Where to Honeymoon in 2021
During Engaged 201, the task of Honeymoon Planning begins. A commonly asked question from our brides is where is the best place to go? Where is safe with COVID-19? We sat down to chat with our two favorite travel agents, Allen Young with Vacation Concierge, and Sam Mosolino with Wishes Travel to hear where they are currently sending their couples to honeymoon. Check out each of their Top 5 picks!
TOP PICKS BY VACATION CONCIERGE
Riveria MAYA
One of the distinct regional areas of Mexico, the Riviera Maya runs South of Cancun down the coastline past Tulum to Punta Allen. Beautiful beaches, the second-longest barrier reef in the world, all-inclusive resorts, some of the finest dining in all of Mexico, and endless outdoor activities are all reasons Honeymoon couples flock to this area. Swim in a Cenote, zip line through the jungle, explore Mayan ruins or simply lay by the pool, it is totally up to you. There are currently no travel restrictions for Honeymoon couples going to Mexico. Most resorts have put COVID-19 protection measures in place to ensure guest safety.
LOS CABO
Los Cabos is two cities in one – Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Combined they make for an excellent Honeymoon destination that thrives due to excellent weather, fine dining, a wide range of top-class spas, and gorgeous scenery. For the sports enthusiast, it is hard to beat their world-class fishing and excellent golf. While most of the beaches are not for swimming, the resort pools here are out of this world! Like the rest of Mexico, there are currently no travel restrictions for Americans flying into Cabo.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
The history, the elegance, and the hospitality all helped Charleston be named the top city in the World by Travel & Leisure magazine in 2016 and it hasn’t looked back since. Museums and historical sites around every corner, some of the finest dining spots you will find anywhere, music, and live theater scene second to none all make Charleston an ideal Honeymoon location. Whether you prefer a 5-star hotel with a rooftop bar or an intimate B&B, you have plenty of options in this city. South Carolina currently has no COVID-19 related travel restrictions, but the city of Charleston does have a mask mandate in place and restaurants are operating at a reduced capacity.
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
The oldest city in Georgia, Savannah oozes Southern charm. Shopping and eating your way up and down the Riverwalk area, or strolling through one of the 22 park-like squares in the Historic District, it is easy to see why Savannah is one of the top Honeymoon destinations in the US. Hop on a Trolly Tour to learn the history, shop the numerous sweet confectioneries, or ride in the back of an old hearse on a ghost tour, you will certainly find plenty to do here. Boutique hotels with a nice spa, a bed and breakfast with a cozy courtyard, or some new over the top hotels give couples plenty of lodging options. While Georgia currently has no COVID-19 travel restrictions, Savannah does have a mask ordinance in place indoors and out.
COSTA RICA
Lovely tropical beaches, grand adventures, the wonders of nature, and scintillating culture - all the necessary components of an ideal Honeymoon. No wonder so many couples have made Costa Rica their top choice! We have squirrels, they have monkeys. We have pigeons, they have parakeets – you just have to see it to believe it. Jungles meeting the sea, waterfalls, rolling surf ideal for surfing, even a volcano to visit, the options are endless. 5-Star resorts, beach shacks on stilts, and even a few all-inclusive resorts give honeymoon couples a wide variety of lodging options. Costa Rica recently lifted its travel ban and is not currently requiring a negative COVID-19 test. There is a digital form to fill out and minimum health care coverage requirements your travel agent can advise on.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HEARING MORE?
CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT ALLEN & VACATION CONCIERGE’S SERVICES.
ENGAGED MEMBER PERK: Use your Engaged Library Card to receive a complimentary bottle of champagne with your booking and a little something extra based on the destination of your honeymoon or wedding.
TOP PICKS BY WISHES TRAVEL
Dominican REPUBLIC
Love with plenty of Latin flair is in the air in the Dominican Republic. It is full of warm hospitality and spark, where the landscape is covered by everything from pines to palm trees. The island of Hispaniola which it shares with Haiti is ringed with pristine beaches and clear aquamarine waters. The cool Dominican “Alps,” covered with shady pines and cool breezes, nestle in the center. Legendary resort towns such as Barahona, La Romana, Punta Cana, Cap Cana, Samana, Puerto Plata, and others dot the majestic coastline, offering plenty of tropical fun in the sun. On this island, you can do anything from river rafting to mountain biking; go whale watching or scuba diving, shop for decorative items for your new home or get out into a countryside nature preserve. Currently, travel is NOT restricted to the Dominican Republic for US citizens.
JAMACIA
Simultaneously sophisticated and simple, Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in The Caribbean and offers more exciting honeymoon experiences to share than you can fit into one trip. Most couples leave this island paradise planning their anniversary trip for next year. Go in any direction from lively, beach-lined Negril on the West and tranquil, laid back Port Antonio on the East to bustling Montego Bay and chic Ocho Rios in the North and you’ll find yourselves surrounded by the kind of opulent tropical beauty that travel brochures promise but seldom deliver. Jamaica does require a negative COVID test for entry, but the rules have changed on several occasions. Be sure to check the latest information and have travel protection!
ST. LUCIA
Romance is just around every corner in St. Lucia. World Travel Awards chose it as the world’s best honeymoon destination for 5 consecutive years and is a special spot for destination weddings as well. The dramatic Piton rock formations, lush vegetation, and clear azure waters surround your honeymoon with scenic beauty. You can visit a volcano, bathe in therapeutic hot springs and mud baths, and practice just about any water sport in just one day of sightseeing. You’ll soon discover that this lush tropical paradise was made for two people in love. At this time, St. Lucia requires a negative COVID-19 test within seven days of travel, as well as reservations at a government-approved and COVID-certified resort.
FLORIDA KEYS
Wanting an island escape, but no passport necessary? Done! A honeymoon in the Florida Keys absolutely nails perfect beach days and sunset cocktails, but this 120-mile island chain also has a lot to offer when you’re ready to climb (or tumble) out of the hammock. How about driving the most breathtaking stretch of U.S. 1 in your ride of choice (top-down, of course), strapping on a tank for some diving, or chartering a yacht or a seaplane to see the Keys at their best—from the air or the ocean. Whether you’re down for the barefoot angler’s vibe of Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon, the outdoorsy wonder of the Lower Keys, or the quirky culture of Key West, you can rely on the Florida Keys to wow. It is business as usual in Florida and the Keys!
Napa, Sonoma—California Wine Country
When you consider a Napa Valley honeymoon, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly makes it so romantic. Is it the endless rows of picture-perfect vines? The super-luxurious, amenity-packed resorts? The delicious, meticulously crafted wines? The world-class, chef-driven restaurants? Obviously, it’s all of these elements combined -- and so much more. Whether you’re in Napa for the whole week or just a few days to combine your Honeymoon with San Francisco, Big Sur, or Tahoe, there are tons of activities to fill your days. Additional charm can be found in the countless honeymoon-worthy stays across cute towns like Calistoga, St. Helena, and downtown Napa. As of January 2021, there are FULL restrictions across California. However, we had many Honeymooners in 2020 to enjoy the tastes of Napa outdoors. Keep an eye out for when the restrictions are lifted to be able to enjoy the magic of this domestic gem!
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HEARING MORE?
CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT SAM & WISHES TRAVELS’ SERVICES.
ENGAGED MEMBER PERK: Use your Engaged Library Card to receive a complimentary Concierge Honeymoon Planning Package.
XO,
The Engaged Girls