When planning your dream honeymoon, the options are nearly endless. It’s important to find the right balance between rest and relaxation, playfulness, and adventure so that your once-in-a-lifetime trip is all you hope it to be. But that’s not always easy, and it takes some advance planning.
Fortunately, modern couples have more options and can choose a destination that matches their personality, preferences and budgets perfectly. The most important thing is to discuss your honeymoon expectations as a couple and be on the same page. This will prevent you from experiencing a honeymoon that falls short of the image you’ve been creating in your head for so long.
Honeymoon is a word that came into use in the 19th century, coined to describe a period of seclusion for newlyweds, explains Kylie Carlson of The Wedding Academy. During this time, the couple would likely indulge in mead, a sweet wine crafted from fermented honey, which was believed to have aphrodisiac properties and boost marital bliss. Friends and family members would typically present the new couple with a month’s supply of this special elixir, complete with elegant goblets.
Although the modern concept of a honeymoon has taken a significant amount of influence from the 19th century, Avey explains that the concept is far older than that. During the Victorian era, affordable railway travel allowed working-class couples to take a romantic break after their weddings and escape to seaside resorts or cities. More affluent couples might even plan a ‘bridal tour’ of Europe or the Lake District. This concept evolved into the vacation that many newlyweds dream of today.
When deciding on a destination for your honeymoon, consider what you and your partner are most passionate about as individuals. For example, if one of you is a history buff while the other is all about gastronomy, choose destinations with plenty of cultural and culinary experiences. Alternatively, if you’re both adrenaline junkies, look for a place where you can engage in outdoor adventures together, like the mountainous landscapes of the US or abroad, and enjoy gourmet meals afterwards at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
It’s also helpful to think about what types of activities will appeal to both of you, as well as what the weather will be like when you visit. For instance, if you’re a beach lover and want to spend some of your honeymoon lounging by the water, the Caribbean Islands are a perfect choice. With stunning beaches and aquamarine waters, these island paradises are the stuff of dreams, particularly on Saint Lucia, which consistently makes lists of favorite honeymoon spots. It’s a perfect combination of tropical paradise and culture, with swaying palm trees, pristine white-sand beaches, and an active volcano that adds to its intrigue. Alternatively, try Fiji’s Royal Davui Island, an idyllic 300-island archipelago that’s the stuff of honeymoon fantasies.