Where Do Most Americans Go for Their Honeymoon? Top Destinations Revealed

If you think everyone is flying off to a secret island for their honeymoon, you might be in for a surprise. Most Americans pick spots that are actually pretty easy to reach—and yes, some are right in their own backyard. Statistics from popular booking sites showed that in 2024, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean led the pack. Maui alone saw a huge spike after reopening all its resorts, and you can’t scroll Instagram without seeing someone clinking coconut drinks in Cancun.

But classic doesn’t mean boring. These places make life easier with nonstop flights from major US cities, resorts that love to pamper couples, and plenty of extra perks if you mention you’re celebrating a honeymoon. Even better, many offer package deals with free dinners, sunset cruises, or spa days built right in. Before you pick somewhere just because everyone else is going, ask yourself: Are you craving lazy beach days or more of a city buzz? Honeymoon trends are shifting, and couples are mixing things up more than ever.

• The Usual Favorites: Home and Away
• Tropical Dreams: Beaches Still Win
• Europe: Romance Without Borders
• Adventure Seekers and Unique Picks
• Tips for Booking the Perfect Honeymoon

The Usual Favorites: Home and Away

When it comes to honeymoon destinations, American couples still choose tried-and-true spots over wild adventures, at least for their first getaway as newlyweds. The two biggest types of destinations? U.S. favorites and just-over-the-border classics.

Inside the U.S., honeymoon destinations like Hawaii, Florida, and California keep popping up at the top of the list. Maui's reopening in late 2023 boosted bookings by nearly 30% compared to the previous year, according to Expedia. Key West, with its quirky charm and sunshine, keeps drawing crowds, and Napa Valley’s wine tastings remain a go-to for couples who’d rather sip Chardonnays than surf.

The reasons are practical. Direct flights, no passport headaches, and the comfort of not having to figure out foreign currency or power adapters. Many couples also said they just felt less stressed traveling within the country, especially if they already managed a big wedding.

But let’s not overlook the international side. Mexico—especially Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos—ranks as the top foreign pick for American honeymooners, partly because it's easy to get all-inclusive deals. The Caribbean follows closely, with Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic leading the way.

Here’s a quick look at the top destinations, according to 2024 surveys from both TripAdvisor and The Knot:

If you want easy planning, these destinations are a safe bet. They'll offer plenty of sunlight, lots of entertainment, and enough romance to fill those early married days with memories, not hassles. But remember, these popular spots get booked up fast—especially around school breaks and wedding season (May through October). So if these places are on your list, book early or consider traveling during the shoulder season for better deals and fewer crowds.

Tropical Dreams: Beaches Still Win

Whether it’s the lure of turquoise water, all-inclusive resorts, or simply the promise of downtime with your new spouse, beaches have always been a top magnet for American honeymooners. Every recent survey—from Expedia to The Knot—shows beach spots dominating wish lists. Hawaii stands out year after year, partly because you get that paradise vibe without leaving the US. Maui, Kauai, and Oahu are most popular, with Maui pulling in serious numbers due to its mix of luxury and laid-back fun.

Mexico is the go-to if you want value for money. Cancun and Riviera Maya excel with massive resort choices and honeymoon packages that knock a lot of stress out of planning. If you’re aiming for a Caribbean escape, Turks and Caicos, St. Lucia, and Jamaica draw in couples looking for clear water, snorkel adventures, and adult-only resorts where you won’t trip over screaming kids at the pool.

One reason these honeymoon destinations never get old: it’s easy to build in extra treats. Hotels often toss in room upgrades or complimentary breakfasts if you mention it’s your honeymoon at booking. Some resorts even offer a free couples massage or a fancy dinner on the beach—always worth asking about, especially if you’re trying to stretch your budget.

• Book early if you’re aiming for top beach spots—reports show the best rooms and deals are grabbed up 8-10 months in advance.
• Think about hurricane season if you’re headed to the Caribbean or Mexico. June to November can be risky, and that’s caught some couples off-guard.
• Try a split stay: Do a few days at a luxe all-inclusive, then switch to a boutique hotel or Airbnb for a more personal vibe.

If you want some privacy, check out adults-only or smaller resorts on less crowded islands. And take advantage of free activities: sunrise paddleboarding, snorkeling gear, or seaside yoga are often part of the honeymoon package without extra cost.

Europe: Romance Without Borders

Europe isn’t just for backpackers or families with Disney dreams. In 2024, nearly 1 in 4 American honeymooners chose a European country. Big city adventures and fairytale villages make it a strong alternative to the classic beach honeymoon. You get a vibe that’s different—think cobblestone streets, outdoor cafés, and a calendar packed with festivals. Not to mention, for couples who want both culture and relaxing downtime, Europe seriously delivers.

The top picks are no surprise: Italy, Greece, and France top the honeymoon wish lists. Italy still gets more love than anywhere else in Europe, with Rome and Amalfi Coast being especially popular. Paris is still holding its ground when it comes to classic romance, with couples booking river cruises on the Seine or climbing the Eiffel Tower at sunset. Santorini in Greece remains a major draw thanks to those cliffside sunsets and caves-turned-hotels. Even smaller spots like Lake Como or the villages of southern Spain are getting more bookings from Americans who want to dodge crowds but keep the romance high.

Traveling to Europe for your honeymoon destinations pack in so much variety. You could hit up art museums in Florence one day, then take a cooking class in Tuscany the next. If you’d rather just soak up the atmosphere (and maybe a little Aperol spritz), that’s just as easy. Train passes make it simple to jump between cities or countries, and most big spots speak enough English to make things comfortable.

• Book flights at least 6 months ahead, especially if you want a summer wedding trip.
• Shoulder season (April-June or September-October) = fewer crowds and cheaper rates.
• Consider splitting your trip—spend a few nights in a buzzier city, then unwind on a quiet coast.
• If you want amazing photos, check if your hotel sets up private sunrise experiences. Lots do now.

The main catch? Budget. European honeymoons aren’t cheap these days, especially with airfare still higher post-pandemic. Look for flight deals or consider flying into bigger airports like Rome or Paris, then take trains to smaller towns. If you’re using credit card points, Europe usually gives you the best bang for your buck.

Adventure Seekers and Unique Picks

There’s a growing wave of newlyweds who’d rather strap on hiking boots than lounge poolside. In 2024, about 20% of American couples booked what travel agents call “adventure honeymoons.” According to Travel + Leisure’s recent survey, Iceland, Costa Rica, and New Zealand saw a surge in honeymooners looking for something more than just relaxation.

If ziplining, volcano trekking, or glacier hiking sound better than a swim-up bar, here’s why these places keep showing up on top lists:

• Costa Rica – The country’s mix of rainforest, beaches, and adventure parks mean you can go white-water rafting in the morning and soak in a hot spring at night. There’s a reason it’s climbing fast among honeymoon destinations for Americans.
• Iceland – Think road trips around volcanoes, natural hot springs, and waterfall photo-ops. Couples rave about seeing the Northern Lights together. And you don’t need to commit to a crazy-long flight; it’s only about six hours from New York.
• New Zealand – For couples that want to unplug and get as far from home as possible, “Kiwi” country serves up everything: bungee jumping, hiking in Middle-earth scenery, and wineries to chill out in once the adrenaline fades.
• Patagonia – Split between Argentina and Chile, this one takes more planning (and a bigger budget), but those glacier hikes and wild landscapes are hard to beat. Several trusted agencies now offer all-inclusive honeymoon treks so you don’t have to sweat the details.

Here’s a quick snapshot of how some of these unique picks compare in 2024, based on data from Expedia’s trend report:

The cool part: You don’t need to jet off to another hemisphere for something unique. Stateside, places like Utah’s national parks or Alaska’s wilderness are catching fire for couples who want to blend romance with a little grit.

If you’re dreaming about an experience over a souvenir, these offbeat picks might just give you better stories to tell for years—just don’t forget to pack extra socks and spend at least one night somewhere cozy, too. My son Finnian thought my photos from hiking Iceland’s lava fields last year looked straight out of a video game—so if you want Instagram points, these trips deliver, too.

Tips for Booking the Perfect Honeymoon

Planning your honeymoon shouldn't be stressful, but it's easy to get overwhelmed with choices and prices. A few simple moves can save you cash and help you get the trip you really want.

• Book Early for the Best Choices: Couples who book their main flights and hotels at least 8 to 10 months ahead usually grab better deals and room upgrades. According to Expedia’s 2024 trends, the best rates for honeymoon destinations like Maui and Paris are found about 9 months out.
• Tell Hotels and Airlines It's Your Honeymoon: Don’t be shy! Many resorts throw in extras—a bottle of champagne, late check-out, or even a room upgrade—if you just mention you’re newlyweds when you book or at check-in.
• Go Off-Peak for Savings: Hawaii is gorgeous year-round, but flight and hotel prices drop in late spring and early fall. The same goes for Europe—September sees fewer crowds, cooler temps, and lower rates.
• Bundle Packages: Look for all-inclusive options or travel packages. Large travel sites like Expedia or Booking.com often hit you with deep discounts if you book flight + hotel together. Some packages even cover airport transfers or special honeymoon dinners.
• Travel Insurance Isn’t Just a Maybe: Hurricanes can hit the Caribbean, strikes can close airports, and sometimes family emergencies force last-minute changes. Spending a bit extra on insurance can save you a ton of headaches and money.

Check out these numbers from the 2024 North American Wedding Travel Survey to see what real couples are spending and booking:

One last thing—make sure both of you have valid passports if you’re leaving the US. Renewals can take months, especially in the summer, and nothing ruins a honeymoon vibe faster than panicking at the airport. Set up alerts with Google Flights to spot airfare drops. A little planning up front goes a long way to making your first big trip as a married couple totally unforgettable.