There are no rules when it comes to your first holiday as a married couple, but a few factors to consider instead: budget (how much do you want to spend) and time (how long can you afford to take off work and how long do you want to go away for).
Dreaming of a once in a lifetime all singing, all dancing multi-stop honeymoon is all well and good, but as we are all to aware, money is not easy to come by these days, travel is expensive and quite simply not all of us have the time or budget.
An excellent option, and one that has become very popular over the last few years is ‘mini mooning,’ basically taking a mini honeymoon! Many couples are now choosing a local (Ireland & UK) mini moon whilst still saving for their once in a lifetime trip, which they have planned for a few months down the line.
Where to?
If you decide a mini moon is just what you require after your wedding you will have set aside only a few precious days, therefore you want to keep travel time to a minimum. Here’s five suggestions where you can guarantee relaxation, whilst being no more than four hours flight time from Dublin.
1. A cosy hideaway retreat in the Highlands of Scotland
Granted, you may not be in real need of your bikini when you are this far north, but the Scottish Highlands will offer you amazing high quality accommodation, spectacular scenery, an abundance of things to see and do and excellent food and drink- don’t forget Scotland is famous for brewing whiskey! For more information visit www.visithighlands.com.
Brodgar Stone Circles, Orkney Island
2. Soaking up the history in Berlin
I think everyone should visit Berlin! Obviously it is one of the most famous cities in the world thanks to the wall, but there is so much to see and do in the city! You can of course take in all the famous historical sights such as parts of the wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, as well as the modern places including the Sony Centre and KaDeWe – Berlin’s version of Harrods! Whatever your budget, Berlin has all bases covered. For a touch of luxury, take a look at the Intercontinental Berlin on Budapester Strasse which overlooks the zoo!
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
3. Join the jet set in Monaco
The stunning Cote D’Azur really deserves a complete holiday of its own, but if you only have a few nights why not spend them soaking up the riches of Monaco! You can live the jet set life for a few days in the French principality, indulging in amazing seafood in the decadent restaurants, window shopping all the designer goods on offer in the quaint boutiques and sipping champagne whist watching the sun set over the sparkling Mediterranean.
Principality of Monaco
4. Enjoy the colourful culture in Morocco
It’s crazy to think that just over three hours away on a plane is the ancient, colourful city of Marrakesh! From the bustling atmosphere in the Djema el Fna of the Old City to the tranquil tree lined avenues of the New Town, Marrakesh is a city of stunning contrasts. Of course a visit to one of the many souks is a must, especially if you are tempted by a pair of traditional leather slippers or some authentic spices.
Marrakesh
5. Relax in the Tuscan hills
If you want to get away from it all for a few days, the Tuscany region of Italy has it all to offer, from breathtaking countryside, rustic culture to the rugged coastline, and lots of sun to boot! You can wine and dine in amazing restaurants, savour spa treatments in amazing resorts, or simply lie back and enjoy the warm air and sunshine!
Tuscany, Italy
Image credits
Tuscany Kuoni Honeymoons
