India - Honeymoon gift ideas for indian couple never been out of country.

A very close school friend is getting married in couple of weeks and i want to gift a couple a honeymoon trip. They both have never been out of the country so any decent country would work. I don't want to make it a typical, malasyia, thailand or dubai trip (as we see most of indian couples do right after wedding).

I am thinking Australia (since i have been there twice and loved the country) or Europe.

They can leave in the end of july or 1st week of August and since i have time, i would like to research and find the best fares possible. I have around 100k on Jet airways if that can be used, that would be wonderful.

Thanks fellow indians, i know i am going to get some good respones.

A very close school friend is getting married in couple of weeks and i want to gift a couple a honeymoon trip. They both have never been out of the country so any decent country would work. I don't want to make it a typical, malasyia, thailand or dubai trip (as we see most of indian couples do right after wedding).

I am thinking Australia (since i have been there twice and loved the country) or Europe.

They can leave in the end of july or 1st week of August and since i have time, i would like to research and find the best fares possible. I have around 100k on Jet airways if that can be used, that would be wonderful.

Thanks fellow indians, i know i am going to get some good respones.

i dont know where your friends are based out of but there is usually availibility on the DEL-MXP route. Milan is a good destination to book on, and from there on they can head into switzerland as well...

Europe's great in the summer. I agree with A2A, DEL-MXP is a good option and yes Y availability is usually not an issue.

From Milan they can always connect to Spain, Greece or the south coast of France if they want more sunshine or Switzerland if they prefer the hills.

Agreed! MXP would be a great option.

And then work your thru the Italian countryside all the way south by train. Some real gems to see. Florence, Pisa, Venice, Naples etc. And for something even more spectacular there are some gorgeous hotels on the Amalfi coast and in Sardinia. Perfect for honeymooners.

Or you could just stay in Milan for a couple of days and then head North and go towards Lake Constance which is staggeringly beautiful in the summer too, and bordered by three countries which meet at the lake.

Sigh, just typing this post, makes me wanna go back now!!


P.S.: Taxes are lower and availability is also better for MXP, as compared to BRU and LHR as well.

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First, a few priliminaries.
Do they want to travel abroad? Are they able or willing to bear other expenses.
Make sure they have passports.
Make sure visa would not be a problem.
If they cannot get by without Indian food, choices would be limited.
Thai food is more palatble for Indian s althougjh, I hear Italian os popular too.
If local cost is a factor, stay away from Europe, especially Switzerland.
I don't know what's "in" these days.

I know u don't wanna do Asia locations, but u might wanna consider Krabi.. I have been to a lot of places around the world, but Krabi is a class apart.. and u can use ur jet miles, and it won't be very expensive for them, if they need to bear the other expenses..

If u need more info, pm me..

Krabi is good. Of course, Australia is good too. It all depends on what they want.
Don't write Malaysia off completely. But if you want a quite place away from hustle and bustle, I would suggest Pulau Tioman. It has a number of beaches, some very quite. I was there in Aug, and ran into a couple on Honeymoon. There is Berjaya Tiomon Resort with all conveniences and not far from the airport. There are several villages/beaches around the island. Most of the villages, except those close to the airport, on the island are not reachable by car, but all can be reached by boat. More isolated beaches or on the eastern side of the island, but harder to reach. Smaller or more distant from the airport, villages like ABC, Salang, Paya are rustic and more relaxing with opportunities for quite walks, swimming etc.

You said your friend is getting married in a couple of weeks. Have you checked to make sure he does not yet have any honeymoon plans?

You said your friend is getting married in a couple of weeks. Have you checked to make sure he does not yet have any honeymoon plans?
Good point!!

But there is always a reason for a second honeymoon maybe a few months later. ;)

i dont know where your friends are based out of but there is usually availibility on the DEL-MXP route. Milan is a good destination to book on, and from there on they can head into switzerland as well...

Europe's great in the summer. I agree with A2A, DEL-MXP is a good option and yes Y availability is usually not an issue.

Agreed! MXP would be a great option.

another vote for milan....if you want to use your 9w miles then this is the best option....

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First, a few priliminaries.
Do they want to travel abroad? Are they able or willing to bear other expenses.
Make sure they have passports.
Make sure visa would not be a problem.
If they cannot get by without Indian food, choices would be limited.
Thai food is more palatble for Indian s althougjh, I hear Italian os popular too.
If local cost is a factor, stay away from Europe, especially Switzerland.
I don't know what's "in" these days.

All very sensible points indeed.

Considering they have never been away from India, instead of throwing them in at the deep end of the pool (going to Europe, where they will have to cope with language issues, cuisine and price shocks), how about Hong Kong? English is not a problem, good Indian food plus a whole lot else, much to see and do, lots to shop and no visa required! Besides, who knows what kind of turmoil will happen in Europe in a fortnight's time, after Grexit?

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First, a few priliminaries.
Do they want to travel abroad? Are they able or willing to bear other expenses.
Make sure they have passports.
Make sure visa would not be a problem.
If they cannot get by without Indian food, choices would be limited.
Thai food is more palatble for Indian s althougjh, I hear Italian os popular too.
If local cost is a factor, stay away from Europe, especially Switzerland.
I don't know what's "in" these days.

All very sensible points indeed.

Considering they have never been away from India, instead of throwing them in at the deep end of the pool (going to Europe, where they will have to cope with language issues, cuisine and price shocks), how about Hong Kong? English is not a problem, good Indian food plus a whole lot else, much to see and do, lots to shop and no visa required! Besides, who knows what kind of turmoil will happen in Europe in a fortnight's time, after Grexit?

I am glad someone can see the issue clearly from the perspective of someone who has never been abroad. I am amazec how many people answer questions based on their perspective. It needs to be looked at from the perspective of the couple. You get three cheers feom me. ^^^

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First, a few priliminaries.
Do they want to travel abroad? Are they able or willing to bear other expenses.
Make sure they have passports.
Make sure visa would not be a problem.
If they cannot get by without Indian food, choices would be limited.
Thai food is more palatble for Indian s althougjh, I hear Italian os popular too.
If local cost is a factor, stay away from Europe, especially Switzerland.
I don't know what's "in" these days.

All very sensible points indeed.

Considering they have never been away from India, instead of throwing them in at the deep end of the pool (going to Europe, where they will have to cope with language issues, cuisine and price shocks), how about Hong Kong? English is not a problem, good Indian food plus a whole lot else, much to see and do, lots to shop and no visa required! Besides, who knows what kind of turmoil will happen in Europe in a fortnight's time, after Grexit?

I am glad someone can see the issue clearly from the perspective of someone who has never been abroad. I am amazec how many people answer questions based on their perspective. It needs to be looked at from the perspective of the couple. You get three cheers feom me. ^^^

I like the idea of Australia if they're not experienced travelers. It's multicultural and welcoming, English is spoken, and it will seem different and exotic to them. It's also a very easy and efficient place for visitors, clean, safe, etc. There are beach resorts but also fascinating cities. If they have time, Alice Springs/Ayer's Rock/Darwin/the Outback would be very different, but something like Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, and Melbourne would be a very nice first taste. A stop in Perth would break the journey, for instance if they route through SIN, which would also be a good stop to add for them (and still easier than Hong Kong).

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Australia has a lot to offer too. Not knowing how long they have, it's a lot of ground to cover.
It is true that Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hongkong, Dubai, etc. have become "common" for Indians. Australia and Europe have more "prestige".

OP, with your JP miles, keep in mind that redeeming on partners will hurt your wallet much, much less than redeeming on 9W itself.

I like the idea of Australia if they're not experienced travelers. It's multicultural and welcoming, English is spoken, and it will seem different and exotic to them....

I know it's been a few years now, but many Indians that I know still would not regard Australia as welcoming at all. I know that the perception isn't accurate, but after the media blitz, they last a long time...

I find it awfully difficult to suggest a destination without knowing the relevant people - I know people who would consider Milan a dream vacation, but I also know people who would much rather go to Iran, Guwhati, or Maldives.

This is flyertalk and we can come up with the most luxurious and amazing holidays. We would not bat an eyelid to travel around the world. We are not normal.

A reality check needs to be done first. You stated your friends have never left India so therefore I am assuming they are Indian citizens? What kind of background do they have? Are they middle class (both working in IT sector earning 60-80K joint income types or are they stupendously rich or do they come from socially deprived backgrounds?) This all matters because the places mentioned required visas and the embassies will do credibility checks on them. A simple note from you stating that you will vouch for them is not good enough. Do they have enough disposable income to cope with the weak Rupee abroad especially in Europe / Australia. Are they open to different cuisines? etc etc.

It is a very nice thought on your behalf but you need to give us more information before we can advise you more accordingly

You stated your friends have never left India so therefore I am assuming they are Indian citizens? What kind of background do they have? Are they middle class (both working in IT sector earning 60-80K joint income types or are they stupendously rich or do they come from socially deprived backgrounds?) This all matters because the places mentioned required visas and the embassies will do credibility checks on them. A simple note from you stating that you will vouch for them is not good enough. Do they have enough disposable income to cope with the weak Rupee abroad especially in Europe / Australia.

Indeed, I was going to post something similar myself. First time phoren-travelers from India, especially newlyweds, have about a snowball's chance in hell of getting approved for Australian tourist visas. Even a Schengen visa from the Italians would be 50-50 at best. I agree with the folks that suggest Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai, etc.. as safe options without the hassle (and potential heartache) of visa approvals and denials.

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Darn it B747-437B, d3vski, PVDtoDEL and FedUp2! Why do you guys have to be so smart. You are taking away my glory.

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Darn it B747-437B, d3vski, PVDtoDEL and FedUp2! Why do you guys have to be so smart. You are taking away my glory.
Yaatri, at least you beat them to the buzzer. And that's usually all that counts.

Yaatri, at least you beat them to the buzzer. And that's usually all that counts.

There you go. Being reasonable again!. I think people are giving their preferences, which may not be what the poster asked for. The poster could have provided more information too.

Having lived in Hong Kong (though I prefer fish ball noodle soup to naan etc) there are like two or three "good" indian restaurants there, with a bunch of others of fairly indifferent quality and/or high price or both.

Language is definitely going to be an issue - indians just don't adjust well to a chinese accent for a while.

Singapore or Malaysia is popular because it is more "like home" for people who can't do without indian food.

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Having lived in Hong Kong (though I prefer fish ball noodle soup to naan etc) there are like two or three "good" indian restaurants there, with a bunch of others of fairly indifferent quality and/or high price or both.

Language is definitely going to be an issue - indians just don't adjust well to a chinese accent for a while.

Singapore or Malaysia is popular because it is more "like home" for people who can't do without indian food.

True. But there are places in Malaysia, where you may not fimd many Indians yet get a version of Indian food appealing to an Indian.
Then there are places where you will find Malaysian Indians, but not tourists from India.

The food is similar - but indian cuisine is so varied and some people aren't adventurous outside the food served in their own corner of india.

North indians complaining about "endless idli sambar" in chennai, a bunch of software types from interior andhra pradesh who I was standing behind in a KL local train, and who were griping that malaysian food has "too much coconut in it", and that their colleague would be bringing andhra chicken curry and avakaya pickle back from hyderabad later in the week etc.

But then if they're that type of people they had better see what is available in their own home state .. I am willing to bet that there is at least one nice holiday location within a night's train ride (or even a few hours drive away) that they haven't been to yet.


True. But there are places in Malaysia, where you may not fimd many Indians yet get a version of Indian food appealing to an Indian.
Then there are places where you will find Malaysian Indians, but not tourists from India.

While Australia is a great place to Visit, July-August is not the best time for it unless they'd want their visit restricted to Far North Queensland (and even there, rains are a fair chance).

One of the most popular destinations for honeymooning in North India is/used to be Dalhousie. Why? There is nothing much to do there, apart from taking a stroll on the mall road, but to stay in the hotel room and get to know each other.

Do your friends want that kind of a honeymoon or one with distractions of lot of sight-seeing?

There is nothing much to do there, apart from taking a stroll on the mall road, but to stay in the hotel room and get to know each other.


I used to joke to an ex that I'd be perfectly okay with a "honeymoon" that involves staying put in our apartment and ordering pizza's when hungry. No, that's not why she's an ex ;-)

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One of the most popular destinations for honeymooning in North India is/used to be Dalhousie. Why? There is nothing much to do there, apart from taking a stroll on the mall road, but to stay in the hotel room and get to know each other.

Do your friends want that kind of a honeymoon or one with distractions of lot of sight-seeing?

I don't know about Dalhausie, but some of tje traditional places such as Mussorie or Simla are major disappointments. Thwy ate filthy and overcrowded.

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I don't know about Dalhausie, but some of tje traditional places such as Mussorie or Simla are major disappointments. Thwy ate filthy and overcrowded.

Having zero expectations means having zero dissapointments.

Indians rend to over hype their tourist attractions and if it were in the UK, i am sure that trading standards would close them down.

Having zero expectations means having zero dissapointments.

Indians rend to over hype their tourist attractions and if it were in the UK, i am sure that trading standards would close them down.

True that Indians do indulge in hyperbole. But there is a scale other than one based on expectations due to hype. When you have first hand knowledge of a place, hype effect is not in play.
'

Another vote for Milan, honeymoons are supposed to be special and "exotic" after all

Do they want to travel abroad? Are they able or willing to bear other expenses.


Yes, definitely want to travel abroad


Make sure they have passports.
Make sure visa would not be a problem.


They have the passports and i think Visa shouldn't be a problem. Based on my personal experience of holding, US, UK, Australia and Schenegan Visa.


If local cost is a factor, stay away from Europe, especially Switzerland.


Local cost isn't a problem at all. Just want to make sure its a trip they can remember for there life.

Few additional information

a) These two have been together for few years now, so its not a typical staying in the hotel and getting to know each other honeymoon. Something cool and different would be ideal. Going to places that indians don't usually get to see if probably the best idea.

b) I am going to gift them anyway but again getting rid of 100k JP miles is my personal goal too (Kinda mean i know).

Personally i have been to Australia and really liked the place not sure if that is an option with JP miles. So far i am leaning towards Europe or australia but would really like to know if there are other uncommon destinations for honeymoons with lots of greenery and pleasant weather. Heard some one talking about bahamas few days back, dominican republic. Are these worth it?

Sorry for not catching up on this thread, have been busy and will keep an eye for any replies.

I am going to gift them anyway but again getting rid of 100k JP miles is my personal goal too (Kinda mean i know).

How far can two persons go on 100K JP miles?

So far i am leaning towards Europe or australia but would really like to know if there are other uncommon destinations for honeymoons with lots of greenery and pleasant weather. Heard some one talking about bahamas few days back, dominican republic. Are these worth it?
I understand your desire to send your friends to an "uncommon" place. You say your friends have never left India. Be sure to take into account their social circle.

How many people in India have even heard of places like the Dominican Republic? If you tell someone you went to the DR for a honeymoon, they may very well think something like "who is this crazy guy who flew so far for some beach. Must be an idiot- you can get the same beaches in the Maldives or Thailand."

I have no idea what kind of situation you and your friends are in. I'm just suggesting that you think everything through before going ahead with this plan.

I too would suggest you discuss with your friends where they would like to go, considering their taste, bragging wishes, and budget. :) Seasons matter, but I would not write off London as an evergreen English speaking destination.

If they are reasonably well off, you could buy them DEL-LHR, MXP-DEL and they can do intra-Europe train on their own dime.

How far can two persons go on 100K JP miles?

for 108k jp miles you can get 2 return tickets in economy to either mxp, bru or lhr....

Update on this thread after few months... So this couple already had a honeymoon planned to thailand.... which was obviously a surprise to me and since its a close friend, i didn't want to spoil it by telling i had another plans. I am gifting them a 2nd honeymoon/Vacation in december end to them for 10 days. This will include christmas & new year. So far, i like Paris and Switzerland as the couple wants to go to some place cold, really cold.

Any more suggestions?

Update on this thread after few months... So this couple already had a honeymoon planned to thailand.... which was obviously a surprise to me and since its a close friend, i didn't want to spoil it by telling i had another plans. I am gifting them a 2nd honeymoon/Vacation in december end to them for 10 days. This will include christmas & new year. So far, i like Paris and Switzerland as the couple wants to go to some place cold, really cold.

Any more suggestions?

Once again, please look upthread and see all the potential visa hassles and such before you pick a destination.

I did a little research and the visa really doesn't seems like an issue, went to VFS websites and noticed the visa processing time has been decreased drastically, for example - US Visa now appointement in 2-3 days for interview as oppose to 2 weeks couple of years ago.

Eurpore visa, process of 1 week etc

I am pretty confident that visa wont be an issue, my concern is finding a country that suits the situation and i guess return flight under 1.2/1.3 L

I did a little research and the visa really doesn't seems like an issue, went to VFS websites and noticed the visa processing time has been decreased drastically, for example - US Visa now appointement in 2-3 days for interview as oppose to 2 weeks couple of years ago.

Eurpore visa, process of 1 week etc

I am pretty confident that visa wont be an issue, my concern is finding a country that suits the situation and i guess return flight under 1.2/1.3 L
There are many other things to think about- visa fees, cost of travel/lodging/sightseeting in the foreign country (can be ridiculously expensive in Switzerland), food, etc.

As PVD suggested, read the previous posts to get a better idea of issues that your friend may face.

There are many other things to think about- visa fees, cost of travel/lodging/sightseeting in the foreign country (can be ridiculously expensive in Switzerland), food, etc.

As PVD suggested, read the previous posts to get a better idea of issues that your friend may face.
Indeed.

And yes it is one thing that the embassy takes one week. But do your friends have all the paperwork ready? Bank statements, muktiple year IT returns, pay slips, employer letter, specific sized photos, travel insurance docs etc etc etc. All of this for each applicant.

Will they be prepared with all that immediately as soon as the gift lands in their lap? Have you accounted for that prep time as well, in addition to the week the embassy wants.

Guys, i am trying to find a simple answer here... What are the options if these issues are taken care of and within a return flight budget of 1.3 L or so? Around x-mas, new year.... Cold Countries, Christmas new year special... not really party people, good old romantic couple

If insistent on going somewhere cold, I'd suggest Wudangshan, probably one of the most breathtaking (and cold) places I've visited.. It's a little outside XFN.

Guys, i am trying to find a simple answer here... What are the options if these issues are taken care of and within a return flight budget of 1.3 L or so? Around x-mas, new year.... Cold Countries, Christmas new year special... not really party people, good old romantic couple
How about somewhere in Scandinavia. Cold country, Christmas fever, can see the northern lights, etc.

How about somewhere in Scandinavia. Cold country, Christmas fever, can see the northern lights, etc.
Excellent suggestion. ^

Beware snow delays though, and build in enough contingency. Stockholm just got a metre of snow and blizzards, and ARN is in a shambles and roads are closed etc.