Once the cake has been cut and the guests have gone home, it's time for the best part of the wedding:your honeymoon. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, we've put together a handy guide to where to go and when...
January:South Africa
Best for:Independent Travelers
If you are not a beach holiday couple and looking for fun alternatives, you will love South Africa road trips. This is the place for adventure, think hiking, biking, elephant watching, not two days-the same kind of honeymoon. At this time of year it is best to stay in the south.
Not in the mood for South Africa? Sip wine from the source, see incredible Patagonia mountains and enjoy Argentina's romantic tango beats.
February:Thailand
Ideal for:curious castaways
Thailand's tropical islands and white sand beaches are the stuff of desert island dreams. Try Southern Thailand early in the year; the weather varies wildly across the country, but for beach weather you'll want to avoid April to October on the west coast and September to December in the east. If you get itchy feet after a few days on a sun lounger, don't worry – there's more to Thailand than sandy beaches.
Fancy something lively? February is Carnival season in Brazil, so why not see the vibrant sights and sounds of Rio and then immerse yourself in the incredible Amazon rainforest?
March:Cuba
Ideal for:relaxed city dwellers
Cuba is a city break with a difference. Spend your honeymoon soaking up the old-world glamor of Havana, take a spin in a Cadillac and follow in Hemingway's footsteps. For your wardrobe, December through April is the best choice for dry, sunny weather in the mid-20s.
Want to go east? It will be the dry season in Vietnam. The Central Region and Palm Island are particularly beautiful this time of year for a more relaxed adventure.
April:Costa Rica
Ideal for:eco-adventurers
Costa Rica is a small country with a big heart; there are jungles, brooding volcanoes and deserted beaches packed into a surprisingly small space. If you and your partner want to immerse yourself in nature in the most sustainable way possible, this one is for you. Traveling in April is the end of the dry season, when it starts to get less crowded.
Looking for a spiritual honeymoon? Nepal is a perfect alternative. April is quieter because it's not peak trekking season yet (and it's a bit cooler!).
May:Bhutan
Best for:Adventure Pioneers
Don't know much about Bhutan? That's the beauty of it. Half hidden in the Himalayas in the shadows of India and China, time doesn't seem to move in this fascinating corner of Asia. If you enjoy exploring new places, a trip to Bhutan will make for a honeymoon you'll never forget.
Prefer festivals and parties? Head to Laos for something a little different! While the weather will be less dry, the Bun Bang Fai festival will make it worthwhile as the people of Lao embrace the rain for feeding their crops (resulting in some pretty incredible revelry!).
June:Borneo
Ideal for:first time adventurers
Looking for adventure, but don't know where to start? Borneo offers an exciting, active, yet accessible introduction to the wild side, so it's great if you're new to this part of the world. Think jungle trekking, sleeping in riverside lodges and visits to orangutan sanctuaries, as well as meeting an Iban tribe to gain insight into local life. June in Borneo is warm (average 30°C), but it is a good time to avoid the rainy season.
Want to try a wildcard? Myanmar is a hidden gem in June, in the middle of the green season. Expect vibrant colors, incredible landscapes and beautiful lakes.
July:Sri Lanka
Best for:soulful explorers
If you are full of post-wedding bliss, Sri Lanka is one to fall in love with. It is a colourful, welcoming and truly beautiful country, shrouded in an arc of emerald green landscape. May to September is monsoon season in the south, but in the north, the sky is blue and the mercury is rising. Honeymoons in Sri Lanka can be as active as you want; hike up to Adam's Peak for the most magical sunrise of your life, or tuck yourself under the shady palm trees of the east coast beaches.
Looking for a different twist on a beach holiday? July is a great time to visit the Moroccan coast, with cool breezes keeping the towns and beaches pleasant.
August:Malaysia
Ideal for:island hoppers
If you're treating yourself to some beach time on your honeymoon but don't feel like staying in one place, island hopping is a great option. Malaysia's beaches are something special, so head east for warm, dry beach weather.
The Perhentian Islands are the perfect place to relax with bright colors, pristine white sand and nothing to do but take it easy. The underwater world here is something that has to be seen to be believed, and you can also take a boat to Pulau Lang Tengah, a small ship-style island that still feels undiscovered.
Fancy a South American alternative? Try Bolivia in August as it is mid season and it is perfect for visiting the salt flats or Copacabana.
September:Indonesia
Best for:couples who want it all
Bali has it all when it comes to beaches, and they are as good as everyone says, but there is another side to this world famous island. Since the honeymoon is a unique journey, take this opportunity for a more meaningful experience. You have to take the monsoon season into account, but you are on the right track for dry periods if you visit Bali between April and September.
Experience the temple-studded landscape of Ubud, surrounded by verdant rice paddies and known for its bohemian flair, and cycle through the traditional villages. If you're tempted by the beaches, head south to sleepy Sanur; a laid-back beach village that is the perfect place to wrap things up.
Alternatively, China has perfect weather in September (not too hot or cold and it is quieter when the summer holidays are over). Why not grab an ice cold beer and spend the evening overlooking the Karst Mountains?
October:India
Best for:Temple and tea lovers
India is huge, and the choice of where to go can be overwhelming. The climate is a big factor, so October is a brilliant time to experience the mountainous Northeast, from its world-famous tea plantations to the temples and valleys of the Tibetan border – it's India untouched at best.
Start among the fresh air peaks of Darjeeling (let's not forget it's tea...!), with its quaint streets and monasteries, and take the scenic toy train.
Want another chance to see Brazil? This time of year is different, with the North Islands still warm, and ideal if you enjoy diving or wildlife in the tropical wetlands of Pantanal.
November:Peru
Ideal for:serious walkers
Let your first adventure as a couple be one of the greatest on the planet. Machu Picchu is one of the most incredible sights on Earth; hike the Inca Trail in the misty foothills of the Andes, watch the sun peek over the mountain peaks and marvel at the Lost City – a serious experience for couples, but not for the faint of heart.
There are clear wet and dry seasons around Machu Picchu, and April through November promise the clearest skies for the best view from the top. November skirts the edge of the dry season, meaning fewer crowds and the best chance of having the Lost City all to yourself.
Sounds a bit too adventurous? Cambodia has the best weather in November as the wet season ends and Bonn Om Touk (the water festival) begins! Explore deserted beaches, climb over ancient jungle ruins or see the colors of dawn reflected in Lake Angkor Wat – you won't be disappointed.
December:Vietnam
Ideal for:couples who get bored easily
For honeymoon stories to tell the grandkids about, head to South Vietnam. Although the climate in the north is a long way from the sunny south, December is an excellent crossover month. Ho Chi Minh City is a whirlwind of colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife and fantastic food. If you feel like exploring the beaches to the south, add a few days in Phu Quoc, a jungle-lined stretch of coastline in the Gulf of Thailand.
Central America is another alternative. December marks the end of the rainy season in Nicaragua and people visit it for nature, culture and deserted islands.
