So you’re engaged—congrats! The next question is, where should you go on your honeymoon? If you’re feeling overwhelmed with options, you’re not alone. With so many great destinations, it can be hard to decide what’s right for you and your partner. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In this post, we’ll break down everything you should think about before booking your honeymoon vacation. From finding the right destination to budgeting and beyond, we’ve got you covered. So read on for all the info you need to plan the perfect honeymoon!
Table of Contents
The Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations for U.S.-based Newlyweds
Here are three of our most asked about destinations:
Jamaica is a top honeymoon destination choice for many couples. This Caribbean island nation offers beautiful beaches, stunning resorts, and plenty of activities to keep couples busy. In Jamaica, there really is something for everyone. Couples can relax on the beach, explore the lush rainforest, or enjoy an adventure activity like zip lining.
Jamaica is also known for its delicious food. There are plenty of restaurants serving up local specialties like jerk chicken and curried goat. And, of course, no trip to Jamaica is complete without taking in some world-famous reggae music, which is plentiful throughout the island.
There are countless resorts to choose from in Jamaica, but some of the most popular for honeymooners are Sandals South Coast, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Beaches Ocho Rios. These resorts offer everything from luxurious over-water bungalows to swim-up suites and beachfront rooms, all with meals and drinks included!
Crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches make the Bahamas a truly picturesque honeymoon destination. The weather in the Bahamas is warm all year round, making it a great destination any time of the year.
The Bahamas is home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world, including dolphins, flamingos, iguanas, and even swimming pigs! Swimming with dolphins is a popular activity, and the waters around the islands are full of brightly colored fish that make for great snorkeling.
The Bahamian culture is rich and diverse with a mix of Caribbean, African, and American influences. There is always something to do in the Bahamas, whether you’re looking for a quiet beach to relax on or a nightlife scene of casinos and clubs.
Some of the most popular all inclusive resorts in the Bahamas include Sandals Emerald Bay and Sandals Royal Bahamian. These resorts offer everything from luxurious honeymoon suites to all-inclusive packages that include food, drinks, and activities.
When it comes to picking the perfect honeymoon destination, Barbados is hard to beat. With its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts and lively nightlife, there’s something for all tastes on this idyllic Caribbean island. Barbados is a unique and exotic destination with its flora and fauna that includes the Barbados Green Monkeys.
Some of the top honeymoon resorts in Barbados include Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados. Both offer luxurious accommodations and world-class service with plenty of activities to offer, from golf to swimming with dolphins.
And when it comes to enjoying a romantic dinner or drinks under the stars, Barbados doesn’t disappoint. From intimate beachfront restaurants to trendy bars in Bridgetown, you’ll find plenty of spots perfect for raising a toast to your new life together.
Common Misconceptions About Destination Weddings and Honeymoons
Destination weddings and honeymoons can be a lot of fun, but they're not without their fair share of myths and misconceptions. Here are some of the most common ones we hear about:
You have to be rich to have a destination wedding or honeymoon.
All destination weddings and honeymoons are expensive.
There are many amazing honeymoon destinations that are within reach of most newlyweds. The key is to set your budget and then talk to a travel advisor that can help you find the perfect match for your budget and desires.
If you have a destination wedding or honeymoon, you’ll have to do all the planning yourself.
You’ll have to miss out on all the traditional wedding ceremonies if you have a destination wedding or honeymoon.
Nicole W.
Travel Advisor
Our Travel Guides Make the Difference…
A Sandals specialist, Nicole would love to help you make your dream trip come true with the perfect all-inclusive luxury vacation, honeymoon or destination wedding.
Do Men and Women Have Different Ideas About What Makes a Great Honeymoon?
Although men and women may have different ideas about what makes a great honeymoon, both partners can usually agree that relaxation, romance, and new experiences are key ingredients.
For many women, the perfect honeymoon involves plenty of rest and relaxation with a mix of swimming, sunbathing, and romantic walks along the beach. A couples massage or a day at the spa might be the ultimate honeymoon activity for many newlywed women.
While men may also crave relaxing sunset strolls, many are also looking for a little excitement and adventure during their honeymoon. They may want to try activities like zip lining or snorkeling or visit interesting places like ancient ruins or tropical rain forests.
Ultimately, the best honeymoon vacations are those that allow each partner to relax and explore in their own way. Choose a destination that offers something for each of you and don’t be afraid to try new things!
What are the Best Room Types For a Honeymoon?
Is it worth it to spend more money on a luxury honeymoon suite, like an over-water bungalow, swim-up suite, beachfront walkout or private pool villa?
Over the Water Bungalow
In-room Jacuzzi
Seaside Villa
Private Pool Room
Swim-up Room
Beachfront Butler Suite
What Are Some Common Mistakes Couples Make When Planning Their Destination Wedding or Honeymoon?
There are a lot of things to consider when planning your honeymoon: What kind of trip do you want? Where do you want to go? And how much can you afford to spend? While most couples plan and dream about their honeymoon for months in advance, sometimes things don’t go as planned.
Here are five common mistakes people make when planning their honeymoon:
- Not consulting with each other about what type of honeymoon you each desire. Some couples want a relaxing beach vacation while others would rather explore a new city. Make sure you discuss the type of trip you both want before booking anything. A honeymoon should be relaxing and romantic, but also offer an opportunity for both you and your partner to try something new!
- Waiting until the last minute to book. If you wait too long, your chosen resorts and room types may not be available, and you may end up paying more than you wanted! Most honeymooners book their trip months in advance; we recommend you start planning for your honeymoon 12 months before your travel date. Flights may get pricier the closer in that you book, so book early for the best rates.
- Not doing the research. There are so many amazing places to visit in the world, but not every destination is right for every couple. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before booking your flight and hotel. Ask friends, read reviews, and talk to a travel advisor! Travel advisors have been to many of these resorts and can offer a wealth of information that isn’t available elsewhere.
- Not budgeting properly. Just because it’s your honeymoon doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Set a budget and try to stick to it as best as possible. If you start your planning early, you may be able to save up for the extras that matter to you the most. An affordable all-inclusive resort may also help you stay on budget without having to worry about cash while you’re on vacation.
- Not accounting for travel time and jet lag. If you’re traveling across the country, make sure you consider how many time zones you’ll be crossing and how long it will take for your body to adjust. You don’t want your honeymoon to be ruined by jet lag! If you can, add an extra day to recover from jet lag once you arrive, and maybe even an extra day at home when you return.
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