Honeymoons can be the perfect excuse for an incredible, tailor-made, faraway vacation. So if honeymoons on the beach or to Paris aren't your thing and you're looking for a little more excitement, we've put together some suggestions for alternative honeymoon destinations that add adventure, culture and nature.
Safari in Tanzania
There are thousands of safari options in Africa, but Tanzania stands out from the crowd. It's known both for spotting the Big Five and for its proximity to Zanzibar's picture-perfect beaches, so you can also chill out by the sea for a few days if you so choose. Spend a few days on safari in Ngorongoro Crater in search of lions, leopards, zebras, elephants, then head to the neighboring Serengeti National Park to spot some of the world's most beautiful wildlife.
Patagonian landscapes Spread across southern Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is the last frontier of South America; otherwise there is nothing but the ice and snow of Antarctica. The world-famous scenery is the main attraction – try hiking to the towers of the Torres del Paine in the national park of the same name or climb the icy ridges of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot numerous animals, including Magellanic penguins, humpback whales and the black and white Commerson's dolphin. For added romance, stay in a cozy Swiss-style chalet on the edge of one of Bariloche's lakes, and spend the evenings by the fire sipping hot chocolate.
Sailing in the Galapagos Islands The ultimate wildlife destination has to be the Galapagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin's groundbreaking theory of evolution. Where else on the planet can you see so many uniquely adapted species in such a small area? Fly from Quito in Ecuador, board a cruise ship and spot Galapagos penguins, bottlenose dolphins, bright orange Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas to name a few. For a little more romance, choose a smaller, more intimate ship or even a yacht for your cruise.
Staying in a rainforest
What could be better than falling asleep to a cacophony of chirping crickets and waking up the next morning in the middle of the steamy jungle to the sound of parrots screeching? Well, stay in an Amazon rainforest lodge and this dream comes true. A good place to try this out is Puerto Maldonado in Peru, where a motorized canoe deep in the woods will take you to your lodge, and then you can spend the days cruising the oxbow lakes in search of wildlife and lounging in peace, quiet and nature camping at the same time.
Road trip through America
Rent a car, roll down the windows and feel the wind in your hair as you drive the American highways. Yes, that's right, self-driving is a fantastic way to see the sights at your own pace, and the US is an ideal (and easy) place to try it. Choose from an almost infinite number of itineraries – try driving the east coast from Florida to Boston via New York and Philadelphia, travel through California's rugged Big Sur or drive the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime road trip across the country on Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica.
Climbing a mountain
It may not sound like the most relaxing thing to do on your honeymoon, but climbing a mountain gives you a sense of achievement, not to mention fantastic views. Plus, you'll burn off all the champagne and wedding cake calories while you're at it. And if you're struggling with heavy legs or dwindling energy, having your partner by your side is excellent motivation to push through to the top. Choose Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, or really go for it and climb Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Visit the Temples of the Golden Triangle of India The braver and more intrepid newlyweds could opt for a honeymoon in India. It may not seem like the traditional honeymoon destination, but it's packed with things to do and see:from the legendary Golden Triangle and hiking in the Himalayas to the temples and palaces of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, including the magnificent Taj mahal. Plus, you can indulge in aromatic curries and stay in beautifully decorated palaces along the way.
