After the rings are exchanged, toasts have been made, and guests have stumbled home, newlyweds feverishly pack their sandals and sunblock and travel to turquoise blue waters for a much-needed, sun-soaked honeymoon. But whether you’re a beach bum or a seasoned traveller, no two couples are alike. So why take the run of the mill honeymoon? It’s time to break the typical all-inclusive honeymoon cycle and plan a honeymoon you and your bride/groom are sure to remember.
While the beaches of St. Tropez and Bermuda are perfect for sunset dinners, mojitos and sand between your toes, lets face it, it’s not for everyone. We’ve got some ‘alternative’ honeymoons for all types of couples -from loungers to thrill seekers and for warm-blooded to cold-blooded.
Thrill Seekers
While some like it hot, some like it cold. For snow bunnies and bears, why not ditch the sand for some fresh powder. Travel to the slopes of British Columbia’s Whistler Blackcomb, the home of North America’s biggest vertical drop, or Zermatt, Switzerland, a care- free picturesque village where the snowfall rivals that of the North Pole.
If skiing doesn’t get your heart pumping, try the infinite climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. If you and your significant other can conquer this volcanic mountain 19,341 feet above sea level, just think of what you can conquer in the future (raising kids anyone?).
Nature Lovers
Camping outdoors doesn’t seem like the most romantic honeymoon, or a honeymoon at all. But have you ever heard of glamping (glam camping)? Take away the unglamorous aspects of camping – like mosquito nets, uncomfortable bedding, and campfire hot dogs – while keeping the raw natural beauty of the outdoors and you have “glamping”, a more luxurious way of camping.
Visit the Le Chene Vert situated in South West France in the limousine countryside, where you will both enjoy the starlight in a luxury Mongolian yurt on the outskirts of a five-acre private lake. Or why not watch the sunset from your glamping site in Africa among the gorgeous scenery and sights of an African safari.
While glamping might not have all the amenities of a five-star luxury hotel and resort, it does come with a private chef, guided tours and activities, hot showers and four-poster beds (equipped with down comforters and goose-down pillows).
Foodies
If your eclectic wedding menu didn’t satisfy your taste buds for long, take your big appetite and your foodie bride/groom on a tasty honeymoon. If pasta and pizza are your weakness, take a tour through the villages of Italy. If you’re a more adventurous eater, try a Thai cooking class in Bangkok.
Nothing goes better with food than wine. Stomp on some native grapes throughout France, Argentina and South Africa. Nothing tastes better than wine right out of the cellar, unless it’s your own signature wine.
To make your honeymoon even more special, compile a honeymoon bucket- list of the most fabulous restaurants around the globe. Not only will you fall in love with the food and the culture, you may even fall in love with your bride/groom all over again.
Mini-Moon
For those newlyweds who spent their budget on their big day, a mini-moon may be the perfect honeymoon. You would be surprised what the good ol’ US of A has to offer. From the 7 Natural Wonders of the United States, including the Redwood National Park and Yosemite National Park, to the beaches of Malibu and the slopes of Aspen, Colorado, a luxurious honeymoon can be a short-plane ride or drive away.
Explore your backyard with a quick trip out West or enjoy the countryside on the East coast. You would be surprised how many west-coasters haven’t seen the Statute of Liberty or Times Square or how many city-dwellers haven’t experienced the wonders of the Redwood forest or the sand dunes in Colorado.
Ditch the traditional honeymoon for an adventure filled trip that the two of you will always remember. Save the sun-soaked lazy vacations for Fourth of July weekends and Labor Day barbeques.