TOP 5 Adventure Honeymoon Destinations 2021

So, your wedding has been postponed or you have booked your wedding for 2021 and the thought of a honeymoon seems a million miles away. Did we even ever talk about anything before Covid-19 exploded onto the scene? The weather, maybe?

For the next 20 minutes though at least, I want to transport you to a faraway land and immerse you in how beautiful our 3rd rock from the sun truly is. Amidst a global crisis, we know we will survive and hopefully be stronger and more in tune with the fragility of this beautiful thing we called ‘life’. Being a traveller at heart and whenever I get the opportunity, some of my suggestions will require a big backpack, walking boots and a lot of buses; no-one ever said a honeymoon had to be static!

Right, take this time to make a cup of tea (f**k it, or a cocktail - no work today right??) and we’ll give you a 5 minute break to get yourself comfy, hydrated and to find a window with the sun shining through, to lose yourself in our TOP 5 ALTERNATIVE HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS 2021. Each will be rated out of 5 for cost of daily living and adventure level!!!

ON HOLD FOR 5 MINUTES

Welcome back, lets get lost…

1 - ARGENTINA (El Chalten, Iguazu, Mendoza, Mar de Plata)

In terms of ‘finding things to do’ when visiting another country, you can’t go far wrong with Argentina. There is never a dull moment in this exquisite country and you can really do a little bit of everything, owing to the fact that this is ONE BIG COUNTRY. Grab your walking boots and passport and get ready for an adventure! Cycle the wine routes and visit the vineyards of Mendoza, taste the local chocolate of the unbelievable Swiss inspired town Barriloche and walk on a glacier in El Chalten. (All of these places are connected by bus routes - and when I say bus, I mean, think of a premium seat on an aeroplane. Fully reclining, padded seats, food on board and inbuilt TV screens!)

Once you’ve taken in the beauty of the South & West, including hiking one of many exquisite mountains and taken in the most breathtaking views of Patagonia, it’s time to relax and hit the beach. Trek across to Mar del Plata on the East Coast and catch some waves with other sun worshippers. Mar del Plata is reportedly the most beautiful beach in Argentina (and given the country is 45% coastline, that’s no mean feat!) After more Malbec than you could shake a stick at, it’s time to finish with the gem of this exquisite country. No visit to Argentina is complete without visiting Iguazu falls. An absolutely extraordinary and expansive collection of waterfalls. You need a whole day at least to appreciate the beauty of these falls. Become engulfed in the spray, have picnics amidst the greenery, walk along the balconies looking up at the sky scarred with rainbows and walk through butterfly forests. The beauty is simply incomparable. Don’t forget to finish your trip with a visit to ‘La Garganta del Diablo’ - the Devil’s Throat. A large wooden platform has been built over the largest fall and the feeling of standing there is one of pure majesty. The noise is like being inside a thunderstorm, and been soaked by the spray and watching the water beneath your feet plummet to oblivion is that of a dream.

Thankfully, it’s only a 1hr flight to the international airport at Buenos Aires, so getting home couldn’t be easier!

Cost of Living: £££

Adventure Rating: 4

2 - NORWAY (Hamnoy, Tromso, Bergen)

Not everywhere has got to be a 1000 miles away to be a beautiful adventure. Norway is one of those places that just sort of seems to have everything right. Fair enough, you won’t get as much bang for your buck, but cost of living and salaries are all relative for the Norwegians. Travel to Norway for a total digital detox and a holistic re-connection to nature. Long hikes, fresh mountain air, stunningly clear waters and breathtaking fjords. Norway is a magnificent destination for couples looking to relax in a totally different environment from the ever-popular ‘beach holiday’. Swap the hotel on the waterfront for an island lighthouse. For something totally luxurious, try out the Vulcana which is a spa boat in the Arctic circle! Book tickets online before the boat leaves and enjoy the most magical spa break of your entire life!

Randi Skaug, known for climbing the Seven Summits, bought her own island in Norway to escape the city and has never looked back. “Nature doesn’t have a watch” she explains. “You don’t care about the time when you’re admiring the Northern Lights or kayaking under the midnight sun”.

Randi’s island is available to visit for independent travellers in the summer who want to partake in outdoor activities from kayaking, food foraging, hiking, boat trips and seeing some of the most spectacular scenery in the Northern hemisphere.

Cost of Living £££££

Adventure Rating 3

3 - BOTSWANA (Okavango, Kalahari, Gabane, Kasane)

The absolute gem of Africa and home to the Okavango delta. For a real earthy back-to-nature vibe, you’ll struggle to find a more majestic destination. There is something about the African countries that really captures the imagination and soul; something real in the most raw kind of way. A feeling of connection to nature that is so innate and unlike other places I have had the pleasure of visiting. Botswana is definitely on my list and I’m sure it will be high up on your list too!

Being a landlocked country in Southern Africa, it’s really all about the animals. Hire a 4-wheel drive at the airport and be your own boss, driving from reserve to reserve across this incredible country. Top of the priority list should be the Okavango river, located in the north of the country as well as the central Kalahari game reserve. The Okavango is a year round flowing river that flows from Angola through to Botswana. The rainy season transforms this arid landscape and the Okavango into a mythical waterworld, with scenery you need to see to believe. A well-known game reserve to take in this wonder is the Chobe National Reserve, famous for having the largest population of elephants in the world.

The Kalahari, famous for hosting the BBC2 smash documentary ‘Meerkat Manor’, should also be visited during your stay in Botswana. Arid and vast, if offers a totally contrasting view of this beautiful country; camp under the stars and watch yourself fall through space as you stare at the Milky Way from the desert floor. You will find the big 5 in Botswana as well as all 3 of Africa’s big cats: cheetahs, lions and leopards. In theory, the viewing is more targeted as the desert landscape makes it hard to support vast amounts of wildlife; so head straight for the river and you’re bound to see an abundance of nature at it’s absolute finest.

Kasane is definitely the place to be in Botswana if you’re planning on crossing into Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls. Kasane sits where 4 corners of Africa meet and also has some interesting things to do whilst you’re visiting, including a snake park and an enormous baobab tree that was once used as a prison! If you want to stretch your legs and have had enough of driving the many gorgeous game reserves, take a trip to Gabane; a town popular most of all for its awesome hikes through the hills. Once you’ve dusted off the cobwebs, head back into town and check out the pottery factory where you can stock up on handmade items to bring back home with you.

Cost of Living ££

Adventure Rating 4

4 - INDIA (Jaipur, Agra, New Delhi)

Where to even start with this fascinating, diverse and truly magical country? If you’re looking to combine a totally unique city break, mixed with history, steeped in culture with a healthy dose of mind-blowing wildlife for good measure, India could be the place for you!

Internationally famed for having the largest remaining population of wild tigers in the world (two-thirds of the worlds population) it would be criminal not to book a trip to one of India’s many reserves. Sometimes I forget just how much wildlife there really is to see in this astonishing country. As well as tigers, keep your eyes peeled for rhino, elephant, leopard, hyena, wild dog, deer, porcupine, wild boar and hundreds upon hundreds of species of bird. There are websites online that will tell you the probability of you seeing tigers in a particular - don’t necessarily go for the biggest or most well-known reserve. Sometimes, the smaller and more intimate reserves, are all the more charming.

Once you’ve had your fill of the animals, experience India’s Golden Triangle, which includes Delhi, Agra & Jaipur (the backdrop for the gorgeous Judi Dench film “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”). In Agra, absorb the fairytale scene of the world-famous Taj Mahal, visit the Agra Fort and immerse yourself in the history. Whisk yourself over to Jaipur and relish the cuisine, explore the palaces, hot air balloon over the rivers and soak up the culture in the ‘Pink City’; so called for its trademark colour. Finally, finish up in Delhi, a metropolis in the north of the country and India’s capital territory. New Delhi demonstrates much that would be expected from a great capital city. Huge markets, museums, parks - treat yourself to a yoga class and find some calm amidst the storm followed by an incredible street food tour (to eat on the calories you just burnt off during yoga).

Cost of Living £

Adventure Rating 4

5 - BOLIVIA (La Paz, Lago Titicaca, Uyuni, Rurrenabaque)

For me, Bolivia is one of the truest adventure destinations on the planet and it’s so much more accessible than people think. A landlocked country in the middle of South America, home to the highest capital city in the world, and featuring deserts, salt plains, rainforest and the world’s highest navigable lake…let’s talk about Bolivia.

Firstly, it would only be right of me to mention, that unless you are both actually looking for a proper backpack style honeymoon, Bolivia might not be on the top of your list. No matter where you stay, you could be hit with altitude sickness, you’ll probably get a bit of a dodgy tummy at some stage due to the water (only drink bottled) and if you go during carnival (which is an awesome time to go), ladies, you’re quite likely to get water-ballooned by young men and children.

If you’re looking for a honeymoon of spontaneous and passionate love-making amidst long dewy days filled with champagne and chocolates, let me tell you now, you shan’t find it here! Bolivia is a little more, quickly ‘doing it’ because you kind of feel you should, even though you’re a little light-headed from the altitude and most likely, pretty cold (especially if you favour your nocturnal activities during the hours of darkness).

Now, onto all of the reasons you absolutely must go and see Bolivia at some stage in your life. It…is…awesome! The scenery is some of the most varied and bizarre you could ever hope to see. Walk across salt plains in Uyuni, look at the stars as you jump past geysers exploding through vast deserts of red sand. Have a picnic beneath the rainbow mountain whilst you watch flocks of flamingoes grazing in the lakes below.

Something you should definitely add to your list of ‘Things to Do in Bolivia’ is visit Lake (Lago) Titicaca; the worlds highest navigable lake that spans between Peru and Bolivia. It’s a beautiful day trip and it actually feels a bit like you’re out at sea. It’s enormous and home to the fascinating floating islands of Uros (a collection of islands made entirely from reeds that are home to indigenous families from Peru and Bolivia. You’ll have to cross-over to the Peruvian side to see these incredible islands though!)

An absolute must is visiting the jungle and if you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, doing the Pampas tour is a great way to taste the Amazon and see some of their main residents. Firstly, I would recommend taking the short 2 hour flight from La Paz to the jungle gateway town Rurrenabaque. Avoid the absolutely hair-raising 30 hour bus ride at all costs! From Rurrenabaque you’ll head on a 3-4 hour jeep ride to the edge of the Amazon river and jump in a boat. You will more than likely see the famous pink river dolphins, caiman, capybara, squirrel monkeys and indigenous birds. Of course, you can pay the little extra and go into the jungle for a longer and more authentic experience including jungle treks.

For the true thrill seeking couple, enjoy an adrenaline pumping bike road down the ‘Road of Death’, starting at 5000m above sea-level in the snowy mountains and ending up in the humid tropics at around 1500m above sea level. The views are magnificent and the trip is well worth the slight risks. Just be careful and don’t fall off the mountain - that has the potential to sour the trip.

The truth is, Bolivia has it all. Checkout the mines of Potosi, the snow capped mountains of the Cordillera, the huge indoor markets of La Paz and the beautiful white washed city of Sucre. For a true backpacking adventure with no frills, Bolivia is the place to go!

Cost of Living £

Adventure Rating 5