The honeymoon is generally considered to be the sweetest time for a new couple. You’re happy, you’re in love, you’re planning to go on epic adventures and brag about it to your friends as soon as you return, as they nod politely and abstain from rolling their eyes at your newlywed antics. And everyone is always talking about the honeymoon. It’s the start of your marriage, after all. And what is marriage but the wonderful chance to annoy that special someone for the rest of your life? Same as with your choice of partner, you want your honeymoon to be something that fits you and your personality. If a romantic vacation in Paris doesn’t sound all that thrilling to you, then there’s really no need to push for that. For the couples who want some different options, there are plenty of other places where you can gaze lovingly at each other like the love-struck fools that you are.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nicknamed “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is one of the hottest, most romantic cities you can visit. Any party-loving couple will have an exciting time because the clubs are open all night and there’s music, dancing, and the passion Argentina is so well-known for. You can even pretend you went there purely for the cultural adventures so your judgmental friends would shut up and leave you alone. There are many interesting museums to visit for any art and history lovers, and if you want to just relax with your partner, the lazy, booze-filled lunches of tasty food are going to be perfect. Take tango classes and then dance your way back home, full of happy memories perfect for a honeymoon.
Bucharest, Romania
Not only is this holiday fairly inexpensive, it’s also quite fun for anyone who’s a fan of architecture and good food. The things Romanians can do with cabbage are borderline decadent. From gorgeous cultural buildings, to historical churches, there’s plenty to see, and it’s all quite romantic. If you and your husband happen to be vampires and can’t enter religious places lest you burn to death, worry not. Just 25 miles north of Bucharest is the final resting place of Vlad the Impaler, the fascinating, bloodthirsty ruler who may or may not have been the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” While you’re at it, you can organize a trip to Braşov, and the 14th century Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. Pay respect to your vampire overlord on this romantic getaway.
Marrakech, Morocco
The beautiful Moroccan city is one of the oldest cities in the world and it’s brimming with unique culture and beautiful architecture. Of course, it allows for some splendid luxury shopping experiences for all of your cruel, harsh materialists out there. One of the integral parts of the Moroccan culture is the hammam, which is very similar to a Turkish bath, or sauna. It’s definitely one of the things you can’t miss, so make sure to book a private hammam for you and your significant other. Marrakech is an Islamic city, so it’s especially interesting to visit during Ramadan. This is the most important religious holiday of the Muslim countries that marks an entire month dedicated to intense prayer and dawn-to-dusk fasting. You need to pay attention to the rules and what to wear during Ramadan if you wish to be respectful, but visiting this city is definitely one of the most interesting experiences you can have.
Moscow, Russia
Let go of your decadent capitalist ways and visit the humble city of Moscow. Just kidding, Moscow is rich and gorgeous. The Kremlin, the Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin State Museum, and the Bolshoi are just a few of the places that Russia is known for. If you go to Moscow, you’re in for a cultural explosion. You’ll be walking around the city, eyes wide, mouth gaping, wondering how can any city look quite so beautiful and colorful.
Bangkok, Thailand
This vibrant city is one of the most interesting places on earth, and there’s plenty to do here. The Grand Palace and the Temple of Emerald Buddha are incredible, and even your cold, dead heart will be shook to the core are you walk the holy grounds and gaze at the beautiful architecture. The Floating Market and Yaowarat are vibrant, authentic experiences that you don’t want to miss if you want to get the feel for the culture. Bangkok is a big, urban place with a good nightlife, and if you like, you can split your trip to Thailand between the capital and a place like the Phi Phi Island where you can laze around on the beach.
Visit interesting places and then make fun of your boring, conventional friends and their silly South of France honeymoons as you come back with tales of your incredible adventures. Just make sure to enjoy yourself because, after all, isn’t that what honeymoons are supposed to be about?