More than just a romantic getaway, a honeymoon is about creating memories that will last a lifetime. The destination selected for such an important life event has to be many things: romantic, exotic, fun and most importantly, memorable.

Las Vegas, Nevada

[Also see our travel article “What Happens in Vegas: Sin City’s Best Spas“]

While Vegas has a reputation of being “Sin City”, the truth is that the city is well suited for all and there are plenty of fun and exciting options for couples. Of course there are the various casinos offering poker games and other gambling, but Vegas is much more than just gambling.

Las Vegas casinos offer numerous options to newlyweds for entertainment including Broadway caliber shows, world-class entertainers, and some of the best nightlife in the United States. The Excalibur offers something you don’t see everywhere and that is live action jousting tournament known as the Tournament of Champions. While technically a dinner theater, patrons dine Medieval style while watching one of the more unique performances you will see in Vegas.

Reading Suggestion: See Hopper’s picks for the five best celebrity chef restaurants in Las Vegas.

If you are a bit more adventurous, you can try the Vegas Zip Line. The zip line runs the length of Fremont Street and is an 800 ft controlled descent that can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour. Also, remember that the Grand Canyon is just a couple of hours away and you can even purchase day trip tickets with local companies and save the expense of renting a car for the trip.

Reading Suggestion: See 5 tips, like when to book your ticket, from the Hopper research team that can save travelers hundreds on their flights to Las Vegas.

This iconic sign has been welcoming visitors to Las Vegas for decades.

France

[Also see our travel articles on France]

While it sounds cliché, France is without a doubt the most romantic country in the world! Of course, Paris is the most popular destination for honeymooners. Known as the city of lights and considered to be the world’s most romantic city, Paris has been entrancing newlyweds for centuries. Take a romantic stroll along the river Seine, shop as much as your pocketbook can handle on the Champs-Élysées and enjoy the incredible views from the Eiffel Tower.

France, of course, is much more than just Paris. The Loire Valley is located several hundred kilometers southeast of Paris is world renowned for its charming vineyards, delicious wine, rural beauty and elegant châteaux. Although many of the châteaux have unique qualities that would make them special to visit, three that truly stand out are Chambord, Azay le Rideau and Chenonceau.

In the south of France visitors flock to the Côte d’Azur and the city of Nice. Here the turquoise water, year-round sun and pulsating nightlife keeps couples entertained. One interesting time to visit the French Riviera is during the Cannes Film Festival. Held every year in May, this festival attracts celebrities and entertainers from around the world. The entire region takes on a festive atmosphere and there are many free shows and concerts to enjoy.

The world’s most luxurious yachts come to town during the Cannes Film Festival.

Saint Lucia

[Also see our travel article “Best Vacation Islands in the Caribbean“]

Saint Lucia is an island nation in the Lesser Antilles that was formerly a colony of both Britain and France. At only 600 square kilometers and 170,000 people, Saint Lucia is one of the world’s smallest independent countries.

It’s a beautiful, volcanic island that is covered in lush green rainforest. Its most famous landmarks are the Pitons, two peaks that jut straight from the sea and are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One fun way for visitors to explore the island is to hike to the peaks of these mountains with local tour guides.

The capital and largest city of Saint Lucia is Castries. The city has 60,000 people and is the point of disembarkation for most cruise ship passengers who visit the island. Marigot Bay is another city in Saint Lucia and is home to what many say is the most beautiful bay in the entire Caribbean!

Saint Lucia is a popular island for honeymooning couples because of its hiking, diving, snorkeling and many beaches. Special note to Jazz music lovers, the St. Lucia Jazz festival is in early May and is a fun time to visit the island!

Saint Lucia and its world famous Pitons!

Mexico

Mexico’s popularity as a honeymoon destination is undeniable! Tourists tend to stick to the coastal regions, but thankfully Mexico has about 6,000 miles of coastline to enjoy!

One Pacific coast hot spot for honeymooners is Cabo San Lucas. Popular with Californians, Cabo is located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. The city hosts a countless number of luxury resorts and health spas. The weather is almost always perfect and the drinks are cold!

On the opposite side of the country the tropical Yucatan and its Caribbean coastline is the big attraction. While Cancun gets its fair share of honeymooners, the city may be better suited for drunken spring breakers. Other places in the Yucatan like Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel offer quieter and more romantic alternatives. The warm nights, Caribbean Sea and jungle atmosphere all combine to create the perfect honeymoon.

Want to do something crazy on your honeymoon? Check out the Hidden Beach Resort near Playa del Carmen. This is one of the world’s most luxurious nudist resorts! Guests are greeted upon arrival with a glass of champagne and stay in one of 42 beachfront suites overlooking the Caribbean Sea, complete with a private two-person Jacuzzi. The resort is gated and surrounded by walls within a mangrove jungle and no one is allowed to take photos or videos, perfect for a relaxing vacation.

Hidden Beach Resort is a clothing-optional paradise on the Caribbean Sea.

Photo credits: Hidden Beach Resort

French Polynesia

French Polynesia is the ultimate honeymoon destination for couples who can afford it. Consisting of several island groups in the South Pacific, there are three main islands: Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.

Tahiti, being home to the territory’s only international airport, is the first island most visitors see. It’s known for its indulgent health resorts and spas, however there are other activities like the local markets, cascading waterfalls, jungle hikes and secluded beaches.

Bora Bora is the most strikingly beautiful island in French Polynesia. Surrounded by coral reel, the island is a volcanic caldera and has a dramatic rise from the sea. Here couples can find some of the world’s most secluded, luxurious and expensive resorts. The traditional style on the island is to build private bungalows over the water and connected via wooden piers. This type of accommodation provides the utmost in elegance and surely makes for an unforgettable experience.