By Philosophy Walker
If the usual honeymoon standbys — Paris, Aruba, Jamaica — don't appeal to you, here are a few destinations that you might not envision when you hear the word "honeymoon." If you're feeling adventurous, try one of these off-the-radar locations for your first married vacation. Enjoy!
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver has some of the mildest weather in Canada, making it the perfect place for couples who want to relax in a non-beach setting. Eat at one of the city's fabulous dim sum restaurants, check out the Granville Island Brewery, do some shopping in Gastown (Vancouver's oldest district), or tour the city on a rented bike — take a structured bike tour with City by Cycle (101-2539 Laurel St, +1-888-599-6800) or rent a bike from Bazooka Bikes (1531 Robson Street) and explore on your own. For newly married same-sex couples, Vancouver can be a very gay-friendly destination; the city boasts the largest gay community of any in Western Canada. Check out the West End and Commercial Drive, two neighborhoods with cafes, stores, and pubs that cater specifically to gays and lesbians.
Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe is the perfect destination for both creative types and for outdoorsy couples. In 2005, it became the first U.S. city to be chosen by UNESCO as a "Creative City," mostly due to its art market (the third largest in the world, with over 300 galleries and dealers), its dozen or so museums, and the acclaimed Sante Fe Opera. Its location in scenic New Mexico also means it can be a great base for camping, hiking and horseback-riding trips through the desert or the northern mountains.
Prague, Czech Republic
Having emerged from World War II relatively unscathed, the capital city of the Czech Republic has become one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Cobbled streets, magnificent cathedrals and courtyards straight out of a fairy tale make Prague the ultimate ever-after destination for couples wanting a magical honeymoon experience. Visit Prague Castle, the world's biggest ancient castle, or visit the Czech National Gallery, home to several important art collections. Take a romantic river cruise down the Vltava River, or set up your own personal walking tour with Private-Walks.com Custom Travel Services (+420 773 103 102). With all the restaurants, attractions, and shopping possibilities, Prague is the perfect place for honeymooners who want the glamour of a European vacation — without the crowds of Paris or London.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Want the fun-in-the-sun atmosphere of the Caribbean — without the bother of getting a visa? Americans don't need a passport to enjoy San Juan, the historical capital of Puerto Rico! Fashionable dining spots and boutiques combine with beautiful beaches, historical sites (like the Catedral de San Juan, built in the 1520s), and (of course) perfect tropical weather to provide an out-of-the-way honeymoon that will satisfy beach bum couples perfectly.
Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand features some of the prettiest natural places in the entire world, making it an incredibly romantic spot to have your honeymoon. Auckland is a great place to find fine food; some of the best restaurants in the country are located there. It's also a great place for outdoorsy couples; known as the "City of Sails," Auckland features all sorts of boating and sailing opportunities. Renting a boat and sailing around some of the world's loveliest beaches... what could be more romantic?
Miami, FL
If you like the beach but don't want to look far, consider Miami, which has great beaches (watch out— a few are "clothing optional"!) and fabulous beach-front hotels. Take a boating trip into the Everglades for some wildlife watching, or just stroll down the street and enjoy Miami's countless shops, restaurants, and clubs. If you're curious about Miami's vibrant Cuban-American community, check out Little Havana, a neighborhood with all sorts of venues for local art, music and food.
6 Off-The-Radar Honeymoon Destinations originally published on Travels.com
Where did you go on your honeymoon? If you're unmarried, what kind of honeymoon do you want? Beach and relaxation, city and culture, or somewhere in between?
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