If your honeymoon has been changed, postponed, or canceled entirely because of this pandemic, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey by travel app Expedia, a whopping 97% of honeymoon plans have been affected by COVID-19, meaning that nearly all newlyweds have had to cancel or replacing their first tour two years ago. With weddings back in full force, however, people are ready to go again – and more than ever. In fact, as an Expedia survey states, this has led to the rise of the “mega-moon” trip: “More than half (53%) [of those interviewed] plan to spend a lot of money during of honeymoons than they originally planned and 59% are more interested now in going to a bucket list destination,” reads the brand’s report.
What does that look like? “When they come out of this pandemic, it’s clear that couples are willing to have a honeymoon,” said Christie Hudson, head of U.S. public relations. for Expedia. “For many couples it will include flights, luxury accommodation, and even romantic activities at the destination.”
However, while these are features that will make many great moons, where you go is up to you. This is the time to be creative and personal, and dream up the ultimate adventure for you and your partner. If you’re already planning one, chances are you have a few ideas of your own. But if you are overwhelmed by the choice? TZR tapped a few travel experts to find out where they would go if they were planning a honeymoon of their own. Here are their ideal ways, so you can follow if you choose.
A Journey Through Morocco
Destinations: Jennifer McClymont, travel expert at Naya Traveler, says her big month would have to include a bespoke travel planner La Route du Sud, or Southern Route, in Morocco. To make your trip unforgettable, he recommends arriving in Marrakesh and driving to the Ourika Valley (one hour) for two nights in a kasbah or lodge. On the same subject : North Korea says the United States is seeking an apology for an Asian NATO with South Korea and Japan. “Now you start your six-night Southern Route tour that ends in the Skoura Valley at Dar Ahlam lodge. Now I would suggest staying two to three nights in Marrakech before returning home. ”
Jobs: For McClymont, the “dream” would be “spending a night in a Bedouin desert camp under a bright, starry sky, letting emotions and love blossom.” He also suggests watching the sunrise in a hot air balloon or riding a desert camel in Marrakesh for other worthwhile experiences. And last but not least? “Truly, it’s a must to end your honeymoon with the ultimate Moroccan hammam experience designed to relax and rejuvenate body and soul.”
Accommodation: “People’s accommodation on this trip is old red brick houses and large castle-like buildings overlooking the great valleys and in small Berber villages; a real experience,” says the travel expert. McClymont also mentions Dar Ahlam, which he says offers “extremely comfortable rooms with amenities to match the best activities.” Also, he continues: “I will finish this trip by enjoying the mixture of Moorish traditions and the colorful modernity of the medina or the Villa des Orangers in Marrakesh.”
A European Exploration
Locations: Oleema Miller, co-founder of the MIKOH swim and vacation business, says she just returned from a whirlwind trip to Europe (where she’s engaged). So, he says it would make sense to go back there for the full moon. “Even though we traveled through France and Italy for three weeks, we didn’t get to see all that Europe has to offer,” he tells TZR. This may interest you : 110 informative and smart graphics for anyone trying to travel smarter. “Discovering the South of France, Northern Italy, Greece, and the English countryside are all still on my bucket list and will be the ultimate honeymoon trip.”
The Activities: Miller says that for him, the combination of leisure and entertainment is the perfect combination. “There’s nothing I love more than a quiet day at sea, an afternoon at the spa, and a sun rosé followed by a fun-filled day on board.” Miller also shares that, as an antiquarian, one of her favorite things to do is scour markets and shops for gems. Having these special memories to bring back allows you to make everyday memories that you can enjoy at home.
The Accommodations: “I’m not going to lie, I love a nice hotel, especially one with a view of the ocean,” says Miller. “I’m always cleaning, organizing, and moving things around the house so I can be in a place where I can relax, breathe, and have a big clean bed to sleep in every night. gender after committing to the local currency – nothing good. it.” Some of his recent favorite properties?Le Sirenuse in Positano, Italy and Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, in the South of France are both favorites.
A Trek Across Continents
The Places: If you’re a serious gamer, you’ll love the dreamy honeymoon plans of Dr. Terika Haynes, owner of Dynamite Travel. On the same subject : The Implications of Italy’s Political Violence for Europe. He tells TZR that on his trip as a couple, he’ll choose “five different continents to represent the number of years we’ve known each other,” and spend a week on each. Those would include Asia (Philippines), Africa (Cape Town, South Africa), South America (Peru), Australia (Cairns), and Europe (Cinque Terre, Italy).
Activities: Dr. Haynes shares a different activity he would like to do at each honeymoon destination. In the Philippines, he was visiting Palawan to explore the underwater river in Puerto Princesa. In South Africa, he says he will be joining a tour with iKhaya Le Themba, a non-profit organization based in Hout Bay that has comprehensive after-school care programs for underprivileged children. For the Peruvian leg, Dr. Haynes would take the Andes Explorer, the Belmond Train, to see Cusco, the Andes, and Lake Titicaca. Once in Cairns, the tour operator would snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Finally, in Cinque Terre, he chartered a luxury yacht.
Besides those plans, Dr. Haynes has several jobs to add to each area. These include bringing dice to decide what to eat and where to eat, hiring a photographer at each location, leaving surprises for the partner to see their happiness real, and include one out-of-the-box event at each location to bring them out. of their comfort zone.
Accommodation: Dr. Haynes has a housing option for each area. A luxurious Amanpulo would be his choice in Palawan, and in Cape Town, he would stay at One&Amp;Only Cape Town. When he was in Peru, he was going to Sanctuary Lodge; when he visited Cairns, he visited Lizard Island; and Cinque Terre, he chose Portovenere Grand.
An Italian Adventure
The Places: Janine Seale, co-founder of travel recommendation app Out Of Office, says her mega-moon would require spending a month in Italy visiting some of the places she’s never been before. them. He explains: “I was spending some of my post-wedding holidays in Tuscany, visiting Sardinia and the nearby islands, and eventually spending it in Puglia.
Jobs: Seale’s list of jobs is simple. According to the co-founder, his trip will include a combination of sea, leisure and wine. “All the things I love,” he says.
The Accommodations: When it comes to hotels, Seale knows exactly what she wants. “I would love to stay at Castello di Casole, Hotel Belmond in Tuscany and Masseria San Domenico in Puglia,” he shares. “Both should be spectacular and perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime mega-moon.”
