Top Trips for Two
Today’s Best Honeymoon Destinations, Near and Far
Never before has the thought of a relaxing and romantic honeymoon seemed so desirable—or 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.
Laura F. Tyree, a Travel Consultant at Travel Lovers with 20 years of experience, is on hand to share her recommendations—both near and far—and advice on making the most of your honeymoon. Read on for her top picks that you can reach by car, train, and plane.
By Car
Keep 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.
“Many couples are now honeymooning domestically instead of choosing international destinations,” Tyree says. “Domestic locations like Florida and Las Vegas are seeing many more honeymoon couples than in previous years. Florida especially has good value.”
Two great options even closer to Central Virginia are Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach. “Pigeon Forge is a popular location easily reached by car that offers lots of activities and outdoor fun,” notes Tyree. “Myrtle Beach would be another self-drive option offering various levels of experiences.”
By Train
If you want to stay in the U.S. but let someone else do the navigating, consider taking a journey by train.
“Amtrak has options for New York City to the north with easy access from Lynchburg as well as New Orleans (although overnight) by train,” says Tyree. “Both have activities and tours to satisfy most interests and so many options for food for those with a taste for alternative options.”
By Plane
If your heart is set on an international excursion, there are still plenty of viable options that won’t feel like concessions.
“The Caribbean is always popular, and many islands have relaxed COVID protocols,” Tyree notes. “The beaches, close proximity, sunshine, and all-inclusive resorts are hard to beat.”
Tyree also recommends The South Pacific for a luxurious international beach honeymoon. “The South Pacific always draws honeymoon couples for the exotic beaches, waterfront huts, and the ultimate experience: the over-water bungalows!” she exclaims. “Hawaii, 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.”
If you want to go to an international beach but are on a tighter budget, Mexico and the Mayan Riviera are ideal.
“In terms of international destinations, Mexico and the Mayan Riviera remain the best ‘bang for your buck’ at this time,” Tyree says. “Both locations offer tons of activities and a variety of sightseeing and fun for just about everyone.”
If you prefer sightseeing over sand, you may want to look into planning a European honeymoon.
“Following closely behind the Caribbean in popularity are Greece, France, and Italy,” Tyree notes. “These destinations in Europe are always popular for the romance, the food, and the European cultural experiences.”
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.
“With COVID restrictions varying from island to island or destination to destination, it’s been difficult to plan in advance without knowing what the situation will be when you actually go,” says Tyree. “Start 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—stick with the pros that watch this information and price travel on a daily basis.”
By Emily Mook
