While any vacation can bring couples closer together, there’s something uniquely special about checking into a hotel as newlyweds and saying to the waiter, “We’re on our honeymoon!” After all, the honeymoon is where you get to really know your partner as you enjoy the simple things in life like enjoying your first candlelit dinner or a romantic stroll on the beach.
With the popularity of experiential travel on the rise and personalized itineraries allowing you to choose what you want from your experience, it’s easier than ever to design an adventure tailored to you as a couple. Honeymoons have evolved alongside changing societal norms and cultural shifts, from the traditional idea of immediate post-wedding travel to what we now think of as a time to celebrate love, unity, and the beginning of your shared lives.
What do you love to do together? Honeymoons are the perfect time to try new activities that you may not be able to do at home. For example, if you are big foodies, take a cooking class at your destination and bond while learning how to prepare local cuisine. If you are both fans of history, plan to visit museums in your honeymoon destination city and soak up the local culture. If your passion is hiking, schedule a tour of your honeymoon destination’s beautiful trails or the famous natural landmarks.
A healthy dose of adrenaline on your honeymoon will not only make for the best vacation stories but will also make you and your partner stronger as a couple. Plan an exciting adventure to get your heart racing, whether that means skydiving in Victoria Falls, swimming with dolphins in the Galapagos, paragliding in Pokhara Valley, scuba diving with whale sharks, taking a wildlife safari in Tanzania or Alaska, or tracking the northern lights in Iceland.
While there is no wrong way to spend your honeymoon, you should consider how long you want to stay away from home and responsibilities, as well as how much energy you each have. Trying to cram too many activities and excursions into your trip can lead to burnout, especially for couples who prefer to relax on the beach or in their room all day!
The most important thing is to simply celebrate your marriage and enjoy being a new married couple. Don’t worry if the plans go a bit off course (as they will most likely do). If it rains on your parade, grab a drink at your resort bar and toast to the good times!
No matter what you do on your honeymoon, it will be filled with love and happiness. Just don’t forget to kiss your new spouse on the lips – research shows that doing so releases the love hormone Dopamine and makes you feel giddy!