Romance and Pulling

Discussing our upcoming wedding and honeymoon, my girl asks me: "Where's the most exotic place we can go that has climbing". It's important to note the wording, what I didn't hear was: "where's the most exotic place we can go climbing"

Where have you been where you can get your romance on with a side of sport or trad 5.10s and 11s? A tour would be ideal and we'll probably be working with 9 days total in March or April.

Personal experience only please. And thanks in advance for sharing!

Jeffeos,

A recent trip that my girlfriend and I took that was amazing (climbing wise) as well as romantic was Thailand. It's the perfect mix because you have this tropical paradise, amazing beach, good food and nice resorts - amidst crazy limestone cliffs jutting out of the sea. The climbing itself is really good, with a decent mix of moderates - especially if you can taker her up multi-pitch climbs. There is also world-class deep water soloing too, if that suits yer fancy. Additionally, there is sooo much to do outside of climbing: elephant treks, hot springs in the middle of a jungle, surfing, scuba diving etc. Not sold yet, just do a Google image search of Railey Beach. AND it super cheap. The exchange rate is crazy. We stayed at a 4-star resort for $60 a night. Anyway, as you can tell I'm get psyched just talking about it. If you do decide to go - feel free to PM me and I can give you beta. Cheers.

Southern France or the Italian Riviera has great climbing and great food but may not be exotic enough, depending on your definition. I believe we honeymooned in Provence.

Guanajuato, Mexico is the most beautiful city I have ever visited, and incredibly romantic. I "got my romance on there." It's folded into a steep, narrow valley with winding alleys and underground tunnels connecting everything. There's also great sport climbing within walking distance of town. You could then head to the beach for the second part of your trip.

Spain, Mallorca and it's cheap during the off season. All types of great climbing and fairly easy to get around.

Every place mentioned is great (haven't been to all of them but a few), but they are all kinda far away for a 9 day trip. Jet lag is worse going east than it is going west, so while you might be OK going back to work after the trip, the first few days of the honeymoon might be tough. I'll add another place to think about if you're up for a long haul though: The Canary Islands.

I just got married, and even though we are putting off our honeymoon, it will probably be to southern France. But I live in London so it's not that far away and I'll get a much better exchange rate with the Pound. If I lived in Boulder and made dollars? I think I'd go somewhere in Mexico, where the weather is good, the climbing is close by, and my $USD goes a lot farther than anywhere in Europe!

For me and my wife, usually all it takes is a nice hotel room and as little time traveling as possible. Nothing romantic about being stuck next to a sweaty fat dude on a plane for 7 hours.

When I wrote this post I was really hoping Mr. Williams would chime in, and he did. Thanks Ryan! Reading all of your comments (on other posts) it's obvious you have a great perspective on things related to climbing; and since you're not in the states, who better to comment? Reading your advise sold me on Mexico.

However, it didn't sell the lady friend and so we're seriously considering Thailand. Huge shout out to Mike for making it seem so doable and cheap!! PMed for more BTW

But really this is another bump for any last suggestions before the post is buried forever!

Thanks again!!

I'd be cautious with Mexico right now. As of now, it's pretty safe after you get through the border towns, but there is still a huge issue with the drug traffiking contingent right now.

There was some place mentioned not too long ago in a thread about climbing in the Caribbean. I can't remember the island name exactly... St Tomas? but it sounded pretty good.

Great title!