Honeymoon holidays: The best honeymoon destinations

Staycation or abroad?

Once you have a budget, is it more cost-effective to plan a honeymoon staycation in the UK or to catch a plane and go abroad? There are no wrong answers! And deciding to stay in the UK need not feel like a letdown, as there are absolutely incredible honeymoon experiences to be found here.

From glamping in one of the national parks to staying in a grand castle, five-star hotels or a cosy lakeside cabin, you'll be delighted to find all of these and more not too far from your own doorstep.

If going abroad, decide whether you're looking to book a package through a travel agent, or want to book flights and hotels on your own. Holidays booked through a travel agent often have more protection, but you should consider getting travel insurance for your honeymoon regardless.

When should you book your honeymoon?

Most agents and honeymoon specialists agree that you should book your honeymoon at least 12 months in advance. But that's not to say that you can't find decent deals within a shorter timeframe or, if you want to be really spontaneous, you could even opt for a last-minute honeymoon deal. Only choose the latter if you're happy to be flexible about your destination.

When should you leave for your honeymoon?

It may be traditional to leave for your honeymoon right after the wedding, but more and more people give it a few days before departing. And some choose to wait longer, even a year or two, to shore up budgets or to have another big event to look forward to after the wedding is over.

Maldives

A honeymoon in the Maldives will probably be at the top of anyone's dream honeymoon bucket list. We've seen those images of white-sand islands, luxurious chalets with private access to the sea and glorious, sunny weather. Made up of over 1,190 islands, there's a lot of choice too, with some resorts actually owning an island or two - what could be more exclusive and private? While it's easy to splash out in the Maldives, it does offer the perfect blend of relaxation and more adventurous pursuits (swimming with whale sharks, anyone?).

Thailand

A destination that's packed with variety, Thailand is another top choice for honeymoons. You can design your ideal honeymoon itinerary here: some island time, visiting the bigger cities, lazing on the beach or fitting in temple visits and activities. Of course, there's plenty of luxury to be found in Thailand, but it also happens to be a more budget-friendly choice compared to other popular honeymoon destinations. For something truly memorable, head to Khao Sok National Park, a beautiful slice of nature that's home to tigers, gibbons and other rare species.

The Caribbean

Another great choice if you like variety, the Caribbean is made up of 13 official countries and countless islands and territories. Whether you want to visit a single Caribbean destination or do some island hopping (or even opt for a Caribbean cruise), you'll be delighted to find that most resorts here offer honeymoon packages and opportunities for pampering. Barbados, Saint Lucia, the Bahamas, Jamaica... you can't go wrong! If an island honeymoon is what you're after, look no further than the Caribbean.

France

If convenience and short commuting time are top priorities, France is a traditional option for a romantic honeymoon. Many honeymooners here opt for Paris, a city that's packed to the brim with attractions, great food and activities. But there are other lovely honeymoon destinations in France. For the beach, head to the French Riviera hubs of Cannes or Nice or explore the opulent chateaux of the Loire Valley. If you love wine, plan a lengthy stay in Bordeaux or Provence instead.

South Africa

If adventure and wildlife experiences are what you seek, an African honeymoon will be an ideal fit. South Africa is a top choice, with exciting cities, some of the best safari lodges on the continent and a surprising amount of luxury packages too. While it may cost more to fly out here, it's actually super affordable once you step off the plane. Book an ultimate safari experience in Kruger National Park or enjoy some beach time and attractions in Cape Town or Durban.

Hawaii

Undoubtedly another destination on many a dream honeymoon list, Hawaii is a beautiful spot for a nature-filled honeymoon. There are eight main islands in this US state, with Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii being top choices for honeymoons and romantic getaways. Many resorts offer honeymoon packages, and the islands are home to countless memorable experiences like whale watching, luaus, hikes and watersports.

The Cotswolds

Located in the south west of England, this region is renowned for its beauty - making it a picture-perfect location for a honeymoon. There are ancient villages filled with honey-coloured stone buildings, endless countryside, a scattered array of sights and attractions plus a surprising amount of options for excellent food. From luxury hotels and B&Bs to glamping, there are loads of places to choose from; just make sure you do a bit of village hopping while you're in the Cotswolds. The most popular stops are Castle Combe, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway and Lacock.

The Lake District

One of the most well-known national parks in the UK, the Lake District is a top choice for honeymooners wanted to escape into nature. Whether that's taking on some of the park's walking trails or spending an afternoon boating on one of the lakes, you could spend weeks in the Lake District and still feel like there's so much more to uncover here. Windermere, Ambleside, Kendal and Coniston are the more popular villages, and it's best to book ahead if you want to ensure a stay at your chosen accommodation - no matter the time of year!

The Scottish Highlands

Castles, lochs, winding roads, mountains, waterfalls and generally breathtaking natural scenery - the Scottish Highlands is a memorable destination for any type of holiday - and the same is true for a honeymoon set here. In fact, it's one of the few places where you can feel like you've escaped fellow holidaymakers. If you can afford to, splash out with a stay at a loch-side luxury lodge or even at a castle-turned-hotel. You'll be spending each day exploring what this region has to offer and then heading back to warm, cosy and luxurious accommodation to wind down for the evening. Bliss.

Cornwall

Perhaps most famous as a hotspot for UK summer holidays, there's a lot on offer for honeymooners who decide that Cornwall is the destination for them. There's the obvious draw of the beach, as this part of the UK is home to some of our best, and the coastal towns and villages all offer their own brand of relaxed charm. For those who love sightseeing, Cornwall is the place to do it. Honeymooners can include stops like St Michael's Mount, the Eden Project, the Minack Theatre and Land's End.

Pembrokeshire

This southwest region of Wales is one that needs to be seen to be believed - it really is that beautiful. And it's an affordable and exciting option for a UK-based honeymoon. It's home to a beach that's consistently voted the best in all of the UK: Barafundle Bay. Plus, there are lovely towns and villages to visit, like Tenby, Solva and St Davids (the latter being the smallest city in Britain). If you love the outdoors, then a Pembrokeshire honeymoon will be your perfect fit, as there are plenty of coastal paths to explore.

Jurassic Coast

Another prime section of UK coastline, the Jurassic Coast is packed with things to do and landmarks to see. And it lives up to its name: you can even pick up a fossil or two just by walking along the beaches here. If you're more keen on the sights, this is where you'll find icons like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Corfe Castle. Then there are the coastal towns too; Lyme Regis, Isle of Portland, Charmouth and Weymouth are all worth a stop.