Planning the Perfect Honeymoon: Top 20 Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

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Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! Now that the whirlwind of wedding planning is underway, it’s time to turn your attention to the ultimate romantic getaway: your honeymoon.

Whether you dream of lounging on pristine beaches, exploring exotic locales, or immersing yourself in cultural experiences, I’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to planning the perfect honeymoon.

Table of Contents:

1. The Importance of Honeymoon Planning
2. Step 1: Choosing the Perfect Destination
3. Top 20 Honeymoon Destinations
4. Step 2: Setting a Budget
5. Step 3: Deciding on the Duration
6. Step 4: Booking Accommodation and Transportation
7. Step 5: Crafting Your Itinerary
8. Step 6: Packing Essentials for Your Honeymoon
9. Step 7: Making Memories and Cherishing Moments
10. Embarking on the Journey of a Lifetime

The Importance of Honeymoon Planning

Your honeymoon marks the beginning of your lifelong journey together as a married couple. It’s a time to unwind, celebrate your love, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Step 1: Choosing the Perfect Destination

The first step in planning your honeymoon is deciding where you want to go. Consider your shared interests, travel preferences, and budget. Here are our top 20 honeymoon destinations to inspire your wanderlust:

1. Maldives:
   • Sample Itinerary:
     • Day 1-3: Arrival at luxury overwater villa, relax on pristine beaches, enjoy water sports.
     • Day 4-6: Private sunset cruise, snorkeling in coral reefs, couples spa treatments.
     • Day 7: Departure with unforgettable memories.
   • Price Range: $3,000 – $15,000+
   • Booking Websites: Expedia, Booking.com, TripAdvisor
2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia:
   • Sample Itinerary:
     • Day 1-3: Check into overwater bungalow, explore Mount Otemanu, sunset dinner cruise.
     • Day 4-6: Snorkeling in turquoise lagoon, island hopping tour, beachside couples massage.
     • Day 7: Farewell to paradise.
   • Price Range: $5,000 – $20,000+
   • Booking Websites: Travelocity, Hotels.com, Airbnb
3. Santorini, Greece:
   • Sample Itinerary:
     • Day 1-3: Stay in cliffside villa, visit Oia for sunset views, wine tasting tour.
     • Day 4-6: Explore ancient ruins of Akrotiri, sailing excursion to nearby islands, romantic dinner overlooking caldera.
     • Day 7: Departure with hearts full of love.
   • Price Range: $2,000 – $10,000+
   • Booking Websites: Orbitz, Airbnb, Travelzoo
4. Bali, Indonesia:

I spent two months in Bali in 2023. This country is stunning! It is relaxing and spiritually uplifting! Whether you are wanting a surf town with expat friends from around the world to a laid back family beach town, Bali really has it all. Humid, friendly and affordable. We stayed in Sanur, Bali and traveled around to places like Canguu, Ubud, and even the Gili T islands where we had the most epic snorkeling adventure! You can see our adventures from Bali and Croatia on a Youtube channel my friend and I created called The Joyage.

1. Sample Itinerary:
   • Day 1-3: Relax in luxury villa in Ubud, visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace, explore Monkey Forest.
   • Day 4-6: Private tour of temples, snorkeling in clear waters of Nusa Penida, Balinese cooking class.
   • Day 7: Bid farewell to Bali.
2. Price Range: $1,500 – $8,000+
3. Booking Websites: Agoda, Jetsetter, Luxury Escapes
4. Amalfi Coast, Italy:
   • Sample Itinerary:
     • Day 1-3: Check into boutique hotel in Positano, stroll along colorful streets, boat tour of coastline.
     • Day 4-6: Visit historic sites in Ravello, hike the Path of the Gods, romantic dinner in Sorrento.
     • Day 7: Departure with memories of la dolce vita.
   • Price Range: $3,000 – $12,000+
   • Booking Websites: Kayak, HomeAway, Vacasa
5. Maui, Hawaii, USA:
   • Sample Itinerary:
     • Day 1-3: Relax at luxury resort in Wailea, drive the Road to Hana, snorkel at Molokini Crater.
     • Day 4-6: Haleakalā sunrise, helicopter tour of waterfalls, luau dinner.
     • Day 7: Aloha to Maui.
   • Price Range: $2,000 – $10,000+
   • Booking Websites: VRBO, Hawaiian Airlines, Costco Travel
6. Seychelles:
   • Sample Itinerary:
     • Day 1-3: Check into luxury resort on Mahe Island, visit Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, sunset yacht cruise.
     • Day 4-6: Snorkeling at Anse Lazio, island hopping to Praslin and La Digue, Creole cooking class.
     • Day 7: Departure from paradise.
   • Price Range: $4,000 – $18,000+
   • Booking Websites: CheapTickets, Vrbo, Luxury Retreats
7. Fiji:
   • Sample Itinerary:
     • Day 1-3: Check into luxury resort in Nadi, explore Garden of the Sleeping Giant, zipline adventure.
     • Day 4-6: Coral Coast village visit, snorkeling at Cloud 9, traditional Fijian feast.
     • Day 7: Vinaka Fiji.
   • Price Range: $3,000 – $15,000+
   • Booking Websites: Travelocity, Fiji Airways, Luxury Retreats
8. Tahiti, French Polynesia:
   • Sample Itinerary:
     • Day 1-3: Stay in waterfront bungalow in Papeete, visit Gauguin Museum, Tahitian dance show.
     • Day 4-6: Snorkeling with sharks and rays, hiking in Papenoo Valley, romantic dinner on private motu.
     • Day 7: Farewell to paradise.
   • Price Range: $5,000 – $20,000+
   • Booking Websites: Trip.com, Hopper, HotelTonight
9. Cape Town, South Africa:
   • Sample Itinerary:
     • Day 1-3: Check into luxury hotel in city center, visit Table Mountain, wine tasting in Stellenbosch.
     • Day 4-6: Cape Peninsula tour, penguin watching at Boulders Beach, sunset cruise in Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
     • Day 7: Departure from the Rainbow Nation.
   • Price Range: $3,000 – $12,000+
   • Booking Websites: Priceline, Agoda, South African Airways

1. Kyoto, Japan:
   1. Sample Itinerary:
      1. Day 1-3: Stay in traditional ryokan, visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
      1. Day 4-6: Tea ceremony in Gion district, day trip to Nara, kaiseki dinner.
      1. Day 7: Sayonara to Kyoto.

11. Price Range: $2,000 – $10,000+
12. Booking Websites: Expedia, Japanican, Japan Rail Pass
13. Paris, France:
    • Sample Itinerary:
      • Day 1-3: Check into boutique hotel in Le Marais, visit Louvre Museum, Seine River cruise.
      • Day 4-6: Eiffel Tower picnic, day trip to Versailles, Montmartre art tour.
      • Day 7: Au revoir to Paris.
    • Price Range: $3,000 – $15,000+
    • Booking Websites: Airbnb, Eurostar, Paris Pass
14. Queenstown, New Zealand:
    • Sample Itinerary:
      • Day 1-3: Stay in luxury lodge, skydiving over Lake Wakatipu, bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge.
      • Day 4-6: Milford Sound cruise, wine tasting in Central Otago, scenic helicopter flight.
      • Day 7: Departure from adventure capital.
    • Price Range: $3,000 – $12,000+
    • Booking Websites: Airbnb, New Zealand Tourism, Jetstar
15. The Seychelles:
    • Sample Itinerary:
      • Day 1-3: Stay in luxury lodge, skydiving over Lake Wakatipu, bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge.
      • Day 4-6: Milford Sound cruise, wine tasting in Central Otago, scenic helicopter flight.
      • Day 7: Departure from adventure capital.
    • Price Range: $4,000 – $18,000+
    • Booking Websites: Orbitz, Seychelles Booking, Seychelles Travel
16. Iceland:
    • Sample Itinerary:
      • Day 1-3: Stay in luxury lodge, skydiving over Lake Wakatipu, bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge.
      • Day 4-6: Milford Sound cruise, wine tasting in Central Otago, scenic helicopter flight.
      • Day 7: Departure from adventure capital.
    • Price Range: $2,500 – $10,000+
    • Booking Websites: Icelandair, Wow Air, Iceland Travel
17. Australia:
    • Sample Itinerary:
      • Day 1-3: Stay in luxury lodge, skydiving over Lake Wakatipu, bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge.
      • Day 4-6: Milford Sound cruise, wine tasting in Central Otago, scenic helicopter flight.
      • Day 7: Departure from adventure capital.
    • Price Range: $3,000 – $15,000+
    • Booking Websites: Airbnb, Qantas, Australia Tourism
18. Thailand:
    • Sample Itinerary:
      • Day 1-3: Stay in luxury lodge, skydiving over Lake Wakatipu, bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge.
      • Day 4-6: Milford Sound cruise, wine tasting in Central Otago, scenic helicopter flight.
      • Day 7: Departure from adventure capital.
    • Price Range: $1,500 – $8,000+
    • Booking Websites: Agoda, Thai Airways, Thailand Tourism
19. Santorini, Greece:
    • Sample Itinerary:
      • Day 1-3: Stay in luxury lodge, skydiving over Lake Wakatipu, bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge.
      • Day 4-6: Milford Sound cruise, wine tasting in Central Otago, scenic helicopter flight.
      • Day 7: Departure from adventure capital.
    • Price Range: $2,000 – $10,000+
    • Booking Websites: Booking.com, Greece Tourism, Aegean Airlines
20. Mauritius:
    • Sample Itinerary:
      • Day 1-3: Stay in luxury lodge, skydiving over Lake Wakatipu, bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge.
      • Day 4-6: Milford Sound cruise, wine tasting in Central Otago, scenic helicopter flight.
      • Day 7: Departure from adventure capital.
    • Price Range: $3,000 – $15,000+
    • Booking Websites: Expedia, Air Mauritius, Mauritius Tourism
21. Barcelona, Spain:
    • Sample Itinerary:
      • Day 1-3: Stay in luxury lodge, skydiving over Lake Wakatipu, bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge.
      • Day 4-6: Milford Sound cruise, wine tasting in Central Otago, scenic helicopter flight.
      • Day 7: Departure from adventure capital.
    • Price Range: $2,000 – $10,000+
    • Booking Websites: Airbnb, Vueling Airlines, Barcelona Tourism

Please note that prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as travel dates, accommodation choices, and additional activities. For the most accurate pricing and availability, it’s recommended to visit the respective booking websites provided.

Step 2: Setting a Budget

Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to set a budget for your honeymoon. Or, choose to set the budget and then choose the destination. Consider all expenses, including flights, accommodation, meals, activities, and transportation. Be realistic about what you can afford and prioritize experiences that matter most to you as a couple.

Pro Tip: If you are not in need or want a bunch of “stuff” from your guests and bridal shower, forego the wedding registry for contributions to a “Honeymoon Fund”. Personally, I’m a fan of experiences over stuff, whether I am the person gifting or receiving a gift.

Step 3: Deciding on the Duration

Determine how long you want your honeymoon to last. Whether you prefer a week-long escape or an extended adventure, make sure to factor in travel time, jet lag, and the time needed to fully immerse yourself in each destination.

Step 4: Booking Accommodation and Transportation

Research and book your accommodation well in advance to secure the best deals and availability. Whether you prefer luxury resorts, boutique hotels, or cozy bed and breakfasts, there’s something for every taste and budget. Don’t forget to book your flights, rental cars, or other transportation options to ensure a seamless journey.

Step 5: Crafting Your Itinerary

Create a honeymoon itinerary that strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Include must-see attractions, romantic dinners, and leisurely activities that reflect your interests and personalities as a couple. Be flexible and open to spontaneous experiences along the way.

Step 6: Packing Essentials for Your Honeymoon

Pack wisely for your honeymoon adventure. Remember to bring essential travel documents, clothing suitable for the destination’s climate, sunscreen, bug spray, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget to pack a camera or smartphone to capture precious moments together.

Step 7: Making Memories and Cherishing Moments

Finally, embark on your honeymoon journey and savor every moment together. Create lifelong memories as you explore new places, try new foods, and enjoy each other’s company. Cherish this special time together as you begin your married life.

Embarking on the Journey of a Lifetime

Your honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate your love and begin your married life on a magical note. Savor every moment and dive deep into the love you are celebrating. Tell us where you decided to go! What were your favorite things to experience there? And how can any of us enjoy a similar experience! Let’s share the wisdom of experiences with one another in the comments!

Bon voyage,

Anna

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During the planning process my other articles and downloads will help you in your journey:

• The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Dream Wedding  – this one’s a beast but super thorough and helpful.
• Crafting Your Perfect Wedding Vows: A Guide to Expressing Your Love
• Elevating the Guest Experience
• Unforgettable Ceremony Ideas

Free Downloads:

• Wedding planning timeline with suggested dates and corresponding to-dos
• Honeymoon Planning Checklist
• Wedding Day Emergency Kit Checklist