Honeymoon Destinations  

Plan your trip of a lifetime 

by Andrea Guthmann 

The best part of wedding planning? Planning the honeymoon! After all the excitement of the wedding, where to next? Do you both love the beach, or is exploring a big city more your style? Here are some vacation ideas for outdoor enthusiasts, culture vultures, and those trying to find a compromise. 

Nature Lovers 

From alpine lakes to epic peaks, there are endless outdoor adventures near Salt Lake City. Eleven ski resorts lie along the Wasatch Mountain Range, all less than an hour from the airport.  

Consider making the scenic drive to Snowbird Ski Resort even in the off-season, taking the aerial tram up to The Summit, Utah’s highest restaurant, a casual spot open only for lunch. A more romantic option is dinner at The Aerie, perched atop The Cliff Lodge at Snowbird. Enjoy their award-winning wines along with breathtaking mountain vistas.  

The recently opened, 25-story Hyatt Regency Salt Lake is a great home base, with a rooftop heated pool and restaurant featuring outdoor climate-controlled globes. The hotel is just over a mile from some of the best hiking in Salt Lake City and a half-mile from iconic Temple Square and the majestic Mormon Tabernacle. 

Outdoor enthusiasts can’t leave Utah without visiting one (or more!) of its five national parks. The stunning red rock canyons of Zion National Park made it USA’s third most visited National Park in 2023. Instead of camping, go glamping in one of the decked-out Airstream trailers at the new AutoCamp Zion. After a day of hiking, relax in the hotel pool and clubhouse in this sublime setting. 

Big City Lights 

Prefer the excitement and culture of a big city? Stunning architecture, world-class museums and award-winning restaurants make Chicago a great choice. 

First, choose a hotel. Want easy access to free concerts at Chicago’s modern icon, Millennium Park, and priceless treasures of the Art Institute? Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park is your best option. Maybe you’re architecture enthusiasts? Head to Swissotel and request a room with a river view. Spend days strolling Chicago’s riverfront being awed by the towering skyscrapers. Does shopping along Michigan Avenue sound fun? French luxury brand Hotel Sofitel’s Chicago location is just off what’s known as Magnificent Mile and recently underwent major renovations.   

Chicago’s culinary scene is world-renowned. Here are some notable offerings. Less than a mile from Hotel Sofitel, The Smith is an American brasserie taking pride in working with local farms and curating a drink menu featuring local beers and distilleries. Its raw bar appetizers and steamed mussels are classic favorites.  

Hungry to explore new cultures and cuisines on your honeymoon? A fun, budget-friendly option is Chicago’s new Jook Sing, with decor and menu inspired by the  street foods and vibrant night markets of Southeast Asia.  

Now known as Fulton Market, Chicago’s once industrial West Loop neighborhood has transformed into the city’s culinary hot spot after trailblazing chefs began opening restaurants here almost 20 years ago. Make a reservation at Proxi, a beautifully designed space celebrating travel and cooking through unconventional global street food. Enjoy shareable dishes with Japanese, Thai, Indian, Middle Eastern and Mexican influences. 

Island Escape 

Halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers on Florida’s Gulf Coast is the barrier island of Manasota Key. Being off-the-radar for most tourists makes it a perfect honeymoon spot. 

Newly renovated Manasota Key Resort is the only resort on the island. The white powder-soft sand beach is the main attraction, but taking a hotel bike to one of the nearby casual seafood restaurants makes for a fun afternoon. Row a complimentary kayak or paddle board along the quiet waters of Lemon Bay to see playful dolphins. Go hiking next door at Stump Pass Beach State Park and you’ll feel like you’re on a deserted island.  

Cruising Together 

Maybe a love boat is your idea of the perfect honeymoon? A European cruise is a great way to explore multiple destinations, while only unpacking once. Greek-owned Celestyal Cruises, which specializes in the Eastern Mediterranean, is a cruise line geared towards adults. You won’t find high-adrenaline onboard attractions like zip-lines, water slides and climbing walls, but if island-hopping through the Mediterranean, immersing yourself in the region’s culture, sounds like an idyllic vacation, this would be a no-stress honeymoon. 

As you start planning, Lake Charles travel agent Tina Higgins advises that much like marriage, compromise is the secret to a happy honeymoon. “Take turns planning different parts of the trip, so each person can prioritize favorite activities. By being open-minded and willing to try new things, they can create a vacation that’s not only unforgettable, but strengthens their relationship by finding common ground in different interests.”