The Best Places
for a Honeymoon

A honeymoon is a holiday that gives you the chance to celebrate and recuperate after a wedding with your new spouse. Whilst some couples simply choose a weekend away in a nice hotel, others plan month-long extravaganzas touring a range of countries or opt for a totally unforgettable experience to commemorate the occasion.

Planning a honeymoon can be a complicated process. This page has everything you need to get started on choosing the best place for you and your partner to travel.

Where to go?

When it comes down to planning a honeymoon, deciding where to go can be the biggest challenge. It’s a once in a lifetime holiday opportunity, so many people want to organise an unforgettable trip to an amazing destination.

But there are other aspects to take into consideration when choosing where to go on a honeymoon, such as the budget you’ve got, the time of year you’re travelling, and what kind of honeymoon experience you’re looking for. Certain honeymoon destinations are better suited to certain couples than others, and how long you want to be away will also affect how far you travel. 

United Kingdom

Whether you’re getting married in Britain or a nearby European country, honeymoons in the United Kingdom are great if you’re looking for beautiful pastoral countryside scenery, quaint seaside towns and historic cities. The weather in the country is best if you visit in the summer months, but you can also enjoy cosy winter honeymoons in England, Scotland or Wales where you can escape the cold by curling up with your new spouse.

UK honeymoon ideas range from remote trips to the Scottish highlands to luxury hotel breaks in the countryside or action-packed holidays by the sea. Whether you’re visiting from abroad or are getting married in Britain and don’t want to go overseas for your honeymoon, there’s a wide range of different locations and experiences on offer across the country.

The UK is one of the best places for a honeymoon if you’re a fan of walking or cycling holidays, but is equally full of exciting cities that are great for weekend breaks. Scotland, Cornwall and the Cotswolds are all very popular destinations, as are places like London, Edinburgh and York for their unique charm and range of attractions.

Europe

The choice of amazing honeymoon destinations across Europe is vast. You’ve got everything from coastal Mediterranean countries to the dramatic landscapes of Scandinavia and unique places like Slovenia and Austria, with the option of visiting multiple locations in one trip if you have the time.

Plenty of European countries are great year-round destinations, making it a brilliant part of the world to visit on a honeymoon no matter when you’ve planned your wedding. As well as landlocked locations like Switzerland, Austria and Hungary that have plenty of brilliant cities and holiday resorts to choose from, you can also enjoy places like the Croatian islands, the southern coast of Italy and the Norwegian fjords.

Europe is one of the best places for a honeymoon because of the diversity in destinations on offer, with plenty of options for budget travellers as well as those looking for luxury.

Americas

If you’ve looking for a country that has diversity in the honeymoon destinations it has on offer, the Americas certainly deliver. In the north you have places like snowy Alaska and Quebec, on the coast there’s Hawaii, Florida and Los Angeles, and in the south you’ve got countries like Peru and Argentina.

Locations in the United States offer everything from city breaks to ultimate beach getaways, whilst honeymoons in Canada are more suited to couples who enjoy outdoor pursuits when they’re away. In South America, you can enjoy learning about new cultures and experience warm climates and colourful atmospheres, whilst island destinations in Central America offer a great alternative to traditional Mediternane beach vacations.

Asia

Asia is one of the best places for a honeymoon if you and your new spouse are looking for something a bit different from your holiday experience. As well as classic options like beach holidays in Bali and Thailand, locations like Vietnam and Malaysia are also becoming really popular for couples who want to discover new cultures and enjoy historical sightseeing during their trip.

Destinations like Japan and China are also great for alternative honeymoons, with a wide range of different experiences on offer that range from ultimate luxury breaks to peaceful retreats into the mountains. Asia is an incredibly beautiful and diverse part of the world that is seeing more and more travellers on their honeymoons at all times of the year.

Africa

If a safari in the desert is at the top of your list of honeymoon destination ideas then Africa is a wonderful place to visit. Romance and adventure are both high on the agenda, as you can spot animals and explore the landscape during the day and then camp out under incredible night skies with your new spouse in the evenings.

Africa is also home to destinations like South Africa, Morocco, Egypt and Madagascar that offer totally unique honeymoon experiences and are a great option for those looking for something a little bit different. Africa is a great part of the world to visit if you’re getting married in the winter and want a holiday that is full of sunshine, as plenty of countries see hot weather almost all year round.

What to do?

Every couple wants something different from their honeymoon. For some newlyweds, it’s a holiday that is entirely focused on romance, whereas for others it’s an opportunity to try something new and memorable as a marker of the start of your new life together.

The type of activities you’re looking to enjoy on your honeymoon may influence where you decide to travel, as some countries and locations are much more suited to certain kinds of holiday experiences. As well as considering where in the world you would like to visit, you and your partner should also think about how you would like to spend your time when you are away and then do some research into the kinds of places that are best suited to these ideas.

Romantic

Romance is possibly the most sought after element of a honeymoon. There’s no other time in your life when you’re going to be celebrating such a special occasion that is to do with your love for another person, and many couples want to crank up the romantic atmosphere as much as possible when you’re away.

The ideal romantic honeymoon looks different for different people however. Some newlyweds might be looking for luxury and opulence, so will be best suited to visiting somewhere modern and glamorous in the West where they can enjoy boutique hotels and all-inclusive experiences.

Others may be looking for more pastoral beauty to fuel their romance, so places in Europe that are known for their beautiful countryside like the Cotswolds in the UK or Tuscany in Italy are best. Others may want to go all out and spend their honeymoon exploring a universally-known romantic location like Paris or Venice, or you might find solitude particularly romantic and head to a cold country like Norway, Canada or Iceland to curl up together in a snowy paradise.

Adventurous

If you and your other half are particularly keen on getting out and about when you spend time together, an adventurous honeymoon might be right up your street. Classic examples of this kind of trip include sailing expeditions in places like Greece or Croatia, or a road trip around Australia or even New Zealand.

Safari holidays in Africa are very popular with those seeking an adventurous honeymoon, or you can opt for a more exotic adventure and visit somewhere like India, Turkey or Egypt. If historical and cultural sightseeing is more up your street, spending your honeymoon somewhere like Vietnam, China or even Bali will offer a range of different opportunities to visit significant sites and learn more about new parts of the world. 

Relaxing

Whilst your wedding tends to be one of the best days of your life, it’s also known as being one of the most stressful. If that’s been your experience, you may want a honeymoon where nothing but relaxation is on the agenda, either going off-grid with your new spouse or enjoying being spoiled at a spa retreat.

Holidays to tropical islands in the Caribbean or Mediterranean are an excellent choice for couples who want a relaxing vacation, especially those that have holiday resorts especially tailored to couples. Or you might enjoy a luxurious, all-inclusive hotel experience in North America or the UK where you can wander through private grounds at your leisure and don’t have to lift a finger for your entire trip.

Something Different

Of course, some couples just want to use their honeymoon as an opportunity to enjoy a holiday that they’ve never been on before, or wish to reject traditional ideas in favour of something quirky and unique. There are plenty of different options out there if this sounds like your cup of tea, from spending your time volunteering in animal shelters to taking road trips between foreign cities and chartering a yacht to explore an undiscovered coastline.

Some of the best honeymoon locations for those looking for an experience out of the ordinary include places like Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Japan or Vietnam that all offer a very different look into a country’s culture. Or you can enjoy trips to off-the-beaten-path locations like Roatán, Slovenia, Malaysia and Georgia for a honeymoon that all your friends will be asking you about for hours when you return.

For more unique honeymoon inspiration, check out our guides to Unusual Holidays and Unusual Honeymoons.

When to visit?

The time of year you get married may influence where you decide to go on your honeymoon, although more and more couples are now choosing to have a break between their wedding and their big trip, so this isn’t necessarily a factor to consider. If you’re planning a honeymoon between May and September then locations in the northern hemisphere have much warmer weather and places like Europe have great weather for travellers, whereas those getting married at the end or the start of the year may want to pick tropical locations to get a break from the cold and enjoy some winter sunshine.

January

There’s no better way to start a new year than the adventure that is a honeymoon with your new spouse. January is a great time to plan a honeymoon to a country in the southern hemisphere if you’re looking for warm weather, with holiday resorts in the Caribbean being particularly popular choices for trips at this time of the year.

However, if you’re looking for a very snowy experience then January is also a good time to visit honeymoon destinations such as Norway, Iceland and Canada. Be wary of uncomfortably chilly temperatures and limited hours of daylight if you are travelling to this part of the world, but get ready for beautifully chilled landscapes and romantic walks in the snow.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out our post on The Best Honeymoon Destinations in January

February

February is often thought of as the most romantic month of the year, making it an ideal time for a honeymoon. Despite the cold weather across a lot of classic honeymoon destinations in places like Europe or North America, many couples still go away at this time of the year.

The weather in February is ideal for places in Asia for a warm honeymoon outside of the rainy season, and it’s a good time to visit the Dominican Republic if you fancy a trip to the Caribbean but don’t want to get caught in a hurricane. Australia and New Zealand are both still enjoying their summer season if a tropical climate is not to your liking, with ideal weather for active holidays exploring the country.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out our post on The Best Honeymoon Destinations in February

March

March is an ideal time of the year to visit some of the most amazing honeymoon destinations, as it’s getting warm across the northern hemisphere but the rainy season hasn’t quite started in the tropics. If you’re after a city break then this a great time to enjoy one as urban areas won’t be overly hot and crowded, making locations like London, Paris, Venice and Amsterdam top choices.

You can also enjoy gorgeous weather in the Caribbean in March, with high temperatures often over 30°C in places like Malta, Laos and Madeira. You can get started on your tan before the summer reaches the rest of the world and enjoy the sunshine that isn’t quite as intense as later in the year.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out our post on The Best Honeymoon Destinations in March.

April

April is an incredibly popular month for weddings, which also means that it’s one of the most popular times of the year for a honeymoon. With warm and dry weather across many popular destinations, the world is your oyster when you’re choosing a honeymoon destination in April.

If you’re looking for some sunshine then the Greek islands, Turkey or anywhere in the Caribbean are all excellent choices for beach holidays. It’s also a great time to visit locations in Europe like Cornwall, Paris, Berlin and Rome to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy very pleasant weather that is great for long days of sightseeing.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out our post on The Best Honeymoon Destinations in April.

May

One of the best times of the year to plan a honeymoon is May, where you can enjoy good weather almost anywhere you decide to visit. This month is also part of the ‘shoulder’ season for tourism in most countries, so you’ll be able to enjoy lower prices as well as far fewer crowds of other travellers in numerous popular destinations.

Few honeymoon destinations aren’t strongly recommended in May; it’s warm and sunny in Europe, it’s the dry season in South America, and most tropical holiday resorts aren’t yet heaving with tourists on their summer holidays. Countries in the south of Africa also have excellent weather this time of year, and although the Monsoon season is beginning in some Asian locations, if you travel at the start of the month you’re unlikely to get caught in any serious storms.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out our post on The Best Honeymoon Destinations in May.

June

Not only is June one of the most popular times of the year to get married, it’s also one of the busiest months for travel. Many couples choose this time of year to go on their honeymoon so they can make the most of good weather, and although some destinations may start to get overcrowded in June, there are still plenty of exceptional places you can visit.

This is one of the best months of the year to enjoy a beach holiday, and there are plenty of amazing honeymoon destinations out there that perfectly cater to this kind of experience, such as Turkey, Mauritius, Seychelles and the Bahamas. European destinations are also a top choice at this time of year, from the glamorous Amalfi Coast to historic Croatia and wildly beautiful Scotland.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out our post on The Best Honeymoon Destinations in June.

July

July is one of the busiest months for tourism, so it’s also a very popular month for going on your honeymoon. Finding somewhere that isn’t crammed with other travellers can be tricky if you’ve not got the budget to splash out on a private holiday resort, but several hidden gems around the world are ideal to visit at this time of year, such as Crete, Romania, Colombia and Mozambique.

If you don’t mind a bit of busyness then the world is your oyster when it comes to honeymoon destination ideas in July however. Tanzania, Namibia and South Africa are all brilliant at this time of year, North American locations like California or Florida are full of sunshine and things to do, and music and arts festivals are happening all over Europe that make for excellent alternative honeymoons.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out our post on The Best Honeymoon Destinations in July.

August

From the stunning landscapes of European countries to classic tropical archipelagos and unusual cultural cities, the range of different places to visit on your honeymoon in August is vast. It’s a busy time of the year for travel and weddings, but the upside is that you’ll find wonderfully warm weather across most of the northern hemisphere in some of the most popular honeymoon destinations.

Beach honeymoons in August are an excellent idea if you’re after scorching temperatures that never drop below 20°C, with destinations like Portugal, Mauritius and Corsica coming highly recommended. You’ve got the smallest chance of rain when visiting locations like Cornwall, the Cotswolds and the Lake District in the UK, whilst Asia is usually best avoided at this time of year because of the rain.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out our post on The Best Honeymoon Destinations in August.

September

September is a great time of year to go on our honeymoon if you’re looking to make the most of off-season travel deals. Many popular destinations are still enjoying the good weather that makes them so crowded over the summer but will be much quieter, so it’s a brilliant time to visit cities like Rome, Dubrovnik, Venice, Paris, Barcelona and Athens.

If you’re after an active or adventure-packed honeymoon then September is a great time to travel, as the climate in most places is well-suited to spending full days outdoors without getting too hot. Game reserves in Africa are wonderfully lush with wildlife during the month, spring is beginning across Australia and New Zealand, and unusual locations like Slovakia or South Korea are at their best at this time of year.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out our post on The Best Honeymoon Destinations in September.

October

Autumn is many people’s favourite season, and a honeymoon in October is a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful scenery that this time of year is known for with your new spouse. If you’re looking for honeymoon destinations that make the most of the arrival of the autumn, we recommend visiting somewhere like Lake Garda or Lake Como in Italy, New England in the USA or Bavaria in Germany.

Whilst things start to really cool off in October in the northern hemisphere, there are still quite a few places in the south where the weather is hot, such as India, Thailand and Morocco. South American destinations will still be warm and humid, although rain showers are quite likely, and locations in Europe will alternate between crisp days of sunshine and colder, overcast weather conditions.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out our post on The Best Honeymoon Destinations in October.

November

November might not be the most popular time of the year for a honeymoon, but this is all the more reason to travel at the end of autumn if you’re a couple who prefer to visit new places outside of their tourist season. City breaks or hotel packages are a good idea at this time of year if you’re going to be staying somewhere where the weather is less than ideal and want to snap up a bargain, or you can travel further afield to somewhere that wintery weather doesn’t reach.

If sunshine is what you’re after, Florida, Egypt and Oman all come highly recommended on our list of the best honeymoon destinations in November. It’s also a great time to visit tropical islands to enjoy off-season prices in places like Costa Rica or Aruba; ideal if you’re seeking winter sunshine.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out our post on The Best Honeymoon Destinations in November.

December

December is a very popular time of the year to go on holiday or a honeymoon, and many destinations tend to get quite busy in the run-up to Christmas. However, it’s a beautiful month to visit destinations that are known for their cold and snowy weather, and a lot of couples feel that there is nothing more romantic than a honeymoon somewhere surrounded by snow.

If you’re looking to escape to a winter wonderland, we recommend destinations like Iceland, Norway, the Alps and Austria where you can enjoy a skiing holiday or just cosy up in a private cabin. Alternately, you and your new spouse might be looking for the total opposite with a hot beach honeymoon, in which case places like Thailand, the Maldives and the Caribbean should be top of your list.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out our post on The Best Honeymoon Destinations in December.

Summary

A honeymoon is one of the most important and memorable holidays of your life, and most people only do them once. You want to pick a destination that is going to match your and your partner’s interests and travel criteria perfectly, so doing your research beforehand and finding the best option is important.

There are so many different options out there for honeymooners, from luxurious relaxing breaks to unusual, exotic escapes and action-packed experiences. Wherever you decide to visit, getting to spend time with your new spouse is a wonderful opportunity, and any location you choose will be made all the better by visiting it with the one you love.

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Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission when our visitors click on them. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but you’ll never be charged for engaging with them.