Trending Honeymoon & Anniversary Destinations: Where Romance Is Taking Travelers Next

There are vacations... and then there are trips you’ll talk about for the rest of your lives.



A honeymoon or anniversary trip deserves to feel different. This is the time to splurge on the incredible view, linger over dinner, finally visit that bucket-list destination, and create memories that belong to just the two of you.



And today’s couples are looking beyond the traditional “fly somewhere tropical and sit on a beach” getaway. Romance travel is becoming more personal, experiential and adventurous.



So, where should you celebrate your next chapter together?



Here are some of the destinations capturing couples’ attention right now.

🇮🇹 Italy: For the Couple Who Wants a Little of Everything

If romance had an address, there’s a good chance it would be somewhere in Italy.





Imagine sipping wine among the rolling hills of Tuscany, cruising past colorful villages along the Amalfi Coast, wandering cobblestone streets in Florence, or watching the sun disappear behind Lake Como.



Italy is especially appealing because you don’t have to choose between relaxation, culture, incredible food and unforgettable scenery- you can build all of them into one trip.



Perfect for: Foodies, wine lovers, first-time Europe travelers and couples who want romance with plenty to see and do.



Make it unforgettable: Pair two contrasting destinations, such as Rome + the Amalfi Coast or Florence + Tuscany, instead of trying to squeeze five cities into one vacation.

🇬🇷 Greece: For Sunsets, Island Hopping & Effortless Romance

Whitewashed villages. Brilliant blue water. Long lunches overlooking the Aegean.



Greece practically invented the romantic vacation aesthetic.



Santorini remains iconic, but couples are increasingly interested in combining the famous islands with places that offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.



Think a few nights soaking up those legendary Santorini views followed by an escape to Crete, Paros, Naxos or Milos.



Perfect for: Couples who want European culture and a beach vacation in the same itinerary.





Make it unforgettable: Don't spend the entire trip rushing between islands. Choose two and give yourself time to actually enjoy them.

🇯🇵 Japan: For Couples Who Want Something Completely Different

Japan is having a major honeymoon moment- and it's easy to understand why.



A trip can include the electric energy and Michelin-worthy dining of Tokyo, temples and traditional experiences in Kyoto, a stay in a romantic ryokan, incredible countryside and even a tropical extension.



It feels adventurous while still offering the sophisticated hotels, exceptional service and memorable dining experiences milestone travelers often want.

Perfect for: Foodies, culture lovers, adventurous couples and travelers who want their honeymoon or anniversary to feel truly distinctive.



Make it unforgettable: Add a night or two at a traditional ryokan with an onsen experience between your city stays.

🇲🇻 The Maldives: For the “Do Absolutely Nothing” Honeymoon

Sometimes romance means adventure.

Sometimes it means waking up in an overwater villa and realizing you have nowhere you need to be.



The Maldives continues to deliver the fantasy: turquoise lagoons, powder-soft beaches, private pools, overwater villas, snorkeling, spa treatments and candlelit dinners beneath the stars.



This is where you go when the goal is to disconnect from everything except each other.



Perfect for: Honeymooners who need serious relaxation after wedding planning and anniversary couples looking for a major splurge.



Make it unforgettable: Your resort matters enormously in the Maldives. The right island, villa category, meal plan and transfer experience can completely change the trip.

🇵🇫 French Polynesia: For the Ultimate Bucket-List Celebration

Bora Bora has been synonymous with honeymoons for decades, but French Polynesia offers far more than one famous lagoon.





Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora can be combined into an island-hopping itinerary filled with dramatic mountains, crystal-clear water, snorkeling, Polynesian culture and some seriously spectacular resorts.



And yes- the overwater bungalow is every bit as dreamy as it looks.



Perfect for: Couples celebrating a honeymoon, 10th, 20th or “we've waited long enough” anniversary.



Make it unforgettable: Combine multiple islands rather than staying in one place. Moorea + Bora Bora creates a beautiful mix of exploration and indulgence.

🇮🇩 Bali: For Wellness, Adventure & Affordable Luxury

Bali offers something many couples love: contrast.





You can wake up surrounded by jungle and rice terraces in Ubud, visit temples and waterfalls during the day, enjoy an incredible spa treatment in the afternoon, and then finish the trip beside the ocean.



Private-pool villas and beautiful boutique resorts can also make the destination feel incredibly indulgent.



Perfect for: Wellness lovers, adventurous couples and travelers who want culture and relaxation.



Make it unforgettable: Split your stay between inland Bali and the coast so you experience two completely different sides of the island.

🌴 St. Lucia: For Caribbean Romance With a Wow Factor

If you want tropical without traveling halfway around the world, put St. Lucia on the list.



The island's dramatic Piton mountains create one of the Caribbean's most recognizable landscapes, while romantic resorts, private plunge pools, beaches, waterfalls and sunset cruises make it easy to turn a week away into something special.



Perfect for: Couples who want an upscale Caribbean honeymoon or anniversary with both relaxation and adventure.





Make it unforgettable: Choose your resort based on the experience you want... not simply the prettiest room. Location can make a big difference in St. Lucia.

🦁 South Africa + Safari: For the Couple Who Wants a Story to Tell

Not every romantic trip needs to involve an overwater bungalow.



For couples craving something extraordinary, a South African adventure can combine Cape Town, wine country and a luxury safari into one spectacular itinerary.



Imagine sharing your morning coffee while watching elephants, heading out on a private game drive, and returning to your lodge for dinner beneath an enormous African sky.



That's an anniversary story you'll be telling for decades.

Perfect for: Adventurous couples, wildlife lovers and honeymooners who value experiences over traditional romance.



Make it unforgettable: Finish the adventure with a few relaxing nights on an island or beach destination for the best of both worlds.

The Biggest Romance Travel Trend? Making the Trip Personal.

The most exciting honeymoon and anniversary trend isn't actually a destination.



It's personalization.



Couples are increasingly asking, “What kind of trip feels like us?” instead of simply asking, “Where does everyone go for a honeymoon?”



That might mean Italy for the couple who plans every vacation around dinner reservations.



Japan for the couple who wants to explore from morning until night.



The Maldives for newlyweds who desperately need to unplug.



Or an African safari for the pair who would rather collect once-in-a-lifetime experiences than sit beside a pool.



The best romantic getaway isn't necessarily the destination with the most overwater bungalows or sunset photos.



It's the destination you'll still be talking about on your next anniversary.

Ready to Make It Happen?

Your honeymoon or anniversary isn’t just another vacation—it’s a celebration of your story. And the little details matter. The right destination, resort, room, experiences, and itinerary can turn a great trip into one you’ll be talking about for years.



Whether you’re dreaming of sipping wine in Tuscany, waking up over the water in Bora Bora, watching the sunset in Santorini, or heading out on safari together, I’d love to help you bring that trip to life.



✈️ Have a trip in mind?
Fill out my travel inquiry form and let’s start planning.



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Join my private Facebook group for travel inspiration, helpful tips, destination insights, and ideas for your next getaway.



Wherever you’re dreaming of going, let’s make it a trip worth celebrating. ✨

So, we did something that might sound a little crazy: we booked a last-minute trip to Disney.



An adults-only Disney trip, to be exact.



And as strange as the timing and circumstances were, it turned out to be exactly what we needed.

The Week That Changed Everything

Wrangler was young. Way too young for losing him to even be something we were thinking about.



There wasn't a long illness where we had time to prepare ourselves or slowly come to terms with what was happening. Everything happened incredibly fast. One minute life was normal, and the next we were doing everything we possibly could to save him.



When it was over, we were exhausted, heartbroken, and trying to process how our normal life had changed so quickly.



Anyone who has ever really loved a dog knows how much of your everyday life revolves around them without you even realizing it. It's not just the big things you miss. It's hearing them walk through the house, seeing them in their usual spot, filling the food bowl, grabbing the leash, letting them outside, or having them waiting for you when you get home.



Then suddenly all of those little routines are gone, but everything that reminds you of them is still there.



The house felt painfully quiet without Wrangler, and honestly, sitting there surrounded by all of those reminders was making everything feel even heavier.



We weren't trying to 'get over it.' We just needed to breathe somewhere else for a few days.

And Before You Say, 'Bre… What About RayRay?'

Yes, RayRay lost her dog, too.





Trust me, we thought about that. Wrangler was her buddy, and her whole world had changed right along with ours. Leaving her behind immediately after losing him wasn't something I felt great about.



But here's where the timing worked out in a way we hadn't planned.



My parents were already heading to the beach a few days later, and RayRay was going with them. In fact, THEY were the ones telling Dustin and me that we needed to go somewhere.



They could see how emotionally drained we were, and their message was basically, 'We've got RayRay. You two need this. Go.'



My parents have been married for 46 years, so when they give marriage advice—especially advice that involves taking a vacation—I tend to think it's probably worth listening to.



RayRay would get her own little beach getaway with Grandma and Grandpa, and we knew she'd be loved, spoiled, and well taken care of.



So that left one question: where were Dustin and I going?

Our Pick? Disney.

Yep. Disney.



Specifically, an adults-only Disney trip, which might not be everyone's first thought when they hear 'we need to get away,' but for us it made perfect sense.



The other slightly ironic part of all of this was that it was also our anniversary.



This obviously wasn't how we'd imagined celebrating. We weren't exactly in a romantic, pop-the-champagne-and-celebrate kind of mood, and we didn't have the emotional energy to plan some elaborate anniversary getaway.



What we needed was somewhere easy, familiar, and happy.



Disney checked all three boxes.

Why Disney Was Exactly What We Needed

There are times when I want travel to be adventurous. I want to explore somewhere new, plan all the things, find the hidden restaurants, see everything there is to see, and come home feeling like we really experienced a destination.



This was not one of those times.





Our brains were fried. We didn't want complicated, and we definitely didn't need a trip that required a lot from us.



Disney was familiar. We knew how it worked, we knew there would be plenty to do, and we could make the trip as busy or as lazy as we wanted. We could ride rides, have a good meal, walk around with a drink, eat something shaped like Mickey Mouse, and let our biggest problem for the afternoon be deciding where we wanted to have dinner.



After the week we'd had, there was something comforting about being somewhere that was so unapologetically happy.



We needed a little bit of that.

No, Travel Doesn't Fix Grief

I don't want this to sound like I'm suggesting you can book a vacation and magically leave grief at home, because obviously that's not how it works.



Wrangler was still gone when we got to Disney. We talked about him while we were there, we missed him while we were there, and there were moments when the sadness showed up right in the middle of what was supposed to be our escape.



Grief travels remarkably well. Apparently it doesn't even need a carry-on.



What changed was our surroundings.





At home, it felt like everywhere we looked there was another reminder of what had just happened. At Disney, our brains had other things to process. There were people everywhere, music playing, rides to go on, food to try, places to walk, and decisions to make that had absolutely nothing to do with the previous week.



For a little while, something would distract us and we'd laugh.



At first, I think there's almost a strange guilt that comes with that. How can you be this heartbroken and also be standing in Disney World having fun?



But those two things aren't mutually exclusive.



Laughing didn't mean we weren't devastated about Wrangler. Enjoying a good meal didn't mean we'd forgotten him. Having a genuinely good moment together didn't somehow diminish how much we loved him.



We were grieving, and we were also allowed to enjoy ourselves.

The Anniversary Trip We Never Would Have Planned

Looking back, I'm glad the trip happened to fall around our anniversary.



We didn't force ourselves to turn it into some big romantic celebration. There was no pressure to make it the 'perfect anniversary trip.' We just spent a few days together after a week that had taken a lot out of both of us.



We ate good food, had drinks, rode rides, walked until our feet hurt, talked about Wrangler, talked about things that had nothing to do with Wrangler, and laughed when something was funny.



When we were sad, we were sad. When we were having fun, we let ourselves have fun.



It wasn't about pretending the previous week hadn't happened. It was about taking care of each other after it did.



Maybe my parents and their 46 years of marriage knew what they were talking about after all.

Sometimes It's Okay to Run Away for a Few Days

I think we put a lot of expectations on travel. Trips are supposed to be planned months in advance, tied to a bucket list, centered around a celebration, or justified by some big reason.





But sometimes the reason is simply, 'I cannot sit in this house right now.'



I think that's a perfectly valid reason to travel, too.



Maybe you've lost someone you love. Maybe you've lost a pet and the house suddenly feels completely different without them. Maybe you're going through a breakup, dealing with burnout, or you've just had one of those weeks—or months—where life has absolutely kicked your butt.



Going somewhere doesn't mean you're running away from reality forever. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery long enough to catch your breath.



There is a difference between refusing to deal with something and recognizing that you need a few days away from the place where it feels the heaviest.



For us, Disney gave us that.

So Yes, Book the Last-Minute Trip

If life has knocked the wind out of you and you keep thinking, 'I just want to get out of here for a few days,' I'm giving you permission to listen to that feeling.



It doesn't have to be Disney. Maybe you need the beach, a cabin in the mountains, or an all-inclusive where someone brings you drinks by the pool and you accomplish absolutely nothing for three days.



Maybe you go somewhere you've visited ten times because familiar sounds much better than adventurous right now. Maybe you only go a couple of hours from home, check into a hotel, order room service, and watch terrible TV.





Or maybe, like us, you decide an adults-only Disney trip and eating your feelings in Mickey-shaped snacks sounds pretty darn good.



The point isn't where you go.



It's giving yourself permission to go.



Travel can't fix what happened, and it won't make grief disappear. What it can do is give you a different place to carry it for a little while. Sometimes that change of scenery gives you enough space to laugh again, reconnect with the person beside you, or simply realize that having a good day doesn't mean you've forgotten the bad one.

And Then We Came Home

Of course, eventually we had to come home.



Disney hadn't changed what happened, and Wrangler wasn't suddenly going to be waiting for us when we walked through the door. RayRay came home from her beach trip without her buddy there, too, and we still had to figure out what our new normal looked like without him.



But Dustin and I came home a little more rested and a little more able to face it together.



We had laughed. We'd eaten some really good food. We'd celebrated an anniversary we hadn't particularly felt like celebrating, and for a few days we'd allowed ourselves to enjoy something in the middle of being incredibly sad.



That's what I want people to understand about traveling after a loss.

Travel Isn't Only for the Happy Parts of Life

As a travel advisor, I spend a lot of time helping people travel for wonderful reasons—honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, family vacations, bucket-list adventures, and celebrations.



But sometimes people travel because life is wonderful, and sometimes they travel because life absolutely sucks.



Both are valid reasons to go.



Travel doesn't always have to be about seeing somewhere new or checking another destination off your list. Sometimes it's about changing the view when the one you've been staring at hurts too much. Sometimes it's about reconnecting with your person after you've both been through something awful. Sometimes it's about having something to look forward to when the past few days have given you very little to look forward to.



And sometimes it's simply about remembering that you're still allowed to laugh and enjoy something, even when you're heartbroken.





I would have traded every ride, every meal, and every minute of that Disney trip to have Wrangler back. There isn't even a question about that.



But that wasn't an option.



What we could do was take care of each other, get out of the house for a few days, and give ourselves a little room to breathe.



So we went to Disney.



And you know what?



I'm really glad we did.

Need to Run Away for a Little While?

If life has you wanting to just run away for a few days, let’s plan it. Sometimes a change of scenery really is exactly what you need.



Want to follow along on my travels? Find me on TikTok and Instagram at @travel_by_bre.



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Planning a family vacation to Mexico should be exciting—not overwhelming. With so many all-inclusive resorts to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is truly the best fit for your family.



After researching countless properties, talking with clients about their experiences, and staying on top of what each resort offers, I've put together my list of the 10 best family resorts in Mexico. Every resort on this list offers something special, whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens, or multiple generations.



Before I dive in, it's important to know that these aren't ranked from best to worst. Every family vacations differently, and the 'best' resort depends on your children's ages, your budget, and the kind of experience you're looking for. These are simply the 10 family resorts I recommend most often—and why.



Here's why these are the resorts I recommend most often.

1. Hotel Xcaret Mexico: My Pick for Families Who Want Adventure

If your family enjoys doing more than lounging by the pool, Hotel Xcaret Mexico is always near the top of my list.



What really sets it apart is that your stay includes unlimited access to Xcaret's incredible adventure parks. Instead of paying separately for excursions, families can explore eco-parks, underground rivers, zip lines, wildlife experiences, and cultural attractions—all included.

Why I recommend it:



-Unlimited park access



-Beautiful natural setting



-Excellent dining



-Activities for every age



-Perfect balance of relaxation and adventure



Best for: Active families who want unforgettable experiences together.

2. Dreams Playa Mujeres: My Favorite for Families with Younger Kids

When parents tell me they're traveling with younger children, Dreams Playa Mujeres is one of the first resorts I suggest.



The resort is easy to navigate, the beach is calm, and the water park is always a hit with kids. Parents also appreciate having plenty of dining options and spacious family suites.





Why I recommend it:



-Fantastic kids club



-Water park and splash areas



- Calm beach



-Family-friendly atmosphere



-Great value



Fun Fact: This is where our agency retreat is being held this year- so make sure to follow along to see it LIVE and from my point of view.

3. Hyatt Ziva Cancun: My Pick for Families Visiting Mexico for the First Time

If you're planning your first family vacation to Mexico, Hyatt Ziva Cancun is one of the resorts I recommend most often. Its location at the tip of Cancun's Hotel Zone gives you access to two beautiful beaches, making it easy to find calm waters that are perfect for families with younger children.





What I love most about Hyatt Ziva Cancun is how it strikes the right balance between luxury and family-friendly fun. The resort is large enough to offer plenty of dining options, pools, and activities, but it's easy to get around without feeling overwhelmed. That can make a big difference when you're traveling with kids.



Parents appreciate the attentive service and spacious accommodations, while children stay entertained with the KidZ Club, daily activities, and family-friendly pools. Older kids and teens also have plenty to do, making this a great choice for families with children of different ages.



Why I recommend it:



-Two beautiful beaches with calm, swimmable water



-Spacious rooms and family-friendly suites



-Excellent dining with options for even picky eaters



-Fantastic kids club and daily activities



-Convenient location close to shopping and attractions



Best for: Families visiting Cancun for the first time who want an easy, stress-free luxury vacation with something for everyone.

4. Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya: My Pick for Families Looking for the Best Value

If you're looking for a resort that offers plenty to do without stretching your budget, Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya is one I recommend often.

One of the biggest advantages is that it's part of a larger resort complex, giving families access to multiple pools, restaurants, and activities. It feels like you're getting several vacations in one. I also love that there's something for every age, from younger children to grandparents.



Why I recommend it:



-Large lazy river and multiple pools



-Great kids club and teen activities



-Wide variety of restaurants



-Beautiful beachfront location



-Excellent value for families



Best for: Families who want lots of amenities without paying luxury resort prices.

5. Moon Palace The Grand Cancun: My Favorite for Families Who Want It All

When families ask me for a resort that has endless entertainment, Moon Palace The Grand is always part of the conversation.



This resort is enormous, which means there's always something happening. Between the incredible water park, arcade, bowling alley, kids clubs, and nightly entertainment, it's nearly impossible for anyone to get bored. It's one of those places where families can spend an entire week and still not experience everything.





Why I recommend it:



-Incredible water park



-Bowling alley and arcade



-Spacious family suites



-Exceptional dining options



-Activities from morning until night



Best for: Families with kids and teens who love staying busy.

6. Barceló Maya Palace: My Choice for Multi-Generational Family Vacations

One thing I really appreciate about Barceló Maya Palace is how well it works for larger families traveling together.





Whether you're vacationing with grandparents, cousins, or several families, everyone can enjoy their own activities during the day and still come together for meals or evenings on the beach. The beautiful stretch of coastline is one of the biggest highlights.



Why I recommend it:



-Gorgeous beach



-Large pools



-Access to multiple resorts within the complex



-Family-friendly entertainment



-Plenty of dining options



Best for: Large family gatherings and multi-generational trips.

7. Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya: My Pick for Families with Teenagers

Traveling with teenagers can be challenging because they want more than just a pool and beach. That's one reason I recommend Hard Rock Riviera Maya.



The resort has a fun, energetic atmosphere with live music, entertainment, sports, and activities that keep older kids engaged. Parents appreciate that there's plenty to do together while teens still have some independence.





Why I recommend it:



-Great entertainment



-Activities for older kids and teens



-Excellent restaurants



-Beautiful pools



-Lively atmosphere



Best for: Families with older children and teenagers.

8. Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun: My Favorite for Water Park Lovers

If your kids could spend every minute on water slides, Royalton Splash deserves a spot on your list.



The water park is one of the biggest attractions, but it's far from the only reason I recommend it. Families also enjoy modern accommodations, plenty of dining options, and activities throughout the day.



Why I recommend it:





-Huge water park



-Splash zones for younger children



-Family-friendly entertainment



-Modern rooms



-Great variety of restaurants



Best for: Families whose kids love pools, slides, and nonstop fun.

9. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya: My Top Pick for Younger Kids

If your children are fans of SpongeBob, PAW Patrol, Dora, or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this resort creates memories they'll never forget.



From character meet-and-greets to themed dining and Aqua Nick water park, every day feels like an adventure. While it's definitely geared toward younger families, I've seen parents enjoy it just as much as the kids.



Why I recommend it:



-Character experiences



-Aqua Nick water park



-Family suites



-Fun entertainment



-One-of-a-kind vacation experience



Best for: Families with younger children looking for a truly memorable vacation.

10. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun: My Pick for Families Looking for Luxury

If you're looking for a more upscale family vacation, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach is one of my favorite recommendations.



The location is fantastic, the beach is beautiful, and the service is exceptional. It offers a quieter, more refined atmosphere while still making families feel welcome. I especially like it for parents who want luxury without giving up kid-friendly amenities.





Why I recommend it:



-Spacious suites



-Beautiful swimmable beach



-Outstanding service



-Excellent dining



-Relaxed luxury atmosphere



Best for: Families who want a luxury escape with plenty of comfort and convenience.

My Final Thoughts

One of the questions I get asked most often is, 'Which resort would you choose?'



The truth is, there isn't one perfect answer. Every family has different priorities. Some want an exciting water park, others are looking for a quiet beach, and many want a little bit of everything.



That's why I don't believe in one-size-fits-all recommendations. I take the time to understand what's most important to each family before suggesting a resort. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, traveling with toddlers, or planning a multi-generational getaway, there's a resort that's the right fit for you.

Ready to Start Planning?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the options, I'd be happy to help narrow them down. I'll match you with a resort that fits your family's travel style, budget, and vacation goals so you can book with confidence and spend more time looking forward to your trip instead of second-guessing your decision.

Let's Keep the Travel Inspiration Going

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Whether you're dreaming about your next vacation or ready to start planning, I'm here to help every step of the way.