Fly Away: 10 Ultimate Honeymoon Destinations

This week has been Christmas, my birthday, and summer vacation all rolled into one! I’m positively giddy to announce that on Monday, I launched my brand-sparkly-new travel site Entouriste!

Of course, I’m a sucker for beautiful weddings, but I’m also a wanderer at heart, and Entouriste combines my passion for traveling with my love of beautiful photography. Whether it is the southern charm of Charleston or the beautiful beaches in Bali, each day Entouriste will showcase the boundless beauty of the world’s destinations! The site is visually focused and highly searchable (and pinnable!)–images and articles are categorized by destination, season, vacation type and more. If you are a wanderluster, I’d be so thrilled for you to take a peek!

To celebrate the launch of Entouriste, here are 10 ultimate honeymoon destinations both near and far. Click through for all of the details!

Honeymoon in the Cinque TerreItaly is on everyone’s bucket list, and perhaps the most beautiful spot I have ever laid eyes on is the quaint Cinque Terre, on the Italian Riviera. The five towns making up the Cinque Terre are all absolutely stunning–small villages with winding footpaths, colorful homes, and charming beaches.

In 2011, the Cinque Terre was devastated by severe flooding. Your honeymoon dollars not only buy you a fabulous vacation, but also aid in the still-continuing recovery efforts within the community.

Photo: Arielle Doneson Photography

Honeymoon in BaliMonkeys, elephants, private villas, AND gorgeous scenery? You had me at monkeys! Bali is an absolute paradise, and Ubud is its cultural center. There may be nowhere more exotic and beautiful to spend your first days as a married couple!

Photo: Vicki Grafton Photography

Honeymoon in Provence

We all dream of Paris (I dream of Paris each and every day!), but there are so many amazing places in France to explore, and the countryside of Provence may be the most breathtaking! Stay at charming B&Bs like the Le Clos des Frères Gris in Aix-en-Provence, visit the cliffside village of Gordes, and meander the markets in Lourmarin.

Photo: KT Merry Photography

Honeymoon in CharlestonCloser to home for those in the States, but just as unique and gorgeous, is the beautiful historic city of Charleston, SC. From the quaint historic district to the booming foodie scene to the beaches in Isle of Palms, Charleston is not to be missed! Romantic inns abound–it’s the absolute perfect destination for a romantic honeymoon!

Photo: Melissa Schollaert

Hacienda las Trancas ResortColonial Mexico comes alive in the streets of San Miguel de Allende, where cobblestone paths, lush gardens, and well-preserved mansions transport you to the 17th century. The Hacienda las Trancas is one of the gems of the area, where working stables, meals sourced from locally-grown ingredients, and a luxurious spa await.

Photo: Jen Lynne Photography

Honeymoon in Cape Town South Africa

At the top of my personal must-visit destinations is the amazing harbor city of Cape Town, South Africa. Having a winter wedding? It’s summer in South Africa, so you can hit the beach! Venture to Hoedspruit and stay in your own tiny tree house cottage at the Kapama Game Reserve, on the edge of Kruger National Park. The private game reserve has twice-daily safari tours!

Photo: Jen Huang Photography

Hollywood Theatre PortlandThere may just be no US city more hip than Portland, Oregon. Visit Portland like a local and hit up these 11 must-visit shops, restaurants, and attractions!

Photo: Sara Gray

Tuscan Cooking ClassSoaking up the Tuscan sun on your honeymoon? Get a taste of the local culture by taking a Tuscan cooking class!

Photo: Hazelnut Photography

Dogsledding at Sunrise

Hands down, one of my favorite travel experiences ever was dogsledding in Iceland at sunrise (noon–my kind of sunrise!). I don’t know which was more amazing–watching the sun come up in the middle of a massive field of snow, or cuddling with the adorable pups!

Photo: Entouriste

Honeymoon in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a fabulous country with wonderful, welcoming people–it’s also relatively inexpensive, easy to get to from the States, and is a true outdoor playground with not only hot springs, but also rappelling, ziplining, and rafting! Bonus: gorgeous beaches and relaxing hot springs too! See 10 of the world’s most beautiful hot springs and thermal baths.

Photo: Tabacon