Unique Honeymoon Destinations
Nontraditional Honeymoons
I think its nice to pick a place where neither of you have ever been.
— Jacqueline Gifford, travel editor for "Brides" magazine
The honeymoon. It's the first trip as man and wife. He's into adventure and she is totally into the outdoors. Margaritas on the beach just won't do. For this once-in-a-lifetime trip, up the honeymoon ante by choosing an exotic destination with out-of-the-box activities.
Planning the Honeymoon
Trekking in Chile, elephants in Cambodia, cattle drives across the U.S. If an unrivaled honeymoon is the goal, the options are endless. But with weddings to plan and jobs to keep up with how can a couple also find time to plan and pay for a trip of a lifetime?
First thing, the couple must be honest with each other and agree with the level of adventure because a 12-hour bike ride through rugged country isn't for everyone. Also, make a list of dream vacation spots.
"I think its nice to pick a place where neither of you have ever been," said Jacqueline Gifford, travel editor for "Brides" magazine.
Another way to choose an unmatched honeymoon destination is by looking at past vacations.
"If a couple has been on safari, then they might enjoy a Galapagos cruise because of the animal nature there. Another place is Antarctica," said Jean Fawcett, spokesperson for luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent. "If you've been to Europe and like history, then Egypt might be a good option."
Don't forget to think practically. Time, money and seasons all are important factors. Travel time to exotic locations is long. It can easily tack on a couple days of travel. Factor in time change as well.
"For somebody who might not have as much time, Latin America is a great choice," Fawcett said. "You will have a long plane ride, but the time change won't be as dramatic and you will be able to hit the ground running."
Gifford added: "You want to maximize your time at your destination. If you have at least two weeks, then you can go pretty much anywhere you want."
Speaking of time, the most amazing getaways require some planning time. Fawcett suggests planning your honeymoon at least three months ahead of the departure date. This allows time to arrange for visas, passports and vaccinations if required.
Budget is often a concern when planning a honeymoon. Australia and Tahiti have expensive airfare and expensive activities on the ground. Those costs can add up quickly. Options such as Asia or South America, however, can be surprisingly affordable. While the airfare can be expensive you can splurge once you arrive.
"In Thailand, for example, you can get an hour massage for $5," Gifford said. "And somewhere like Chile or Argentina, you can enjoy incredible wines for just $10 a bottle."
One way to ease the financial burden of a honeymoon is to set up a honeymoon fund friends and family can contribute to in lieu of a wedding gift. Abercrombie & Kent and others have wedding registries available for couples.
Finally before booking flights, think about seasons. If it's a summer wedding, it will be winter south of the equator. Unless you want a snow-filled honeymoon, consider postponing the honeymoon.
Awesome Honeymoon Adventures
Whether heading to Asia, South America or checking out the U.S., consider maximizing the honeymoon sizzle with personalized touches. Below, find suggestions of unparalleled, adventurous and romantic honeymoons.
India: The south Asia country is plentiful in cultural and natural beauty. Itineraries could include the diverse landscape from the towering Qutub Minar in Delhi and Udaipur's stately palaces to the stunning Taj Mahal. Fawcett recommends adding spark to the adventure by dining on the Maharana's private barge in Udaipur.
"Attendants scatter rose petals at your feet and welcome you with greetings of "Namaste" and "Kemagane" as you board the lotus-shaped boat at sunset," Fawcett said.
On a float in the middle of the lake, enjoy a delicious, multi-course dinner. Then, on command, huge chrysanthemums of red, blue and green light bloom in the sky. "These are the Royal Fireworks to celebrate your wedding," Fawcett added.
An unexpected way to see India's wealth of history is by train. "The Maharaja Express would be amazing," Gifford said. "It goes through India and has that retro fun, fabulous feel to it."
Thailand: After sailing the klongs of Bangkok, Fawcett suggests visiting remote hill tribes near Chiang Rai and wandering through the monasteries and markets. To make the trip extraordinary, she says attending a private mahout training session at the elephant training camp is a must.
"You get to see these animals training to work in the teak forests and demonstrating their strength and extraordinary teamwork," Fawcett said. "You'll get to seem them splash around during their baths, take a ride and even paint with the elephants, creating a piece of art that will always remind you of your special honeymoon adventure."
Belize: If sharks are a draw, head to Gladden Spit in search of the 60-foot long whale shark. From March to June, during full moons, these sharks congregate near the coral reef in Belize, feeding on fish larvae. After meeting with Jaw's cousin, opt for a romantic beach dinner under the stars at Francis Ford Coppola's Turtle Inn.
Peru: A short flight from the United States, Peru is a trekker's fantasy. After exploring Machu Pichu and the Incan trails, Fawcett suggests turning the tables back on yourself.
"You can renew your vows in the gilded Spanish colonial Renaissance Chapel of San Antonio Abad," Fawcett said. "It was built over 500 years ago."
Montana: A passport is not required for a glorious honeymoon. The United States is abundant in majesty and adventure. "Montana is surprisingly very sexy," Gifford said. "There are amazing wilderness ranches that are super romantic like Triple Creek Ranch or Ranch at Rock Creek."
Montana is great in the winter or summer offering outdoor activities from fishing to hiking or biking, cross country skiing and ice fishing or snowmobiling and even cattle drives.
Safaris in Africa: Africa is alive with birds, animals and exotic plants. A safari is a great way to see lions in their prides, gazelles bounding through the wild and even take a foraging walking tour. After exploring all day, Fawcett suggests adding romantic elements to your wildlife adventure.
"At Sanctuary Baines' Camp in Botsawana, honeymooners returning from a night drive during the summer months can take a "star bath" in a free-standing traditional Botswana-style zinc bathtub," Fawcett said.
Another personalization in at Sanctuary Kusini Camp in Tanzania, Fawcett says. "Couples relax on pillows with after-dinner drinks on top of an enormous granite boulder that offers an unobstructed view of the night sky.
- Photo Credit Paula Bronstein/Getty Images News/Getty Images
