After the wedding, you should feel like shutting off the world and flying out to an unknown destination with your significant other and unwind. Planning for a wedding is emotionally and physically draining, and when everything is done and dusted, it is an entirely reasonable and unspoken rule to set off for a honeymoon. But where exactly should you go?
Before even you answer, when should you plan for your honeymoon? Obviously, it is not after the wedding. We hope, as your wedding is approaching the home stretch that our guide helps you discover the most romantic honeymoon destinations, you should consider booking.
List of the Top 10 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is an island rich in history with exceptional cuisine and mesmerizing natural beauty. The island explodes with charisma, making it one of the best vacation spots for couples.
Why Go: Enjoy the breathtaking sunsets, especially in Caldera, Oia. As it is a romantic trip, visit this island for some of the oldest vineyards on earth at Santorini Winery.
Best Time to Go: Santorini is always packed with travelers, and every month on this magical island is not the same. The best time to visit the island depends on what you want to achieve with your visit, which in turn depends on the crowd.
During the low season, you will find cheaper deals, but you may miss out on the fantastic weather. If you want a sunny and rain-free honeymoon, then the best time to visit the island is between May and September.
If you want a calm, relaxed time without the crowd, then plan your visit to Santorini during the low season, between October to March, which is also the best time to save.
Things to Do: Visit Perissa Beach and sunbathe on a black sand beach. The sand is hot, providing the perfect opportunity to show your lady that you care by carrying her across the blistering sand back to your towels.
Maldives
The Maldives islands are the premium honeymoon destination in the world. The islands are epic, and few destinations in the world can rival them as the most romantic honeymoon spot.
The overwater bungalows, vibrant marine life, the crystal blue waters, and much more, make the Maldives a must-visit honeymoon destination.
Why Go: It is the definitive dream luxurious premium destination. The Maldives islands are well-known for crystalline waters with shades of blue, tall palm trees, sparkling silver sand under infinite blue skies.
Best Time to Go: The Maldives experiences good weather throughout the year, but the best time to visit the islands is from November to April. While the island weather is generally warm and sunny, there are also rainy and wet seasons. But thanks to little precipitation in and considerably warm temperatures between November and March, you can have your best honeymoon experience. But unfortunately, this is also the time when everyone goes to the Maldives, and everything is super expensive.
Nevertheless, you won’t be bothered by crowds because each resort is located on its own island. If you want to get better deals (the Maldives is typically pricey all-year-round), you should plan your vacation between May and October, but there is a catch. You will have to contend with 10 inches of precipitation and strong winds.
Things to Do: Pamper yourself and your partner with some exotic, romantic massage because you deserve it after the stressful period of wedding planning. Swim among some of the most beautiful reefs in the world under crystal-clear azure blue waters.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is one of the most loved romantic honeymoon spots in the world. It is the best destination to unwind as you will need a great deal amount of time to explore these coastal villages (five) of Liguria.
Why Go: The five villages have marvelous architectures that date back to the 1200s. You will immerse yourself in the medieval era in these five villages with the narrow streets and houses clinging to the steep hillside with the Mediterranean waters below.
Best Time to Go: The best time to visit Cinque Terre might depend on your preferences and needs. If you want to enjoy your wedding trip to Cinque Terre, then you should plan your visit between September and October when most of the tourists have returned home. It is also cooler this time of the year, and trails are empty for you to explore the villages.
November to February is synonymous with cold weather, and some of the amenities are closed during this period. You can enjoy lower rates during this time, especially in December. Spring is also a lovely shoulder season in Cinque Terre but can be accompanied by rain. The month of August is the hottest in Cinque Terre, and also the most crowded period with high hotel rates.
What to Do: Enjoy some fantastic views from Riomaggiore, while it is a little bit of a workout to get to the top of this viewpoint, the effort is worth it. Pass by Nessun Dorma for tasty Italian food in Manarola, where they also have a range of Pesto tasting classes.
Hawaii, USA
Hawaii is the hardest destination to plan, but it is the best spot for the wedding trip or wedding anniversary. Deciding the best island to visit out of the eight is always going to take your time and some head-scratching. Each island that makes up Hawaii has its unique personality and adventures. You need to visit at least two islands to get the real Hawaiian feeling.
Why Go: Every island in Hawaii is different in their unique ways. The island is ethnically diverse, meaning you will not look out of place during your wedding trip. Some parts of or the islands are pristine, so it is possible to land on a secluded paradise in Hawaii if you take scenic routes instead of the highways.
Best time to Go: If you want the best weather for a wedding trip, you should schedule your trip for April, September or October. The islands experience a lot of rains between November and March, while June and to November is hurricane season, though there are usually not destructive. Generally, you will find warm, tropical weather in Hawaii due to its position close to the equator, and the temperatures don’t drastically change throughout the year like other parts of North America and Europe.
You should try and make your hotel reservations for three months in advance. In case your itinerary includes swimming and snorkeling, you should plan to visit during the summer months of May through September. If you want budget travel, then the best months are May, September, October, and November, as well the beginning of December.
Things to Do: Honeymoon in Hawaii is going to be spectacular regardless of where you stay of what you do. Head over to Mount Haleakala on Maui Island for one of the most breathtaking views of a sunrise like you have never seen before.
Paris, France
It is hard to imagine anything romantic than the sound of a honeymoon in Paris. The City of Love is known to be the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world, and it is not hard to see why. Paris has been tempting couples from around the world for many years, and you can’t go wrong by starting your marriage life with a trip to Paris for a honeymoon.
Why Go: Paris is an unofficial city of love, and everything you do, whether it is wine tasting or a meal on Eiffel Tower, will be romantic.
Best time to Go: The best time to visit Paris is between June and August and September and October. Of course, both periods have their ups and downs. In summer (June to August), the weather is magnificent and the days are longer.
The downside of visiting this time is the crowd, thus, costly. For budget travel as shorter queues at points of interest, consider visiting during the winter. Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and her attractions, including Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame are the most visited in the world. So no matter the time you visit, you will always come encounter long lines and crowds.
Things to Do: Take a dinner cruise down River Seine with your significant other. This cruise is relaxing and will allow you to view the city from a different angle. The journey will also let the two of you see some of the city’s famous monuments, including Notre Dame, Ile de la Cite the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and most iconic one, the Eiffel Tower.
Fiji
Fiji has many astounding places, including sand beaches, authentic culture, and jungle rivers. With all these natural beauties, Fiji should be on your list of romantic honeymoon ideas. The people of Fiji are super friendly. The country is an archipelago of over 300 islands, meaning you also have a decision to make on which island to visit for your honeymoon. However, the most common islands are Mamanucas, Yasawas, and Ovalau & Lomaiviti.
Why Go: Fiji is widely known as the Soft Coral Capital of the World because of the Great Astrolabe Reef that surrounds the 333 islands and atolls. For this reason, the country is packed with fun water activities.
Best time to GO: Just like many other destinations, peak and off-peak seasons will be a deciding factor on the best time to visit Fiji. Generally, Fiji barely has winter, which is something great, that means you can travel any month of the year. There are always blue skies, the sun shines, and blazing sunsets.
The best time to visit Fiji on a budget is from February to June and also September when the demand is very low. If you want to enjoy the nightlife with your better half, you should visit the islands during the hot months of July and August.
Things to Do: Fiji is known worldwide for its sea life, especially its wide range of colorful coral. The islands feature numerous water activities that you and your partner can enjoy. Don’t forget to explore the Great Astrolabe Reef – the fourth-largest barrier in the world.
Venice, Italy
They say there is no place on earth like Venice. There are some truths in that statement. Venice, as the iconic city itself, floats on the waters of the Adriatic Sea and characterized by some elaborate architecture, art-filled palaces, as well as its storied history that dates back over 1,000 years and most importantly, its network of canals.
Why Go: Venice comprises of a tight cluster of islands surrounding the Grand Canal – a legendary waterway plied by gondolas, canal boats, and water taxis. There are nearly no cars in Venice, with only one main road and two streets. When you take your honeymoon to Venice, you will explore the city on foot and mostly on boats or gondolas. While it is quite slower to navigate the city, it is quite pleasant, and there are no shortages of attractions.
Best time to GO: Venice is among the best spot for a couple’s vacations, just like many other destinations in the world, some months are better than others. When deciding the best time to visit the city for your honeymoon, you need to consider your needs. Are you after the weather? The many festivals, or the acqua alta that the city is so famous for.
Therefore, the best time to visit Venice is November- during the off-season, which is also one of the chilliest months in the city. If you want the city just for you and your sweetheart, it is best to plan your trip in the off-season. You will also pay less during the off-season. The best weather for a honeymoon in Venice is between late spring and early summer, but the city will be crowded with other tourists, especially the May 1st holiday. Also, traveling during this period will mean paying a lot for accommodation and transportation.
Things to Do: Kickstart your marriage by visiting the Teatro La Fenice and enjoy the romantic opera show. After that, embark on the most romantic thing to do in Venice – a gondola ride. The two of you will be filled with the experience of the lifetime. You can choose to row along the unobtrusive little canals or the famous Grand Canal.
Bali, Indonesia
Even without a honeymoon, Bali is always one everyone’s travel bucket list. But when it comes to vacation for couples, the island is one of the most evocative and visited tourist destinations. Upon arriving, you will immediately feel the intoxicating attar of incense and fragrance oil hanging in the thick tropical air. Bali is a natural beauty, despite the clamor and chaos synonymous with many tourist attractions. The island is also famous for its impressive art scene as well as decent surfing waves.
Why Go: Bali has one of the most iconic temples in Indonesia – Pura Tanah Lot. The temple is located on a rocky islet hemmed in by crashing waves. Visiting this temple is considered one of the most romantic things to do in Bali. The island also experiences one of the most romantic sunsets in the world called Uluwatu Temple.
Best time to Go: Bali is located proximally to the equator, which gives it a warm year-round temperature. However, there is a considerable dissimilarity between its two seasons in terms of cost.
The dry season in Bali starts from May to October, which is also the high season, but generally, the best time to visit Bali is April, May, June, and September. This time, the climate is dry and slightly less humid. The accommodation is also cheap; villas for rent can be 50% less expensive than during the high season. Many shops also run promotions during this period, and you will encounter fewer crowds.
Things to DO: Head over to Jimbaran in southern Bali. It is the most romantic place in Bali, especially the sunset dinner at Jimbaran Beach. You and your better half will be sitting on the beach with your private table and chair, with your toes in the sand, as the waves hug the shores softly on the backdrop.
Carmel-by-the sea, California
Carmel-by-the-sea is considered to have the best beach in the world. Carmel Beach is an ensemble cast of allure that makes Carmel-by-the-sea such as a stunning destination.
With its small size, the town is still experiencing the pressure of tourism. The most outstanding feature about this town is the beach, the streets that are lined up with shops, and galleries. Its allure is what makes Carmel-by-the-sea one of the best romantic honeymoon destinations.
Why Go: Carmel has one of the most beautiful beaches in California, which is characterized by silver sand and stunning wind-swept cypress trees. Carmel-by-the-sea is also distinct from other towns in the US due to its authenticity and European vide.
Best time to Go: Temperature in Carmel-by-the-sea is typically cold for almost half a year. If you want to visit the town for the weather, the warmest months are July and August as well as September.
Things to Do: Carmel-by-the-sea is picturesque villages that will make your honeymoon dream come true with a European touch. You and your partner can walk around the town as it is just a square mile. While walking, head west until you find Carmel Beach, which is the rarest sand beach in California.
Mauritius
Mark Twain once said that “Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius.” To some extent, that statement is true. The island is the biggest rival to the Maldives, and with its luxurious resorts, silver-white beaches, and sapphire water, there is not so much that separates the two destinations. Mauritius is a premium gateway full of fun activities. There is a hiking, world-class diving as well as snorkeling, boat trips and expeditions to botanical gardens and colonial estate houses.
Why Go: Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, boasts French architecture with exciting shopping and entertainment hubs. The city also features lots of luxurious hotels and fine restaurants, which ensure you have a perfect time with your lover.
Best time to Go: Mauritius has to distinct seasons; summer, starting from October to April, characterized by risks of cyclones between January and March, and dry winter from May to September.
The best period to visit the island is towards the end of the year, from October to December. During this time, the weather is hot, warm, and blue skies. The low seasons in Mauritius starts runs from May to September. It is also when the island is less crowded as well as less expensive.
Things to Do: Treat yourselves to the couple’s spa treatment at the award-winning Four Seasons spa at Anahita. After that, horseback ride into the sunset along the 2.5 kilometers of deserted beach with your significant other.
Considering Romantic Honeymoon Destination
Honeymoon is usually meant to give you and your better half time to experience the feeling and explore what they mean. It gives you a perfect opportunity to look at each other and take in the new reality that you have declared in front of your families and friends that you are in for the long haul. It is a well-deserved trip that will help you unwind after the stress of planning your wedding. If you are looking for romantic honeymoon ideas, you can choose between one of the ten best romantic destinations in the world: all corners of the globe, from Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Asia.
