Whether it’s a few hours to the beach or a plane ride to a far-flung locale, there’s a honeymoon out there for every couple.
Within the first week after a wedding ceremony, honeymoons take newlyweds to any place from Finland, Florence, and the Florida Keys to Jackson Hole, Jamaica, and Japan.
Anne and Carl Deane provide a look at just a few of the fun and exciting honeymoon destinations trending this year.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Mexico’s tourism industry is booming, and Riviera Maya is one of the top choices for newlyweds this year.
Perfect for those looking for a trip that’s part adventurous and part relaxing, Riviera Maya offers such unforgettable activities as hiking through Mayan ruins, swimming in the underground caverns, rivers, and the Rio Secreto (“Secret River”) region, or splurging on ultra-luxurious, eco-friendly beach resorts.
Tanzania
Speaking of unforgettable experiences, spotting Africa’s biggest wildlife on a multi-day luxury safari is likely to top many honeymoon wish lists. Whether it’s staying in a top resort or roughing it in a tent, experiencing a sunset in the Rift Valley or the Ngorongoro Crater will make any honeymoon one for the ages.
While the Serengeti is the most popular destination, there are numerous potential experiences to consider in Tanzania, including a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro and scuba diving in Zanzibar.
Paris, France
It doesn’t get more traditionally romantic than the City of Light, an eternally popular honeymoon destination for many good reasons.
There are the classics — the sparkling Eiffel Tower, the majestic Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre — and then there are the nighttime Seine river cruises and walks, hand-in-hand, through the old-world streets of the Montmartre. It’s hard to go wrong here.
Charleston, South Carolina
Prepare to be charmed at this lovely low-country destination that is beyond perfect for newlyweds seeking a romantic but more affordable honeymoon.
Charleston is as beautiful and memorable as everyone says, from the cobblestone streets,18th-century architecture, and plentiful gardens to the fantastic restaurants dotted across the city. If you’re looking for a romantic hotel to set the mood, Charleston is packed with them.
Golden Triangle, Thailand
Couples seeking a thrilling honeymoon have often headed to Thailand. In particular, its majestic Golden Triangle, where it shares borders with Myanmar and Laos, is a well-known favorite.
In the Triangle, there’s everything from ATV trips to encounters with elephants to luxurious resorts like the Four Seasons Golden Triangle. For a change of historical pace, couples won’t want to miss out on the numerous temples in the region, the various traditional villages, and the rolling coffee plantations.
Iceland
Iceland has a lot going for it — especially since it’s a more-than-doable five-hour flight from the East Coast of the U.S. Most honeymooners find themselves in its lovely capital, Reykjavik.
Only an hour away is the Ion Adventure Hotel, which offers hiking on glaciers, ice cave exploring, and even snorkeling at the Silfra Fissure, which marks a tectonic plate boundary. It also happens to be the perfect place to glimpse the gorgeous and unparalleled Northern Lights.