By Sydney Moxley
One of the best (and most stressful) parts of wedding planning has nothing to do with the ceremony or reception – it’s the honeymoon. And for queer couples, there is an added layer of stress to honeymoon preparations because, let’s face it, not everywhere in the world is living in 2019 and accepting of the LGBT+ community. And while the tried and true Hawaiian honeymoon is great for some, others might want different experiences. So, to take away some of your honeymoon planning stress, here are five of the coolest honeymoon destinations for any kind of queer couple.
For the Couple Who Wants to Relax
Catalina Island, California
If you are interested in an island vacay without leaving the U-S-of-A, consider beautiful Catalina Island. Just a ferry’s ride away from the southern coast of California, Catalina Island is the perfect destination to unwind after your big day. Enjoy your day away from the hustle and bustle by lounging at the beach, playing a round of golf, picnicking at Wrigley Botanic Gardens, renting bicycles for the day, or taking a boat ride around the island. Then, enjoy an evening of luxury at the Catalina Island Casino. Whatever you choose to do on Catalina Island is sure to be relaxing and fun.
For the Classic Romantics
Paris, France
The City of Lights is also known as the City of Love for a reason – it has been a go-to destination for romantics for hundreds of years. If you are wanting to take in the sights by day and the lights by night, Paris is the perfect honeymoon location for you. Embrace your inner Beyoncé/Jay-Z at the Louvre (and wait in line for an iconic Mona Lisa selfie, of course). Pick up bread, cheese, and a bottle of wine from your local neighborhood market and take it to the Jardin du Luxembourg for an al fresco lunch. Head over to Montmartre Artist Square to pick out a unique keepsake for your new home together. Then at night, take a champagne river cruise of the Seine to catch the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower. You will definitely have a romantic time in “Gay Paree.”
For the Adventurous Couple
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Looking for a bit of adventure? Look no further than Costa Rica. It’s difficult to pick the best place in Costa Rica to spend your honeymoon – each region offers something special. But if adventure is the name of the game, consider spending the majority of your time in La Fortuna.
Hike to the La Fortuna Waterfall, go white water rafting down the Balsa River, visit the hot springs at the Arenal Volcano, and zipline through the rainforest. You will never have a boring moment here. And although same-sex marriage is not legal in Costa Rica yet (coming in 2020!), it is still a very friendly country to the LGBT+ community.
For the Foodies
Cape Town, South Africa
The only country in Africa where same-sex marriage is legal, you won’t have any trouble in beautiful South Africa, and Cape Town offers many fun (and delicious) things to do. On the food side of things, visit the Old Biscuit Mill neighborhood market for eclectic foods from around the world. Learn to cook Cape Malay cuisine in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, and enjoy a “sundowner” cocktail at sunset. Then, head over to Franschhoek for a hop-on, hop-off wine tour to visit the many vineyards. When you’re not eating your way through the city, visit Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was a prisoner), go on a safari, ride the cable car up Table Mountain, and see the penguins on Boulders Beach. No matter what you decide, you are sure to have a tasty time in Cape Town!
For the Cultural Couple
Mexico City, Mexico
Most people consider beach destinations like Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco for their Mexican honeymoons, but if culture is your thing, don’t miss out on the beautiful and very metropolitan Mexico City, which is bursting with color, culture, history, and more. For museums, visit the Museo Soumaya, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the “Casa Azul” (Frida Kahlo Museum). For architecture, check out the Metropolitan Cathedral in Zócalo and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Eat delicious street food in Chapultepec Park or check out the Michelin Star restaurant Pujol. Be sure to visit La Zona Rosa, which is Mexico City’s gayborhood, for drinks and brunch. And last but not least, take a day trip out to the ancient Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacán. This really is the place for the couple who wants a unique, culture-filled honeymoon experience.
PROTECT YOURSELF: Focus© Middle Tennessee wants you to be safe when traveling. Always check the safety of your travel destinations before you leave.
For more information about LGBTI+ specific travel information, visit travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/lgbt.html
For destination specific LGBTI+ laws and special considerations, visit travel.state.gov/destination
