You bought your Celtic engagement ring, and the woman of your dreams said “yes!” Now, for the hard (and fun) part: planning your wedding and honeymoon. Here are 10 perennially popular honeymoon destinations.
#1 — Ireland
Whether you or your sweetie hail from the Emerald Isle, or you’re just enchanted by old Dublin or the Irish coast, nothing beats holding hands while strolling on an old bridge across the Liffey River or kissing one another after kissing the Blarney Stone. If you go to Dublin, stroll through Trinity College, and picnic on St. Stephen’s Green (ideally reciting classic Yates poetry to your sweetie).
#2 — Hawaii
From luau-making and people-watching on Waikiki Beach to surfing on the North Shore of O’ahu, Hawaii is a veritable honeymoon paradise. Bonus: you are practically guaranteed to see a rainbow or 10 out there — the perfect romantic symbol.
#3 — Bali
If you’re really looking to “get away from it all,” Indonesia is about as far away from “it all” as it gets. Plus, given the current exchange rate, even the deflated American dollar packs quite a punch, allowing you to indulge in all sorts of luxuries without dipping into your down payment.
#4 — Vegas
Are you and your bride-to-be highrollers? Going to Vegas for your honeymoon might seem chintzy to some. But a Vegas honeymoon can be affordable and relaxing and delightful. Just stay away from the craps tables. Instead, spend your allowance instead on world-renowned fine dining and sinful extras, like couples massages and spa treatments.
#5 — Alaska
Head up to the Arctic wilderness and enjoy the treasures of the natural world in places like Denali National Park. If you go during the summer, it stays light late into the night, causing visitors to experience a certain amount of euphoria. At the very least, it guarantees you’ll spend more time up and engaging with each other instead of snoozing away your honeymoon.
#6 — The Bahamas
The Bahamas offer a trove of honeymoon options from the quiet smooth sand beaches of Harbor Island to the full-service complex on Grand Bahama Island to the rowdy Atlantis vacation resort.
#7 — France
If you’ve never been to Paris, you may underestimate just how romantic the city really is. Even if you forgo the traditional tourist fare (the museums and such), you can enjoy relaxing repasts and amazing atmospherics. Head out to the countryside to sample world-renowned wine and cheese or even champagne from Champagne itself!
#8 — Sonoma and Napa Valleys in California
Speaking of wine tasting, if you want to stay in the states, Northern California boasts award-winning wineries and eateries just a bit north of the San Francisco area. Ride bikes, taste test at vineyards, meet new friends fast, and generally enjoy the sumptuous California weather as you recuperate from the festivities.
#9 — The Cayman Islands
Perhaps your ideal honeymoon involves simply plopping down on a beautiful beach, soaking up some rays, and drinking cocktails. The Cayman Islands of course offer much more than amazing beaches, however, including amazing scuba diving adventures and tropical golfing.
#10 — Belize
In Belize, you can enjoy things like scuba diving on coral reefs, visiting ancient Mayan ruins, hiking along the Chaa Creek trail, or just sipping cocktails at the Lazy Lizard bar.
Tags: celtic wedding, getting married in Ireland, honeymoon, honeymoon destinations, irish wedding
