Options for an Adventure Honeymoon

Options for an Adventure Honeymoon

Victoria Knight   

The typical honeymoon may involve sunset strolls on the beach and couple’s massages at the resort spa, or perhaps coffee and croissants from a Parisian sidewalk cafe. However, with a plethora of diverse destinations around the planet offering all kinds of attractions and experiences, the sky’s the limit when you’re planning your own honeymoon.

Below are some cool honeymoon places where you can make lasting memories with your new spouse, whether it’s spending time together in the rugged outdoors, seeing the fabled Northern Lights, or getting up close with African wildlife.

Newlyweds who love the great outdoors have plenty of beautiful honeymoon places to choose from, such as the Canadian wilderness or the African bush.

Enjoy a high-altitude honeymoon in the Poconos

Adventure-seeking couples who want to honeymoon within the US can set their sights on Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, where outdoor pursuits include hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, bird-watching, and fishing.

A Poconos honeymoon isn’t just about the great outdoors, though. The region also features several destination spas and a slew of wineries and microbreweries, not to mention lots of farm-to-table restaurants in the downtown areas. Booking a cabin in the woods may be the best way to experience the Poconos—and to bask in each other’s company with minimal distractions.

After a day of exploring the mountains, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot tub or snuggle by the roaring fireplace.

Beautiful Banff is ripe for exploring

The swoon-worthy Canadian wilderness may not be top of mind when it comes to honeymoon destinations, but it sure deserves to be. Banff National Park is a 4-season playground for couples who share a love for adventure and the outdoors.

In summer, honeymooners can pack a picnic and hit the park’s trails, or enjoy a Lake Minnewanka sunset cruise. Meanwhile, powdery winters pave the way for skiing, snow tubing, and dogsledding. No matter when you go, make a pit stop at Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you and your sweetie can soak in the steaming mineral waters.

Vacation rentals in Banff include cozy log cabins tucked away in the forests, and scenic, contemporary condos with communal pools and saunas.

Walk on the wild side at Kruger National Park

Game drives to see the “Big 5”—the lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo—can be the highlight of a honeymoon in Kruger National Park. You can also hit the wilderness trails, go mountain biking, and sign up for guided walks or 4x4 tours.

Vacation rentals near the park range from stylish lodges and bush retreats with swimming pools and modern air-conditioned rooms, to simpler guesthouses and homestays. In some of these accommodations, you might enjoy wildlife sightings while reading a book on the balcony. For an unforgettable meal, go on a bush braai—a game drive that takes you to a BBQ site and offers some nocturnal wildlife viewing on the trip back.

Storybook settings in beautiful European cities

Forget Paris—many other destinations in Europe provide a fairy-tale backdrop for the honeymoon of your dreams, and you won’t have to contend with large crowds.

Go and get loved-up in Lisbon

Portugal’s hilly coastal capital reveals striking scenes at every turn, whether you’re visiting top attractions like the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and Sao Jorge Castle, or just roaming the sloping streets lined with colorful buildings.

It won’t be hard to find an apartment rental that overlooks Lisbon’s picture-postcard cityscape, and you might even have a furnished balcony where you can soak up the scenery while sipping some bubbly. Alfama, the city’s oldest district, is worth a wander.

Escape the crowds at popular Carcavelos Beach and go on a day trip to the Berlengas Islands, where you can go hiking and snorkeling and explore the Fort of São João Baptista. Back in the city, enjoy a romantic dinner in the Campo de Ourique neighborhood.

Attention, newlyweds: Colmar wine country is calling

If you’ve got your heart set on a honeymoon in France, how about trading popular Paris for charming Colmar, the third largest commune in the Alsace region? You’ll easily fall in love with the Little Venice neighborhood, where colorful half-timbered houses sit side by side on the Lauch River.

You can take a flat-bottomed boat tour or dine al fresco in one of the many riverside cafes. Colmar is on the 106-mile-long Alsace Wine Route, which means there are plenty of opportunities to drink to your new union. There’s a broad selection of apartment and cottage rentals where you can bed down, while local attractions include the Unterlinden Museum, home to a notable collection of medieval art.

Lap up the wintry wonders in Lapland

Finnish Lapland offers a snowy-white wonderland that’s perfect for a winter honeymoon. You can stay in chalets and apartments, or book a remote cottage rental where you can truly be alone with your new spouse—as though you were contained in a real-life snow globe.

Seeing the ethereal Northern Lights will certainly be an unforgettable experience, while reindeer rides and dogsled safaris offer unique ways to see the powdery landscape. Or, explore the area on your own by hopping on a snowmobile; bringing a thermos filled with hot chocolate is highly recommended.

For a dose of culture, you can go see the modern pieces at the Rovaniemi Art Museum, Korundi, the northernmost regional art museum in Europe, or check out Santa Claus Village, a themed amusement park that’s open year-round.

Best Destinations for Hawaii Honeymoons

Best Destinations for Hawaii Honeymoons

Victoria Knight   

Few places are as synonymous with getaways as Hawaii—and no getaway is arguably more important than your honeymoon. With pleasant weather all year round, the islands of the Aloha State await, no matter what time of the year you get married. Combining breathtaking scenery, unique culture and cuisine, top-notch recreation, and miles and miles of sandy beaches, the Hawaiian islands have everything honeymooners could ask for.

From swanky condos to charming cottages, there's no shortage of vacation rentals ready to be your springboard to an unforgettable Hawaii honeymoon.

Spectacular honeymoons on Oahu

Hawaii's most populous island, Oahu possesses perhaps the best mix of picturesque nature and enthralling culture that the state has to offer. You'll find dazzling beaches like Waikiki and the crescent-shaped beach at Hanauma Bay, along with the towering dormant volcano, Diamond Head.

Honolulu, Hawaii's capital, lies on the southeast coast of Oahu and is home to the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, and the Honolulu Zoo, as well as the iconic lighthouse known as the Aloha Tower.

History buffs should visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Wherever you choose to visit, opt for a vacation rental with a deck for taking in the spectacular sunsets.

Watersports galore on a Maui honeymoon

Maui, Hawaii's second-largest island, is a great honeymoon spot for those who love aquatic sports and the beauty of nature. Kanaha Beach Park is a top destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kiteboarding, while Ho'okipa Beach draws surfers. Snorkeling and swimming are all-time favorite activities around the island.

On Maui's eastern side, the dormant volcano Haleakala is a popular destination for sightseeing, and the scenic drive through tropical rainforests and past waterfalls along the Hana Highway is a must to see the best the island has to offer. If you choose a vacation rental with an outdoor pool, you and your partner can relax in water while taking in the views.

Enjoying nature's splendor on a Kauai honeymoon

Kauai, nicknamed the "Garden Isle," certainly lives up to its billing. With lush greenery covering much of the island, Kauai is a great option for honeymooners who enjoy exploring nature. Must-see hiking destinations include Na Pali Coast State Park and dramatic Waimea Canyon State Park with its cascading Waipo'o Falls.

Other notable natural phenomena include Spouting Horn, an area known for its waves, and the romantic Fern Grotto. For a bit of relaxation or aquatic recreation, head to Hanalei Bay, which features miles of beaches and a scenic pier. Wherever you choose to room, make sure you book a vacation rental with a hot tub for soothing those tired muscles after a day on the trails.

Dancing and more on Molokai honeymoons

The relative lack of development on Molokai has enabled island to maintain its natural heritage in pristine condition, and the welcoming character of its locals has earned it the nickname the "Friendly Isle." The Halawa Valley on the east side of the island, a great location for hiking, features a breathtaking waterfall.

For a slightly more elevated view, take a helicopter tour to see the East Molokai Volcano. The island is also thought to be the birthplace of hula, and hosts an annual festival celebrating the native dance. With no shortage of sand either, choose a vacation rental right on the beach to start and end the day with breathtaking views.

Honeymoons on the Big Island

Big Island is the place to go to experience the awesome geological forces that created the Hawaiian islands. On the eastern side, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park features 2 active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. To the north, you'll find the dormant Mauna Kea, the highest peak in the state.

The island also boasts fantastic waterfalls, like Akaka and Rainbow Falls. Along with these natural wonders, the Big Island is home to important locales like the Puʻukohola Heiau National Historic Site, which features the ruins of the last major ancient Hawaiian temple.

Book a summer rental with an outdoor BBQ and enjoy an al fresco meal on the patio with your sweetheart on warm nights.

Affordable Honeymoon Destinations on a Budget

Affordable Honeymoon Destinations on a Budget

Victoria Knight   

After all the expenses involved in planning a wedding, no one can blame a newlywed couple for wanting a cheap honeymoon that still ticks all the boxes: romance, beautiful scenery, and plenty of opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime. Fortunately, you don’t have to shell out a lot of money for a honeymoon you’ll remember ‘til death do you part.

Whether you’re thinking of a romp in the Central American rainforests or urban adventures in captivating European cities, there’s an inexpensive honeymoon destination that’ll hit the spot.

Get more bang for your buck on Banff honeymoons

Banff National Park is an economical choice for nature-loving newlyweds who want an outdoorsy honeymoon. Besides the usual recreational pursuits in various seasons—hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and skiing, for instance—you and your sweetheart can also treat yourselves to unique experiences like horse-drawn sleigh rides, helicopter tours, and dogsled rides. Go on scenic drives in search of the most romantic viewpoints, then head to downtown Banff to shop for souvenirs and enjoy a breather at a cozy cafe.

After all those adventures, stop by Banff Upper Hot Springs and relieve your tired muscles with a dip in the thermal waters. Better yet, head back to your cabin in the woods and keep a bottle of wine within reach while you soak in your private hot tub.

Enjoy a Lisbon honeymoon at lower costs

Lisbon is every bit as romantic as the most popular honeymoon destinations in Europe, but it won’t cost you as much. Set on the Iberian Peninsula where the Tagus River empties out into the Atlantic, the hilly Portuguese capital offers both a fairy-tale cityscape and a slew of urban beaches. Carcavelos Beach is the most accessible and also the busiest, but it isn’t hard to find quieter slices of shoreline where you and your new spouse can enjoy some beach time with less distractions.

Explore on trams and on foot to see the streets lined with colorful buildings and visit historic landmarks like the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery. Back at your apartment rental, sip sunset cocktails on the balcony while enjoying the views over Lisbon’s rooftops.

Belize honeymoons won’t break the bank

Belize is nowhere near as crowded and commercialized as its popular Caribbean neighbors, making it the perfect spot for spending time with your sweetheart and basking in newly wedded bliss. With so many outdoor activities available, it’s an especially fantastic choice for adventure-seeking couples who’d rather spend more time outside their vacation rental than in it.

You can snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef, the world’s second largest coral reef system after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef or dive the legendary Great Blue Hole. Explore ancient Mayan ruins, some of which offer sweeping views over the surrounding jungle, and keep your eyes peeled for diverse birds and wildlife while you’re hiking. Belize is pretty small and domestic flights are reasonably priced, so it’s easy to cover as much of the country as your schedule allows.

Cheap honeymoons in Costa Rica

Jet off to Costa Rica for an adventure-filled honeymoon on a budget. Rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, lagoons, and beaches—this rugged destination in Central America has it all, along with a spectacularly vast array of flora and fauna. The coastal Manuel Antonio National Park is the most popular tourist spot, and you’ll find several nearby villa rentals looking out over the ocean.

Vacation rentals in Monteverde put you close to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where hanging bridges and ziplines add to the appeal of meandering through the mist-covered landscape. No matter where you stay in Costa Rica, you won’t run out of things to see and do. Go kayaking, diving, and hiking a volcano, or spend lazy afternoons just relishing each other’s company while lounging on the beach.

Save on sun-kissed honeymoons in Croatia

Looking for cheap honeymoon destinations in Europe? Try Croatia. Between its mainland coast and its hundreds of islands, this underrated gem boasts around 3,600 miles of stunning coastline, which means endless beach time with your new spouse.

You can move around to maximize your time in Croatia. Dubrovnik is perfect for romantic walks in the atmospheric Old Town, and it’s also home to some filming locations for the popular TV show “Game of Thrones.” The capital, Zagreb, offers a vibrant cafe culture and bustling nightlife, while Split features a scenic palm-lined promenade.

Whichever city you want to visit, loads of waterfront vacation rentals await, many of them with furnished balconies looking out onto the Adriatic Sea.

The Best Honeymoon Spots Across the Globe

The Best Honeymoon Spots Across the Globe

Victoria Knight   

Choosing where to honeymoon can be quite the quandary, with so many incredible destinations around the world where you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a picture postcard, not to mention a plethora of vacation rentals to provide a stylish and comfortable home away from home. You can narrow the list down by deciding what kind of honeymoon you want.

A relaxing escape to a secluded beach, perhaps, or an adventure-filled getaway in the great outdoors? This diverse list of the best honeymoon places on the planet might spark some ideas and help you plan the honeymoon of your dreams.

Bed down in a private villa in Bali

It won’t be surprising if you end up spending your entire honeymoon in your villa rental in Bali. Whether near the bustling beaches of Seminyak or amid the verdant rice paddies in Ubud, the villas for rent here are designed for the ultimate staycation. Think open-plan spaces where you can step out of your bedroom or living room and right into the outdoor pool—there might even be a floating breakfast tray waiting for you.

When you feel like heading out, you can visit a few temples, learn to surf, and go on scenic hikes and walks. Of course, no trip to Bali is complete without a visit to one of the many luxurious spas dotting this Indonesian island.

Paris is a perennial honeymoon favorite

The French capital’s long-standing reputation as one of the most romantic cities in the world has not tarnished a bit, and it remains a classic honeymoon destination. Snap the obligatory photos of you smooching under the Eiffel Tower, then cross the street and head to the Trocadero gardens for an even better view of the Parisian icon.

You can tour the city on a scooter, take a dinner cruise on the River Seine, and stroll arm in arm through the cobbled city streets. Escape the crowds by skipping the usual tourist stops—Paris has many hidden gardens, courtyards, and shopping arcades waiting to be discovered. You’ll no doubt find your own special spots, from patisseries to parks, and with thousands of vacation rentals here, it’ll be easy to find a great little love nest as well.

Have an amazing time on the Amalfi Coast

A stunning sun-kissed destination stretching for 30-odd miles along the Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is one of the top honeymoon spots in the Mediterranean. It’s impossible to escape the postcard-perfect scenery here, even if you’re just relaxing on your mountainside vacation rental’s balcony that looks out over the sea. Large tourist crowds descend upon the Amalfi Coast in the summer months, especially in beloved pastel-colored Positano and bustling Amalfi.

However, with several towns and fishing villages to explore, you’ll come across many gardens and scenic viewpoints tucked away among the crags and cliffs, as well as small beaches and coves where you can soak up the sun while enjoying peace and privacy. Watch dazzling sunsets with your new spouse, then hunker down to a scrumptious dinner in a seaside restaurant.

Costa Rica honeymoons are full of adventure

If you are nature-loving newlyweds wondering where to honeymoon, look no further than Costa Rica, a tropical destination known for its diverse landscapes and incredibly rich biodiversity. There’s so much to do here, from hiking Arenal Volcano, touring the Damas Island mangrove on kayaks, and navigating the zip lines, hanging bridges, and nature trails in the mist-covered Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Manuel Antonio National Park is a popular area to stay and explore, thanks to the white-sand beaches backed by lowland forest, as well as the wildlife viewing opportunities. Vacation rentals in Costa Rica might not always have the pizzazz of a Parisian apartment or a Balinese villa, but they do come with breathtaking views or lush forest and mountain settings.

Enjoy a remote beach honeymoon in Fiji

An archipelago in the South Pacific with more than 300 islands, Fiji is one of your best bets for a far-flung beach honeymoon where you can truly get away from it all and just be with each other. A honeymoon in Fiji can be as laidback or as active as you want it to be. You can spend most of your time basking on the beach, getting pampered at a spa, and lounging in your villa or beach cottage rental.

If you want something that’ll get your heart rate up, diving with several shark species in the Beqa Lagoon will surely do the trick! Or hit a happy medium by trying some water sports and visiting Taveuni Island for excellent bird-watching.