Planning the Honeymoon of Your Dreams
Written by E. Ce Miller | Photography by Jana Blue Photography
It’s your first trip as a married couple and it can provide blissful memories that you will treasure for years to come. However, with the rush and stress of planning your big day, your honeymoon may not seem like a priority. You may be overwhelmed with deciding on a destination, your paid time off may be running low, not to mention your budget may be stretched thin with wedding bills. But don’t let that hinder you. You won’t get another chance to honeymoon! Here are a few suggestions to suit all different interests and budgets.
And – consult our honeymoon professionals here!
BEACH BUMS
Tropical honeymoons are always in style. It’s the ideal setting to unwind, soak up some sun and focus on one another.
Mexico’s vast array of all-inclusive hotels offer great value. For something more exotic, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Greece or the Caribbean may be more your speed. Or if budget isn’t an issue, look at those amazing overwater bungalows in Fiji or Bora Bora! Now’s the time to enjoy a dreamy vacation when it commemorates such a special occasion.
If you prefer to stay domestic, you can relax by the ocean at one of the many beautiful beaches and lovely hotels Florida and California have to offer. If you are bored by the beach, consider activities like whale watching (great in Los Cabos, Mexico), swimming with dolphins (Hawaii) or snorkeling. If you’re a foodie, check out a resort where you will find dining experiences that focus on locally-inspired creations.
ADVENTURE SEEKERS
You don’t have to travel much past your backyard to be adventurous stateside. Lace up your hiking boots, venture to any of our 63 national parks and explore miles of scenic trails. If you prefer lake views over ocean panoramas, the Midwest is a hidden treasure of small town resorts, boating and outdoor adventure, with beautiful, rustic cabins, waterfalls and nature.
Or, if you like wine and picturesque landscapes, the West Coast is for you. California’s gorgeous Wine Country includes more than 800 wineries in the northern San Francisco Bay area, which covers both Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. Book a comfortable stay at a nearby bed and breakfast after indulging in the offerings of one — or several — of the region’s wineries.
If it’s domestic culture you’re seeking, go eastbound to absorb the charms of our original 13 colonies and their historical cities, which are ripe with metropolitan life, upscale shopping, amazing seafood, museums and more. If you navigate further south, toward South Carolina and Florida, you’ll be inundated with majestic oaks, lush golf courses and sandy beaches.
THE ROMANTICS
Get swept up in the history and old- world charm of Europe. You can’t go wrong with Paris, Rome, Venice or Prague, but there’s an abundance of hidden gems that also deserve some love. For the best of both worlds, try a river cruise that docks in large metropolitan areas, while also letting you explore lesser known, but equally beautiful cities and towns. Or travel the rails with a Eurail pass, where you can hop between 33 countries, exploring each on your own timeline. Keep in mind that some countries may have COVID testing or vaccination requirements and additional testing requirements to re-enter the U.S.
You don’t need money to make memories. If finances are an issue, plan a trip close to home. Spend a few days at a quaint, little inn or enjoy one of the many resort spas nearby. You have the rest of your lives to travel — what matters now is fully enjoying one another’s company.
Start planning your honeymoon now.
Packing Tips for Your Trip
Packing for your honeymoon may not be a priority with so many other things happening in the days leading up to your wedding. However, it’s worth it to think ahead and pick up a few key items to make the most of your first trip as a wedded couple.
Above, clockwise starting in top left:
- Honeymoon Vibes Canvas Tote by Things Remembered
- Kiehl’s Activated Sun Protector™️ Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body
- Kate Spade Miss to Mrs. Luggage Tag
- Farmacy Beauty Honeymoon Glow Resurfacing Serum
- Sydney Sunglasses by Toms
