Your honeymoon is the vacation of a lifetime, one in which you’ll celebrate your new life together as a married couple, and, ultimately, fall even more in love. But deciding what type of honeymoon you want to have isn’t easy! So here are some suggestions to get you started.
Traditional options
Laid-back beach vacation
After the hectic activities that lead up to a wedding, you may just want to relax on a beach, book and tropical drink in hand.
Tropical island honeymoons are extremely popular, especially in the Caribbean or Mexico for honeymooners from the United States or Canada.
If this is your preference, one of your best choices is an all-inclusive resort, such as one of Sandals resorts, or Secrets, Excellence or Dreams in Mexico’s Riviera Maya or Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Jamaica, the Bahamas, St. Lucia, and Antigua are also very popular destinations. If you have a tight budget, consider an island or Mexican location with inexpensive flights from your home city.
All-inclusive resorts are value-packed vacations. Imagine being able to walk up to a bar anytime you want and ask the bartender to whip up your favorite drink – without having to take out your wallet. Or to dine when and where you want – as often as you want.
Also, an all-inclusive vacation takes the guesswork out of budgeting. For one up-front price, everything from your room to meals to alcohol, and sometimes activities like golf or spa treatments are included. Most resorts offer nice honeymoon package amenities as well, such as romantic candlelit dinners on the beach, breakfast in bed, massages, and more.
Especially nice are resorts that do not require reservations in most of their restaurants, something you might prefer if you’re the type who likes to decide at the last minute what you feel like eating for dinner.
Some places, such as Hawaii, don’t have all-inclusive resorts, but you can still find that perfect resort with a beautiful beach to relax on.
Cruises
Cruises are also a popular honeymoon choice. On a cruise, you visit multiple destinations in a short amount of time, yet you only have to pack and unpack once.
Depending on the cruise line, you can purchase drink packages, and sometimes specialty restaurant packages in advance, so you have a good idea of the price you’ll be paying before you leave. And usually, premium or luxury cruises such as Windstar, Crystal, or Seabourn are all-inclusive.
There’s a cruise for just about everyone. If you love sunshine and warm weather, cruise the Caribbean or sail through the Greek Islands or the South Pacific. If you love nature, sail to Alaska, Hawaii, or the Norwegian Fjords. If Europe calls you, a Mediterranean cruise might be just right, or perhaps, take a river cruise along Europe’s scenic inland waterways.
Las Vegas, Branson & other US destinations
It’s not necessary to travel overseas or set sail into the sunset to have an enchanting honeymoon. There are a lot of wonderful options right here in the USA.
Las Vegas offers glitz and glamour, gambling, and golf. However, if you love entertainment but want to avoid the crowds, consider Branson, Missouri. Set amid the lush beauty of the Ozark Mountains, the town has more theater seats than all of New York City’s Broadway theaters combined.
Also popular for honeymoons are Florida’s beautiful beaches and coastal destinations such as Nantucket, Charleston, or San Diego. Love the mountains? Consider Colorado or the Poconos.
Non-traditional options
Don’t be afraid to try something different, however. Consider what’s right for you, as a couple, and don’t worry if it’s not what’s “usually done”. Some ideas? Depending on your likes and dislikes, consider:
An African wildlife safari
Channel your inner Isak Dinesen and take your honeymoon to the hills of Africa.
Camping
Yes, that’s right. If you love nature and the outdoors, pick your favorite outdoorsy location and consider camping. Prefer a little luxury with your sleeping bag? Try glamping. Glamping, or “glamorous camping” pairs destinations with the intimacy of camping and the world of luxury travel.
Take a wine tour
There are wine-tasting tours throughout the world offering an opportunity to explore culture, history, cuisine, and wine in a single trip. If you love wine, luxury, and glorious scenery, this might be for you.
Head to the jungle
Costa Rica is gaining popularity as a honeymoon destination and it’s easy to see why. Whether you prefer a laid-back, easy trip or adventure, this country offers multiple eco-friendly options to beach, nature, mountain, and volcano regions.
Antarctica
Antarctica is the ultimate bucket-list destination for many, and it can be your honeymoon destination if you’re up for it. It’s not cheap, you’ll need a healthy honeymoon budget. But companies like G Adventures can get you there for as little as $6199 per person, plus air (note that’s the current sale price as I write this). Something to consider? Definitely!
These are only a few of many honeymoon possibilities, but it should get you started thinking about your choices.
