Honeymoon Destinations: 5 Unique Spots for Couples Who Want Something Different
If you’re looking for honeymoon destinations that feel romantic without the crowds, an underrated spot can be a smart choice. Iconic places like Paris will always be romantic, but lesser-known destinations often give you more privacy, more room to explore, and experiences that feel specific to the two of you.
Think hidden beaches, charming villages, and big natural landscapes you can actually enjoy at your own speed. Below are five unique honeymoon destinations for couples who want something different, plus a simple planning timeline and a few common mistakes to avoid.
Key Takeaways:
Five underrated honeymoon destinations to consider (beyond the usual picks)
A simple planning timeline for booking flights, hotels, and key experiences
Common honeymoon planning mistakes (and how to avoid them)
1. Thailand Islands: A Romantic Honeymoon Destination for Beach Lovers Who Want Variety
If you’re looking at honeymoon destinations that feel romantic but not predictable, the Thailand islands belong on your list. Thailand is a harmonious blend of lively energy and indulgent relaxation, wrapped in rich cultural traditions and stunning landscapes, with plenty to do when you want it and plenty of calm when you don’t.
A Thailand islands honeymoon can be as simple or as layered as you want. Stay put on one island for the full reset, or add a second island for more variety and a stronger sense of adventure, without turning your trip into a constant move.
What to build into your stay:
A private longtail boat day to quiet swim spots
A cooking class or market tour (low effort, high payoff)
One splurge dinner with your toes in the sand
A few intentional “do nothing” mornings
Want help narrowing down the right island combination for your style? Get our destination guide to Southeast Asia right here.
2. South Africa + Seychelles
If you want honeymoon destinations that blend big scenery with real variety, South Africa + Seychelles is hard to beat. South Africa is a diverse country brimming with vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and really amazing adventures, so your days can feel full without feeling rushed. From the bustling streets of Cape Town to the serene wilderness of Kruger National Park, each stop offers a unique slice of South Africa’s rich tapestry.
Then you shift gears to Seychelles, and it’s pure exhale. If you appreciate the finer things, this island chain is ready to spoil you with powder soft beaches, dramatic rock formations, and resorts where every single detail is designed to bring joy. It’s the kind of place where you ease into the day, linger over long meals, and let the natural landscapes do most of the talking.
Why this honeymoon combo works:
Adventure first, then beach time (a natural rhythm for most couples)
Iconic variety in one trip: city, wilderness, islands
Easy to tailor based on your style, energy, and how much you want to move around
Explore our guide to vacationing in South Africa.
3. Luxury Train Experience
A luxury train journey is one of the most unique honeymoon destinations for couples who want the travel days to feel like part of the trip, not the part you have to “get through.” You unpack once, settle into elegant carriages, and let panoramic views, slow mornings, and exquisite dining set the rhythm—romance, adventure, and indulgence all in one.
Belmond train journeys are a beautiful fit here, especially if you want classic routes with old world charm and strong service. Depending on where you’re headed, you can look at icons like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express across Europe, the Royal Scotsman through the Scottish Highlands, or the Eastern & Oriental Express in Southeast Asia.
If South Africa is on your list (especially if you’re pairing it with beaches afterward), Rovos Rail is worth a serious look. Their journeys run out of Pretoria, with classic routes like Pretoria to Cape Town or Pretoria to Victoria Falls—a wonderfully cinematic way to stitch together multiple stops without hopping on another flight.
Why train travel works so well for a honeymoon:
You see multiple places with calmer logistics (and less packing)
Dining, scenery, and service are built into the experience
It’s romantic by design, but still feels like an adventure
Easy to combine with other honeymoon destinations before or after the train route
4. Maldives + Sri Lanka
If you’re looking for honeymoon destinations that combine pure beach time with culture and adventure, the Maldives + Sri Lanka is a strong pairing. The Maldives is a stunning archipelago in the Indian Ocean, known for turquoise lagoons, pristine beaches, and iconic overwater villas. It’s ideal for couples who want to slow down, swim, snorkel vibrant reefs, and build in a few memorable moments like a private boat outing or dinner under the stars.
Beyond the scenery, the Maldives is also a treat for food lovers. With influences from Indian, Arab, and Sri Lankan cultures, you’ll find fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and bold spices woven into everyday meals, which adds a real sense of place to a stay that’s otherwise beautifully simple.
Then Sri Lanka brings the contrast. If you crave culture, nature, and adventure, this island delivers with ancient temples, wildlife sightings (including elephants), dramatic landscapes, and food that will make you want to extend the trip just to try more. Together, these two honeymoon destinations create a trip that feels both restorative and interesting, without needing complicated logistics.
Why this honeymoon combo works:
Relaxation first (or last) in the Maldives, then a more active, experience rich route in Sri Lanka
Great for couples who want beaches and a sense of discovery
Easy to tailor based on how much exploring you want versus how much downtime you need
Learn everything you need to know about making the Maldives your honeymoon destination.
5. St. Barths
If you’re searching for honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean that feel polished but still easygoing, St. Barths (Saint Barthélemy) is a standout. This French speaking island pairs beautiful, uncrowded beaches with excellent places to stay, shop, and eat, all in a compact footprint that makes getting around simple.
One reason a St. Barths honeymoon works so well is beach variety. Each white sand stretch has its own personality, whether you want calm water for snorkeling, a spot for body surfing, or a quieter beach for shell hunting and a long, slow afternoon.
I was asked by Travel + Leisure about my favorite island destination, and I recommended St. Barths because it blends sophistication with simplicity.
Take our quiz to find the perfect island honeymoon destination for you.
A Timeline for Planning Your Honeymoon
Between wedding decisions and real life, it’s normal to feel a little stretched while you’re also researching honeymoon destinations and trying to plan the trip. The key is to make a few high impact decisions early (where you’re going, how long you have, and what matters most), then fill in the details in a calm, logical order.
Here’s a simple honeymoon planning timeline, organized by how far out you are from your wedding.
12+ Months Before
Set Your Honeymoon Budget: Decide what you want to spend on flights, lodging, activities, and souvenirs. (If you’re choosing between multiple honeymoon destinations, your budget will quickly narrow the list in a helpful way.)
Choose Your Destination: Research honeymoon destinations that fit your interests, the season you’re traveling, and any travel restrictions. If you’re torn between two places, focus on weather, flight time, and the style of trip you want most: beach, city, nature, or a mix.
Check Passports and Visas: Make sure passports are valid for at least six months beyond your return date, and confirm visa requirements early so nothing sneaks up on you later.
Consider Travel Insurance: Start researching coverage for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and lost luggage, especially if you’re booking flights and lodging far in advance.
9–12 Months Before
Book Flights: For many honeymoon destinations, booking early usually means better pricing, better flight times, and more seat selection (especially if you’re aiming for premium cabins or nonstop routes).
Reserve Accommodations: Hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals can book out well in advance in popular honeymoon destinations. Locking in your main stay early protects your options, especially for the room category you actually want.
Plan A Few Special Experiences: Choose one or two “anchor” moments now, like a private boat day, a chef’s table dinner, a guided day trip, or a once a week excursion that has limited availability. These details shape the trip, and the best ones don’t wait around.
6–9 Months Before
Research Activities and Reservations: Start a shortlist of the dining, adventure, spa services, and cultural experiences that fit your style. For popular honeymoon destinations, this is when the best tables, top guides, and limited capacity experiences begin to book up.
Arrange Transportation: Decide whether your honeymoon makes more sense with a rental car, local taxis, or pre-booked transfers. If you’re visiting more than one place, map out drive times and connection windows now so the trip stays smooth.
Check Health Requirements: Review recommended vaccinations or medications for your destination well in advance, especially if you’re traveling to more remote areas or planning wildlife, hiking, or adventure activities.
3–6 Months Before
Finalize Your Honeymoon Itinerary: Decide on the flow of your trip: which days are for relaxation and which are for activities. This is also a good time to confirm how long you’ll stay in each place if you’re combining multiple honeymoon destinations.
Make Reservations: Book restaurants, excursions, and special experiences that require advance planning. In popular honeymoon destinations, the best guides, boats, and dining options can disappear months ahead.
Confirm Travel Insurance: Make sure your policy covers your trip dates and any planned activities.
1–3 Months Before
Pack Strategically: Build a packing list based on weather, activities, and dress codes, especially if your honeymoon includes more than one climate or setting.
Prepare Travel Documents: Make copies of passports, tickets, reservations, and insurance information, and store them in an easy to access place.
Notify Your Bank: Let your credit card company know your travel dates to reduce the chance of card issues abroad.
1–2 Weeks Before
Finalize Payments: Confirm deposits and payment deadlines for accommodations and experiences.
Check Travel Restrictions: Review airline policies and any local regulations that may affect entry or on the ground logistics.
Pack Essentials: Chargers, adapters, medications, and a few travel comfort items that make long flights easier.
Day of Departure
Double-Check Documents: Passports, tickets, itinerary, and insurance.
Relax and Enjoy: Your planning is done. Now the honeymoon begins.
This timeline can feel like a lot, especially on top of wedding planning. When you work with us, we handle the details of your honeymoon planning so you can stop second guessing every decision and feel genuinely excited about what’s ahead. Schedule a travel planning session with Allison.
6 Honeymoon Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most carefully planned, dreamy honeymoon can lose its magic if you run into avoidable missteps. Here are the most common honeymoon planning mistakes and the easy adjustments that transform them into seamless successes.
1. Settling for a Destination
Your honeymoon isn’t just a vacation—it’s a milestone. You’re already investing in the flights, the hotel, and precious time together, so why not make it unforgettable? Chances are, it could be years before you can escape for a big trip without careers, family, or budgets pulling you back. Your honeymoon is the perfect moment to embrace the destinations and experiences that will become your most cherished memories.
2. Procrastinating Booking
Planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job, but waiting too long to book your honeymoon can mean sold-out resorts, soaring airfare, and missing out on those dreamy extras you’ve been imagining.
That’s where we come in. While you focus on walking down the aisle, we’ll handle every detail of your honeymoon—from flights and transfers to romantic experiences designed just for you. All you have to do is show up, bags packed, ready to enjoy a unique escape.
3. Overfilling the Itinerary
Your honeymoon is the perfect chance to slow down, exhale, and savor those first days as newlyweds after months of wedding planning. Yet many couples fall into the trap of cramming their itinerary with back-to-back tours and activities, racing from one thing to the next. You can’t experience everything a destination has to offer, and trying to do so will only leave you exhausted.
Instead, aim for balance. Choosing a few meaningful experiences creates space to rest, reflect, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Often, it’s those slower, more intimate moments that become the memories you treasure most.
4. Not Making the Experience Personalized
It can be tempting to book a pre-made vacation package—it’s easy, convenient, and takes the stress out of planning. However, those packages are built for the masses, not for you. Your honeymoon deserves more. This is your first big adventure as a married couple, a chance to connect without the distractions of everyday life.
5. Booking with the Wrong Name
We know you’re excited to start using your new last name—but when it comes to travel, the rules are strict. Your airline ticket must match the name on your driver’s license or passport. Airlines and border officials won’t make exceptions, and fixing it later can be costly and stressful. To avoid headaches, always use the exact name that appears on your passport when booking your trip.
6. Leaving Directly After the Wedding
Weddings are both emotionally and physically draining. After late-night dancing, endless photos, and the pressures of hosting, you’ll likely be running on fumes. Many couples choose to wait a day or two before heading off, using that time to rest, open gifts, and savor moments with family. Some even postpone their honeymoon by a few weeks, turning it into a highly anticipated escape once the post-wedding whirlwind has settled.
Plan Your Honeymoon with Collier Travel Collective
Choosing a honeymoon destination is a chance to step off the beaten path and create memories that feel truly your own. These hidden gems offer romance, adventure, and intimacy without the crowds of more traditional spots, giving you space to connect, explore, and celebrate your first days as a married couple.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets over quiet beaches, wandering charming historic towns, or discovering secret natural wonders, the right destination can turn your honeymoon into a story you’ll cherish forever. Schedule a travel planning session with Allison today.
And when your anniversary rolls around, explore these trip destinations for every milestone.
FAQs About Honeymoon Destinations
Where is the best place to go on a honeymoon?
The “best” honeymoon destination depends on your couple's interests. Beach lovers might dream of the Maldives, Bora Bora, or the Seychelles. Adventure seekers may prefer Costa Rica, New Zealand, or Iceland. Couples who love culture and history often choose Italy, Japan, or Morocco. The key is picking a destination that excites both of you and matches the type of experience you want—relaxation, adventure, romance, or a mix of all three.
How long should a honeymoon last?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but most honeymoons last between 5 and 10 days. This gives you enough time to relax, explore your destination, and enjoy special experiences without feeling rushed. Some couples opt for shorter 3–4-day trips when time or budget is limited, while others stretch their honeymoon into two weeks or more to fully disconnect and immerse themselves in the experience.
Also consider how far you are traveling. A quick two-hour flight means you don’t have to carve out more time for travel or adjust to the timezone. If you have longer travel times (12+ hours), consider staying at your destination longer.
Which is the most romantic place for a honeymoon?
Romance can be found almost anywhere, but certain destinations are famous for their intimate, dreamy vibes. The Maldives and Bora Bora offer overwater villas and private beaches, Paris exudes classic romance with its cafés and riverside strolls, and Santorini charms with its sunsets and whitewashed villages. Ultimately, the most romantic place is one where you can create meaningful moments together, whether that’s a secluded mountain cabin or a vibrant city you both love.
What should we pack for a honeymoon?
Pack based on your destination and planned activities. Essentials include travel documents, chargers/adapters, comfortable clothes and shoes, swimwear, and a few dressy options for romantic dinners or excursions. Don’t forget sunscreen, medications, and any personal comfort items.
How can we make our honeymoon more romantic?
Plan meaningful experiences tailored to your relationship: private dinners, couples’ spa treatments, sunrise or sunset adventures, and moments to disconnect from devices. Even small gestures—like handwritten notes, surprise gifts, or sharing favorite activities—can make the trip special.
Should we hire a travel advisor for our honeymoon?
Yes, a travel advisor can save time, reduce stress, and provide insider access to unique local experiences. We handle logistics like flights, transfers, accommodations, and activities, letting you focus on enjoying the trip. Schedule a travel planning session.
What’s the best way to surprise my partner on our honeymoon?
Surprise experiences can range from a private sunset cruise to a hidden picnic, a couple’s massage, or even a small gift waiting in your room. Think about what your partner loves and tailor the surprise to make the moment personal and memorable.