Honeymoon Vacation Registry

Even in the midst of what could be considered "economic turmoil", newlyweds and wedding-vow renewers alike are navigating opulent waters for exotic destinations, and for lengthier stints.

How are they getting away with it? Well, the newlyweds are hosting wedding at the site of their honeymoons. And the renewers, well, we can only imagine that their extravagance is the product of a supple savings.

What else do current trends reports say about how we're vacationing?

We're going green. We're going the way of eco-tourism and opting for hotels that employ greener methods of operating-solar powered lighting, captured rainwater and battery-operated transportation are just a few.

We're becoming adventurous. We're swimming with dolphins, exploring cenotes, bungee jumping, spending our nights in tropical bungalows engrossed by jungle underbrush. What it is we're doing here, is we're taking exotic honeymoons.

We're still going luxe. Especially popular about the newlyweds. And what's the single most requested amenity when searching for a hotel? A personal butler.

According to Modern Bride Magazine:

Average cost of a honeymoon: $3,700
Average length: 8 days
Honeymoon cruises: 10%
Vacation destination weddings: 10%
Honeymoons at resorts: 40%
Honeymoons at large hotels: 27%
Honeymoons at small hotels: 10%

How are we all still affording these lavish post-wedding holidays? That's a question we can't answer.

After a recent internet search for 'exotic honeymoons', the most common search result depicted the proverbial palm tree on a white-sand beach adjoining a calm, crystal clear ocean-scene. When I think about it, the results of my search probably also match the image that most soon-to-be honeymooners envision when they dream of the exotic location where they want to spend their honeymoon. Many of us don't think past the option of spending our honeymoons at a luxury all-inclusive resort, overlooking the calm ocean. And really, there's nothing wrong with that. In my research of exotic honeymoon locations, I sought to discover some less-common and equally exotic honeymoon locations, better-fitted for adventure seekers.

My search first began with a simple dictionary search for a definition of the term "exotic". According to Webster, exotic is, "strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual." With such a general definition, I decided that exotic locations should include the most unique places on earth. And really, the beach scene that I imagined isn't very unique compared to some other alternatives, including Rain Forests, Egyptian temples, Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, etc. Next I thought about how beach resort honeymoons were so popular because of the aura of romance and serenity that the ocean injects into those who are near it. My goal then, became to find the perfect balance between the truly exotic and truly romantic honeymoon destinations.

The Botswana Safari
What better to begin the journey of marriage than to journey in luxury through the African safari in search of lions, cheetahs, zebra, giraffe and more. Your days, filled with the exhilaration of coming close with many species found only on the safari. At night, glide romantically down the smooth delta under clear skies, enjoying the seemly countless number of stars overhead. Experience the serenity offered by one of the most unique places on Earth. Then, spend a couple days aside the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Somewhere along the way, the two of you will realize that safari isn't everything you thought it was, it's so much more.

Romance in Peru
Take your first journey together as a married couple through the romantic preserves that make Peru a destination for romance. In the daytime, discover the ancient ruins of Quenqo, Tambomachay and Machu Picchu, another one of the seven natural wonders. In the evening, dine and enjoy some the most luxurious accommodations. You'll experience a taste of the old with a splash of the new in this, one of the most romantic honeymoon locations.

If you have a taste for a honeymoon that's a step beyond the norm, there are plenty of options for the perfect exotic honeymoon vacation. Finding the right combination of romance and adventure will ignite the fire of your new marriage, while giving you years of unforgettable memories of the beginning of your new journey in life.