Image courtesy of One&Only Reethi Rah
Your wedding day might get all the spotlight and professional photography, but your honeymoon is where the real adventure begins. And just when you’re in the thick of wedding planning, you’re expected to sort through the mountain of honeymoon possibilities. (Who knew choosing between overwater bungalows or vineyard villas could feel so daunting?)
Whether you're drawn to secluded beaches or city exploration, thoughtful planning can transform this special trip from a source of stress into that meaningful, romantic getaway you deserve. Here are five game-changing tips to balance your travel fantasies with some refreshing reality checks, so you can focus on making those memories of a lifetime. We're Fora—honeymoon heroes at your service.
5 Tips for planning your honeymoon
Image courtesy of Be Tulum
1. Plan ahead
There’s no doubt that planning early is one of the best ways to make sure you get the honeymoon you’ve imagined. Popular destinations have peak seasons that fill up quickly (some more than a year ahead), so try to lock in your hotels as soon as you decide where to go. Then you can take more time to fill in the activities, tours and transportation around the hotels. Cruises are a little different—many cruise lines release schedules years ahead, so if you opt for a cruise, you will likely be able to book more than a year ahead.
2. Work with a travel advisor
There’s some mystery around using an advisor, but the reality is a travel advisor can transform your honeymoon. They offer not only expert destination intel but also industry connections so you’ll have access to perks and VIP treatment. Beyond saving you countless hours of research and coordination, a Fora Advisor can book equal or sometimes better pricing through Fora’s booking platform. You’ll also get a custom itinerary (or just hotel recs if that’s what you prefer) that’s suited to what you want for your trip.
3. Set a budget
It’s hard to know exactly what your dream trip will cost. Start by assessing your available funds and go from there. Take a realistic look at what your finances will allow. Your travel advisor can help you estimate a realistic cost for the entire trip, including all the details you may miss, like entry ticket prices, dining and city taxes on hotels. Be transparent about what matters most to each of you—whether it's luxe hotels, unique tours or fine dining—and allocate your budget accordingly.
4. Make time to relax
Image courtesy of Brush Creek Ranch
Traveling takes a lot of energy—the logistics, new cultures, unfamiliar transit systems—it can be a lot. And after the excitement and stress of wedding planning, don’t forget to factor in some down time to your days of exploration. Build in days for relaxation in between the activities, so you’ll have time to debrief about all the sights and experiences, locking in those incredible memories.
5. Protect your investment
Planning a trip is a big investment, so it makes sense to add a layer of protection. Purchasing travel insurance can give you peace of mind by covering all the basics—trip cancellation, medical emergencies and lost luggage. This is especially important for a honeymoon, which often represents a significant financial investment. A travel advisor can help you navigate the options to find the right coverage for your specific itinerary. Faye travel insurance offers a self-service website, where you can enter your trip details to see an instant quote.
Where to stay on your honeymoon
Fora Advisors have planned honeymoons near and far, using their network of industry relationships to make every trip special. Here are some of the top destinations where couples spend their honeymoons, including everything from beaches and cruises to adventure and urban travel.
Grab inspiration from our list below, and make sure to connect with your advisor about VIP perks, like free breakfast, resort credits and upgrades whenever possible.
Romantic adventure
Images courtesy of Explora Torres Del Paine
Chile makes an unforgettable honeymoon destination, with landscapes that stretch from the driest desert to the glacial landscapes of Patagonia.
Begin at Awasi Atacama – Relais & Châteaux, an intimate, all-villa retreat in the desert where each couple has a private guide and 4x4 to explore the region’s otherworldly terrain. Evenings bring star-filled skies and quiet luxury under the Atacama’s vast expanse.
Then fly south to Explora Torres del Paine, set deep inside Chile’s most famous national park. Expect daily guided hikes, panoramic views, and a cozy, design-forward base where wilderness meets comfort in spectacular fashion.
Together, these two stays strike the perfect balance between nature and romance. For more inspiration, check out our Definitive Guide: Chilean Patagonia.
For a stay closer to home, head to The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming, where wide-open skies, horseback rides, and fly-fishing adventures meet five-star dining and restorative spa days. (See more of our favorite dude ranches here).
Or go all in with a stay at the extraordinary Amangiri, where minimalist architecture melts into the desert landscape—a serene, sculptural hideaway made for romance.
Tropical beaches
Image courtesy of Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda
The Maldives is the classic honeymoon fantasy—sugar-white sands, turquoise lagoons, and villas made for two. But it’s the lazy mornings, candlelit dinners, and that feeling of being miles from everything that make it unforgettable.
At One&Only Reethi Rah, private villas on white beaches or perched over turquoise waters become your personal slice of paradise. Spend mornings snorkeling, afternoons being pampered at the spa, and evenings savoring feasts under the stars.
Sardinia brings Italian glamour with a wild edge—where rugged cliffs meet glittering coves and every beach feels like a secret. It’s the kind of place where yachts gleam offshore, long lunches stretch into sunset, and la dolce vita takes on a seaside glow.
At Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda, you'll wake up to gorgeous sea views. Think private beach access where glamorous yachts bob offshore, a pool scene that rivals any celebrity hotspot, and staff who remember not just your names but how you take your morning espresso. The sophisticated honeymooner's ultimate insider choice.
Mexico proves a honeymoon doesn’t have to mean an all-inclusive. Its magic lies in jungle-meets-design stays where style and soul come standard, from Bacalar’s electric-blue lagoon to Tulum’s jungle-backed sands.
At Our Habitas Bacalar, you'll pinch yourself daily wondering if that seven-shades-of-blue lagoon is actually real as you float from your minimalist-chic cabin to morning yoga.
Next, head to Be Tulum, where coastal luxury meets jungle vibes in a brilliant blend of design-forward suites, private plunge pools and sunsets that dazzle.
For more ideas, read our Definitive Guide: Riviera Maya.
Cultural hot spots
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Italy: Italy does romance like nowhere else—all effortless glamour, long lunches, and that unmistakable sense of dolce vita. From the fashion-filled streets of Milan to the glittering coast of Portofino, it’s a honeymoon that pairs city chic with seaside bliss.
Start in the city at Portrait Milano, a sleek Ferragamo-owned retreat in the heart of Milan’s fashion district where minimalist design meets old-world elegance. Spend days shopping the boutiques of Via Montenapoleone, then unwind over aperitivos in the hotel’s serene courtyard.
Then head for the coast and check into Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, a pastel-hued icon perched above the Ligurian Sea. It’s all about Riviera romance here, with sun-drenched terraces, candlelit dinners, and that cinematic view of Portofino’s harbor that never gets old.
Prague and Budapest: For a double dose of European romance, few pairings beat Prague and Budapest. Just a quick train apart, these two cities blend culture, charm, and grand architecture with plenty of café-hopping and riverside strolls along the way.
Begin at Andaz Prague, where history meets high design in a 1916 Art Nouveau building steps from Old Town Square. Expect chic interiors, warm service, and easy access to Prague’s cobblestone lanes and fairytale skyline. Discover more of our favorite Prague stays here.
Then make your way to Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, a landmark on the banks of the Danube. With its sweeping views of the Chain Bridge, Art Nouveau glamour, and indulgent spa, it’s the kind of place that makes every evening feel like a scene from a classic film.
Cruises
Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages
Oceania: This is your splurge cruise. Picture sipping champagne on your private balcony while sailing into charming Italian ports— that's the Oceania honeymoon vibe. You'll fall in love with their famously good food (seriously, some of the best at sea), with restaurants serving everything from steakhouse classics to Asian fusion. The ships feel uncrowded, so you can actually get that poolside lounger without waking up at dawn. Plus, the spa suites come with unlimited access to thermal suites and private hot tubs—perfect for newlywed bliss. Note that kids are allowed but the majority of cruisers are adults.
Virgin Voyages: Think of Virgin as the cool, not-your-parents' cruise where you can actually have fun. These ships have a buzzy, yacht-club energy with multiple bars serving cocktails late into the night and DJs spinning by the pool. All restaurants are included (no upcharges!), from Korean BBQ to upscale Mexican, plus they throw in free WiFi and basic drinks. The cabins have mood lighting, rainfall showers and beds that convert to loungers. With tattoo parlors, drag brunches and dance parties under the stars, it's perfect for couples who want celebration vibes with an adult-only crowd. Discover more of our recommended adults-only cruise options.
For more inspiration, check out our Definitive Guide: Romantic Destinations. And if you need help with your bachelorette trip (or bachelor trip), we’ve got ideas for that as well.