You skimmed through dozens of venues to zero down that perfect backdrop for your ceremony. Hopped across stores to select a Pinterest-worthy wedding outfit. Curated a delectable menu that you and your guests won’t ever forget. And took care of every minuscule detail. Now, it is time to put that focus back on you and your fiancé by planning the honeymoon of your dreams.
From exotic beach destinations like Maldives and royal palaces in India to glamorous metropolitan cities like New York City and historical cities like Rome, you are sure to be spoiled for choice when getting down to business. You can pick a place that most resonates with your personalities, whether you are romantics at heart, adventure seekers or history buffs. Or check off that bucket list item by planning a trip to an off-the-beaten path. The world is your oyster, quite literally.
Sure, your choices are plenty but as they say, timing in life is everything. It’s crucial to pick the most apt destination based on the time of the year. The season and hemisphere are just as important factors. After all, you don’t want to end up in your dream destination during peak season and fight with the crowds to get a spot at the tourist attractions or restaurants. Or worse, travel during the off-season only to face nightmares like incessant rains during a seaside vacation or not spotting any cherry blossoms in Japan in May. A little bit of research will ensure you catch the best sights, the best prices and the best experiences with your darling.
If you’re wondering where are the best places to visit each month, we’ve got you covered. From different seasons to the best experiences, read our month-by-month travel guide with recommendations from the most incredible destinations across the globe for your post-wedding getaway.
January: Bora Bora
A holiday in Bora Bora is pretty straightforward in its appeal— unraveling scrolls of sea, sand and sky, haute cuisine, luxurious resorts, and one-of-a-kind experiences for two. Unsurprisingly, the screensaver- pretty gem is touted as the leading lady of French Polynesia. Surrounded by a lagoon and a thick coral reef, the island is the ultimate getaway for honeymooners in January. Adventure-loving couples can go snorkelling with sharks, hike up Mount Pahia or dabble in one of the many water sports. Overwater bungalows, which come with private butlers, are the de facto norm for luxury and privacy seekers. Stay at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora are our top picks. History buffs will love the World War II Bora Bora island tour. Helicopter tours and sunset cruises will appeal to the romantics at heart.
February: Sri Lanka
History, culture and adventure await at this Southeast Asian island nation, located just off the tip of India. Sri Lanka guarantees a unique honeymoon because nowhere else in the world can you relish such a wide array of experiences in one compact destination–from metropolitan marvels in Colombo and colonial-era buildings in Galle, to ancient temples in the Cultural Triangle and leopards on safari in Yala National Park.
March: Iceland
Want an intergalactic-esque getaway? Iceland is as otherworldly as it gets. Expect black-sand beaches over tropical isles; thundering waterfalls over gentle waves; and lagoons over hot tubs.While tourist season peaks during summer, mid-March to mid-April is prime time for Northern Lights viewing. A stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon means catching the natural wonder without leaving your bed.
April: Napa Valley
Over 400 vineyards, rolling hills and sunny skies make Napa Valley, California a picturesque spot for a romantic retreat for oenophiles. While world-class vino is the main draw in the valley, there are a number of towns filled with quaint shops, Michelin-starred restaurants, luxurious hotels, and unique spa experiences.
May: Ireland
The emerald isle promises a seductive coastline, mist-covered mountains, pastoral scenery and much more. More than 30,000 castles and castle ruins dot the Irish countryside, and a range of them have been restored and reopened as luxury hotels. This means cosying up in an opulent castle for a royal honeymoon? Yes, please! One of the most beautiful and luxurious is the 800-year-old Ashford Castle in the village of Cong, which is about an hour from Galway. Ireland also produces some of the finest whiskeys in the world. Be sure to add a guided tour. The bonus? From Jamesons to Bushmills, wherever you are in the nation, you are never far from a whiskey distillery.
June: Croatia
The picture-perfect daydream that pops into a person’s head upon hearing the words “Croatia” is pretty much reality at the 1,200 islands you can escape to, as well as the coastal towns that remain off the radar. But there’s a lot to love in the European destination that transcend beyond the go-to tourist destinations, including the mighty mountains where wildlife roams. Choose the vibrant city of Split, the jaw dropping islands around Hvar, or the historic Old Town of Dubrovnik, each destination offering a smorgasbord of adventures and romance at every turn.
July: Miami
Romantic balmy breezes and tropical flair, if your only move should be to reach for another daiquiri, you’ll be in the right place. Balance the relaxation of spa amenities and beach days, with luxury restaurants and glitzy bars, and Miami Beach is the right place for you both. However you choose to spend your honeymoon in Florida, you’ll be in a sunshine state of mind.
August: Italy
For a honeymoon that will be remembered forever, The Cinque Terre, in Italy’s Liguria region, is an ideal getaway for the couple seeking a complete seaside village escape. The region is made up of five villages and a national park which hugs the cliff tops that slope dramatically down to sea level. A charming little train connecting the towns makes visiting all five (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso) a breeze during your visit. Enjoy tiny cups of Italian espresso whilst you wonder through the winding cobbled streets and explore old-world Italian charm.
September: San Francisco
September is the best time to visit San Francisco on America’s west coast. It’s a city brimming with culture, history and it’s home to a little bit of everything. The notoriously hilly metropolis is a haven for foodies and music lovers with a well-established jazz scene. It also hosts one of the U.S.’s biggest Chinatowns, while a vibrant Mexican and Vietnamese community means there’s plenty to try on the menu.
October: Bhutan
Up your Instagram game by planning a post-wedding jaunt to the Kingdom of Bhutan a.k.a. the “Happiest Place on Earth”. Tucked between China and India at the eastern end of the Himalayan chain, Bhutan is the remotest, the least touched by modernity. For a ten-day trip, start in Paro (home to Tiger’s Nest, one of the country’s most sacred monasteries), travel through Wangdiphodrang, Punakha, Trongsa and Bumthang. End at the capital, Thimphu.
November: New Zealand
Escape to the adventure capital of the world for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Find serenity in untamed wilderness and inspiration in the rich culture of the indigenous Maoris and Europeans who have inhabited the islands within the last thousands of years. The diversity of the landscape, not to mention its setting for the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie series, will urge to capture every scenery.
December: India
From the pristine beaches of Goa to the palaces and forts of Rajasthan India has enough to explore over a lifetime of honeymoons. With so much to see, do (and eat!) the Golden Triangle lets you explore the icons of this diverse country. You can head to Agra and encounter the stunning Taj Mahal, and then to Jaipur to wonder at the pink-hued architecture. Soon you’ll be toasting with a chai to an incredible adventure.
