Getting married is one of the most treasured milestones in a couple’s life. It can also be one of the most expensive. Ideally, honeymoons are supposed to be a time for the newlyweds to enjoy themselves and take a vacation from work and responsibility. In practice, however, they can be even more expensive and stressful than the wedding.
Search online for “best honeymoon spots” and you’ll find no shortage of articles suggesting exotic international destinations like Italy, Costa Rica, and Indonesia. Great if you can afford it, but not everyone can. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an A+ honeymoon, though, especially if you know how to pick a location that coincides with your interests.
Here are four of the very best honeymoon destinations for 2020 that won’t require you to leave the country, nor break the bank.
For beach bums: Hawaii
You can’t beat the classics. If you’re looking for some of that “exotic” atmosphere mentioned above but you don’t want to go through the trouble of updating your passport, Hawaii is the perfect choice. Each of the state’s seven inhabited islands has its own distinct culture and ambience, from the cosmopolitan nightlife of Oahu to the high-end luxury of Maui to the lush untouched nature of Kauai. What do they all have in common, though? Beautiful tropical weather 365 days a year and some of the most postcard-perfect beaches anywhere on planet Earth.
For foodies: Louisiana
If your favorite souvenir to bring home is a full stomach, you won’t find any place in America with as diverse, distinctive, and decadent a food culture as Louisiana. Thanks to its unique blend of French, Spanish, Caribbean, and Cajun heritages, local cuisine has evolved in some truly inspired and indulgent directions. From gumbo to po’boys to Voodoo Donuts, the gastronomical glories of such cities as the seafood-loving Houma, Creole-spiced Lafayette, and world-famous New Orleans have left more than a few foodies, both human and cartoon, begging for seconds.
For history buffs: Virginia
For those looking to get in touch with their roots, it’s hard to imagine a destination better suited for the purpose than the home of America’s first colonists, Virginia. The state’s 400-plus year legacy includes such meticulously preserved locations as Jamestowne, the 1607 settlement where pioneers first met Pocahontas and the indigenous tribes; Colonial Williamsburg, the site of the beginning of the Revolutionary War; and Appomattox, the site of the end of the Civil War. All that plus Washington, D.C. just minutes away means a visit to Virginia is enough to send any history buff seeking out Arlington houses for sale.
For thrill-seekers: California
Fun fact: no U.S. state has more roller coasters than California. With a whopping 72 coasters, it has almost twice as many as its nearest competitor state. What does that mean? Well, if you’re an adrenaline junkie, it means you know where to go to get your fix. Home to some of the most celebrated amusement parks anywhere, such as Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, LegoLand California, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, and Knotts Berry Farm, the Golden State may very well be the thrill-ride capital of the world!