By Bev Falley
Planning the honeymoon is often one of the last things couples do after all of the wedding details are finalized. And often, when the stress of the wedding production is over, the main objective of the honeymoon trip is just to relax. Most often, this means going to a beautiful beach resort with an all-inclusive plan and a swim-up pool bar and spending a week being thoroughly pampered. While this scenario is an excellent and very popular choice for new couples, you may want to consider some other options when thinking about planning your perfect first trip as a married couple. If your group of friends includes newlyweds, most likely you know people who have honeymooned at one of these all-inclusive beach resorts. And, most likely, they had a wonderful experience. But, what if you are imagining something truly unique for your honeymoon? Maybe a destination that had not been considered, but somewhere that would stand apart from the “usual” and create memories for a lifetime. Here are just a few suggestions.
EUROPE
A honeymoon in one of the European capitals is an ideal choice for couples who want to venture a bit further and have at least a week to spend. Paris is known as the City of Love. If your imagination takes you to strolling along the avenues, eating croissants while watching people in a sidewalk café or visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, this is a honeymoon dream.
Rome is an absolutely amazing modern city set amongst the ancient ruins of the Coliseum and the Forum. Exploring the narrow winding streets and, of course, tossing coins in the Trevi Fountain are just the beginning. And Venice, with its canals and gondolas, is the perfect backdrop for romance.
These cities are excellent starting points for day trips to other areas of the country as well. If you prefer the countryside to the city, there are amazing villas in Provence in the south of France and Tuscany or Umbria in Italy. And of course, the Italian Amalfi Coast and the French Rivera are filled with boutique hotels that offer amazing Views of the sea and intimate accommodations.
Another wonderful European honeymoon destination is Ireland. The beauty of the countryside and the amazing Irish people provide an opportunity to celebrate your marriage with spirits, music and smiles. Ireland has a number of medieval castles that have been converted into world-class hotels, and spending a few days at one of these amazing properties can truly make you feel like a prince and princess! The compact area of this beautiful Emerald Isle makes it easy to see a lot of the country in a short time, whether on a guided trip with a local host or on your own with a car and vouchers for B&B stays. Either way, you are guaranteed to meet wonderful locals who will be eager to help you celebrate the next leg your new life adventure!
SMALL SHIP CRUISING
Cruises are always popular for honeymoons. But, what if you want to expand that concept to something more unique and memorable? For example, a cruise through the Greek Islands takes you to such seaside ports as Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos, Crete and Rhodes. The navy blue waters of the Mediterranean, the cobblestone alleyways of the villages and the white stone domed buildings overlooking the sea are romantic destinations full of “postcard” photo ops.
Cruises to the Greek Islands, the Black Sea, Scandinavia and Tahiti (to name a few) are best enjoyed on a small ship or yacht. These provide an entirely different experience than the mega ships, which are virtual “sailing cities,” accommodating up to 5,400 people at one time. Small ships normally carry fewer than 200 people and are able to reach smaller ports, inaccessible to the large ships. This allows cruise companies to create much more interesting itineraries to picturesque locations all over the world. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and friendly. Because the ratio of staff to passenger is very small, you always receive amazing service and you feel like a guest on a private vessel. These small ship cruises are perfect for couples considering a cruise but wanting an intimate, unique experience.
EXOTIC DESTINATIONS
If you have more time to spend and want to do something truly unforgettable, you may want to consider an exotic honeymoon. For example, an African Safari! There is nothing more amazing than getting up close to the giant elephants, elegant giraffes, mystic cheetahs, zebras, rhinos, hippos and other native species. The most popular destinations for these types of trips are Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Or try Uganda and Rwanda to catch the Mountain Gorillas. Paying a visit to these beautiful beasts in their natural habitat is something that few of us have an opportunity to experience in our lifetimes.
After a full day observing wildlife, you return to your camp to be treated to some of the most unique accommodations you can imagine. The tented camps in these areas are unbelievable properties, some of which are listed in major travel publications such as Conde Nast Traveler and National Geographic Traveler among the world’s best hotels, offering first-class dining and service located in the middle of the African wilderness.
For the more adventurous couple, a trip to Patagonia is truly a trip to “the ends of the earth.” Beginning with a stay in the South American Metropolis of Santiago or Buenos Aires, travel to the tip of the Continent to witness glaciers, pristine lakes, caverns and wildlife. Truly amazing!
THE BEACH… BEYOND THE CARIBBEAN
Still thinking about a beach, but want to venture a bit further and see something more exotic than Mexico or Jamaica? Consider the storybook tropical paradise of Tahiti or Bora Bora, with uncrowded white sand beaches and a bungalow over the water. Or, the famous beaches of Australia, unsurpassed for surfing and water sports. The beaches of Indonesia and Thailand are considered the most beautiful in the world and offer the best experiences in diving, dining and world-class service. And scattered among the islands in the Mediterranean, Agean and Ionian Seas are many unique and truly amazing beach destinations.
The possibilities for an amazing honeymoon are unlimited! So, when thinking about the perfect place to start your life together, let your imagination soar beyond the typical, to a place that is truly unique to the two of you.
Bev Falley is an experienced travel consultant with Island Dreams Travel in Lawrence. Island Dreams Travel [LINK: www.islanddreamstvl.com] has specialized in honeymoons for more than 30 years and works closely with couples and partners across the world to create beautiful vacation experiences guaranteed to result in lasting memories throughout your lifetime together.