Tropical Honeymoon Destinations for Newlyweds

The Caribbean is the most popular destination for American newlyweds. A sharp increase in wedding costs and a poor economy means that more couples are taking their honeymoons close to home. The Caribbean is an appealing option because of its proximity and the affordable package deals that are offered by most resorts. Travel agents and other industry insiders estimate that about one-third of U.S. newlyweds honeymoon in the Caribbean each year. In this article, we will review a few of the most popular islands in the region. Jamaica Jamaica has been receiving guests from the U.S. for nearly half a century. Longevity is not the only reason the island is the most popular destination in the Caribbean. In addition to its pristine white sand beaches and equable climate, Jamaica was the first island to offer guests all-inclusive deals.This simple arrangement gave tourists the ability to pay a single fee for the entire trip. All-inclusive deals are incredibly popular with honeymooners who don’t want to have to worry about paying for every meal or activity. That may be why 125,000 newlyweds honeymooned in Jamaica last year. Why Go? Because it is such a popular tourist destination, flights to Jamaica are competitively priced and only take about two hours from Florida. It is also the third largest island in the Caribbean, with a total land area of 4,300 square miles. It is also important to note that the official language of Jamaica is English, making it the third largest Anglophone country in the Americas, after the U.S. and Canada. Then there are the activities. Because of its size and terrain, Jamaica offers more options than most Caribbean islands. Sightseeing, hiking, and cycling in the famous Blue Mountains are popular pastimes for newlyweds. There is also golf and tennis clubs for those who enjoy more traditional sports. And for the amateur or professional boating enthusiast, Kingston Harbour in the capital city is one of the largest natural harbors on earth. The Bahamas There are twenty-nine islands in the Bahamas, and the closest one is just a thirty-minute plane ride from Miami International Airport. Islands in the chain have been receiving guests for over a century, and tourism now accounts for about sixty percent of total GDP. As you might imagine, resorts in the Bahamas know how to treat their guests, especially newlyweds. All-inclusive packages are offered on most of the major islands. Why Go? Since travel costs are determined by distance, the flights and cruises to the Bahamas are far more affordable than to any other destination in the Caribbean. The most popular spots for adventurous honeymooners are on the islands that offer gambling. There are two large casino resorts located on New Providence and two on Grand Bahama. Most of the larger islands offer an eclectic mix of international dining options, from steak to pizza to sushi. And when it comes to daytime activities, water sports reign supreme. Swimming, sailing, snorkeling, parasailing, and scuba diving are offered on all of the islands as well. Of course, if you don’t feel like moving, you can always just lay out. The Cayman Islands Though the Caymans are not nearly as popular as our first two entries, they remain an affordable option due to their proximity. The islands are less than four hundred miles from the coast of Florida. The size of the three islands has always been a limiting factor when it comes to tourism. Of the three islands, Grand Cayman is the largest at just 76 square miles. The other two islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are not large enough to support any major tourist resorts. Why Go? What the Cayman Islands lack in size, they more than make up for in underwater activities. The islands are home to some of the world’s most famous and challenging dive sites. Bloody Bay and Jackson’s Bight are the destination of choice for both amateur and professional divers. Dozens of independent companies offer diving lessons and guided tours for scuba divers of all experienced levels. Special packages for newlyweds are also available. And for all those landlubbers, Grand Cayman is large enough to support several substantial resorts. Popular sports and activities like golfing, tennis, hiking, and shopping can be found on the main island. One thing we love about Grand Cayman is that it is small enough to be explored in an afternoon. Guided tours take tourists on historical tours and explain how Columbus first discovered the islands in 1503. The shimmering island chain has remained a British overseas territory since the Spanish ceded control of them under the Treaty of Madrid in 1670. Overseas banking and tourism has made the Caymans the richest islands in the Caribbean. As a result, their cities are clean and the crime rate is low. English is the official language. When planning your romantic honeymoon getaway, be sure to consider these prime tropical destinations.