Everyone wants to know- besides the venue, the dress, the guests… where are you spending your honeymoon??

Whether you want to tell people or not, YOU still want to know where you’re going. You want something to fit you and your partner. Romantic? Cost savvy? Adventurous?

I don’t know your style but I know honeymoons- and I thought I’d give you some ideas for a memorable honeymoon and maybe a few tricks on how to make them fit your pocket a bit better.

Let’s jump in! Here are 5 places we think would be dreamy for you and your forever love to spend some quality time.

1. St. Lucia, Caribbean

The Caribbean is a popular honeymoon destination, but not all islands are as unspoiled as the lush St. Lucia. Whether you are looking to beach lounge or climb the Pitons (think baby mountains). One major plus about this honeymoon is that you don’t have a lot to plan on the island itself. Between strolling in the sunrise to evening “jump ups” (dance parties) you just have to have a bit of spontaneity to enjoy this gorgeous destination to the fullest! With this one you will want to do your research to avoid hurricane, seaweed, and major tourist seasons.

2. Amalfi Coast, Italy

There is a reason so many people choose this as their honeymoon destination. It’s gorgeous. It’s romantic. It’s got incredible food to match the views. There is nothing you can’t check off on your vacation list.

Imagine vineyards, lemon groves, and bright blue water. Besides the more relaxing aspects, there is hiking and adventure to be found along some unique beaches.

This is one of those honeymoons you will want to go all out for. If you’re going to go, go all out and plan financially accordingly so that you will be able to experience the very best of this enchanting coastline.

3. Galway, Ireland

Ireland (insert wistful sigh). This destination is known for lively pub scenes and the “mystical Cliffs of Moher”. You can’t go wrong with sheep dotted country sides and the best ale this world has to offer. Ireland is a fair jump from our little mitten state, but it’s an adventure at every turn and one of the best places to take lots of pictures to make your friends jealous! 😉

Just imagine a romantic breakfast of bread and cheese with a sip of hearty ale before walking between castle ruins. Is there anything MORE romantic than a castle??

4. Paris, France

This may seem an obvious choice but in recent years Paris has been cleaner and more enchanting than ever. It’s not wrong to want to visit one of the cliche honeymoon destinations. It’s cliche for a reason. French food, the eiffel tower, wine, the language (swoon), and did I mention French cuisine??

If strolling stone walkways through a historic and romantic city is your thing- I mean, come ON, it’s PARIS.

It’s also the fashion epicenter of the world, home to iconic museums, and has a palace you can tour. You will learn to pronounce Champs-Élysées like a native while shopping for the latest everything. Or just grab a street crepe (why is that not a thing here??) and stroll the various arrondissements (districts).

You really can’t go wrong with Paris…unless, I suppose, you fall in love with it and decide never to come home…and is that wrong, really?

5. Mackinaw Island, Michigan

Does it seem funny that I added a destination right here in my home state? It shouldn’t be, Mackinaw Island has been ranked at the top of vacation destinations in America repeatedly! It’s only accessible by ferry, you can walk or ride bikes everywhere which gives it a community feeling and it’s beautiful. It is memorable and has plenty to do (unless you’re planning to chill in a hotel room all week taking in gorgeous views- no judgment from us either way).

Besides walking tours to visit historic landmarks, you can get luxurious pampering at several spas or stop for the BEST fudge this world has to offer! That may be my personal opinion, but I’m sticking to it.

The island can be explored by air or sea also, these are things you would want to schedule in advance, but are worth the extra planning. There are some things for history buffs like an art museum and educational blacksmith experience, and a bookstore for you cozy couples.

Either way, this Island Honeymoon vacation is not a quaint, settled for destination. It will be both favorably memorable and refreshing for any new couple.

Finally, how do you make the most out of these vacations? How do you save $$ after just having your dream wedding?

1. Plan in advance. The earlier you plan and save, the less stress it will be.
2. Travel. Agent. I have personally used one and know that she is the reason we found affordable plane tickets, shuttles to and from the correct locations, and knowledge of the best vacation times and options for our trip.. Travel Agents are highly underrated and deserve full credit for all they do!
3. Research! The more deep searching of the internet and travel apps you do, the more you will realize how significantly affordable your vacation can become! The right time of year or booking date can literally change everything!
4. Don’t feel like you have to experience everything! You don’t have to book every available excursion. Most of these locations are just as memorable if you booked nothing extra and walked for days exploring and enjoying local scenery.
5. Don’t be afraid to stay State-side. That last option is not only a great honeymoon option, but it’s much closer to home, and thus, more affordable. It will still make people jealous and you get FUDGE!

I hope this encourages you to book the trip of a lifetime that you and your spouse will remember throughout your entire love story and beyond.