OLD PROVIDENCE, COLOMBIA

Image: ssnbreach.org

Why: Getting away from it all takes on a new meaning at Old Providence, a small Caribbean island off the coast of Colombia, free from the hotel chains or large-scale developments which have afflicted some of its neighbours. An otherworldly place, with no mobile phone reception, no internet café and no TVs in bedrooms, Providencia, as it is otherwise called, is not for the conventional. While you could see the island in a day, its soothing pace and white sand beaches will have you swinging from the hammock to the sound of reggae for much longer.

How to get there: It’s not easy but worth the extra mile. Combine it with the other sights and sounds of Colombia and first fly to Bogotà. Two airlines fly from San Andrés, in the north of Colombia, to Old Providence. The propeller planes might not be for everyone, but luckily there is another option. The islands are connected via catamaran and the trip takes three-four hours.

VIETNAM

Image: Jeff Cooke Photography

Why: The sights, smells and sounds of Vietnam will leave you dizzy with sensory overload. Eat a bowl of pho for breakfast or snack on street food: this is foodie heaven. Yet, there are many more reasons to visit Vietnam: the undulating landscapes and decaying temples; the history of the land etched on the faces of the locals and the intoxicating bustle of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) are just a few.

How to get there: Various airlines have indirect flights to Ho Chi Minh City and domestic flights can get you between the major cities. For shorter trips, buses or trains are usual.

TUSCANY, ITALY

Image: Elia Locardi

Why: Vistas of romantic landscapes jostle for attention in Tuscany, with undulating hills draped in mist and rich autumnal colours. A region rich in architecture, wine and music, Tuscany is home to hilltop towns, with narrow meandering lanes, and vineyards on rolling slopes roaming from Florence to Siena.

How to get there: Frequent flights from Malta to Pisa, approximately 85 kilometres away from Florence.

THE COOK ISLANDS

Image: Down Under Endeavours

Why: Perhaps one of the more typical honeymoon destinations, the Cook Islands are simultaneously remote, dramatic and tranquil. In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this set of 15 islands covers over 1.8million square kilometres of coral-reefed water. Rarotongo is the most populous of the islands, and is the most visited, but no trip is complete without lapping up the gorgeous scenery of Aitutaki, a fish hook shaped land curling round a lagoon.

How to get there: Indirect flights from Malta to New Zealand; Ratotongo is a four-hour flight from Auckland.

MIYAJIMA AND HAKONE, JAPAN

Image: Claudio Beffa

Why: The maroon, apricot and deep brown landscapes of Japan in the autumn represent the profound connection the country has with nature. The change of seasons is reflected in their cooking with traditional kaiseki cuisine incorporating seasonal produce in a multi-course, multi-sensory culinary experience. And, there’s nothing sexier than dining on oysters and drinking Chardonnay on Miyajima and soaking your weary limbs in a hot tub on the terrace of your spa hotel in Hakone.

How to get there: Daily, indirect flights to Tokyo or Osaka. Domestic travel is easy and efficient: take the bullet train from region to region to get a true taste of Japan.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Image: Lonely Planet

Why: Perhaps to dance the Tango together on the streets of Buenos Aires? Even if you have two left feet, there’s plenty to do in this rich cultural metropolis. The capital city of Argentina exudes the confident air of Old Europe, blended with the Latin spirit of South America. Street artists paint the city vibrant shades, while parrillas (steakhouses) serve Argentinian meat, thrown on the BBQ, flame, grilled or fried.

How to get there: Indirect flights to Buenos Aires through Frankfurt, Rome or London are the most convenient.

DRIVE ON THE CALIFORNIA COAST

Image: Maya Magik

Why: Take a drive on the wild side and have the first adventures of your life together, cruising from San Diego all the way up to San Francisco. There will be no lack of movie moments en route: drink wine Sideways-style in Santa Barbara; Citizen Kane-it at San Simeon, the old Heart castle, and key in to your Social Network in San José. Whatever you do, end your trip with a Vertigo-ness kiss on the Golden Gate Bridge.

How to get there: From Malta, fly through London Heathrow or Frankfurt direct to San Diego. Rent a car but be careful of the tricky bends and drops in the smaller turns on the roads.

LONDON – PARIS - VENICE ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

Image: Belmond.com

Why: The vintage magic is in the journey on board the Orient Express. Travel from London, through Paris, and onto Venice on this iconic train, which has been the source of inspiration for many artists and writers since it first weaved around Europe in the 1880s. It’s not a cheap trip: one night for two on the world’s most famous train will leave you 5,000 euros out of pocket, but you won’t have much time to think about it while enjoying the dedicated steward service and sumptuous dinners. Just remember to dress up.

How to get there: The Orient Express departs London every two weeks in October and arrives in Venice late afternoon the next day.

DUBROVNIK, SPLIT AND VIS, CROATIA

Image: Lola Akinmade

Why: Even if you and your new spouse are not Game of Thrones fans, Dubrovnik’s old town and majestic views of the Adriatic are addictive. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to wineries, and spas. Travel up the coast to Split, one of Croatia’s largest cities, and, from there, to Vis, the furthest of the main Central Dalmatian islands from the coast. Drink wine made of Vis’ own distinctive grape, the vugava, and enjoy a lazy afternoon stupor.

How to get there: Fly indirect to Dubrovnik through Istanbul or Zagreb. From there, travel to Split by bus or catamaran. A ferry can then be taken from the coast to Vis.

EDINBURGH AND THE HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND

Image: Avenly Lane Travel

Why: Macbeth and his Lady may hardly be paragons of matrimonial bliss, but the witchery in Edinburgh and the Scottish highlands is dramatic. Castles, country houses and private islands can all be found nestled in the epic valleys and on the mysterious lochs. A vast rocky land, glowing with Autumnal heather, Scotland lends itself to outdoor activities. But, indoor, fireplaces roar with heat and cosy cafés in the capital encourage the consumption of a slice (or two) of tea cake.

How to get there: Direct flights are available from Malta to Edinburgh four times a week.