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10 Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations for 2021

markstraveljournal5 Comments
Couple walking on the seashore during sunset

After the wedding, it’s finally time to take the ultimate couple’s getaway to a romantic destination. You’ll make unforgettable memories and start your new life together doing what you love. Some “just married” couples love being lazy on a beach and diving into the depths of the sea, while others like active vacationing and exploring medieval towns. Some prefer driving in a safari, while others enjoy all-inclusive packages and various spa treatments for a week or two. Discover the 10 most popular honeymoon destinations for 2021, find your fit, and start planning right now.

#1 MALDIVES

The Maldives has some of the top tropical islands in the world. This destination is famous for deep blue ocean waters, crystal clear beaches, and luxury overwater bungalows. Little islands in the midst of the Indian ocean are just perfect for newlyweds. You can enjoy the underwater spa and various massage facilities. While here, make sure to try spa treatments with island-sourced ingredients like seaweed, pineapple, or papaya. A honeymoon is an ideal opportunity to visit Undersea Restaurant. If you’re a water sports lover, this will be your paradise. For an ultimate experience, don’t miss a scuba dive excursion with your partner. You can also explore the capital city, Male.

Overwater bungalows, the Maldives
Maldives – one of the top honeymoon destinations for 2021

#2 BORA BORA

Known for its protected coral reefs, Bora Bora in French Polynesia is a remote destination for couples who are up for a big splurge. Many resorts and hotels will give you the option to book photo sessions. Furthermore, you can book spa treatments and special honeymoon mealtimes. After relaxing on a white sandy beach, try some adventures such as safari and parasailing. Moreover, visit Bora Bora Lagoonarium, Coral Gardens, and Mount Otemanu. Take a boat tour, try Shark and Stingray Feeding, or other activities available on various tours.

#3 INDONESIA – BALI

This popular Indonesian isle is visually stunning. There is much more to it than just mind-blowing beaches that first come to mind. Bali is filled with gorgeous ancient temples, lush green rice fields, and beautiful rainforests with bushy palms. Once here, you can be as busy or as relaxed as you like. You can stretch out on the loungers and enjoy views of the Indian Ocean, and indulge in a calming couple’s massage. Alternatively, try something adventurous, such as riding mopeds around the island to discover some of its secrets.

Man and woman walking towards palm trees
Bali can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you’d like.

#4 THE CARRIBIAN GEM – ST. LUCIA

St. Lucia offers sparkling Caribbean waters, breathtaking mountain views, and luxurious accommodation. To explore the Caribbean atmosphere, visit blissfully quiet and romantic Marigot Bay. Apart from stunning beaches, be sure to visit Pigeon island – a national landmark. Furthermore, don’t miss The Pitons- volcanic plugs, Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, Splash Island Water Park, Tet Paul Nature trail for some hiking, and Castries Flea Market for souvenirs, local food, and spices.

#5 GREECE – SANTORINI

This Greek island is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for 2021. Santorini has an undeniably magical atmosphere with dreamy white terraces and an unobstructed view of the water. You’ll enjoy romantic walks down the neat alleys of the historic town. Make sure to discover all its beauties, from red and black sand beaches to wineries and historic tours. Don’t miss visiting the ruins at Ancient Akrotiri and Ancient Thira. Santorini has a great choice of luxury accommodation and clifftop restaurants. For a breathtaking view, take a catamaran cruise around the caldera. Then, you’ll see for yourself why Santorini sunsets are famous around the world.

#6 DUBAI

Dubai is known as “The city of Gold”, famous for its glamour. It rises from a desert as a buzzing metropolis with tall and modern skyscrapers, including the highest building in the world – Burj Khalifa at 2,717 ft (828 m). Don’t miss going up to the lofty observation deck on the 154th floor. Some of the world’s best hotels are located in Dubai, along with luxury boutiques and abundant entertainment opportunities. Enjoy a taste of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Take a tour and visit sand dunes for a camel ride, sandboarding, and a Bedouin-style feast. To experience the best of Dubai, book a helicopter tour over the Palm Jumeirah, and admire this amazing city from high up in the sky.

Burj Al Arab hotel, lake, and palms in Dubai
Dubai is a great destination for a honeymoon in 2021.

#7 THAILAND

Tropical Thailand is a wonderland of exotic flora and picture-perfect beaches. Visit Bangkok for opulent palaces and glittering gold temples. Make a reservation at an all-inclusive beach resort to unwind fully. Koh Samui island, with its crystal-clear waters, is excellent for couples with a tight budget. It has some affordable yet authentic and comfortable beachside bungalows. The more remote island is Ko Muk, where you can find jungles and a traditional village encircled by incredibly blue-green lagoons. While here, try local Thai food, admire exotic wildlife and exquisite ocean vistas. Enjoy your post-wedding escape to the fullest.

#8 MEXICO – CANCUN BAY

Mexico is still a great vacation spot, and a perfect place to celebrate the start of your life together is Cancun Bay. Enjoy fabulous beaches, clear aquamarine seas, lagoons, and coral reefs. Cancun is not only popular for its natural beauty but also for its urban sophistication, shopping, handicraft markets, fantastic food, and mysterious Mayan remains. Take a rainforest adventure trip, go swimming with the whale sharks and take a night cruise on the lagoon. Furthermore, visit the archeological remains and museum at El Rey, and whenever you want – just relax on a beach.

#9 HAWAII, USA

Hawaii is one of the top honeymoon destinations for 2021. The soft-sand beaches, turquoise, and deep waters invite long, lazy days on the beach. Still, if you want an active vacation, you can also have it. Here are few suggestions:

  • Explore the Na Pali coast of Kauai by catamaran
  • Take a nighttime snorkel to view manta rays
  • Enjoy hiking or fishing
  • Try whale watching
  • Book a tour at Volcano National Park
  • See Maui and the Big Island from a helicopter

#10 ZANZIBAR

This East African island paradise is still a lesser-known, peaceful honeymoon destination, away from the big cities. Apart from the beautiful beaches, there are many popular places which you should visit, such as Stone Town, Old Fort, House of Wonders, Jozani Forest, the famous Rock restaurant and much more. Experience authentic Zanzibar food and take a dhow cruise while enjoying a beautiful romantic sunset. Try kitesurfing, scuba diving in pristine ocean water, and swimming with dolphins in the Kizimkazi area.

Please be aware that, when traveling overseas to remote, exotic destinations, some people may experience anxiety and have to deal with negative feelings. Many things can cause those feelings, such as cultural shock, leaving your comfort zone, and interruption of daily habits. If you plan your honeymoon much ahead, research the destination well and pack everything you might need, you’ll be able to enjoy it without worries.

Final words

Now that you know the 10 Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations for 2021, you can make a decision based on your priorities and preferences. Whenever you decide to go, your honeymoon should be memorable and filled with joy and love.

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Practical Tips for Memorable Family Travel with Kids

markstraveljournal19 Comments
A family having fun at the beach

Creating happy memories is one of the most important parenting tasks. These souvenirs from the past help shape children’s identities and serve as valuable learning opportunities. While not many children would say they enjoy learning, most of them would say they like to play, explore, try new things, and have fun. This curious and open approach to life is a powerful teaching tool every parent should encourage in their children. And one of the most effective ways to do that is travel. Since traveling with kids can be challenging and, in a lot of cases, overwhelming, some extra preparation is necessary to ensure you don’t end up feeling even more exhausted after your vacation than before. These practical tips for memorable family travel with kids should give you the courage to take your tribe on any adventure.

Plan your trip together

At a certain age, kids begin to enjoy making their own decisions. Plan your trip together (when possible) and make them feel appreciated and heard. If they are old enough to have opinions about your travel plans, make sure to listen to them. Since kids’ wishes can sometimes be a bit unrealistic, explaining what’s possible and what’s not should help avoid disappointment.

You shouldn’t underestimate your little ones as they might have interesting suggestions regarding the destination or the itinerary. If they’re too young for that, give them a few options from which they can choose. They’ll take the task very seriously and feel proud if you go with their choice. Ask for their opinion about the accommodation, food, and other details. After all, your kids are going on that trip as much as you are, so it’s only fair to let them participate in planning.

Help your kids understand the destination

A crucial step in making memorable family travel with kids happen is teaching the youngsters about the places you will be visiting. Help your kids understand the destination’s history, culture, food, and language. Show them where the country is and tell them exciting stories appropriate for their age. As a family, try to learn a few common words and phrases that will help you communicate if the locals don’t speak English.

Two children reading
The more your kids know about the place you’re visiting, the more they will be able to enjoy it.

Knowing something about the destination will help your children feel more confident and excited to travel. It will help avoid any confusion and fear as well. Even if you plan to stay in the US and spend summer visiting amazing places in America, remember many places are vastly different from anything they are used to seeing. From Boston to Hawaii, both the scenery and culture change drastically, and it’s essential to prepare your kids for such changes.

Rely more on your intuition and less on your itinerary

Most children live in the moment and don’t care much for tight schedules. Rely more on your intuition and less on your itinerary. And avoid squeezing too many activities and sightseeing into your trip. Your children won’t enjoy traveling as much if they feel like they’re running errands. You’ll probably miss a few things due to rest, snacks, and bathroom brakes but by being attentive to your kids’ needs and feelings, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and frustration. If you notice they are enjoying certain activities more than others, don’t force them to participate in everything. However, do encourage them to try new things if they are skeptical.

Remember that traveling is all about spending quality time with your loved ones and not so much about following an itinerary. Embrace your kid’s spontaneity as it might lead you to unexpected and extraordinary places.

Don’t let your memories fade away

A sure-fire way to ensure your kiddos remember your exciting expeditions as a family is to take lots of pictures. Some places are more photogenic than others, but your travel pictures will undoubtedly be among the most cherished souvenirs you’ll bring home. Don’t let your memories fade away. You shouldn’t feel pressured to take perfectly staged touristy photos, as most children find it boring to pose in front of famous sights and landmarks. Instead, try to capture spontaneous and heart-warming moments you want to remember. And a few of the not-so-happy moments as well, just to give your kids something to laugh about when they grow up. Don’t forget to let them take the camera and snap some pictures themselves. Seeing their point of view will surely be entertaining.

A girl taking pictures
Letting your kids take pictures will help them remember their perspective.

Seek authentic experiences with the locals

Memorable experiences almost exclusively happen outside of your comfort zone. Forget about the popular tourist spots and the convenience of your hotel or resort. When looking for unique encounters, it’s always best to follow the locals. Seek authentic experiences with locals on less busy streets, at local restaurants, talking to people, and encourage your kids to do the same. Sure, hanging out at the hotel’s pool is great but interacting with the locals is much more meaningful. Children might be a bit reserved at first, but if they see their parents are relaxed and confident, they will follow the same path.

A busy street in Morocco
Experiencing the local way of life is something your kids will never forget.

There are not many things as memorable as interacting with people whose mentality, culture, and language are different from your own. And if you’re worried your kid won’t be able to communicate – don’t be. Children are remarkably adaptable, so they’ll certainly find a way to get their point across.

Embrace the imperfection

When trying to make memorable family travel with kids happen, it’s best to embrace the imperfection. No matter how careful and thorough you are, someone will inevitably scrape their knee, lose their toy, or their temper. Remember that memorable doesn’t necessarily mean perfect and that mistakes and accidents are a part of the experience. Teach your kids not to let the mishaps ruin the entire trip. As long as everyone stays safe and healthy, a few troubles along the way will help your children learn how to deal with the real world. In the end, it’s all about the time your family spends together. And once you accept that, traveling with kids will become much less intimidating.

Of course, there are many more practical tips for memorable family travel with kids. But don’t overthink it. Go with the flow and enjoy your family time!

The top 10 tropical islands in the world

markstraveljournal13 Comments
emerald colored sea and a view of the beach

What is a better depiction of paradise than a tropical island? And what are the top 10 tropical islands in the world? It’s a tough choice. Long stretches of white sandy beaches, the sun reflecting off the crystal blue sea, the soothing sound of waves crashing the shore and the smell of salty water combined with coconut scented body lotions. Can it possibly get any better than that? Tropical islands are dream destinations for many honeymooners, adventure seekers and world travelers hooked on the intoxicating thrill of visiting new places. If you are looking for some inspiration for your next holiday, you may be interested in the following destinations.

1. Ko Lipe

Thailand used to be a go-to place for those looking for seclusion. However, exploiting this mesmerizing destination for the film industry has attracted a deluge of humanity eager to experience this place’s wonders. Still, deserted beaches on nearby islands are reachable by longboats. On the way there, you might even spot a shark. The waters are full of life, so snorkeling here could be an experience of a lifetime. What makes this island interesting is that there are few roads, no cars and you can cover it on foot within an hour.

A boat on the calm water at sunset
Explore the islands near Ko Lipe by boat

2. The Maldives

This collection of no less than 1000 islands is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Barely above the sea level, it is terribly affected by the climate changes, so hurry up before it’s too late. Although these tropical islands are expensive, it is possible to travel on budget with meticulous planning. The best time to visit is from November to May to avoid the monsoon season. Here, you can indulge in various activities. Diving and snorkeling first come to mind, but whale and dolphin watching is an absolute must.

3. Seychelles

Situated off the east coast of Africa, this group of 115 islands is a paradise for avid lovers of secluded beaches, sun and diving. Since it’s quite expensive, this holiday destination attracts the more upscale crowd. However, it is not a commonly mentioned fact that Seychelles used to be a pirate hideout. So, if you are feeling lucky, venture on a quest to find the legendary hidden treasure.

4. Bali

Surfing, hiking, fantastic food, vibrant nightlife, breathtaking beaches and the friendliest locals – is there anything this place doesn’t have? You can go white water rafting, volcano climbing, scuba diving, or simply sunbathing on either black or white beaches. Yes, Bali has it all. Due to the volcanoes, there are black beaches as well. There are also temples to visit for a more culturally oriented holiday. And that’s not all! Gili island is nearby, so you can easily see them both.

5. Tahiti

The Queen of the Pacific is the ultimate honeymoon destination and the veritable paradise. This is where those stunning photos of luxurious bungalows in the water are taken. In fact, this is the birth home of these gorgeous structures. It is also pretty pricy, so if it is affluence you seek, this is the place to go. But it’s not just romance and luxury you’ll find here. You can enjoy watersports, go on various boat tours or visit historical sites.

A couple holding hands on the beach at sunset
Tahiti is the ultimate tropical island for honeymooners

6. Fiji

Out of over 320 islands, more than two-thirds are uninhabited. With such a selection, it is virtually impossible not to find the place you will like. The waters are teeming with life, so snorkeling is spectacular. You can go diving, sailing, whale watching. Similarly to Bali, this is also an option for those into more active vacations. Therefore, it is more popular with the younger population.

7. Bermuda

Bermuda is the shipwreck capital of the world. Yes, you’ve read well. This heaven for banks and tax-avoiding businesses was first inhabited after a shipwreck in the 17th century. But despite this less than glamorous fun fact, it is extortionately expensive, so should you decide to visit it, you’ll need a sizeable budget. This island is the home of magical pink-sand beaches, warm emerald waters and enchanting landscape. Due to the reefs that ring the island, Bermuda is among the world’s unrivaled diving destinations.

8. Curacao

The moment you arrive in the town, you will notice the recognizable Dutch style. This island country is located in the Caribbean sea, home of many more idyllic locations. It has stable weather throughout the year, which is something its owner, The Netherlands, can’t brag about. If you are looking for a lot of sunshine and picturesque beaches, this is the place for you. If it’s fun and parties you want, Curacao is one of the go-to tropical islands. And it is no wonder, given that it is famous for an orange-flavored liqueur by the same name.

Palm tree and sun lounges on a tropical beach
Enjoy the picturesque beaches of Curacao

9. The Galapagos Islands

Much like the Maldives, the Galapagos is drastically affected by climate change. It’s one of the lushest places in the world with incredible wildlife. This is the home of the endemic Galapagos penguin, and probably the only place where you can see penguins in the wild. The fact that 97% of the islands is a national park, definitely says something. Unfortunately, because the ecosystem is fragile, if you want to enjoy the unspoiled nature and serenity it offers, hurry up.

10. The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are another lush destination, rich with life. The South Pacific group of islands is less visited by tourists and has few amenities, making it a perfect choice if you wish to escape the hectic modern life. It doesn’t get more remote than this. The deep jungle, coral reefs and pristine beaches add to a more rugged tropical landscape than the other destinations.

Few things can make you feel more rejuvenated than treating yourself with a vacation to one of the tropical islands. If you have an adventurous spirit, you may want to consider making one of these places your home. Just imagine waking up to the sound of the waves, salty smell tingling your nostrils while the tropical breeze gently caresses your skin. Moving to such a place is a dream come true and a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy life to the fullest.