4 Best Honeymoon Destinations Around The World
Starting a new life together is the perfect time to take the trip of a lifetime.
Song_about_summer / Shutterstock By Erica Gustafson
After months of planning the wedding, spending hours choosing invitations, flowers, and menus — plus managing all of the personalities that want to “help” with the big day (yes, we’re looking at you, Mom) — there’s nothing like taking a long and relaxing vacation where you can spend a week or longer enjoying each other’s company.
The big question then is: where do you go? What are the best honeymoon destinations? I
If you're running low on ideas and want to have a romantic getaway with your partner, try one of these perennially popular and undoubtedly memorable honeymoon ideas and destinations.
1. The Caribbean
With warm temperatures year-round, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and some of the most luxurious resorts anywhere in the world, the Caribbean is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world. While islands like Jamaica and the Bahamas certainly have amazing resorts, some of the more “off the beaten path” islands offer privacy and exclusivity that practically ooze romance.
For example, try Turks and Caicos for amazing beaches and luxurious boutique hotels packed with amenities and activities. If activities and special treatment are what you’re searching for, try one of the many couples-centered all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.
Sandals resorts specialize in romance and offer honeymoon packages that include accommodations, meals, activities, and romantic elements like champagne toasts and rose petals. Look into the Sandals in St. Lucia for a secluded, beautiful, and romantic adventure.
2. Europe
When you think of romantic cities, Paris is probably the first that comes jumping to mind. Strolling along the Champs-Elysees, basking in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, and enjoying a cruise along the Seine all scream romance. And while Paris is a popular honeymoon destination, other European cities are also honeymoon hotspots.
Travel to the sun-drenched Greek islands for striking scenery and luxurious accommodations, or head to Portugal for amazing food and culture while staying in a world-class resort. Italy is also noted as a romantic destination through the ages. The coastal region of Capri practically begs you to rent a scooter a la Audrey Hepburn to explore the narrow streets together or share a meal and wine in one of Rome’s hundreds of sidewalk cafes.
3. Australia
With terrain ranging from rugged mountains to luscious beaches and everything in between, Australia is the perfect destination whether you want a relaxing retreat or the chance to experience an adventure together.
Visit the cosmopolitan city of Sydney for fine dining, or take a cruise around Sydney Harbor or catch a performance in the famed Sydney Opera House. Head to the tropical northern coast, where you can bask on white-sand beaches and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. Sleep in a treehouse in the rain forest or spend a week learning to be ranch hands and camping under a canopy of stars.
4. Indian Ocean and South Pacific
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to an exotic tropical paradise, your honeymoon is the time to do it. Consider traveling to one of the exotic island resorts of Bali. With its lush tropical gardens and some of the most luxurious spas in the world, Ubud Bali is the ultimate destination for romance and relaxation.
Or head to one of the South Pacific islands. Several resorts in Bora Bora offer overwater bungalows; stay in a private room accessible only by canoe and spend days basking in the shade of a palm tree or snorkeling in crystal blue waters.
Once you have an idea of where you want to go for your honeymoon, explore different options in your destination.
For some of the more popular honeymoon spots, it’s easy to book packages with flights, accommodations, and extras like ground transportation, excursion reservations, world-class meals, and more. Booking your trip as a package saves time and money and takes some of the frustrating guesswork out of your honeymoon planning.
Whether you leave for your honeymoon immediately after the wedding or wait a few days, for many couples, the wedding trip is one of the highlights of the whole experience. Choose your destination based on what you want to do.
Chances are, there is somewhere in the massive world that’s the perfect spot for you two to begin your new lives together.
Erica Gustafson is a freelance media consultant and world explorer.