Couples often ask about the most popular romantic destinations, and it's a difficult question to answer because each honeymooner is different. But every year, I compile a list of our most popular honeymoon destinations. This list includes some of the most incredible countries in the world. Here are Trips to Cherish's top five destinations honeymooners chose for 2022.
Number 5: France
Paris is an essential multisensorial destination and a must-visit when jetting to France. It's easy to see why many consider Paris to be the world's most romantic city. Imagine charming cobblestone streets, iconic landmarks, gorgeous palaces, scenic parks, and world-class restaurants. But France is so much more than Paris. While many of our couples that chose France as their destination did visit Paris, most chose a different region for most of their trip. After a few nights discovering the capital, they decided to soak in the quintessentially French vibes of the South of France. You will fall in love as soon as you glimpse rolling hillsides, lush valleys, and stunning fields of purple lavender. Provence harkens back to yesteryear—when sun-soaked days were spent gabbing with neighbors and sipping wine in a quaint courtyard overlooking a medieval cathedral.
Number 4 ( There was a tie for fourth, and that has never happened before.)
Portugal
Portugal has never made it into our top 5 list; I am excited because I adore Portugal. Nestled in Europe's southwest corner, Portugal is home to 10 million residents. Excellent infrastructure of roads and railways unite the seven distinct sections of this country (just a quarter of the size of California), making Portugal an approachable package destination perfect for a wide array of honeymooning travelers. Exclusively bordering Spain and defined by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean wraps around Portugal's western and southern coasts. Kaleidoscopic port cities and vast beachside villages along these shorelines observe the country's maritime civilization. At the same time, historic castle towns, rolling hillside havens, and a flourishing culinary scene offer reasons to stay inland.
Italy
Have you dreamed of living in la dolce vita on your honeymoon? Then it would be best if you headed to one of the globe's most romantic destinations: Italy. From calming seaside resorts to enchanting urban cities, the country that gave the world pizza, pasta, and incredible wine offers something for every couple. Immerse yourself in the romantic beauty of Venice, the incomparable charm of Florence, the energy of the Eternal City, and the luxury of the Amalfi Coast. Everyone will find something to love in Italy.
Number 3 French Polynesia (aka Tahiti)
One hundred eighteen islands spread across an area as large as Western Europe comprises Tahiti but with an entire landmass about the same size as Rhode Island. Jagged peaks rise out of the ocean in an explosion of green velvet on some islands, while others appear gracefully flung on the sea, barely gliding above breaking waves. Most honeymooners opt for an island-hopping trip from the Island of Tahiti to Moorea, ending in stunning Bora Bora. French Polynesia is the ideal place to start your new life together.
Number 2 Santorini, Greece
This panoramic volcanic island remains one of Greece's most cherished locales. With authentic towns perched on cliff-sides high above black and red sand beaches, Santorini is an ideal spot for romantic trips. With fantastic dining options and unwinding on the beach, the island is quite diverse, leaving no wonder why this gorgeous destination is always on the list of top honeymoon destinations worldwide. Santorini's top destinations include Fira, Oia, and ancient Thira.
Number 1 The Maldives
Honeymooning in the Maldives checks every box a couple looking for the ultimate luxury and relaxation could want. If you look at photos of the Maldives, you can see why it is the top honeymoon destination. Arguably, it is the most gorgeous, iconic, and romantic locale in the world. Stunning beaches? Indeed. The most luxurious overwater bungalows in the world? Absolutely. Total privacy for newlyweds? Absolutely. The Maldives is the top romantic destination in the world, hands down!
2022 was a banner year for Trips to Cherish! The Maldives are always popular with our clients, but this is the first time that the country has topped our top destination list. It is the first time in our history that no Caribbean or Hawaiian island made was on our most traveled list.