It’s great to be original, but when it comes to honeymoon vacations, sometimes the most cliché spots are the best, like alaska tours and cruises during the summer. Here are a few vacations you’ll love no matter how many other people have been there first, all you have to do is look here to get started.
Booking a Suite in a Hawaiian Resort
Hawaii is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world. It’s the second leading out-of-town destination for weddings (second to Las Vegas) with more than 20,000 couples performing their nuptials there each year. It’s also the favorite honeymoon destination for both average and luxury honeymooners across the nation.
Don’t discount it as an ordinary trip just because many people choose Hawaii as a wedding or honeymoon destination. You’ll still love every minute of your time on the island, especially if you plan ahead.
Book a suite at a luxury resort on Oahu, and experience the best the the islands have to offer. You can visit a surf shop and surf Hawaii beaches through convenient lessons, swim with stingrays and dolphins, experience some of the best snorkeling adventure in the world, and dance with hula dancers at iconic luau parties. Finally, look for a great hawaiian restaurant to experience the best foods Hawaii has to offer.
Enjoying the Beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast
Hawaii is the most popular U.S. honeymoon spot, but Florida is a close second. The resorts and beaches you’ll find in this southern state are perfect for a romantic honeymoon vacation, making it one of the most cliché destinations on the list. It’s also considered one of the more affordable destinations for couples on a budget.
While Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Destin are among the largest vacation destinations in the state, you’ll find more secluded and private honeymoon spots on the Gulf Coast.
When you experience Florida’s Gulf Coast, you’ll be privy to unparalleled beach experiences and water excursions. Be sure to check out St. George Island, which boasts 22 miles of white sandy beaches and a gorgeous lighthouse in the center of the island. You’ll never run out of things to do in Florida, and the trip will provide you and your new spouse the perfect getaway after the chaos of wedding planning. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Florida, check out apartments for rent in West Palm Beach FL.
Vacationing in the Pacific Northwest
If you’re getting married in the summer or fall, the Pacific Northwest is an ideal destination for honeymooners. This region of the West Coast is very popular for travelers, but it lacks the congested, overpopulated feel of other beach vacations.
The Pacific Northwest beaches are very different from the tan sandy beaches of San Diego and Los Angeles. Instead of warm sand, there are cool tide pools and caves to explore. You can hike a coastal trail to a waterfall and camp in the gorgeous green foliage.
If you want a relaxing, less populated honeymoon vacation, check out Coos Bay in Oregon. There are plenty of things to do in North Bend, OR, the closest town to Coos Bay. You can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean while staying away from some of the more populated regions of the coast.
Staying in a Bed and Breakfast on Mackinac Island in Michigan
If you’re anywhere near the great lakes of the northern Midwest, you’ve no doubt heard of Mackinac Island, located in the middle of Lake Huron. It’s one of the more popular vacation destinations in the region, thanks to its gorgeous limestone arch rock formations, woods, and trails, not to mention the miles of lakefront property that you can rent or buy. Visit in the summer or fall for perfect weather.
The island has a few resorts worth considering, including the Grand Hotel overlooking the water and that includes features like fine dining and tennis courts. If you’re looking for a more intimate, hometown stay, you can look for a bed and breakfast instead. Staying in a Mackinac Island bed and breakfast is one of the best ways to experience the island’s charming side.
For recreation, you can go boating or swimming and enjoy other water activities, as well. The landscape of the island is gorgeous, and you should definitely hike to Arch Rock, a limestone arch situated in the center of a state park. You’ll also spot many other limestone rock formations that make for great photo opportunities.
There’s also Fort Holmes and Fort Mackinac, which once served as a military fortresses during the days when ships were the preferred method of travel in the lake regions. The forts have had some reconstruction over the years, but they’re still accurate depictions of this historic time.
Taking a Caribbean Cruise Out of New Jersey
Cruising is another cliché honeymoon activity that should be on this list. Those who cruise regularly say that there’s no better way to travel if you want to explore multiple coastal destinations.
There are many benefits to cruising for your honeymoon. Along with eating your weight in the divine buffet food available, you’ll see new sights and enjoy onboard entertainment. You also never have to leave your room if you don’t want to. You can enjoy the gorgeous ocean scenery from your balcony. It’s also fairly affordable (depending on the cruise line) because your lodging, food, and entertainment are included in the price of the package.
Many couples choose a Caribbean cruise out of the port at Bayonne, New Jersey. If you live on the northern East coast, it’s a highly convenient spot to take-off from, and you can even spend a day in New York City if you’re coming from out of town.
Here’s a tip for budget travelers: Don’t park in the port parking lot if you don’t want to pay exorbitant fees. Instead, look for quick and affordable airport parking in Newark, NJ and take public transportation to the port.
Sightseeing in the Big Apple
Beach vacations aren’t for everyone on their honeymoon. Some newlyweds prefer sightseeing and big city life including restaurants, luxury hotels, clubs, bars, entertainment venues, and excursions. This makes New York City a very popular city honeymoon destination.
New York City is particularly good for those in search of luxury. The city is filled with fine hotels, including gorgeous honeymoon suites and gourmet room service. You can dine out at the finest restaurants, catch a show on Broadway, or take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park.
You can also order a limousine service to take you throughout the city and surrounding areas. To save money on this splurge, consider a limousine service in Armonk, NY or another suburb of the big city. Ride in style between your hotel and entertainment and restaurant venues.
Road Tripping Through the Deep South
A road trip is the perfect honeymoon vacation for those who want to see many different places on a budget. You can road trip pretty much anywhere, but a trip to the Deep South in the fall is highly recommended.
This part of the country is absolutely stunning during the autumn months. During this time, the once-green foliage turns orange, purple, red, and yellow. You’ll drive through miles and miles of gorgeously-colored tree-lined mountain roads.
Major cities like Charleston, Savannah, Atlanta, Birmingham, and Biloxi should also be on your list if you want to find good home cooking and plenty of southern culture.
As you drive through the many iconic cities, try to get off the beaten path. Explore Henry County, Georgia, a rural grouping of four regions filled with gorgeous scenic routes, historical sites, and delicious food.
Just because your idea for a honeymoon vacation is cliché doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy every minute of it. Don’t discount these awesome honeymoon destinations, even though someone else had the same idea before you. After all, these places are popular and favored by many for a reason. Give these hotspots a chance and you are sure to have a blast!
