Eight ideas for a special, out of the ordinary honeymoon

With the likely upcoming reopening of borders to international travel, you can finally think about your dream honeymoon.

In the past, most newlyweds preferred an all-inclusive style honeymoon, luxurious and exclusive. Nowadays, in addition to this traditional option, there are endless other alternatives that make it possible to turn honeymoons into once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

  As travel and tourism have evolved over the past decades, honeymoon planning has also undergone many changes. From a short, intimate trip to a round-the-world backpacking adventure, there are plenty of options to choose from to make a once-in-a-lifetime trip after the stress and frenzy of wedding planning. In addition to the countless destinations available, you can make your romantic getaway something truly special by selecting a travel style that best suits your personality and interests. Whether it’s getting out of your comfort zone with hiking and wildlife adventures or visiting historical towns, you can choose the travel style that will make your honeymoon a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here are eight tips and inspirations for a romantic escape with a twist:

• Minimoon

If right after your wedding you are not ready to plan a long honeymoon, whether it is for work, budget or the current travel restrictions, this option is a fantastic alternative to the traditional honeymoon. A minimoon is when a couple travels to a place easily accessible and close to home for a shorter period of time. You can opt for this short holiday right after the wedding, for example spending a long weekend at a charming bed and breakfast immersed in nature or a historical city. Then, once the budget or schedule allow for it, you can plan for a longer honeymoon.  

• Destination wedding and honeymoon combo

If you’re considering a destination wedding, why not extend your holiday and explore memorable places of the country chosen for your special day? In addition to saving some money on extra trips, you will have the opportunity to truly connect with the local culture and traditions of the place. You can opt for exotic locations such as Thailand and Vietnam, or for one of the wonderful European capitals. In this case, you could hold your wedding in a popular city such as Paris or Rome or opt for one of the many “hidden gems”, such the enchanting Tuscan hills or the stunning landscapes of the Amalfi Coasts, rich in history, tradition and nature.  

• Roadtrip-moon

If you and your partner love the freedom of the great open road, consider taking a roadtrip-moon. Cross scenic roads, stops at sights of interest and stay in romantic bed and breakfasts along the way. All you need is a car, a map and your better half. For a classic romantic roadrip honeymoon, choose the United States and drive along Route 66. Alternatively, you can travel as far as Australia or New Zealand, where you will have the opportunity to come across some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and several open roads.  

• Adventure-moon

For a couple looking for adventure and an adrenaline rush, this thrilling honeymoon is the ideal choice. Hiking, abseiling, kayaking, scuba diving, skydiving, snorkeling and biking are just some of the sports you can practice on your romantic getaway. Based on your preferred activities, you will find the perfect destination to live a unique experience. One idea is to go to Cape Town, in South Africa, where you can dive with great white sharks, hike soaring mountain ranges or take part to walking safaris. Thrill-seekers will also love New Zealand, especially the adrenaline capital of Queenstown, which boasts the Nevis Swing and the Nevis Catapult, the biggest catapult in the world.  

• Eco-moon

It is a type of honeymoon with a focus on sustainability and responsible travel. You can explore the world’s remarkable ecosystems and wildlife reserves and stay in romantic eco lodges. To fully enjoy this type of adventure we advise to travel light, carrying all you need in a single backpack. Classified as some of the best ecotourism destinations, Costa Rica and Ecuador with the Galapagos Islands boast some of the most unique ecosystems in the world, featuring cloud forests, wetlands, rainforests, volcanoes and coastline.  

• Volunteer-moon

For couples who want to help the world become a better place, it is possible to spend the honeymoon in the name of volunteering. There are several associations that work in the field of food banks, education in developing countries, environmental and wildlife protection to get in touch with. You can choose the type of volunteer and the cause you care about the most and give a deeper meaning to your honeymoon.  

• Buddy-moon and family-moon

If you think spending the holiday alone with your loved one might get a little boring and are a true believer of “the more, the merrier”, then this type of honeymoon is ideal for you. Per buddy-moon is meant a shared trip with one or two couples of close friends ​who join the fun for all or part of your trip. A family-moon, instead, is a type of travel suitable for couples with children who choose family-friendly destination and activities in which to live a unique experience together. Australia is a fantastic family-friendly destination, with plenty of different regions and experiences that will appeal to both children and adults. Another option is the Lake District in Argentina, where you can relax with your partner ​while your children enjoy activities such as swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and nature walks.  

• Mystery-moon

In this new travel trend, the couple is not aware of the destination of their honeymoon and will find out about it just before departure. It is definitely an unconventional way to enjoy your honeymoon, which will be arranged by friends or an agent with only some guidelines on preference, budget and timeline. Your destination will be a surprise until a few days before departure or, for even greater suspense, once you arrive at the airport.   These are just some of the endless possibilities for your honeymoon. You can choose only one option or even combine different travel styles to create the ideal combo for you based on your interests and personality. Take inspiration from these ideas to plan your perfect honeymoon, starting your new life as married couple with a truly unique adventure.