If you ask most people they will tell you that there ideal honeymoon involves little more than sitting on a beach soaking up the rays or lazing by the pool sipping cocktails all day. Most people want to just take a step away from the world and all the mayhem that accompanied the months that led up to their wedding day – and who can blame them?
Some other couples on the other hand have adventure running through their veins. Some have an insatiable desire to be on the move at all times, making new discoveries, trying new things. Of course it all comes down to personal choice and most couples have a middle ground on the sort of big decisions that accompany most of life’s greatest choices.
When you go to the travel agents or when you are looking through travel brochures you don’t really see the words adventure next to the word honeymoon do you? Sure there are relaxing beach honeymoons in Barbados and cruises that pass through the Caribbean but it can be a little more difficult to spot those more adventurous honeymoons.
Here is a quick round up of some of the more popular adventure/discovery honeymoons that you may want to put onto your short list before you end up on a honeymoon that you didn’t really want (not the greatest start to a marriage, is it?).
South Africa
Not only do the locals not allow you to get a minutes peace (which is fine by me) but the sheer volume of animals that you can see on a South African safari honeymoon is an adventurers dream. Get down and dirty in the African bush and see real nature and untamed wildlife in its real environment (it’s not quite the same as the zoo ion some of the other major honeymoon destinations). Even when you head into the cities of South Africa there is no letting up, the streets are awash with culture and a bustling street life that is manic in a good way.
Places to pop on your South African short list: Table Mountain, Garden Route, Stellenbosch, Durban, Kruger National Park.
Thailand
Famed for more than just its tropical climate and beautiful beaches – it is one of the most visually stunning places on earth and has more than enough adventure and discovery for the most seasoned of travellers. Bangkok itself is flooded with culture and discoveries to be made around each and every corner – the Grand Palace alone will leave you in absolute awe if you are the kind of honeymooners who like investigate and learn. The real adventure lies in getting off the beaten track and investigating the lives of those that actually live in this vibrant, colourful and awe inspiring country.
Places to pop on your Thailand short list: Koh Phi Phi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, The Floating Market
China
China is probably more about discovery and culture than true adventure but is a wise for any culturally inclined couple. Famous for the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, sure, but when you move away from the big tourist attractions is when you get to enjoy China the most. Not only does it have some if the friendliest locals in the world but you will find that they welcome you with welcome arms and are happy to teach about their culture – from traditional foods to cultural differences.
Places to pop on your China short list: Terra Cotta Warriors, Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, Cuandixia, Zhouzhuang, Shangri-la
