Planning the perfect honeymoon doesn’t come without stress, so we’re here to help! These destinations are perfect for newlyweds looking for romance and fun.
After the big day, your honeymoon is the time for you and your partner to connect and enjoy time together as a married couple. It’s a time to relish in your newly wedded bliss on the getaway of your dreams. Not to mention, the perfect opportunity to kick-start a fantastic sex life with the only person you’ll be with for the rest of your life!
You may be feeling the pressure to plan the perfect getaway, so we’re here to help. Here are our picks for fun honeymoon ideas to celebrate your new life with your spouse, along with some pointers for finding your perfect destination. [Read: 15 subtle things that change when you get married]
How important is a honeymoon to marriage?
Truthfully, it’s probably not all that important in the grand scheme of things. However, if you chose to have a honeymoon, then it’s important that you get it right.
Therefore, having an amazing honeymoon is really important for kicking off the marriage on a positive, fun note. Since the concept of getting married is often accompanied by people thinking their lives are officially over, a fun honeymoon is a perfect way to squash those ideas.
Is there a best time to honeymoon?
The best time to honeymoon is after your marriage ceremony, of course!
But to answer the question more thoroughly, the time of year you are thinking of planning your honeymoon ideas depends on your destination plans. You’ll want to plan in advance to ensure the weather correlates with your travel itinerary. [Read: Most romantic vacation spots for couples]
Will you be headed to the mountains? A beach resort? What about a snowy, private getaway? Or maybe you want to go to an amusement park.
No matter where you’re headed, plan in advance to make sure you and your newlywed can have the best time possible without any inconveniences from the weather.
Unique places that make the best honeymoon destination
Not all destinations are created equal. You can be the type to sip margaritas on a beach somewhere or you can get adventurous. No matter what, though, you should be aiming to have a unique and interesting honeymoon that’ll keep the spark of love burning bright.
Here are some ideas on the best places to make that happen:
1. A small town in a foreign country
When you look up honeymoon ideas, you’re bombarded with all the typical tourist locations. But if you really want your honeymoon to be something special and unique, go to a very small town in a foreign country instead.
Take the leap and see what’s out there that’s not filled with tourists like yourself. This is a great way to get a feel for the real culture and food. Plus, when you’re away from the typical touristy locations, you’re better able to focus on your new spouse. [Read: 26 of the naughtiest things to say in a foreign language]
2. A small beach on a secluded island
If you do want to take the beach route, just be sure not to choose places that are swarming with tourists. It really takes away from the beauty and romance when you can’t find a spot on the beach.
Instead of the top-searched resort, find a small island that doesn’t typically have too many tourists. You’ll feel as if the island is all yours and you may even find a few hidden beaches that are far more stunning.
3. High in the mountains
Most honeymooners want to go somewhere tropical, but those places are usually packed with other vacationers and you don’t get a whole lot of romance.
So, why not take yourselves up to the mountains? It’s far more intimate and truly breathtaking. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world together.
4. As north as it gets to see those lights
If you really want to up the romance, seeing the northern lights is one of the most perfect ways to do so. Research different areas of the world and find out where the best place is *we recommend Norway* and start packing for cold weather.
It’s no the typical beach honeymoon, but think of how romantic it will be to see the myriad of beautiful colors light up the sky as you cuddle beneath layers of warm blankets in front of a cozy fire. [Read: 30 really sweet and romantic ideas for couples to feel loved and connected 24/7]
5. Amusement park hangouts
Do you love amusement parks? If so, you can definitely spend your honeymoon going on rides, eating funnel cake, and surfing the tiny shops for trinkets to remember your stay.
Who says a honeymoon has to be all about romance? There are no rules, so why not start your marriage off on a fun note?
6. A snowy, quiet getaway
Not everyone likes snow. However, if you and your new spouse do, finding a beautiful location with plenty of it will make your honeymoon magical. And since most people opt for a tourist-filled beach, you’ll be more likely to have that secluded, romantic feel they won’t get.
7. Nothing but go-karts, skydiving, and adventure
Are you two the type who loves to goof off and have fun? Then why not have a honeymoon that reflects that? There are plenty of places where you can escape and have fun doing adrenaline-filled activities.
It may not be everyone’s idea of a romantic getaway, but if you two bonded over your adrenaline-junkie ways, this is a really sweet and personal honeymoon idea for you. [Read: 33 best hobbies for couples to have fun, bond, and feel closer than ever!]
8. A domestic getaway
If a honeymoon abroad just doesn’t line up with your preferences, then you never know what luxuries your country has hidden away from you. Do a little research or just take a drive and don’t stop until you find something unique and cute.
There are far more amazing places for you to see in your own country than you think. The plus side to this is that it’s usually a lot less expensive but a lot more fun. And you can even return to this honeymoon spot on your first anniversary to celebrate more romantically—isn’t that so romantic?
9. Road trip it
If you’re not up for long flights, then go ahead and road trip it! There’s a lot more you can see if you decide to travel all day long.
You can cover a lot of ground and have a much more entertaining and interesting trip than many others on their honeymoons. [Read: 59 fun things to do on a road trip to create awesome memories together]
10. Close your eyes and throw a dart at the map and go where it lands
You really have to be up for an adventure if you choose to use this method of picking a honeymoon destination. But if adventure is right up your and your new spouse’s alley, then get a map, pin it to the wall, close your eyes, and throw a dart at it.
Obviously, you may have to do this a few times so you don’t always end up in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. But with that being said, if it continuously lands in the water, perhaps you should take a cruise!
This is a great way to avoid having to choose a place at all and go on the most unexpected journey of your life.
11. Head to the airport and get on the first available flight
This is another very risky idea that requires you to be up for almost anything. You could easily walk into the airport and ask an attendant to put you on the next available flight with two seats available.
Just make sure to pack for anything! [Read: Alternative destinations for romantic breaks]
12. Write down a lot of places and pick from a hat
If you truly can’t decide or aren’t sure what you want to do, then write down a bunch of different honeymoon ideas. You can each jot down 10-15 locations or ideas for a piece and then throw them in a hat.
Whichever you end up picking is the place you’ll go on your honeymoon! This releases some of your own control and also takes the pressure off a bit. Also, it’s a fun story to tell people about how you decided on a spot for your honeymoon.
The best honeymoon destinations to kickstart your marriage
If you are looking for the best honeymoon ideas, look no further! These are our top destinations that are perfect for newlyweds looking for romance and adventure!
1. Jamaica
Of course, we can’t recommend beach-themed honeymoon spots without mentioning Jamaica! This is a hot spot for newlyweds looking to experience luxury without breaking the bank.
On this Caribbean island, you’ll find its natural white sand beaches and clear warm waters perfect for you and your partner.
Also, this island has perfect year-round weather! So no matter when you plan on tying the knit, you’ll never have to miss out on Jamaica’s fun adventures and exploration hot spots. Seriously, this island is pure tropical fun. [Read: Vacation sex – 30 secrets and checklist to have a naughty, wild time in paradise]
2. Tahiti
This off-grid island is well-loved for its remote and immersive appeal. Tahiti has an array of scenery to explore, so get your best shoes ready!
From its flourishing jungles to its natural waterfalls, black-sand beaches to even two extinct volcanoes, this is an exciting and romantic secluded location for you and your boo.
3. Las Vegas
If you look for somewhere to continue the fun or to really go wild and celebrate those first few weeks as a married couple, there is no better place than Las Vegas!
The bright lights, the hustle and bustle, the world-famous casinos, the glitz and glamor—it’s all there for the taking.
Laze by the pool sipping cocktails during the day and then get dressed up to the nines to hit the clubs *complete with dreamy rooftop terraces, indoor waterfalls, and some of the world’s best DJs* to party the night away. For style, excess, and a whole lot of fun, Vegas could be the best honeymoon destination for any couple.
4. Uruguay
In Uruguay, you can enjoy romantic beachside strolls, fresh seafood, gorgeous vineyards, and plenty of great nightlife.
And if you love to relax and soak up the culture during the day, but want to really let your hair down at night, Uruguay might just be the place for you. [Read: Like a virgin – how to spruce up your honeymoon sex]
5. Dubai
It’s true when they say that there is no place on earth quite like Dubai. If you are looking for honeymoon ideas where you can truly spoil yourselves and enjoy the best of city and beach life combined, Dubai is a fantastic destination.
Also, if you love ultra-modern architecture, contemporary cuisine, and places where you will be treated like a king and queen, Dubai will not disappoint.
6. Botswana and Mauritius
For a truly once-in-a-lifetime trip, hot-foot it to Botswana and Mauritius. Head out on safari and spot a whole range of exotic animals in their natural habitat. Then, why not stay in a beautiful beach hut and fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves?
Spend evenings enjoying romantic candlelit dinners in the bush. And swim with wild dolphins enjoying breathtaking scenery and feeling as though you are the only two people in the world. [Read: All the tips to have a great time when you travel as a couple]
7. California
The sun-kissed shores of California are ideal for honeymooning couples who want to head somewhere warm and indulge in a little bit of everything.
From beautiful beaches to bustling, but laid-back cities, to incredible hikes through Yosemite or Big Sur, you’ll never be short of amazing things to do and beautiful sights to see.
8. Sydney
Situated on Australia’s coastline, Sydney is a hugely popular honeymoon destination and best known for its gorgeous harbor where sundowners are a must as well as iconic sights such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge.
Here you can enjoy romantic meals, fantastic tourist attractions, and great weather all year round. [Read: Wedding night woes – when sex isn’t on the menu]
9. St. Barts
This island is often referred to as being the perfect mix of French flare and Caribbean luxury, and for good reason. St. Barts is an overseas sister to France, so it’s full of French culture, arts, and sophistication.
This island is perfect for any type of honeymoon ideas, whether you want to go all-out in a big, flashy hotel, or settle in a discreet, quiet resort with your lover.
You can go for a high-end shopping spree or roam in the hidden-gem boutiques. And, as always, the ocean and tropical forest never fail to amaze.
10. Seychelles
The gorgeous group of islands off the coast of East Africa is a popular honeymoon destination, and it’s easy to see why.
With welcoming locals, pristine beaches, indigenous wildlife, and also beautiful flowers and plants, there’s nothing that will disappoint.
Here you enjoy days lazing on the beach, hiking around the countryside, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and trying your hand at a range of water sports—just to name a few!
11. Japan
For food, culture, and breathtaking scenery head to Japan where you’ll enjoy all that and more. If you and your partner want a honeymoon destination with a difference and want to do more than just laze on the beach or frolic in the waves, Japan offers much to see and do.
From amazing, experimental, and fine dining cuisine to imperial palaces, stunning gardens, shrines and temples, and national parks where mountains tower over you, a visit to Japan could be a honeymoon you’ll truly never forget. [Read: Foodie dates – 15 trendy dinner ideas for new couples]
12. Balearic Islands
The balmy Balearic Islands are found in the gorgeous Mediterranean and are the ideal honeymoon destination for couples looking for sun, sea, and sand.
With great beaches, scenic countryside, and plenty of fantastic spots to eat and drink, a romantic, intimate, and also relaxing honeymoon destination awaits.
13. Maldives
The Maldives is world-famous for its breathtaking snorkeling and diving locations where you can greet colorful corals, reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, and more aquatic animals!
Its sun-weathered shores are a perfect location to have sophisticated romantic experiences, so why not have the honeymoon of your dreams here?
14. Provence
France is pretty synonymous with romance. Perhaps no area more so than beautiful Provence. If you want to explore gorgeous scenery, ancient architecture, quaint towns and cities, beautiful, unspoiled beaches, and some of the finest food and wine around, Provence provides like no other.
Whether you and your new spouse are active and outdoorsy or simply want to float from one pretty place to the next, Provence is an ideal honeymoon. It really does offer something for everyone. [Read: 32 steps to move forward in a relationship if you’re lost and confused]
15. Antigua and Barbuda
Between the two islands of Antigua and Barbuda, you are sure to find something that you love. This area is best known for its soft pink-and-white sand beaches, tropical fruits, and exotic landmarks.
Enjoy its beautiful blue sea sailing with your loved one and greet the island’s tropical fish while snorkeling and kayaking. This is truly one of the hidden-gem honeymoon ideas!
16. Morocco
Morocco is a hugely popular honeymoon destination for couples. With colors, textures, sights, sounds, and smells all mixing, it boasts an atmosphere quite unlike any other. For sun, sea, and sand lovers there are stunning beaches at your fingertips.
But you can also dine on fresh seafood after a dip in the ocean. Then head into one of the bustling towns or cities with markets, glittering lamps, beautiful fabrics, and plenty of fantastic places to eat and drink. Morocco really does have it all! [Read: Reasons traveling is a great test of compatibility]
17. Bermuda
Who wouldn’t love to head to Bermuda on their honeymoon, where the weather is always fantastic? Enjoy lazing around on the beach or swimming in the sea to your heart’s content.
Of course, Bermuda has plenty more to offer besides the sun, sea, and sand. If you’re feeling more adventurous, explore this tiny, yet perfectly formed island. Also, why not try your hand at a range of sporting and daredevil activities?
18. India
While many honeymooners prefer living in the lap of luxury for a couple of weeks post-wedding, some choose to do something a little more unusual. India offers a little bit of everything.
Make your honeymoon as rough and ready or as luxurious as you want. With plenty of beaches to explore, bustling city centers, bargains to be had, and great cuisine to try, India will host a honeymoon you’ll never forget.
19. Aruba
This is a well-loved honeymoon destination for couples looking to visit the Caribbean without paying as much as other hotspot islands. Still, Aruba is as luxurious as it can get.
On this island, you won’t be able to help but gravitate toward the luscious spas and resorts after dipping your toes in the island’s turquoise sea. [Read: Sex on the beach – the couple’s guide to have naughty, kinky fun by the water]
20. Bali
If you’ve got your heart set on a magical, art and cultural-rich honeymoon spot, then make your way to Indonesia and explore the magic that Bali has to offer.
This location focuses greatly on nature, temples, and cultural festivities. Even better, you can still explore its beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots like any other beach resort island!
21. Bahamas
The Bahamas is one of the perfect honeymoon ideas if you’re looking to lounge on a beach in gorgeous year-round weather without traveling too far from the United States.
The Bahamas doesn’t only have one, two, or three islands to visit—it’s made up of 700 islands *30 inhabited*! This means that there is an awful lot to explore and see on this romantic vacation.
Perfect sunshine, serene shorelines, breathtaking tropical and aquatic life, and fourteen national parks—what more could you ask for?
This iconic honeymoon spot is known for its easy access from the States as well as its inexpensive itinerary. If you love the beach *and saving money*, what are you waiting for? Take your romance to the Bahamas!
22. St. Lucia
If you’re a couple who loves adventure, St. Lucia might just be the perfect honeymoon destination for you. Known for its erupting volcanoes, exciting scuba-diving adventures, and forest trails, St Lucia is a fun and exciting new way to celebrate your marriage!
23. Greece
Greece is an ideal honeymoon destination for those looking for great food, beautiful places to relax, stunning scenery to explore, and fantastic nightlife.
In Greece, you can choose to head to little towns and villages, discover unspoiled beaches, and relax away from the crowds. Or alternatively, you can head to one of the bustling cities and throw yourself into the party atmosphere and really go wild!
24. Los Cabos
Surrounded by sparkling seas, swaying palm trees, and fresh cuisine, Los Cabos is a long-loved honeymoon destination in Mexico. This paradise has refined relaxation spots, luxurious services, and endless adventure.
Also, did we mention fresh cuisine? Los Cabos has exceptional newly-caught seafood dishes you and your loved one can enjoy while looking out over the gorgeous Pacific.
25. Disneyland
Getting hitched is a serious business. So, if you want to shake it off and spend a week reverting to being kids again, what better place to head than Disneyland where enchantment and magic will be right at your fingertips?!
Disneyland offers fantastic packages for honeymooners to ensure the trip is packed with romance as well as lots of fun! [Read: Love at first sight – why we fall, how it feels, and 21 signs to prove it’s real]
26. Bora Bora
Bora Bora is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations ideas and for good reason. On this beautiful island, you will find crystal blue waters, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking scenery from every angle.
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of an adventurous and luxurious honeymoon destination, Bora Bora is the one for you!
27. Hawaii
Another one of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations is Hawaii. This island offers fun-filled exploration opportunities on its popular beaches including backcountry hikes, exploring the island’s vast bamboo jungles, tiki torch lighting, snorkeling with sea creatures, cultural activities, and discovering secretive swimming holes.
The activities to do on this island are endless, which makes this stellar honeymoon destination sophisticated, relaxing, cultural, and romantic.
28. Grenada
This lesser-known Caribbean spot is a wonderful destination for your honeymoon if you’re looking for a more intimate island to explore with your lover. Visit this island’s wonderful Seven Sisters waterfall, hike to view the famous 36-acre Grand Etang crater lake, and please your sweet tooth with Grenada’s famous chocolate!
29. Portugal
This diverse country has much to offer with its rich art culture, deep history, and breathtaking landscape. It’s the best of all worlds, with fresh beaches, cozy villages, and historic cities. If you’re looking for immersive honeymoon ideas, this is a great one.
This gorgeous getaway is perfect for road trips and unique sightseeing. Find your way to the north side of the country and experience the delicious, luxurious homemade wine. Then, head south to dip your toes in the magical oceans. Don’t forget to visit the spectacular villages and historic architecture you come across along the way!
30. Anguilla
Anguilla is the intimate beach getaway you’ve been craving. Composed of thirty beaches, this Caribbean island is the perfect spot for you and your lover to soak up the sun and enjoy the warm waters.
This island has tons to offer, notably Meads Bay Pond, where you can interact with tropical wildlife. Aside from its widespread beaches, Anguilla also has a magical fishing village, Island Harbor. Here you can enjoy scenic views, grab a delicious meal, and people-watch the fisherman.
31. Barbados
Barbados is an expansive island that truly is great for all types of honeymoon ideas. It has the perfect mix of larger cities, secluded beaches, calm ocean shores, ecstatic terrain, and near-endless dinner options.
Its capital, Bridgetown, and other cities offer unique museums and cultural experiences you won’t forget. And its adventurous sports and hiking trails are sure to create memories between you and your spouse.
32. St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis is the best of both worlds when it comes to honeymooning. This dual island has gorgeous blue water and white soft sand along its beach, but it also has an immersive tropical forest and intimate markets and villages, which makes this destination an enticing hidden gem.
You can hit up your favorite beach activities like snorkeling, sailing, and fishing, and then explore off-beaten paths to beautiful adventures.
There is the famous St. Kitts Scenic Railway which takes passengers through the gorgeous mountains and showcases all that the island has to offer, or you could take the challenge and hike with your partner!
Nevis is packed with intense historical sights, one of them being where Alexander Hamilton was from! With bathhouses, oceanic views, and tons of museums, St. Kitts and Nevis have a lifetime of adventure to explore. This is one of the great all-round honeymoon ideas.
[Read: Essential things all newlyweds must know]
It can be stressful trying to plan the perfect honeymoon destination, but don’t let your stress overshadow the date! What’s important is you’ll make life-long memories with your new spouse on a romantic getaway.