Spring is right around the corner, which means wedding season is almost upon us. I know this because three, yes three, of my closest girlfriends are getting married this summer! While I don’t have nuptials planned myself, watching them finalize plans for their big days and honeymoons got me thinking about my favorite topic, travel! Below are my top honeymoon destinations for every type of couple.
HOPELESS ROMANTICS
South of France:
If you’re looking for a romantic setting for your honeymoon, few destinations are better than the South of France. Nice, Monaco and Cannes are three cities along France’s southern coastline that are oozing with charm. Book a luxurious flat, dine in candle-lit bistros and spend your days sun bathing along the many beautiful beaches. My Russian and I visited for his birthday a few years back. We stayed in Nice and took day trips to the nearby cities of Cannes and Monaco, which were easy to reach by train or bus. Each city was more romantic than the last!
Spain’s Costa del Sol:
Another great option for a romantic getaway after you say I do is Spain’s southern coast. Malaga is the main city in this region and definitely worth exploring, but for a truly memorable experience, I suggest heading to the small hillside town of Ronda. My Russian took me there for my birthday last year and it was one of our most romantic trips. Rent a villa on one of Ronda’s many sprawling vineyards, spend an afternoon at a quiet café with a bottle of wine and small bites and enjoy a sunset dinner at Albacara or Duquesa de Parcent which both offer stunning views of the Puente Nuevo Bridge.
Portugal:
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, is another destination to consider when planning a romantic honeymoon. The rooftop restaurants, adorable cable cars and colorful tiled buildings provide the perfect setting for a week of romance. There are also several neighboring cities that you should add to your itinerary. The fairytale town of Sintra is covered in castles and the seaside town of Cascais has several beachside restaurants where couples can enjoy a romantic dinner for two. My visit to Portugal last fall wasn’t romantic because I was traveling with my dad, but did ha be a great time exploring the different cities. I definitely want to return with my Russian next time!
BEACH BUMS
Mexico / Jamaica / Dominican Republic:
While each of these 3 destinations have much to be admired individually, I grouped them together because, in my opinion, they offer some of the best all-inclusive options. If you’re looking for easy relaxation, on-site dining, swim up bars and private beaches after tying the knot, an all-inclusive in any of these beautiful destinations is the way to go!
Take a Cruise:
If you truly want to relax, unwind and not worry about a thing on your honeymoon, consider booking a cruise with your new spouse! Once you’re on board, everything is taken care of for you. Spend the duration of your journey lounging at the deck pool or purchase a spa package and pamper yourselves. If you start to get a bit stir crazy, disembark and take an excursion. I’m not typically a huge fan of cruises, but every once in a while it can be nice not to have to plan each day of your trip. I’ve sailed three times with Norwegian Cruise Line and enjoyed it immensely!
Hawaii:
If you want the perfect mix of beach-bumminess and adventure, head to Hawaii! I’ve visited each island and recently returned from my third trip to Oahu, so I feel confident recommending Kauai as a honeymoon destination. Its beauty is unmatched, it’s a bit less crowded than the main island and there is a great selection of luxury seaside resorts and romantic bungalows to choose from. There is also plenty to do from hiking the Napali coastline and watching the monk seals at the Hā`ena State Park to snorkeling with giant sea turtles or just spending an entire day beach hopping around the island!
ADVENTURE SEEKERS
Brazil:
Couples looking for a more adventurous getaway may want to consider South America, specifically Brazil. Enjoy the beaches and vibrant nightlife of Rio, hike to the top of Christ the Redeemer and for the true adventurers, spend a few days in the Amazon jungle! I visited Rio for my birthday during the 2016 Olympics and had a whirlwind trip exploring the city. It’s definitely not a place for those looking for a slow paced vacay.
Thailand:
Thailand is another great option for couples who prefer a bit of adventure. Experience the temples, nightlife, culture and cuisine that Bangkok has to offer, then head over to one of the islands. There are many to choose from! My Russian and I opted for the small island of Koh Tao known for its excellent diving. Rent yourselves a mo-ped and go exploring, snorkeling, sampling street foodand dancing the night away at one of many beach parties! It’s definitely not for all couples, but those who enjoy frenzied cities and spicing things up will enjoy!
Peru:
An unforgettable honeymoon destination for adventurous couples is Cusco, Peru. Start off your trip with a few days exploring the capital city of Lima, then fly over to the historic town of Cusco. Wander through Plaza de San Francisco, visit the ancient churches and for the grand finale, take a day trip to Machu Picchu. You can get there by train, but for a real adventure you can hike all the way up the mountain. When my Russian and I went to Peru with some friends back in 2015 we opted for the train, but if we had more time perhaps we would have hiked it!
HISTORY BUFFS
Cuba:
If you and your significant other are fascinated by history, take a step back in time with a trip to Cuba! The classic cars, famous hotels, iconic Malecón esplanade and the vibrant streets of Old Havana will captivate you. But don’t just limit yourselves to Havana. In addition to its historical significance, Cuba also offers romance, natural beauty and plenty to see and do in other cities. Trinidad, Santa Clara and Viñales as well as the island towns of Veradero and Cayo Santa María are all great options. My Russian and I spent 10 days in Cuba last spring soaking in all the island has to offer. We split our time between Havana, Trinidad (pictured above) and Cayo Santa María, which allowed us to experience three different sides of the beautiful island nation.
Greece:
What better place for history buffs to spend their honeymoon than in Greece! Explore the ancient ruins, visit the old Olympic stadiums and dine below the glowing lights of the Parthenon in Monastiraki, Athens’ central square. When you’ve absorbed all the history of Athens, escape to one of the many islands and unwind by the sea. On our trip to Greece, we spent all our time in Athens, so I am anxious to return and visit some of the islands!
Armenia:
Another destination that is sure to excite history loving couples is Armenia. The first country to adopt Christianity as a national religion, Armenia is home to some of the oldest churches in the world, like 650 A.D. old! You could probably spend an entire trip just touring ancient churches. If that’s your thing, great, but there is also so much more to explore in this fascinating country. We had the opportunity to visit the capital city, Yerevan, last winter for a wedding and I was blown away by the people, culture and delicious cuisine as well as the country’s rich and complicated history, particularly with neighboring countries. I would recommend visiting in the summer when the flowers are blooming, fountains are flowing and visibility of Mount Ararat is at its best.
NATURE LOVERS
Switzerland:
If you and your spouse are the outdoorsy type, consider Switzerland as a honeymoon destination. Wether you head there in the winter to ski the Swiss Alps or during the summer to hike the lush mountain trails, it’s the perfect place to spend your week away if you love nature! I visited Switzerland just before Christmas a couple years ago and fell in love with the natural beauty, breathtaking vistas and gingerbread houses that scattered the countryside. I recommend staying in a smaller town like Wilderswil, which is where we stayed, or Iseltwald, a tiny town right on the water with stunning views of the Alps.
Alaska:
Like Switzerland, Alaska is a great place to visit during the winter or summer months. If you’re there in the fall, winter or spring you may be able to see the Northern Lights, which we were lucky enough to catch when we visited in March of 2015. Or watch the start of the famous Iditarod race, which takes place in early March. During the summer, there are plenty of lakes and trails to explore. I recommend staying outside of the main cities so you can truly be one with nature. We rented a cabin in the small town of Talkeetna after watching the start of the dog sled race. We walked to the nearby park and walked on glaciers, watched fly fisherman and enjoyed a beautiful sunset with Mount Denali as a backdrop.
South Africa:
If you truly want to celebrate nature on your honeymoon, it doesn’t get much better than South Africa. I spent a month studying abroad in South Africa and Botswana back in undergrad and was overwhelmed by their unique beauty, welcoming people and majestic animals. There are several romantic resorts that offer safari tours both in South Africa and Botswana, it’s neighbor to the north. Check out this article for tips on booking an ethical safari.
What type of honeymooner are you? What destinations would you add to the list? Share your comments below!
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