail to the others, 18 of which offer campsites.

8 THEY SAY: ANGUILLA

"Where the unspoiled beauty of the Caribbean meets luxurious resorts."

WE SAY: GRAND MARAIS

The charming town of Grand Marais on Lake Superior brings you close to nature -- and manages to offer civilized amenities, dinner at Chez Jude or the Crooked Spoon, for instance.