Now that mask mandates have been lifted for much of the United States, there are a plethora of eager couples finally making their wedding plans a reality.
And while nuptials can easily be spoken within our US borders without excessive testing or being coerced into getting the vaccine, the honeymoon is a different story.
Newlyweds want to travel somewhere they’ve never been before and a local bed and breakfast just doesn’t offer the exhilarating romance that clear blue waters on a white sandy beach in an exotic place you can hardly pronounce does – but thankfully, we have the perfect solution.
Surprisingly, there are still places in the world not completely tainted by oppressive coronavirus rules.
And some of these places are exactly what you’d imagine as the perfect honeymoon destination.
1. Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii
Of course Hawaii was going to make this list!
And not just because celebrity A-listers like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson go there for the most romantic wedding experience possible, but because they’ve finally opened their borders to tourists.
All travelers are welcome as long as they present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of landing.
Considering most restrictions, that one is easy in order to enjoy the perks of the least commercialized island in the state.
Take a helicopter tour or snorkel under the stars with the manta rays, and don’t forget to walk the blackened grounds of Volcanoes National Park – that is if you still have time in between the unforgettable beaches and romantic eye-gazing.
2. Punta Mita, Mexico
Mexico is a hot destination for love-struck couples, and Punta Mita, Mexico is the beacon of this oasis.
The 1,500-acre coastal peninsula surrounded by Riveria Nayarit gives you and your new spouse more than enough to indulge in.
Surf epic waves, catch a glimpse of a humpback whale, and cherish the sunsets of one of the most-incredible untamed beaches in the northern hemisphere.
And staying at The Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita is a must for the spoiled honeymoon experience you would expect from this coveted spot.
3. Lake Como, Italy
Foggy gondola rides, strolling the streets of the star-cross’d lovers Romeo and Juliet, and sipping wine among the rolling green hills of Tuscany can only be experienced in one place.
Italy – with its romantic language and fluent air of lush experience that any newlywed would dream of.
At Lake Como, take a Riva cruise before recreating the pasta scene from Lady and the Tramp with the “dramatic scenery of the Alps,” as Town and Country puts it.
Any one of Lake Como’s storybook towns such as Cernobbio, Bellagio, or Varenna would be the perfect spot to create the memories you can reminisce about on your 50th wedding anniversary.
Americans are permitted to travel to Italy, according to the US Embassy and Consulates in Italy, so long as those 2-years and older “provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar day of travel”.
4. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora, French Polynesia – a place so nice they had to name it twice!
Those madly in love can’t ignore the romance in the air along the longest stretch of white sand beach in Bora Bora, the private cove of The Conrad.
Located on the island of Motu Toopua, The Conrad gives endless natural entertainment with legendary sunsets and one-of-a-kind scuba diving in its protected reefs.
Unfortunately, you do need to be vaccinated in order to enter Bora Bora.
But don’t take swimming with the whales off the list because changes in travel restrictions are happening daily and you may have full access by the time you say “I do.”
While traveling has become a bit more complicated, or down-right restricted in some cases, that doesn’t mean you should sell yourself short when it comes to your honeymoon.
Give yourself and the love of your life the romantic memories you’ve always dreamed of.