Looking for honeymoon inspiration? Be inspired by JLife’s round-up of top suggestions for 2017.
Far-flung beaches, whizzy city breaks or something a little bit different? It can be tricky deciding where to celebrate the start of your marriage. There is so much choice out there, with dedicated honeymoon packages available across the continents, you can literally go anywhere in the world to indulge in a special post-wedding treat. Help is here, though! To guide you in your choice, JLife rounds up where is hot right now, whatever you have in mind.
Before setting your sights on a particular destination, it is important to think about when you are going. If you are getting married in the summer and plan on going away straight after your wedding, for example, you might want to avoid booking the Caribbean as August is the height of hurricane season over there.
Equally important when choosing where you go is considering your commitments at home. If you both need to be back in the office or are particularly time-conscious for other reasons, it is worth considering a weekend city break rather than a fortnight away.
With these suggestions in mind, here are JLife’s predictions for the hotspots in 2017.
The Popular Crowd
There are destinations that will always be popular among honeymooners. The beaches at Bali, the blue waters of Mauritius and the Maldives…these are all locations that offer romance and will forever be the places where couples want to go. In fact, destinations like these can be booked for the whole wedding as well as the honeymoon, meaning the happy couple gets to enjoy the destination before as well as after the big day. This works especially well for smaller weddings as a few family members and friends can fly out for the ceremony before leaving the couple to enjoy the rest of their stay. If you are considering getting married abroad, it is worth checking prices as nuptials in places like Mauritius can work out more cost-effective than if you were to marry in the UK.
It’s Not Unusual
While picturesque islands and laidback beaches are a go-to option for many honeymooners, some are opting for something a little bit different – and chillier. A lot of newlyweds are mixing skiing with ranching in North America this year. Also, some of the more unusual destinations that are being booked for honeymoons include colder locations like Iceland, Lapland and Norway. This is because couples are chasing the Northern Lights, which makes for a romantic alternative to the usual beach break.
Up-and-Coming
Touring holidays around South America – usually visiting Chile, Argentina, Peru and Brazil – are becoming increasingly common. This type of holiday is designed for couples who want to spend their time seeing as much of South America as they can and they pack in a lot during their visit.
Stay Close
For something a little closer to home, head to Italy. For selection and quality, this country has it all, from skiing in the Alps and beautiful train journeys on the Orient Express to the Amalfi drive and tours of Sicily. Plus, there are the cities: Rome, Milan, Bologna…There is something to suit every couple and just a two-hour flight from the UK, making it easily accessible for a weekend break or longer.
A Classic Choice
We will always have Paris – literally. The City of Light will always be a popular choice for honeymooners, and this year sees the re-launches and openings of a lot of five-star hotels, including The Ritz, which has been refurbished for 2017. However, this is a real high-end option, so the £3,500 budget that might get you a beach stay in the Caribbean will get you a long weekend at one of these luxury hotels in the French capital. This is an opportunity to splash out and like big spenders.
Southern Soul
South Africa is a hot tip for 2017. A lot of people follow the Garden Route, which covers 200km and offers an itinerary that takes in the South African scenery. It is high season between November and March there, so if your wedding is later this year, it is well worth considering the country as a honeymoon option. Plus, it is currently one of the few destinations where the pound is worth something.