Honeymoon Hot Spots
Below is a compilation of the world's most popular destinations for American
honeymooners. The focus on American couples is the reason for the multitude of
Caribbean islands, however even so there's no denying the Caribbean's suitability for
honeymooning.
Domestic Hot Spot:
San Francisco,
California
Often considered the most beautiful city in the United States, San Francisco
enjoys a privileged location jutting out on a peninsula surrounded by the
Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco harbor. But the city's romance comes from more than just its
physical location, there's the interesting mix of cultures, the Victorian
architecture, plenty of opportunities for harbor cruises, fine dining, unique
boutique hotels, and of course the always stunning views of the Golden
Gate Bridge. It's easy to see why Tony Bennett left his heart here and you just might
too.
10. France,
Western Europe
The world's most popular tourist destination, France has a little something
for everyone. There's the beautiful wine country filled with rolling hills and
vineyards. The amazing French Riviera located on France's southern coast, along
the Mediterranean. However the focal point of most is Paris which is world
renowned for its romanticism. Not to be forgotten are the French Alps where a
willing couple can find solitude in its remote chateaus.
9. Jamaica,
Caribbean
Boasting close proximity to the United States, Jamaica has used its location
and favourable natural setting to become a hot spot for honeymooners. There are
a countless number of beaches and luxurious private resorts. There's even the
infamous 'Hedonism resorts' for the alternative couples among you. Just stay
clear of Kingston and you'll enjoy your holiday.
8. Saint
Barthelemy,
Caribbean
St Barts as it's commonly known is the Caribbean playground for the rich and
famous. While private jets and private beachfront
villas might be out of the reach of most honeymooners, they're common fare on
this island. It's not easy being the most luxurious destination in a sea of
luxurious destinations.
7. Mexico
While its popularity benefits greatly from its location just south of the US
border, no one can deny Mexico's substantial physical and cultural
gifts. Baja California on the northwestern Pacific coast is home to a striking
desert landscape capped at the peninsula's tip by the resort town of Cabo San
Lucas. Other notable cities on Mexico's Pacific coast include Mazatlan and
Acapulco, both of which are popular with tourists seeking fun and relaxation on the beach. On
Mexico's eastern, Caribbean, side is the Yucatan Peninsula; famous throughout the
world for its white sand beaches, dense tropical jungles and ancient Mayan
pyramids, the Yucatan's primary tourist destinations are Cancun, Playa Del
Carmen and the island of Cozumel.
6. Saint Lucia,
Caribbean
Considered one of the more physically gifted Caribbean islands, St Lucia is more
mountainous than most of the other islands in the sea. Private yachts,
beautiful beaches and breathtaking mountain landscapes all add up to a
honeymoon you'll never forget.
5. Fiji,
South Pacific
Once you look past the coup d'états, which seem to happen just a little too
often, Fiji is just your basic run of the mill South Pacific paradise. White
sand beaches, dense tropical jungles and luxurious resorts are what makes Fiji
such a haven, despite its political instability, for honeymooners.
4. Anguilla,
Caribbean
Anguilla is a flat island in the Caribbean Sea only 16 miles long a nd 3 miles wide, but
amazingly it still manages to boast over 30 white sand beaches. The island is
also renowned for its stunning coral reefs and is a great place to enjoy
watersports activities.
3. French
Polynesia,
South Pacific
French Polynesia is the ultimate honeymoon destination for those who can
afford it. Consisting of several island groups in the South Pacific, French
Polynesia even manages to offer a little variety. There are the indulgent
resorts and health spas of Tahiti, the area's most popular island. Bora
Bora is famous for its physical beauty and resorts built along docks over the
water. While Moorea, being a little more out of the way than its sisters, offers
more in respects to privacy.
2. Italy,
Western Europe
Italy is the country that haunts romantics dreams and as such it has
something to satisfy even the most discerning of tastes. Lake Como in the
Italian Alps is home to beautiful lakeside chateaus with stunning mountain
backdrops. Milan is one of the world's most fashionable cities and is a
shopper's paradise. Venice is perhaps the most romantic destination of them all and is known throughout the world for its canals and romantic gondola rides.
Florence will satisfy the art lovers out there as its home to great examples of
the Renaissance Period including Michelangelo's David. Rome is for the history buffs
and visitors can stroll through St Peter's Basilica, the Roman Forum or gaze at
the Colosseum. Just off the coast and basking in the sun is the stunning island
of Capri, former vacation spot of Jackie O'.
1. Hawaii,
United States
Hawaii is the most popular honeymoon destination with US couples. Hawaii is
in a
unique position of being able to offer a Pacific island paradise with the
comfort and ease of domestic
travel. Oahu is the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands and is the location of
the state's largest city, Honolulu. Waikiki is the most popular area for
honeymooners in Oahu and is home to a large collection of resorts situated
along the waterfront. Think of it as a Hawaiian version of Miami Beach. Also on
Oahu is the more remote 'north shore' and the town of Kailua located on the
eastern shore. The island of Maui is also a popular destination and is famous
for its golf resorts and luxury beach resorts. Hawaii Island or 'big island' as
its commonly known is a great destination for the nature enthusiasts as the
island is home to black sand beaches, a continuously erupting volcano and some
great waterfalls. If you're looking to get off the beaten path you can check out
the island of Molokai, the smallest of the accessible Hawaiian Islands.
- Article written in whole by Dakota Smith - Travelers Digest
