According To: Jessica Poitevien’s top 5 honeymoon destinations
Couples travel expert (and newlywed!) Jessica Poitevien shares her recommendations for the ultimate honeymoon getaway.
By Jessica Poitevien | November 20, 2024
Jessica Poitevien
Jessica Poitevien has planned over a dozen trips for her and her husband, including a monthlong road trip through the U.S. and a nine-country, two-month honeymoon. An international storyteller whose current home base is South Florida, Poitevien has visited over 40 countries and lived in Spain and Colombia.
Whether you’re eloping, throwing a big bash or doing something in between, planning a honeymoon can add stress to the wedding process. I know from firsthand experience, especially since my husband and I went on a two-month, nine-country honeymoon (where we took pictures in full wedding attire in each location!). Travel has always been a big part of our relationship, so here I’ll share some of my favorite destinations for all types of honeymooners — from the foodies and adventure-seekers to the beach-lovers and more.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the perfect place for a quirky-yet-dreamy honeymoon beyond Europe’s classically romantic destinations. My husband and I loved strolling along the Danube River, but a nighttime, Champagne-fueled boat ride was even more romantic as we admired Budapest’s stunning architecture illuminated by a soft golden glow. I recommend popping into the historic coffeehouses (New York Café is especially impressive and worth the wait in line), then getting a taste of Budapest’s funky bohemian side with a visit to the cavern-like “ruin pubs.” We rounded out our trip with relaxation and a massage at Széchenyi Baths, one of Budapest’s many thermal bathhouses.
Turkey
If you’re foodies like us, your taste buds will thank you for honeymooning in Turkey, where you’ll find incredibly flavorful dishes and generous restaurants eager to leave you satiated. Testi kebab (juicy meat and vegetables served in a breakable clay pot), lahmacun (often called Turkish pizza), and simit (sesame-seed-covered Turkish bagels) are all musts. Not to mention the endless amounts of dips that come with mezze platters. If you have a sweet tooth, save room for baklava, Turkish delight, kunefe and many other pastries and candies. You’ll be glad that every meal ends with tea to wash it all down.
Jordan
For an adventure-focused honeymoon, immerse yourselves in the otherworldly landscapes of Jordan. Several famous outer space movies were filmed in the deserts of Wadi Rum, making it the perfect place to start. Go on an invigorating drive through the dunes, hop on a camel, learn from the local Bedouins and admire the immense number of stars come nightfall. Next, venture to Petra to explore the mind-boggling structures intricately carved into sandstone cliffs at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the chance to effortlessly float in the Dead Sea, but for more traditional water activities, Aqaba offers snorkeling, scuba diving and more.
London
Although we didn’t visit London on our honeymoon, I still recommend the city for couples who enjoy exploring history, art and culture together. There’s a little bit of everything there from incredible museums and fascinating historical sites (visit in summer for your best chance of touring Buckingham Palace) to some of the world’s best theater performances in the West End. The city’s diversity also means that you’ll find international cuisine from every country you can think of. And if you or your partner are sports fans, my husband recommends catching a game at one of London’s many soccer stadiums.
Seychelles
After visiting the Seychelles on my own, I can’t wait to go again with my husband. This archipelago is ideal for spending your days relaxing on the beach, with its soft, white sand and unbelievably clear water that’s perfect for snorkeling among tons of colorful tropical fish. Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the main islands I recommend visiting. They’re relatively easy to reach and also where you’ll find the Seychelles most unique feature: massive granite boulders that line the shores, adding a picture-perfect backdrop. To switch things up with a non-beach activity, check out the lush hiking trails.
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