By Megan Velez, Destination Weddings Travel Group
From relaxing beachfront honeymoons to a mountainside stay for two, there is certainly a destination out there for everyone. As all-inclusive resorts continue to pop up in new locales and more countries are opening their arms to welcome same-sex couples, honeymoon options are virtually unlimited, allowing couples to truly personalize their vacation experience. While certain destinations are eternal favorites, there are quite a number of places that couples are flocking to for a more off-the-beaten-path feel, so let’s take a look at some new favorites:
South Africa
A gem of the southern hemisphere, South Africa is filled with hidden spots to explore for any adventure-loving couple. Grab a pair of binoculars and take a safari. Catch some waves at high tide. With volunteer honeymoons on the rise as well, couples are loving the ability to give back during their trip, while also enjoying some of the luxuries of major cities like Cape Town.
Bora Bora
Perfect for those seeking a private getaway, Bora Bora offers all there is in luxurious, intimate destinations. Book an over-water bungalow and wake up to a cool breeze before heading off to your morning massage. Newlyweds who seek a peaceful honeymoon away from the rest of the world will love the opportunities that await them on this gorgeous tropical island.
New Zealand
It’s hard to beat Queenstown, New Zealand when it comes to a thrilling honeymoon. Known as the adventure capital of the world, the city is home to numerous luxury accommodations and cuisines, as well as opportunities for everything from parasailing to mountaineering. Busy-body couples will love the chance to make memories from the numerous activities available in the region!
Hawai’i
Hawai’i has always been a popular spot for honeymoons and for good reason! The Pacific archipelago is home to a number of different climates, allowing it to offer a wealth of exciting opportunities. Island-hopping is fun in itself, as each island boasts its own unique environment. From trekking through a tropical rainforest to snorkeling among the reefs to climbing a dormant volcano, Hawai’i will always be a hot destination for couples who want to spend their honeymoon in paradise.
Europe
One of the biggest draws of Europe is the ease of traveling between countries for a relatively low cost. This allows honeymooning couples to experience a diverse mix of cultures in a matter of days, from taking in the scenic Italian countryside to touring authentic Spanish cities. Perfect for any couple that values good food, beautiful scenery, and rich history, a trip through Europe is an incredible way to create memories that will last a lifetime.
British Columbia
You may not need to cross any oceans to have your dream honeymoon. On the western coast of Canada, British Columbia provides all that gorgeous scenery has to offer and more. Pairing pristine wilderness with charming small towns, this Canadian province is a great option for anyone looking for a mixed bag of activities. Spend the day ziplining or snowmobiling through the peaks, only to retire to the city for a night of great foods and drinks. Consider taking a day trip to Victoria, the capital city, by ferry to explore the quaint Victorian-style atmosphere.
No matter what a couple is after on their honeymoon, there’s certainly a perfect locale out there, if not more. Spend the days exploring one area or plan to take in as much as possible by traveling from place to place – whatever it is, a honeymoon should be planned with only the couple’s preferences in mind!
Megan Velez is the Vice President of Product at Destination Wedding Travel Group, the world’s leading destination wedding and romantic travel planning company. Destination Wedding Travel Group, which encompasses GayDestinationWeddings.com, DestinationWeddings.com and LuxuriousDestinationWeddings.com, has worked with over 20,000 couples and half a million guests to plan dream destination weddings around the world. For more information, visit DestinationWeddings.com.