Strategies

Unexpected Honeymoon Ideas

By Blair West

While tried-and-true honeymoon destinations never go out of style, there is something incredibly romantic about venturing off the beaten path with your new spouse. Whether traveling to an up-and-coming African safari location, lesser-known Italian beach retreat or South American hotspot, newlyweds who opt for an unexpected honeymoon ideas can expect to bond through the shared thrill of discovery. Here, we recommend trips where adventure and romance—not to mention a lack of crowds—are almost guaranteed.

Egypt

is back on travelers' radar. The draw: one third of all the world's antiquities, Biblical landscapes and luxury sailing options on the Nile. For honeymooners, it's a bucket list destination with a fascinating history and an undeniably charming soul.

Buenos Aires & José Ignacio, Uruguay

This duo of Buenos Aires followed by Uruguay’s serene beaches at José Ignacio is one of our favorite honeymoon ideas. It blends captivating BA—home to exquisite cuisine inspired by gaucho culture, sultry tango bars and a fascinating political and artistic history with the Hamptons of Latin America.

Morocco

Another North African favorite, Morocco appeals to romance-seeking travelers thanks to its cultural heritage, epic views and beloved cuisine. Indagare's CEO and founder Melissa Biggs Bradley recommends seeing both Marrakech and the hotel Dar Ahlam in the Atlas Mountains. "It's a wonderful combination of exotic city and desert, and provides an amazing adventure."

Alaska

Remote, exotic and full of adventure, Alaska provides adrenaline-pumping activities and astounding landscapes that rival those of popular overseas destinations—and you don’t need a passport to get there.

Rwanda and Zimbabwe

Observing endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda is a profound wild-life experience. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, offers adventurous honeymooners a wealth of UNESCO sites like Victoria Falls, as well as luxurious lodges.

Puglia

has all the attractions of better-known Mediterranean honey-moon destinations—a warm climate and miles of beautiful beaches, numerous country inns and charming villages with Baroque churches and tiny piazzas—minus the tourists.

Indonesia

Comprising more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia promises romantic days spent hiking volcanoes, visiting temples and sampling delicious fusion cuisine. A can’t-miss for adventurous honeymooners: chartering a sailboat to explore the islands of Komodo, Java and Moyo in near seclusion.

Bhutan

With its staggering natural beauty and distinctive culture, Bhutan appeals to both landscape lovers and spiritual seekers. The country, which strictly limits tourism, is ideal for newlyweds interested in broadening and deepening their understanding of the world and each other.

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