Today\u2019s Best Honeymoon Destinations, Near and Far<\/p>\n
Never before has the thought of a relaxing and romantic honeymoon seemed so desirable\u2014or so out of reach. As the pandemic continues to affect wedding plans, you may find yourself wondering if planning a honeymoon is an exercise in futility. Luckily, although you may need to slightly adjust your expectations, there are still a plethora of destinations that can serve as excellent settings for your first trip as a married couple. <\/p>\n
Laura F. Tyree, a Travel Consultant at Travel Lovers with 20 years of experience, is on hand to share her recommendations\u2014both near and far\u2014and advice on making the most of your honeymoon. Read on for her top picks that you can reach by car, train, and plane.<\/p>\n
By Car
\nKeep in mind that the glamour of a getaway is not measured in miles. Planning a domestic honeymoon that you can reach by car will give you more flexibility to choose specific activities that appeal to you. <\/p>\n
\u201cMany couples are now honeymooning domestically instead of choosing international destinations,\u201d Tyree says. \u201cDomestic locations like Florida and Las Vegas are seeing many more honeymoon couples than in previous years. Florida especially has good value.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two great options even closer to Central Virginia are Gatlinburg\/Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach. \u201cPigeon Forge is a popular location easily reached by car that offers lots of activities and outdoor fun,\u201d notes Tyree. \u201cMyrtle Beach would be another self-drive option offering various levels of experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n
By Train
\nIf you want to stay in the U.S. but let someone else do the navigating, consider taking a journey by train.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmtrak has options for New York City to the north with easy access from Lynchburg as well as New Orleans (although overnight) by train,\u201d says Tyree. \u201cBoth have activities and tours to satisfy most interests and so many options for food for those with a taste for alternative options.\u201d<\/p>\n
By Plane
\nIf your heart is set on an international excursion, there are still plenty of viable options that won\u2019t feel like concessions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Caribbean is always popular, and many islands have relaxed COVID protocols,\u201d Tyree notes. \u201cThe beaches, close proximity, sunshine, and all-inclusive resorts are hard to beat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tyree also recommends The South Pacific for a luxurious international beach honeymoon. \u201cThe South Pacific always draws honeymoon couples for the exotic beaches, waterfront huts, and the ultimate experience: the over-water bungalows!\u201d she exclaims. \u201cHawaii, Tahiti, and Fiji offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and honeymooners want to have that once-in-a-lifetime experience together.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you want to go to an international beach but are on a tighter budget, Mexico and the Mayan Riviera are ideal.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn terms of international destinations, Mexico and the Mayan Riviera remain the best \u2018bang for your buck\u2019 at this time,\u201d Tyree says. \u201cBoth locations offer tons of activities and a variety of sightseeing and fun for just about everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you prefer sightseeing over sand, you may want to look into planning a European honeymoon.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing closely behind the Caribbean in popularity are Greece, France, and Italy,\u201d Tyree notes. \u201cThese destinations in Europe are always popular for the romance, the food, and the European cultural experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n
No matter where you choose to go on your honeymoon and how you get there, planning early, keeping an open mind, and enlisting the expert aid of a travel agent will ultimately save you time, money, and stress.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith COVID restrictions varying from island to island or destination to destination, it\u2019s been difficult to plan in advance without knowing what the situation will be when you actually go,\u201d says Tyree. \u201cStart planning early and be aware of restrictions and rules for the destinations you are considering. Using a travel agent in this ever-changing world is your best strategy\u2014stick with the pros that watch this information and price travel on a daily basis.\u201d <\/p>\n
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