Honeymoon Guide Part 2: Five Non-Traditional Honeymoons

Beach getaways and island honeymoons are perfect for many newlyweds. For those of you who need more adventure and want to do something unusual for you honeymoon, below are 5 ideas that you can work with to plan a unique and non traditional honeymoon. All of the trips listed below will work more smoothly with the assistance of a travel agent as they have more experience working with hotels, airlines and attractions at these destinations. Also, travel agents will have excellent recommendations for where to stay, what to do and where to go. I highly recommend using a travel agent for booking any of these trips to ensure that all goes according to plan as you will likely be too busy planning the wedding. Leaving the travel plans to the pros is the best idea.  

Swiss Alps

Swiss Alps: For couples planning a winter wedding; consider vacationing in the Alps for your honeymoon. The snow in late December, January, and February is fabulous and allows for snow filled slopes, great views of the mountains and landscapes. The Swiss are known for their chocolate; an aphrodisiac that is sure to keep the romance in the air throughout your entire honeymoon. 

Geneva, Switzerland

When vacationing in Switzerland try to hit some of the great cities and sights. Geneva is a must as the shopping, sightseeing, and history of this city is fantastic.  Zurich and Lucerne are also great stops to include on your honeymoon.  The Hotel Mirabeau in Zermatt and the Hotel Victoria in Meiringen are great hotels in the Swiss Alps. And if you are looking for a good 4 star hotel in Geneva try the Rotary Hotel or the Hotel Auteuil.  Relax and enjoy the snow, culture and uniqueness of this winter wonderland honeymoon.  

Alaskan Glaciers

Glacier Cruise: The Glaciers of Alaska are beautiful and offer some of the most scenic sea lanes in the world. This is not a traditional cruise as the destination may seem unusual; but the culture, history and beauty that can be found on these trips are monumental.  Princess Cruises offers both a 7 day and a 14 day Glacier tour leaving from Vancouver, British Columbia. The 14 day cruise hits some great ports including; Skagway, Alaska; Anchorage, Alaska; and Juneau, Alaska. 

Princess Cruises Ship

On these cruises you can relax and enjoy the splendor that is Princess Cruises while embarking on an unusual honeymoon. This is a great trip for couples who want something other than a “resort and beach” honeymoon.  Most of the Alaskan Cruises are from May through August as the water is not frozen at this time of year.  Prices begin around $549.00 per person for an interior cabin on the 7 day voyages on Princess Cruises. 

Holland America Ship

Holland America Cruise Line also offers 7 day Alaskan Glacier Adventure Cruises. Holland America sees similar ports (Skagway, Glacier Bay and Anchorage) and follows a similar course to that of Princess Cruises. Holland America inside cruises start at $749.00 per person. This is just another option for honeymooners to consider. Both cruise lines are excellent and offer all of the on board amenities that clients look for. 

Wild Pandas 

China Adventure: Chinese culture and heritage extends back 4,000 years. In addition to being the largest and one of the most magnificent countries in the world, China does not lack for activities, festivals, sightseeing, delicious meals and much more. A few ideas to add to your itinerary would be a cruise on the Li River, visiting Beijing, viewing the giant pandas roaming free, and enjoying the history of Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. 

Great Wall of China

Take time to walk the Great Wall of China; one of the greatest wonders of the world and the only man made structure to be seen from space! The best time to travel to China is between spring and early fall as the temperatures are reasonable and the rainfall is not as frequent. 

Summer Palace

There are excellent hotels in China; in Beijing, The Peninsula Beijing is in the Forbidden City near the cultural district; near the Great Wall, the Commune is a mountain oasis with excellent restaurants and a beautiful view; and in Shanghai the Grand Hyatt Shanghai is a choice option as it is in the heart of the city and boasts a excellent food, sightseeing and much more.

Parthenon

The Ruins of Greece: For the honeymooners with a penchant for history and ancient architecture, a tour of Greece and the ruins of ancient Greece may be the honeymoon for you.  You can start your vacation in Athens, where you can see the National Archaeological Museum and Benaki Museum. From there travel to the Acropolis where you will see the Parthenon and the ancient Panathenaiko Stadium and much more as the Acropolis is one of the most famous ruins in the world. 

Acropolis

Other cities to consider are Delphi, Knossos and Sounion where you can see the Temple of Poseidon.  In addition to history and architecture; food is central to the culture of Greece. A gyro, grilled lamb, octopus and baklava are never too far away. 

Red Beach Santorini

While in Greece you can go hiking up the volcanic island of Santorini or visit the fantastic beaches of Greece, such as the Paradise Beach, Red Beach Crete and Red Beach Santorini. Some recommended hotels are the Hotel Artemis in Mykonos; Hotel Albatros in Santorini and the Oscar and Oscar Inn in Athens.

Amberley Castle

Castle hopping in the UK:Amberley Castle, located in the heart of England,  will leave you spoiled with the elegantly furnished suites and a beautifully preserved castle both the interior and the exterior. 

Swinton Park Castle

Also in England are the Swinton Park Castle and the Thornbury Castle. Swinton Park Castle is located in North Yorkshire and has magnificent gardens and lakes in addition to grand room accommodations.  Thornbury Castle is located in the Cotswold’s and is the only Tudor Castle in England to be open as a hotel. 

Thornbury Castle

The vineyards at Thornbury are known for their wine and the gardens at Thornbury are some of the oldest Tudor gardens in England.  Heading over to Scotland the Dalhousie Castle and Spa looks like a fairytale castle and as each room has a historic theme the idea of a fairy-tale castle is not too farfetched. Dalhousie also has a hydro-spa for relaxation and sessions in falconry which can be booked upon arrival. 

Dromoland Castle

Ireland is not to be forgotten on this castle hopping experience as the Dromoland Castle and the Waterford Castle are not to be missed. Dromoland Castle has everything a guest could want; furnished suites, golf course, health spas and fine dining.  Dromoland Castle has art galleries, horse riding, archery and much more to help you step back in time to a more tranquil and elegant period. 

Waterford Castle 

Waterford Castle is located on its own island. In addition to golf, tennis and the nature trails, fine dining is found in many of the various dining rooms in the castle. The easiest way to get to most of these castles is by rail. The UK has an excellent rail system and the rail passes are flexible and not overly expensive. Ask your travel Agent for more details. This Castle hopping honeymoon is romantic and charming and is an excellent idea for those couples who are living their fairy-tale dream.