You have searched the whole world over for your perfect life mate. Now you can find the perfect beginning to your new life together at one of these twenty unique honeymoon destinations.
Here are some destinations that are just a little - or a lot - unusual!
The famous city of Agra, India is home to the magnificent Taj Mahal.Surrounded by lush gardens and built completely from marble by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the beauty of this palace is best appreciated by the light of the full moon.The Taj is not the only romantic draw to the legendary city of Agra, however.Honeymooners can enjoy walks on the banks of the river Yamuna, birthplace of Krishna, and sample the amazing variety of colorful local cuisine.
2. AUSTRALIAN SAFARI
Adventurous honeymooners with a love of the rugged outdoors will enjoy an Australian Safari adventure.Activities including rappelling, hiking, mountain biking, wine tasting, and photography expeditions, will offer the happy couple a bonding and unforgettable experience in the unique and beautiful Outback of Australia.
3. TIBET
Honeymooners arriving in the capital city of Lhasa will need to go slowly - the famed city is situated 11,000 feet above sea level.Enlightened honeymooners will never forget their visit to this ancient, mysterious civilization.Late summer/early autumn newlyweds should consider planning their trip around the Shoton Festival, a week-long celebration of song.
4. TRANSYLVANIA
An unusual choice for a honeymoon excursion to be certain, Transylvania offers the perfect amenities for the Gothic or New Age couple.Got married on Halloween, and want to continue your celebration?Consider staying at the castle of the fictional character Count Dracula, and prepare to be swooned!Spring newlyweds will enjoy the annual Easter egg festival, and can sign up for a lesson or two in painting the traditional Easter egg themselves!
5. ZANZIBAR
Most often offered in a combination package to include a tour of magnificent Kenya, the island paradise of Zanzibar features some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.The happy couple will experience the traditional beach-hopping honeymoon with a twist - the music of Zanzibar, most famously called "taarab", is hauntingly beautiful, and the food is unique and sublime.
6. CHILE - San Pedro de Atacama
Located in the northern volcanic regions of the Andes mountain range, San Pedro de Atacama is a prime spot for geology enthusiasts.Honeymooners will want to bring along good hiking boots and a thirst for adventure.The scenery is unforgettable, with formations created by erosion from mountains of salt, geothermal hot springs, and of course the distinctive, rugged archeology of the Spanish Indians.
7. MEXICO - Cozumel Island
Newlyweds desiring traditional honeymoon accommodations with a unique twist will find a true gem in Cozumel, the largest of the Mexican Caribbean islands.This beautiful island offers a variety of activities for fun, relaxation, or sightseeing, including: shopping for black coral jewelry, tours of the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio, and snorkeling in Palancar Reef.
8. MADAGASCAR
The world's fourth largest island, Madagascar is home to fantastic creatures such as the tortoise, the lemur, and the elephant bird, as well as a fantastic array of indigenous flora and fauna.Bird-watchers in particular will fall in love with the island, taking part in bird-watching excursions to view the unusual bird species of the Madagascar fish eagle, the newtonia, and the ground roller.
9. QUEBEC CITY - Quebec
Historic, romantic Quebec is the ideal location for honeymooners looking for something just a little off the beaten path.To get the most out of your Quebec experience, start by taking a tour of the city by horse and buggy.Or simply take a quiet stroll - the Old City streets are narrow and "paved" in cobblestones, adding to its romantic, European charm.
10. APPALACHIAN TRAIL
The Appalachian Scenic National Trail is a footpath stretching from Maine to Georgia.Along the way are some lovely cabin retreats with fantastic views of the Appalachian Mountains, forests, and streams.Here you can fish to your hearts' content, relax in a porch swing, or even take your horses for a gentle trot along forest paths.
11. MACKINAC ISLAND - Michigan
Located between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan, Mackinac Island is a national historic landmark beloved for its history, romantic atmosphere, and Victorian Era charm.No motor vehicles are permitted on the island (other than emergency vehicles), so honeymooners can enjoy bicycle tours, carriage rides, and even boat tours in a pollution-free environment.
12. GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
What more perfect place to begin the evolution of your marriage than with the home of the Theory of Evolution itself?The Galapagos Islands is the perfect first home away from home for the happy newlyweds, with a natural beauty that has inspired scientists and artists alike for centuries.
13. JAPAN
When you think "honeymoon", Japan is probably not the first locale to come to mind.However, this fascinating country offers a wealth of amenities and activities for newlyweds.Honeymooners can see or do almost anything in Japan, like "island-hopping" in Okinawa, shopping in Tokyo, or attending a performance of the tragically romantic opera Madame Butterfly.
14. NOVA SCOTIA
Pristine waters, fresh air, and breathtaking scenery are just a few draws to Nova Scotia for your honeymoon retreat.Honeymooners can also enjoy sailing, horseback riding, camping, kayaking, canoeing, or even relaxing in a secluded old farmhouse for two.
15. TURKEY
Lovers of the exotic will find a honeymoon to Turkey unforgettable.Vacationing in Turkey is becoming more popular now that the country has opened its doors to visitors.Turkey offers excellent ethnic cuisine and white sand beaches with gorgeous Mediterranean views.To visit the site of Anthony and Cleopatra's romance, head to the town of Side.The best time to visit is late spring, when the city is less crowded.
Last but not least, consider these off-the-beaten-path, cost-saving honeymoon destinations and remember:It's not where you are going, but the hand you are holding that matters most.
1. Take a road trip through the Rocky Mountains, stopping at bed and breakfasts along the way, or even packing camping gear for a wildlife adventure.
2. Rent a honeymoon cabin in beautiful Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the heart of the majestic Smoky Mountains.
3. Take a ferry ride to Catalina Island, off the coast of Los Angeles, where you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing together and taking in the gorgeous scenery as herds of bison pass by.
4. Purchase a Eurail Pass with a sleeper car, and take a week-long excursion through the European country or countries of your choice.Germany, for example, is home to some of the world's most beautifully preserved forests, including the romantic Black Forest.
5. Finally, for a fine balance of the uniquely exotic - yet moderately priced - honeymoon, consider visiting the magnificent and friendly country of Thailand.Your vacation dollars will be well spent here, as the surrounding regions continue to recover from the December tsunami.You might choose to donate a portion of your travel dollars to a reputable relief agency.
No matter where you choose to honeymoon, let it be a blessed event, with happiness to carry you through many years of marriage.And don't forget:It's never too late to honeymoon with the one you love!
