Getaway from Cliche

Unique Honeymoon Ideas

by Kelley Granger, August 24, 2007

In spite of a literal world of choices, a Modern Bride poll of luxury travel agents ranked Italy and Hawaii respectively as the first and second best honeymoon destinations. If you live by the boundless wisdom of Robert Frost, you’ll be dismayed by the fact that 6,000 travel experts are sending masses of newlyweds to the same overbooked locations. For many of us, a great honeymoon involves more than sunbathing on a beach and sipping colorful cocktails; we want adventure, unique experiences, or to make a difference in someone’s life. Take your honeymoon down the road less traveled: Get inspired to forge a journey that reflects who you are as a couple by considering these suggestions.


Event of a Lifetime
Bond as a couple and immerse yourself in the customs of another country by centering your honeymoon around a specific cultural event. Use the World Events Guide website to discover a region’s traditional celebrations, and narrow down your options from there. Japan and Morocco offer two enchanting events. Originating from a ritual of star worship that was believed to banish malevolent energy, Akita, Japan’s Kanto Matsuri is now celebrated as a prayer for an abundant grain harvest. Be intoxicated by the sound of drums and bamboo flutes as hundreds of lit paper lanterns float by in the dark of an August night. Men balance lantern-laden poles in the likeness of a stalk of rice on their foreheads and lower backs as they parade through town, trying to outdo one another without letting the lanterns go out.

For a spiritual musical experience don’t miss the World Sacred Music Festival in Fez, Morocco. In its 13th year, this week-long event is performed under a great Barbary oak in the Andulucian gardens of the Batha Museum and in the Bab Makina palace courtyard. Scheduled every year in June, the festival has included performances by whirling dervishes, dancing monks of Tibet, American gospel choirs, Sufi and African musicians (Youssou N’Dour, Miriam Makeba), and Japanese drummers. Celebrate your new marriage among the exotic smells, lively colors, and ornate designs of the ancient Muslim holy city of Fez, which is renowned as a place where religions peacefully coexist.
www.worldeventsguide.com

Exercise in Exploration
There are multitudes of tour companies that specialize in crafting active escapades for every interest. You can literally ride off into the sunset with an equestrian vacation through Cross Country International, whose French Loire Valley ride was featured in National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime. This chateau to chateau ride travels through the vineyards, sunflower fields, and forests of the valley, with accommodations in French chateaus, castles, and farmhouses. All meals are included, as well as a wine tasting in Sancerre. For an additional fee, couples can ditch the group (which is a maximum of 10) and hire a private guide to lead them across the terrain more intimately. Trips can suit the needs of every rider, whatever their skill level, although it is recommended that novice riders take a few lessons before their trip. Cross Country International offers a registry that allows wedding guests to contribute money toward the honeymoon of your dreams—be it in Argentina, Hungary, New Zealand, or any of the many rides they offer in 16 different countries. If four legs isn’t your thing, take your two on a hut hiking adventure. Discover a route yourself or use a travel company like Distant Journeys, which specializes in guided group hiking tours and in helping clients create their own self-guided version. Check out the dramatic Italian Dolomites, the limestone range of the Alps that forms spires, canyons, and plateaus, and overlooks spectacular alpine meadows. Each night you’ll reach a different hut with unique qualities and views of the mountain range.
www.equestrianvacations.com; www.distantjourneys.com