When Lynelle and I got married we did our honeymoon a little different than most people. I like to say we did it in three parts. Part one was backpacking the 8-day West Coast Trail - if you can survive that you can survive anything together. Part two was our honeymoon proper, a trip to the South Pacific where we hiked and beach-combed in the Cook Islands and French Polynesia - yes we even spent a night in an over-water bungalow.
I'll keep you in guessing about part 3 until the end - but what would you do for a honeymoon? Here are some ideas that have proven popular.
1) African safari
Probably highest on the list of most people looking for an alternative type of honeymoon is an African safari. Perhaps it is the one thing people want to do before they settle down and have kids, perhaps getting married is a great time to make other dreams come true, or perhaps it is simply the magic of Africa that draws. Imagine yourself lying in a bathtub overlooking the savanna while at the watering hole animals come to drink. Raise a glass of champagne to that! Have a look at our Ultimate African Safari Guide to see the many options you have to make your honeymoon in Africa a trip of a lifetime.
2) Galapagos Islands
Another popular choice for honeymooners is the Galapagos Islands. Warm weather, beautiful beaches, great snorkelling and spectacular wildlife all conspire to make this a trip of a lifetime. Combine it with a jungle lodge in the Amazon or a stay at a romantic hacienda. Download your copy of our Ultimate Galapagos planner to learn more.
3) South East Asia
With countries like Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam offering amazing cultures, history and food alongside a well-developed infrastructure of splendid luxury hotels, it comes as no surprise that they are a popular destination with honeymooners. Discover the temples of Angkor, trek to far-off hilltribe villages, sit back in laid-back Hoi An, enjoy the nightlife in Bangkok and Saigon and relax on the beaches everywhere - South East Asia is honeymoon country par-excellence.
4) France and Italy
Are there more romantic destinations than France and Italy? Think a villa among the vineyards of Umbria, the hilltop towns of Provence, a gondola ride in Venice or exploring Paris with a local. Not adventurous enough? We'll have you walk the villages of the Cinque Terre, go truffle hunting in Tuscany and taste limoncello in Amalfi.
5) Costa Rica
A hidden rain forest trail leads to an azure-blue pond, where a waterfall plunges down, inviting you to a refreshing dip. Walk on up the hill discovering a myriad of wildlife along the way. Stand still, awe-inspired at the view over the forest canopy. Zipline down back to your hotel and enjoy a spot of kayaking, rafting, snorkelling or sailing or simply an afternoon at the beach. This is La Pura Vida - Costa Rica style. Now THAT's my kind of honeymoon!
So what was part three?
Part three was our trip to Vietnam when we adopted Amaya - yes, she is as much part of our marriage as her parents!
What is your kind of honeymoon? Feel inspired by these examples? Want to see what else we can offer? Please drop me a line!
Photo courtesy of Lion Sands River Lodge