TravelBash by Courtnie Nichols

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Top 10 Non-Beachy Honeymoon Destinations Part II

If you’re a couple trying to avoid yet another beach trip, you’re in luck—we’ve got a list of 10 more non-beachy destinations for an epic honeymoon!

Sure, soaking up the sun and lounging on beach chairs is one of life’s greatest joys, but there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored. And who better to explore it with than your bae? Your honeymoon is the perfect excuse to go somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, so take advantage of it!

We know too many couples looking for something different: city adventures, hiking trails, cozy fireside hangouts with stunning mountain views, museum hopping, and maybe even hunting for local antiques. Why stay stuck on a beach all day when there’s so much more to do?

Last time, we shared ten non-beachy honeymoon destinations, and now we’re back with ten more. Let’s dive in (not into the water, though)!

  1. Medellín, Colombia

Sunset in Medellín, Colombia.

Did you know Medellin is often called the “City of Eternal Spring” for its amazing weather year round? This means there’s no bad time to book your flight out of the U.S. and straight to Medellin (you can fly there from most major airports). Once you get there, the city has very efficient public transit for easy getting around—including the metro and Metrocable cable cars. The city is also known for its vibrant music and dance scene. Head to Parque Lleras to find some really cool bars, clubs, and live music venues where you and your bae can dance the night away. Plus, don’t miss the chance to go on a coffee tour nearby!

This is also a fantastic spot for a surprise engagement (shoutouts to one of our couples, Keith and Diana). We love this place so much, we think it’s perfect for everything—an engagement party, a destination wedding, a honeymoon, or even the latest trend: a buddymoon! 

What To Do:

  1. Check out the El Castillo Museum.

  2. Time your visit to catch the Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival)—it’s a beautiful floral experience! 

  3. Explore the El Poblado district for amazing restaurants.

  4. Hit the Andes mountains for some fantastic hiking and biking on scenic trails.

  5. Visit the botanical gardens and Arví Park—perfect for a romantic picnic, hiking, or just exploring local flowers. 

2. Montréal, Canada

Walk through Old Montréal for history, architecture, shopping and restaurants.

Next up, Montréal—perfect location for a romantic honeymoon if you want to experience a bit of everything. Once you’re in the city, you can easily explore on foot and with public transit. Spend a few days there before adventuring over to other parts of the province. In just two hours, you can drive to Mont-Tremblant for an awesome time. In the winter, it’s a ski paradise, and in the summer, it’s perfect for hiking and camping. 

What To Do:

  1. Stroll around the historic streets of Old Montréal. 

  2. Go gallery hopping and vintage shopping in Mile End, St. Denis Street, and Plateau Mont-Royal. 

  3. Try iconic dishes like poutine, smoked meat sandwiches from Schwartz’s Deli, and fresh bagels from St-Viateur.

  4. Catch a festival like the Montréal International Jazz Festival or Montréal en Lumière.

  5. Ride the ferris wheel, La Grande Roue de Montréal, in Old Port for panoramic city views, then enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show—Montréal is its birthplace, after all!

3. Blackberry Farm, Tennessee (Great Smoky Mountains)

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I know we don’t usually stay domestic, but we couldn’t resist sharing this special place with you: Blackberry Farm. Sure, Tennessee is famous for Nashville’s music scene, but don’t overlook the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tucked in the mountains is Blackberry Farm, the most perfect luxury retreat for couples looking for an escape. Trust us, this spot is too good to miss! 

If you’re the type of couple that loves nature with a touch of luxury, Blackberry Farm is your dream destination. Go enjoy romantic activities like private picnics, horseback riding, and sunset views. Plus, the rooms and accommodations are stunning—definitely worth looking up!

What To Do:

  1. Hike one of the many trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

  2. Start your day with breakfast at Firetower Restaurant, where you and bae can have delicious breakfast at 2,800 feet with views of Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas. 

  3. Go on a relaxing couples massage.

  4. Participate in a shared wellness session, such as yoga, meditation or a fitness activity. 

  5. Try your hand at fly fishing in the estate’s pristine streams, if that’s your kind of adventure. 

4. Mendoza, Argentina

Aconcagua Provincial Park, home to the highest peak in the Americas.

Mendoza is the ultimate destination for wine couples! This world-class wine region is so luxurious—with many vineyards, beautiful hotels, and lodges. If you’re visiting in March, you’re in luck—catch the vibrant National Harvest Festival! 

When you’re there, dive into traditional Argentine dishes like empanadas, asado (barbeque) and locro. Plus, getting to Mendoza is a breeze with its international airport offering direct flights from many major U.S. cities.

Pro-Tip: If you’re looking to really explore Argentina, leave it to the experts. Take a look at our Curated Trips, and let us guide you to the adventure of a lifetime!

What To Do: 

  1. Go on a hot air balloon ride.

  2. Unwind and pamper yourselves with a spa day.

  3. Treat yourselves to gourmet meals at top-notch spots like 1884 Restaurante by Francis Mallman and Casa del Visitante.

  4. Go hiking in Aconcagua Provincial Park, home to the highest peak in the Americas.

  5. Visit historic sites like the Ruinas de San Francisco and the Cerro de la Gloria monument. 

5. London, England

Walk through Notting Hill in London, England for luxury boutiques to explore.

London has so much romantic charm that we had to include it in this list. Sure, it might rain a bit, but that’s part of the experience! From historic landmarks to romantic outings, fine dining, and a vibrant art scene, you’re in for a great time. We had a tough time narrowing it down to just five things to do

What To Do:

  1. Ride the London Eye for panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset. 

  2. Go on a romantic cruise on the Thames River Cruise. You’ll get stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. 

  3. Try fancy teas and delicious pastries at The Ritz for a quintessential British experience. 

  4. Wander through Notting Hill and shop at luxury boutiques (don’t miss the Portobello Road Market). 

  5. Take a walk through Hyde Park, and rent a boat for a ride on the Serpentine Lake.

6. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is the perfect honeymoon adventure for couples.

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for your honeymoon, Victoria Falls is where it’s at! As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this place is packed with experiences you’ll never forget. If you’re craving adventure, this is the spot for you! Sure, getting there might be a bit of a haul, but trust us, it’s worth it for a bucket list location like this, so why not make it romantic and go with your bae?

What To Do:

  1. Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River—or kick it up a notch with some white-water rafting! 

  2. Take a helicopter flight over the Falls for the ultimate bird’s-eye view.

  3. Go on a wild safari adventure and get up close and personal with Africa’s incredible wildlife.

  4. Experience the thrill of visiting Livingstone Island and standing on the edge of the iconic Devil’s Pool. 

  5. Take the plunge with your bae and go bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls bridge—talk about adrenaline rush!

7. Namibia, Africa

The Skeleton Coast in Namibia, Africa has to be on your bucket list.

Go all-in with an all-inclusive package to explore the breathtaking beauty of Namibia. Instead of sticking to one city or town, why not aim to experience as much of this gorgeous country as possible? It’s an adventure to get there, but trust us, it’ll be an unforgettable honeymoon for you and bae. 

What To Do:

  1. Go on a Safari in Etosha National Park.

  2. Explore the rugged and mysterious coastline of the Skeleton Coast—dotted with shipwrecks and unique landscapes. 

  3. Explore the towering sand Dunes of Sossusvlei.

  4. Visit the coastal town of Swakopmund, known for its German colonial architecture, outdoor adventures, and relaxed vibe. 

8. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, Japan offers stunning views for your honeymoon.

Looking for a cultural adventure for your honeymoon? We recommend Kyoto! This stunning city is a paradise for foodies, offering delicious kaiseki cuisine and plenty of new experiences to try as newlyweds. Stay at a traditional ryokan for an authentic Japanese experience—explore tatami rooms, soak in onsen baths, and snuggle up with your bae

What To Do:

  1. Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu or chado).

  2. Explore Arashiyama for picturesque river views of the Hozu River, and bamboo groves.

  3. Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Gardens.

  4. Walk through the traditional neighborhoods of Gion and Higashiyama.

  5. Relax in natural hot spring baths known as “onsen” and enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of the thermal waters. 

9. Vienna, Austria

You’ll want to look out into Vienna’s skyline during sunset with bae, it’s gorgeous.

Cafés, romantic streets, fine dining, and beautiful architecture—that’s Vienna in a nutshell. If you’re looking for a more elegant European escape, Vienna is a go-to destination for your honeymoon. Take a lazy horse-drawn carriage ride while you’re there because, hey, you’re on your honeymoon and walking is overrated. You can also stay at one of our favorite hotels, The Amauris, a 19th century gem with gorgeous architecture, and elegant rooms. Vienna’s got all the charm and romance to make your honeymoon epic, plus enough pastries to keep you in a sugar coma. 

What To Do:

  1. Explore the beautiful rooms and gardens of Schönbrunn Palace.

  2. Go on an evening dinner cruise along the Danube River.

  3. Take an art stroll at the Belvedere Palace, and enjoy the picturesque gardens.

  4. Visit Stadtpark and Prater—take romantic strolls through both of these charming parks.  

  5. Go to a classical concert in iconic and historic venues such as the Musikverein or the Vienna Konzerthaus.

10. Edinburgh, Scotland

Marvel at the incredible architecture in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Scotland is the perfect mix of history, culture and nature making it an ideal honeymoon destination for you and bae. Get ready to explore historic sites, eat delicious food, and enjoy the views. In Edinburgh, you can stroll ancient streets (like the Royal Mile), visit a castle, and feel like royalty for a day. Once you’re there, you’ll also want to sip whiskey in some of the same spots where some of our greatest poets once sat!

What To Do:

  1. If you’re visiting in August, don’t miss the Edinburgh Festival—a celebration of arts and culture. 

  2. Tour the Edinburgh Vaults—did you know of the mysterious and historic underground vaults that lie beneath the city? Go uncover the fascinating history!

  3. Treat yourselves to a memorable meal at iconics spots like The Witchery by the Castle or Rhubarb at Prestonfield

  4. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse: the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, with historic abbey ruins and beautiful gardens. 

  5. Hike Arthur’s Seat—an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park with breathtaking views. Have a romantic picnic here! 


Absolutely, beaches are GREAT, we agree. But there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored. You can go wine-tasting in Mendoza, check out a world wonder in Zimbabwe, go shopping in Montréal or explore the streets of Kyoto. And the options don’t stop there. Imagine sipping coffee in Medellin, taking a sunset cruise in London, or enjoying a safari in Namibia. The world is your oyster, and we’re here to help you shuck it

If you want to stay in the loop with all things celebration travel, join our newsletter for the latest on top destinations, the best hotels, and expert travel tips. And to all you adventurous couples out there, we’re here for you! Think of all the amazing places you can discover together—mountains, cities, forests and more. When you’re ready to plan your honeymoon, just give us a call. No matter what destination you go for, remember there’s no limit to how adventures you can have. So, go explore somewhere you’ve never been before, and travel always ✈️. 


Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.