1. The Middle East
The Middle East has soared in popularity as a region for travellers and honeymooners, and with so many destinations to choose from, it simply can’t disappoint. Consider the lost city of Petra, in Jordan, a famous archaeological site that contains tombs and temples carved into the beautiful red, white, and pink sandstone cliff faces, which was likely used as a temple in bygone eras. The city sat in near-ruins for centuries, but in 2007, was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. With more than 800 registered sites sprawling across 265 square kilometres, Petra will keep you busy for at least a week!
2. Europe’s under-discovered lands
Located right at the edge of Eastern Europe, Belarus might seem like a strange choice for travellers, but its isolation is at the heart of its appeal. With tranquil cityscapes, bucolic frontiers and eye-catching landmarks, Belarus has a lot to offer. Visit the remains of Brest Fortress, a Soviet WWII memorial, and take a trip to Mir Castle, a 16th-century building that rises majestically above Mir town, overlooking a picture-perfect lake and lush green area.
3. Adventure Travel
Whether it’s adrenaline-fuelled activities that you’re after or experiencing new cultures, adventure travel for couples is certainly on the rise. Australia fits the bill as an exciting destination for a honeymoon with lots of things to see and do, not least for its marine wildlife, iconic cityscapes and unforgettable road trips. Visit the Royal Opera House in Sydney, book a boat trip and scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, and take a hike through the incredible Daintree Rainforest in Queensland. For the adrenaline junkies, bungee jumping in Cairns and experiencing the world’s highest swing in Queenstown are an absolute must.
4. Winter Wonderland
Winter wonderland trips have garnered popularity in recent years, and Finland is among the top contenders. If you’re heading to Finland, take a tour on the mighty Arctic icebreaker cruise, Sampo, a majestic vessel that breaks through thick layers of ice on the surface of the Gulf of Bothnia. Finnish Christmas Markets are an unmissable sight if you’re honeymooning over the festive season, when beautifully decorated stalls line the streets, and fairy lights and colourful Christmas decorations hang from every corner. Be sure to taste the delicious food offered at these markets – we recommend some hot glögi (Finnish mulled wine) to take the chill out of the cold air!
5. All aboard!
If sheer relaxation is what you’re after for your honeymoon, with everything you need within walking distance and occasional sight-seeing trips, then a cruise is worth considering. A cruise around the Alaskan glaciers will prove to be an unforgettable one. Experience the cold glacier weather while spending the day whale watching and stop at the Gold Rush-era town of Skagway, the totem town of Ketchikan, as well as the gorgeous capital of Juneau. Land excursions are optional too, with the possibility of seeing wild caribou, mountain sheep, and brown bears if you’re lucky.
6. Canada
Honeymooning in Canada will be the trip of a lifetime as the destination offers something for everyone – be it evening walks along the harbour or experiencing nature in all its glory on a wild, moose-spotting road trip. Canada boasts fantastic cuisine, rocks a cool and laid-back culture and, of course, has a long list of must-visit sites. Experience Ontario’s enchanting Niagara Falls, a natural spectacle of unstoppable rushing waters, or pick a trail for an awe-inspiring outdoor hike. If you’re not a fan of the great outdoors, visit Quebec’s old city, Montreal’s vibrant sights, and the various and many museums dotted around this vast and enchanting country.
7. Wellness trip
Wellness trips are budding in the world of honeymoons, and are the ultimate way to connect with your new spouse soon after the wedding is over. The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of an exotic paradise. It’s more than a destination; it’s a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind. With all its natural and cultural features, the peaceful island of Bali is the perfect spot to spend alone time with your new significant other. Bali’s wellness retreats have it all: wonderful nature, centuries-old tradition, ancient wisdom to boost body and mind, spas, adventure walk trails and yoga. We’re feeling relaxed just thinking about it!
8. Remote places
Remote locations are climbing the popularity ladder in the world of travel. Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa, is out-of-this-world beautiful, considered a whale shark haven and a country that’s rich in history and culture. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty – Djibouti is known for its salt lakes, extinct volcanoes, sunken plains, limestone chimneys, basaltic plateaus, majestic canyons and so much more.
9. Desert trips
Channel your inner Princess Jasmine and Aladdin with a honeymoon in the desert! Head to what is possibly the most popular desert destination – the Sahara. There are very few places on Earth that compare to the impressive and incredible landscape of the Sahara. You can start off your honeymoon in Morocco and venture off into the desert a few days later, spending the days among the sand dunes and nights under the stars.
10. Asia
The hardest thing about visiting the Asian continent is deciding which country, or countries, to visit. An obvious choice is China’s capital, Beijing. A city that is constantly reimagining itself as it races towards the future, yet inextricably linked to its intricate past, Beijing is as compelling as it is complex. An absolute must-see is the Great Wall of China, with millions flocking there each year to witness the beautiful surroundings. Another breath-taking site you mustn’t miss is the Forbidden City, China’s best-preserved collection of ancient buildings.