If you love nothing more than heading out on an adventure with the one you adore there’s a good chance you’ve been searching for a very different kind of honeymoon to those that are most commonly touted; hours spent on the beach, or lounging beside the pool just aren’t going to cut it for you guys – and why should they? Adventure vacations exploit our curiosity and sense of fun, and empower us to experience a wilder side of life that we’re often too busy, or frightened to discover for ourselves. The last few years have witnessed increasing numbers of brides and grooms eschewing the stereotypical beach trip or romantic city break in search of something altogether more thrilling, and we’re all for it. Life is for living, so you might as well begin your marriage as you mean to go on.
So, where’s it going to be?
Bungee jumping in New Zealand
New Zealand is a country renowned for its spectacular landscapes, which include mountain ranges, great lakes, beautiful beaches, and vast forests. A frequent filming location for epic adventure movies and nature documentaries, New Zealand is as wild as they come – and you could begin your married life in a demanding and exciting landscape. Sure, you could participate in white water rafting, zorbing, off-road cycling, or canyoning while you’re there, but few adrenaline rushes beat bungee jumping.
Scale the Rocky Mountains in Colorado
The Rocky Mountains National Park is just one of the United States’ stunning national parks, but it’s among the most popular. Its landscapes are rugged and romantic, and the opportunities for adventure are virtually endless. Whether you’re staying in a lodge or pitching a tent, you’re sure to enjoy the opportunity of packing your bags and heading out for some time in nature. Hike into the mountains’ dark green forests, canoe the park’s lakes, or clamber to the very top of a cliff-face and look out into the landscape; the views are spectacular.
Kiss beneath the Northern Lights in Finland
If you’re looking for an excuse to snuggle up to your beloved, may we recommend the snowy heights of Finland for your honeymoon? Boasting magnificent glaciers, forbidding mountains, and plenty of the white stuff, Finland is the perfect place to huddle close together and realize just how tiny we are on this wild planet. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a particular treat for those heading north, while ideal honeymoon activities include skiing, dog sledding, reindeer hikes, and taking a dip in the frozen lakes.
Explore ancient history in Peru
With a history dominated by the Incas, Peru is a destination for anyone seeking to absorb a little culture – and historical splendor – while they’re away. The country’s ancient temples and ruins offer photographic and exploratory opportunities, and you’ll no doubt be drawn towards the most famous site of all; Machu Picchu. Peru is a fantastic place to visit if you’re keen to work your leg muscles on a long hike or trek. The rewards you’ll reap at the end will be well worth the trip.
Embrace local culture in Thailand
Thailand has been a backpackers’ paradise for a number of years, and it’s not difficult to see why; its clusters of islands boast glorious beaches, lush jungle, and plenty of wildlife, as well as the opportunity to sample Thai culture alongside the locals. Thailand is a honeymoon destination for those wishing to compromise. Perhaps you’d like to try free diving, climbing, rafting, or extreme eating as you work your way between restaurants and marketplaces. However, you can be assured that there’s a soft patch of sand beside a beautiful blue sea whenever you’re ready to rest.
Planning for your big adventure
Adventure honeymoons are best enjoyed when you’ve put some thought into them, particularly when it comes to preparing for the physical pressures of the activities you’re going to be doing. While very little training is required for a stroll along the beach or a day at the art gallery, an adventure vacation deserves a degree of respect; you wouldn’t enter a marathon unless you could run a few kilometers, after all.
As well as packing honeymoon essentials and vacation staples it’s a good idea to undergo some kind of training to prepare your mind and body for the adventure ahead – whether you’ll be walking, climbing, racing, cycling, or something even more audacious. The chances are you’ve been enjoying a fitness program or healthier lifestyle in the lead up to your wedding anyway; add a few more honeymoon-specific squats, laps around the park, or cycling expeditions and you should feel vacation-ready in no time at all.
Be sure to train in the right gear. Enhanced compression wear – such as an elbow compression sleeve – will ensure your body is supported during every step, lunge, stretch, or hurdle, and keep you fighting fit in time for your wedding and dream honeymoon. A similar compression accessory will come in especially useful if you’re likely to be scrambling or lifting, and will protect your joints and muscles – as well as nurturing any existing injury. Few other honeymoons will warrant such preparation or determination, but you can be sure that this will be absolutely worth it.
There’s something inherently romantic about the feel of the elements against our skin; you’ve perhaps never felt more alive than you do when you’re scaling a mountain, navigating white water rapids, or trekking through thick, lush forests. While many people choose to spend their first weeks of married life lapping up the sun, sea, sand, and margaritas, there are those – much like you – who would rather test themselves to the absolute limit. Well, what else are you going to focus on now all of that wedding planning is out of the way? Wherever you decide to go, and whatever it is you’re going to be doing, we hope you have an absolute blast; well, you might as well start the next chapter of your life with another big adventure!
Leave a Reply