There are three good reasons to get married: the jewelry, the party, and the honeymoon. Oh, I forgot love and "happily ever after". A truly great honeymoon can be so sexy, so romantic, so exciting, so adventurous, and so much fun. However, you can’t ask me how many honeymoon vacations I’ve been on until you get to know me better. Here are the top honeymoon destinations according to US News.
USNews.com has made a list of the best honeymoon dream spots in their article, “Best Honeymoon Destinations”. Since I’ve traveled to several of their favored locations, I’ll give you my opinion of those. However, I do feel that the popular website has forgotten to include some fabulous honeymoon ideas. Here are the top ten from USNews.com.
1. Top Honeymoon Destination – Florence
US News likes Florence because it is a beautiful old city nestled in the Tuscan hills and because it's small and can be walked. They love the Duomo and the Florentine artistic attractions, of course. And, I agree with everything they say, however I can’t believe that they picked Florence over Venice. Both towns are remarkable, but I think that Venice is more romantic and enchanting.
2. Great Honeymoon Spot – Maui
US News says that the island of Maui is good for honeymooners “because some couples enjoy roughing it.” That is one of the silliest things I’ve ever heard. Maui is a perfect place for luxurious romance. It is magical. It is exotic. The whole island smells like perfume and pineapples. (US News talks about hiking in jungles and other outdoor adventures as if going to Maui is like going to the gym.) You haven't tried Kaanapali Beach in the evening with a Mai Tai, baby.
3. Paris for a Honeymoon
The article continues on and says that, “For many, (Paris is) the ultimate honeymoon destination.” Yes, they are right about that. But, they are wrong about how expensive Paris can be. You don’t need a 4 or 5-star hotel to have an amazing experience in Paris. Instead of splurging on high-end hotels, spend your money on a boat ride along the Seine, see the Musée d’Orsay, hang out at Place des Vosges to sip hot chocolate, and wander about for free in the Marais district. Paris is sensuous.
4. Santorini
I’ve only been to Santorini once, for a few hours. It’s beautiful and the architecture is inspiring, but I think that Capri would be more romantic. To each, their own. You can't go wrong with either island.
5. Turks & Caicos
While I have only been to the Caribbean once while cruising, I was not impressed. I may be provincial, but I think Hawaii is more beautiful than the Caribbean. (If you live on the East Coast, the Caribbean makes more sense, as it's closer.)
6. Top Honeymoon Destination – Venice
I don’t know who made this list. Venice is better than Florence (but just barely). Venice is like going back in time to the most lustful, magical, decadent place on the planet. Venice makes you tingle all over.
7. St. Maarten
You want Dutch culture? Try Amsterdam or just go next door to Bruges and eat Belgian chocolate cherries in bed with your honey.
8. Edinburgh
Never been. It sounds lovely, but, for a honeymoon, you might prefer a river cruise through Germany or the Loire Valley.
9. Las VegasI know that many of you love Vegas. It’s nice, but it ain’t Paris. And, I see Las Vegas more as a singles scene.
10 CharlestonI know nothing of Charleston.
Here are the the rest of the honeymoon picks by US News:
- 11. Jamaica: Again with the Caribbean?
- 12. Key West: I’ve heard it’s beautiful.
- 13. Kauai: I’ve only been to Kauai on a cruise ship. It’s expensive, quiet, and stunning.
- 14. Banff: Never been but I think I’d prefer Tofino or Victoria (BC) or Quebec City.
- 15. Martinique: I did like Martinique. It’s so different.
- 16. North Carolina’s Outer Banks: Better to live there than to honeymoon there.
- 17. Puerto Vallarta: Better than the other cities in Mexico. It is nice.
- 18. Crete: I’ll take their word. Almost every place in the Mediterranean is warm and welcoming. I’m somewhat fond of Corsica. Cannes is great, too.
- 19 Madrid: I’ve never been, but I want to experience Madrid. I’m intrigued by Madrid.
- 21. San Francisco: San Francisco is amazing, but I don’t know why they put it at the bottom of the list.
- 22. Niagara Falls: Never been. Don't care.
Honeymoon Destinations that I Would Add
How could they leave some of these spots off their list of best places? What were they thinking? Even if you can only afford to spend the weekend in a motel down the street, this is a list of the "best".
- Alaska, by cruise ship
- Vienna
- Oahu (North Shore or Pink Hotel)
- Rome & Vatican Museum
- Lake Como (on my bucket list)
- All of those places in the South Pacific that I’ve never seen like Tahiti or Bali
- Sydney or Port Douglas, Australia
- Auckland
- Hong Kong
- Switzerland in winter.
I suppose everyone likes something different and that's a good thing.
More Info:
Mother of the Bride Dresses: Pictures of Hot Outfits & MOB Rules
What to Wear in Europe - Women's Travel Clothing Summer Vacations
Baby Boomers' Europe: Cruise Ships vs Hotels
Cute Travel Clothing Boomer Women Over 40 & 50
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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