Best Places to Take a Honeymoon

On average, an American couple spends nine months getting ready for the big day. And after the last handful of rice has been tossed, the happy couple is typically and understandably exhausted.

That is where we will begin, with exhaustion. Because, believe it or not, fatigue is a major factor in choosing a destination for the honeymoon. A dream vacation or that once-in-a-lifetime trip to remember typically takes a backseat to convenience and travel time. With that in mind, here is our list of the top stops for American newlyweds.

The Caribbean
As they plan their weddings, most couples discuss the honeymoon destination. But as the days go by, a funny thing happens—the destination tends to get closer and closer to home. An African safari or a European tour often becomes a trip to a nearby island. And the largest, closest and most exotic islands for many couples are located in the Caribbean. Not surprisingly, it is the most popular destination for American newlyweds.

Jamaica has been the honeymoon capital of the Caribbean for many years now. In 2009, the island welcomed 100,000 newlyweds from the U.S. The Bahamas is the next most popular destination in the Caribbean, with around 60,000 American honeymooners in 2009. It has been reliably estimated that thirty percent of American adult couples honeymoon in the Caribbean.

Why go?

• Affordable
• Close to home
• Tropical beaches
• Endless activities

Europe
For newlyweds who have a slightly bigger budget and enjoy sightseeing, Europe remains a popular destination. Between eight and ten percent of honeymooners plan a European adventure. There are no current numbers on which country actually welcomes the most newlyweds, but it is likely either Italy or France. The single most popular destination is Paris . Not only is it the “city of love,” but it is also the most visited metropolis on earth. As for Italy, package honeymoon tours often include stops at romantic cities like Venice, Milan and Florence.

Why go?

• Culture
• Food & drink
• Shopping
• Sightseeing

Niagara Falls
Once considered the honeymoon capital of the world, Niagra Falls has slipped a bit since the Second World War. Yes, it’s been a long slide, but the Falls are still one of the most popular domestic destinations for American honeymooners. Because they keep fastidious records, we know that around 90,000 newlyweds visit Niagara Falls each year, and most of them are from the United States. A recent survey in Brides Magazine found that 20 percent of couples who plan to honeymoon at home have booked a trip to Niagara Falls.

Why go?

• Close to home
• Affordable
• Traditional
• Relaxing

Hawaii
The one exception to the travel distance rule is the 50th state: Hawaii. Time and again, American couples have been willing to endure plane rides of up to 11 hours to get to the islands. Nearly half a million newlyweds touched down in Hawaii in 2008, and half of them were Americans!

Why go?

• Beautiful beaches
• Excellent accommodations
• Several Islands to choose from
• No passport required

A once in a lifetime opportunity for newlyweds, your honeymoon is your chance to pull out all the stops for a getaway you’ll never forget. Discover your perfect destination now!