Travel Feature: 4 Ways to Embark on a Unique Honeymoon

Jul 15

We are welcoming an amazing guest writer to the blog today for this special travel feature. Kathryn Pisco is the owner of Unearth the World, a travel option I personally think everyone should check out! Big thanks to Kathryn for these tips and sharing her own images as well! Take it away Kathryn...What makes a great honeymoon? Luxury? Romance? Fruity drinks with umbrella garnishes? Or is it adventure? Cultural immersion? Maybe it is trying something different with your new spouse? As an avid traveller that spent the last year exploring the globe, I would say “all of the above.”After spending 9 months traveling the world with my husband, Mike, on a career break last year (some might argue the ultimate honeymoon), I learned that there was a time and a place for every “type” of travel. Sometimes we craved adventure – like when we rented vehicles in New Zealand and Namibia and camped our way through these scenic countries. Other times, we wanted seclusion and delicious food and wine – like when we rented a rustic bungalow on a picturesque Thai beach. When we dined on freshly caught local fish and savored the Asian flavors of lime and lemongrass we felt a million miles away from everything. Most often, however, we sought cultural immersion. We wanted to experience countries and cultures as the native people did. Live with the locals and do things that you cannot read about in guidebooks. To satisfy this desire, we engaged in volunteer projects while in Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Ghana, and Zambia that allowed us to work alongside the indigenous people and experience service learning at its best!Since returning home, I have met dozens of other couples looking to plan unique honeymoons. And I get it - your wedding is going to be “one of a kind” and reflect your passions so why shouldn’t your honeymoon? With this idea in mind, I have put together four tips to get you started on embarking on a trip that is uniquely you. (Bonus: They are also good for the world!)

Embrace the local culture

Read guidebooks or travel articles to learn about local customs, culture, religion, history, politics, etc. I have found that using key words in the native language like “hello” and “thank you” will also go a long way. As trite as it may sound, the most important thing you can bring with you on your next trip is an open mind and humble attitude. (Tip: If you are staying at a resort, try to get leave for a cup of coffee or a meal to really interact with local people).

Consider the environment

Everyone can hop on a plane without a care in the world. But you are someone that has thought about how your travels effect the environment. Luckily, in recent years it has become easier to consider your carbon footprint when traveling. (Tip: See if your airline is working with organizations like: Carbon Clear, Climate Care, or Sustainable Travel International.) When you finally arrive to your destination, attempt to work with “green” hotels, tour operators, and travel companies.3. Volunteer Volunteering in the communities you visit can be a fabulous way to immerse yourself in a culture and form relationships with individuals. With the recent growth in the volunteer travel industry, there are plenty of opportunities to give back while you travel. The key is making sure to go about volunteering in an ethical way that considers the impact of your project on the local community. (Tip: Be sure that you ask the right questions of the placement organization and/or nonprofit before you volunteer.)

Buy local and support Fair Trade whenever possible

Use local tour guides, purchase locally made goods, and bargain fairly. This is an awesome way to get off the beaten path and authentically enjoy a new culture.As the world is getting smaller, travel is becoming a way of life. The question is no longer “Am I going to take a trip this year?” but “How am I going to experience a unique and memorable vacation?” And, lucky for those of us who have insatiable wanderlust, there are many ways to plan and execute a phenomenal and responsible trip. Happy honeymooning!