Off-Grid Safaris and Island Escapes: 7 It Destinations for Honeymoons

There are plenty of wedding-related vacations you’ll take in your life—bachelorette and bachelor parties, destination weddings, anniversaries—but none stacks up quite like a honeymoon. It’s romantic, it’s memorable, and in a perfect world, it’s the trip of a lifetime. Whether you’re still floating on the high of the wedding day or following up with a bigger trip after a quick “mini moon,” jetting off on your dream honeymoon is the ultimate goal. Of course, planning it can be another story. Curating the perfect itinerary and making all the right bookings can no doubt feel overwhelming amid all the actual wedding planning, but that’s where we come in. As travel enthusiasts and style people, we’ve done our fair share of research on the coolest places fashion people are vacationing, and we’re putting all that intel to use in the world of honeymoons.

There’s no question that several destinations have emerged as the new It spots for honeymooners this year—and no, they don’t all involve white-sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts. (Though, if that’s your vibe, there’s no shortage of options.) Whether your dream post-wedding getaway involves a safari in Africa, a culinary journey through Japan, or a romantic road trip through Sicily, we’ve curated a guide to the top honeymoon destinations of the moment for every kind of traveler.

For most of us, hearing the word honeymoon immediately conjures up images of couples lying on a remote beach and pretty much doing nothing. But with travel as a whole booming in the post-pandemic era, more and more couples are looking for something unique. The honeymoon is no longer merely a couples escape but now a chance to tick off a bucket-list locale or stay at that resort that’s been idling on your Pinterest board for years. In other words, honeymoons in 2024 are getting a shake-up. The travel experts at Fora and Forest Travel clued us in to the seven hot spots they’re booking the most right now for new couples and exactly which kind of vacation you can expect in each, from do-nothing relaxation to Michelin-star dining to the adventures you’ll tell your kids and grandkids about.

There are the Caribbean destinations you know and love (looking at you, St. Barts and Turks and Caicos), but for a truly memorable honeymoon, luxury travel advisor Eugenio Sgroi says the move is to skip these and head to a nearby island that’s just oozing with a romantic vibe: Saint Lucia. “The calm waters, breathtaking Piton volcanos, and clear blue skies are the perfect setting for an unforgettable honeymoon,” he says. While the picture-perfect beaches and pastel sunsets are the selling points, the island is surprisingly versatile for all manner of beachgoers, foodies, and outdoorsy types. Tour the local chocolate producers, hike one of the two active volcanoes, or simply lounge by the beach or pool—Saint Lucia truly has something for everyone.