Honeymoonin’ Holiday: For the Couple That Wants to Try Something New + Under the Radar

Do you stare at maps constantly, pin future holiday destinations, and search Instagram for all the hidden gems around the world? Then you’re going to LOVE today’s installment of Honeymoonin’ Holiday! If you’ve seen our other guides from the past few weeks, you already know that they give you some *incredible* destination inspiration. We’ve already covered places for those that want to relax + unwind, along with those seeking adventure, and today is all about under the radar locations!

Want to do something a bit different, something + somewhere that may be up and coming? We’ve curated this list with a few of our favorite picks! From a charming + quiet town in Belgium that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook, to a city that’s painted ENTIRELY blue in Morocco… you’re bound to have adventures + create memories that will last a lifetime. Got a suggestion or place that you think should be added to the list? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

{top photo by Gayle Dawn from Morocco}

Bruges, Belgium

The medieval city of Bruges is often referred to as the Venice of the North, and for good reason! Though it’s a sleepy town, it’s filled with so much charm! The swans wade through the water, and you can catch glimpses of them as you stroll along the canals. The city has many artisan markets, and quite a few places to pick up some delicious chocolate, too! The perfect place to get cozy + romantic with your love.

photos by Gayle Dawn

Cappadocia, Turkey

Start off your trip by exploring the bustling + wonderful chaos that is Istanbul, then pop on an hour-long flight to Cappadocia. Known for its dry, yet dazzling landscape, many people venture here to get a glimpse of the hot air balloons (or better yet, take a ride in one!). The hill caves are another popular site, as well as the tree covered in evil eyes.

photos by Chelsea Loren

Croatia

Game of Thrones fans probably already know this, but so many scenes were filmed along the coastline of Croatia, particularly in Dubrovnik, and Split! But fear not if you haven’t seen GoT, Croatia has SO, SO, SO much more to offer! Famed for its lakes, waterfalls, and cascades, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an absolute MUST!

image from this vacation rental in Dubrovnik 

New Zealand

You’ve got your pick of gorgeous scenery, both on the North and the South island… for those that love the Lord of the Rings series, you can visit the WETA Workshop in Wellington, and then drive several hours to The Shire! Or, if you’re looking for something different, New Zealand is starting to earn its ranks for top-notch wines! There are many sheep farms, vineyards, beaches, and rolling hills to satisfy whatever you’re in the mood for.

photos by Chelsea Loren

Puglia + Matera, Italy

Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast are often seen on dream travel lists (and for good reason!), but what if you ventured to a lesser known location, such as Puglia and Matera? We visited these two spots last October, and we were absolutely blown away by all the white-washed trulli houses and the painterly landscape. As for Matera? It’s only about an hour drive from Puglia! It’s a place not flooded with tourists and still oozes all the authentic Italian charm… while it’s a hidden gem now, it’s set to be featured as the European Capital of Culture in 2019 (so now might be a good time to plan that vacation/honeymoon!).

photos from BHLDN’s Dreamy Spring 2017 Collection Captured in Italy + our Puglia Travel Diary

Chefchaouen, Morocco

The doors are blue, sidewalks are blue, stairs are blue; everything is painted in shades of blue. Chefchaouen’s powder-blue buildings mirror the Moroccan sky and leave this city magical as ever.

photos by Gayle Dawn

All of these places are multi-faceted and have so much to offer — it really just depends what you’re looking for! We’d love to hear about a location you’ve recently discovered, or a place you think would make for the honeymoon of a lifetime in the comments below!

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