If you asked your wedding planner or your colleague at work to recommend romantic honeymoon locations, they’d probably look at you strangely and say, “Well, what kind of destination would appeal to you? I could give you my favorite romantic honeymoon location, but you may not agree.”
Some men might suggest Yankee Stadium in New York as their top choice, while some women might choose a shopping area where there’s no tax to pay or a spa where they can enjoy a daily facial.
It takes two to tango, and if Argentina’s tango nightclubs don’t appeal to you, then that country might not be considered a romantic honeymoon destination, unless you’re a diehard tango fan. By the way, tango is quite an erotic dance!
Different Strokes for Different Folks
Our personal choice would be a place, no matter the country, where we could play tennis, swim, and go for long walks. We would opt for a sporty honeymoon over all others simply because we can’t imagine ourselves romantically watching the sunset and collecting seashells on the beach for 10 hours a day.
If we were born with even a hint of poetic nature, we might choose a place that inspires us to write poetry. We think the Canadian Rockies would be a sublime spot for poets, though not everyone could endure the rocks for long periods. And if you’re religious, Lourdes in France might appeal to you. If you’re the intellectual type, we know of universities around the world that could serve as a “learning honeymoon” site, if such a thing exists. These universities offer courses on Medieval History and Archaeology, complete with board and lodging, plus daily excursions to historic places.
You don’t have to honeymoon in the most popular destinations like Italy or Hawaii; some people we know would rather take the road less traveled so their honeymoon aligns more with their temperaments and preferences.
Before we mention some favorite destinations, let’s go over a few tips for preparing for that idyllic honeymoon:
- The honeymoon destination must be agreed upon mutually. Both partners must have an equal chance to choose. How do you agree? Both of you should write down your top three honeymoon choices. Your selections should depend on finances, the activities you want to enjoy, and whether you prefer a hotel, campsite, or something more adventurous.
- Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, do your research. This should cover: weather and timing, visa and passport requirements, vaccinations, accommodations, internet and phone service (you may not have access to emails if you choose a remote location), car rental, sightseeing options, equipment rental, and whether there are any travel advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
- Make sure your credit cards aren’t maxed out and that they are accepted in the country you’re visiting. You may want to have cash and traveler’s cheques in case you misplace your cards or your cash is stolen. Consider doing a wire transfer in advance.
- Decide what clothes and footwear you’ll need, and make allowances for sudden temperature changes or exceptionally hot days.
- Ask whether bottled water is available. Most countries offer bottled water these days, but if you’re heading to the mountains, it might be scarce.
Top Romantic Honeymoon Locations
These six romantic locations are not based on scientific studies or popularity polls. Since choosing a honeymoon spot is highly personal, some people may not agree with these suggestions, either due to an unpleasant past experience or because they know of other more enticing places.
Panama – This destination would appeal to beach lovers. Panama boasts stretches of white sandy beaches. If you get tired of one beach, you can simply move to another. The weather is great, and the US dollar is the country’s currency. Many retirees and investors choose Panama because the cost of living is affordable, and the locals are some of the warmest around. In fact, many people who visit Panama choose to stay and never go back home. The country also offers a relaxed way of life and excellent food.
Jamaica – You might not associate this tropical country with a vibrant nightlife, but it has one! If you’re into forests, Jamaica’s greenery is incredible. You can take a bamboo raft to explore caves and waterfalls, check out Ocho Rios, or join a plantation or Blue Mountain tour.
The Bahamas – This destination is so close to the US, yet so different in character. The Bahamas isn’t just for the super-wealthy—it caters to various budgets. You can explore any of the country’s 700 islands, and the beaches are magnificent. For eco-adventurers, the Bahamas should be on your list. The marine life is abundant.
Italy – A country brimming with love and music. If you and your partner want to explore a new side of love or experience a unique romantic hideaway, Italy is for you. It will satisfy your romantic cravings, your taste for fine food, and your love for fine wine. Two friends highly recommend Sorrento, a small city with about 16,000 inhabitants. The Amalfi Drive is a must-see if you like living on the edge of Mediterranean cliffs!
England and Ireland – Why not? London, England, is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. If you love theatre hopping and pub crawling, England is the place for you. If your partner enjoys shopping, Harrods is in London. While she’s busy spending your money, you can sneak off to Ireland for a relaxing round of golf. Some of the best golf courses in Ireland are near Dublin.
Monaco – If money is no object and you want to rub elbows with the rich and famous, Monaco is the place to be. Skip Beverly Hills for now and head to Monaco instead. There used to be a saying that Monaco’s streets were paved with gold—we don’t know if that’s true, but the place certainly exudes wealth. Many celebrities live in Monaco to avoid high taxes in their home countries. And if you’re into ballet or opera, Monaco’s Salle Garnier offers top-tier entertainment.
Okay, lovebirds, live and let live!
