The word safari comes from the Swahili term which means “a journey”…

Safaris are all about communing with nature and meeting the “Big Five” (lions, leopards, elephants, black rhinoceros and buffalos).

However, you should know that there is no guarantee that you’ll see all these animals. African parks and reserves can be huge (Tanzania’s Serengeti Park is the size of Belgium!) and wild animals know no borders.

To make the most of these unforgettable, intimate moments we would advise you to plan your trip very carefully. Check the season, find reliable transport, select the type of accommodation and most importantly choose which animals you want to see, as this will determine which areas you should visit.

Don’t worry, even if you don’t manage to see them all, you can still enjoy your honeymoon every bit as much!

You can also combine adventure with relaxation by visiting the savannah (Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Reserve as well as the Madikwe Game Reserve) and then spending a little time in South Africa to relax on its idyllic beaches.

And while you’re there, you can explore Cape Town which is without question a fabulous city.

When you’re in the south, seize the opportunity for a romantic trip along the Garden Route and stop off at one of the splendid wine estates in this area and try out their wines which will definitely be to the taste of anyone who enjoys a great vintage.

You can finish the day with a mellow romantic dinner… In the outback, let the sounds from the savanna work their magic on you as you nestle together to watch the spectacular sunset.

So if you feel tempted by all the wealth that Africa has to offer, don’t wait any longer – start working out now exactly what you want to achieve and enjoy the adventure!

When on holiday you and your other half are not the types to laze around on deckchairs? You’re mad about surfing and can’t imagine going away on honeymoon without taking your surfboard? Well there’s nothing more to decide – Portugal it is for you!

With its mild climate and great variety of waves, Portugal is the perfect destination for surfers of all abilities, able to go there at any time of the year. What’s more, it was here in Nazaré that the Frenchman Benjamin Sanchis achieved his incredible feat of surfing a wave over 30 metres high.

There’s a wide choice of spots, including some you simply cannot miss, such as:

Praia do Guincho – Estoril: extremely popular with wind surfers and kite surfers of all nationalities who come here every year.
Ericeira: described as the top surfing destination in Europe, and second in the world.
There is also Peniche and its Supertubos beach, where ASP World Tour organises part of its competition because of the powerful waves

As well as surfing, you can also go diving in Portugal and visit the hidden underwater caves in the area.

During your time here you’ll enjoy a destination that offers plenty of sunshine, an amazing natural and cultural heritage, as well as lots of picturesque small villages.

Portugal is ideal for a romantic break where you can enjoy the waves and the long, romantic evenings when you’ll catch the sound of Fado resonating in the air.

As far as good food is concerned, once again there is plenty to delight you in Portugal. The cooking is convivial and delicious and its vineyards, with which wine connoisseurs are well acquainted as “quintas”, offer a wide selection of wines to excite your palate. What’s more, if you stop off in Porto, you can discover the secrets of how the wine of the same name is made and discover for yourselves why a trip to Portugal is always a real treat!

You fancy getting off the beaten track and trying something other than sipping cocktails on some dream beach? You fancy some nature and adventure? Why not let yourselves be tempted by a trek in Patagonia!

For those who don’t already know this, Patagonia is not a country – it’s a region that straddles southern Argentina and southern Chile.

The area is so vast and with such a wealth of natural parks that the first thing you should do is identify which parts you want to visit so you can plan your trekking itinerary.

In this remote part of the world there are some truly magnificent wild, open spaces with mountains, glaciers, lakes, pampas, forests, etc. Here you’re likely to come across animals you won’t meet in Europe, such as whales and penguins.

This is why Patagonia is such a wonderful place for adventure and trekking. These vast, isolated spaces have gigantic granite peeks which taper out in the Tierra del Fuego and city of Ushuaïa.

For couples who like to do things as authentically as possible, you may decide to spend your nights sleeping in a tent. Otherwise, don’t panic, although Patagonia may have remained unspoilt, putting nature before city infrastructure, it does offer hotel options ranging from small guesthouses to four-star hotels. It’s fair to say that after spending days walking, a little comfort will not go amiss.

What this honeymoon offers in particular is that you’ll have time alone with each other, you’ll feel as if you’re the only people in the world and you’ll be utterly amazed by all you see with all the different shades of colours and sudden changes in landscape.

Since Patagonia is one of the least populated areas in the world, in addition to its unique landscape, you are guaranteed to experience a rare sense of wholeness and a most remarkable atmosphere.

So grab the chance, pack your rucksacks and set off to see where this journey to the end of the world will take you… to where the trek can no further go.

So now you are newlyweds and the most wonderful day of your lives was everything you dreamt it to be! However, getting ready for your wedding was pretty hard work and at times even extremely stressful.

So you’d like to unwind and as a couple reconnect with your inner serenity by going on a yoga holiday. So hurry up, get your clothes ready and let this opportunity for some intense relaxation work its magic on you.

The advantage of this type of holiday is that you can enjoy yoga practice while exploring a new country and you can also combine nature with sport while on your honeymoon.

Whether you are an amateur or very experienced at yoga, Costa Rica will fulfil your expectations of relaxation and nature perfectly.

Green and tropical, Costa Rica is a wonderful country with its paradise beaches and other natural sites for eco-tourism.

Costa Rica is the best possible place for getting started with yoga or to improve: far away from chaotic cities and devoid of places that can at times be tourist hot-spots. There are intensive or less demanding courses on offer right across the country.

In all the hotels offering yoga, 90-minute sessions are usually provided twice a day: on the beach, with the distant sound of the waves, caressed by a slight morning breeze… practitioners the world over come here to practice yoga.

Here is simply the ideal place for you to switch off completely, get back to being yourselves and take care of body, heart and soul.

Exotic and enchanting, Morocco is the country with a thousand faces. It is one of the tourist destinations best able to offer well-being combined with sightseeing.

With an exceptional amount of sunshine all year round, a landscape full of contrasts with its stunning beaches, superb palm groves, cedar forests, desert areas and snow-capped mountain peaks: the natural environment in Morocco is so fascinating that it really makes this country a dream destination.

Should you decide to stay in Marrakesh, the riads and spa hotels will be able to pamper you with services that provide absolute attention to every detail and will see to it that you spend a glorious honeymoon combining treatments and massages with sightseeing.

Once you have de-stressed, you can spend the days together exploring the ‘Red City’. One place you absolutely have to visit is the magnificent Majorelle garden, a botanical treasure trove filled with exotic trees and plants and located in the city centre.

Then you must go to the Medina and should you wish to add a little romanticism to your adventure, forget about taxis and take a horse-drawn carriage instead.

Even if you don’t feel like stuffing your suitcases full of souvenirs, all the same to finish off you have to go and soak up the very individual atmosphere of the many souks in Marrakech.

Once the sun has set, if you are still feeling energetic, the city can offer a whole array of restaurants, bars and clubs where you and your loved one can party and dance the night away.

During your stay, why not go out to the open desert, stay there overnight and take the opportunity of going on a camel ride as you watch the sun set across the expanse of sand, where the only sound you can hear will be your partner’s heart beating.

India is ideal for a honeymoon if you want to focus on being open to yourselves and others, for couples who want to take care of themselves and others…

Indeed the culture and history of India lend themselves perfectly to spirituality and well-being.
India is a land with a wealth of holy places, rituals and traditions, so wherever your destination happens to be, this enormous country is bound to meet your expectations.

Following the Buddha’s footsteps, along the Ganges, in an ashram or on the market square, you’ll venture forwards while finding the space to meet other people. It is possible for you to have authentic encounters with sages, holy sites, humanitarian organisations and so on… so that through the people you meet and the various energies in which you immerse yourselves, you’ll find an answer to your inner quest.

During your trip, try a yoga retreat and enjoy the benefits of ayurvedic massages which achieve a balance between physical, spiritual and emotional well-being.

The proverb “Take care of your body so that the soul wishes to reside there” suddenly takes on its full meaning…

As for being romantic, India is an ideal country for young couples in search of something magical.
With its fragrant smells and hypnotic colours, this country creates an atmosphere that plunges you right into a tale from the Arabian Nights.

Candlelit dinners, moonlit evenings, elephant rides, excursions into the desert in Jaisalmer, not to mention a visit to the famous Taj Mahal which without doubt is one of the world’s greatest masterpieces, but at the same time also a potent symbol of love, the love the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan bore for his deceased wife.

Choosing India to celebrate your new union by becoming truly immersed in the country’s human, cultural and spiritual life will be an experience to share together that you’ll find simply unforgettable.

For a honeymoon focussed on relaxing and unwinding as a couple, Croatia (also called the pearl of the Adriatic) is one of the top dream destinations.

From its mountains to its sea, it has so much to offer with a whole array of cultural and tourist attractions.

Although there’s a wide range of activities for you to choose from and in particular the nightlife in Zagreb or a visit to Dubrovnik, what really sets Croatia apart by far is its stunningly beautiful coastline.

The crystal clear waters and fine sandy beaches create an atmosphere which simply invites you to swim in the sea and lie in the sun. With its heavenly coves and secret places, there’s everything you need to rest and recharge your batteries.

The Plitvice Lakes are one of its many highlights. Hidden away in this Garden of Eden are wild animals, along with the world’s most splendid waterfalls which flow down into waters which range from emerald green to an intense blue.

You could also try an excursion to one of Croatia’s many islands and take the opportunity to stop off at one of the underwater caves to explore the seabed using a mask and snorkel.

With such idyllic scenery, Croatia is a country so perfect for love and romance, that it features in the top 5 destinations chosen by couples as a place to either get married or spend their honeymoon.

In the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives offer an idyllic setting where loving each other is easy.

This little corner of paradise offers accommodation in the water, not by the water’s edge but actually over the lagoon itself. With no one else around, you can cosy up together and enjoy a time of pure relaxation.

Staying in a stilt house is all about falling asleep in the arms of your beloved with the gentle sound of the waves lapping in the background, and then when you wake up, being able to dive directly from your bedroom into one of the world’s most beautiful oceans.

In the Maldives you’ll find a wealth of ideas for things for you to do and no lack of opportunities to share magical, romantic moments together.

For those who enjoy being active, why not go diving in translucent waters with their corals, turtles and exotic fish.

Alternatively, for those who are less adventurous, take a boat trip to go and admire the splendid sunset and enjoy a private dinner with a glass of champagne and a dish of swordfish. Or else, quite simply, settle yourselves down to savour the peace and quiet of the landscape and watch as the burning red sun merges into the turquoise sea forming your sole horizon – and why not try a couple massage to achieve a state of well-being and serenity.

Let yourselves be swept far, far away to experience the romance of your lifetime in this idyllic corner of the world.

Many lovebirds dream of spending their honeymoon in a place with sand as fine as silk and sea as clear as crystal.

To make this dream come true, Formentera, a small, windswept and unspoilt Spanish island, is more than a good match for the great traditional Caribbean destinations.

This Mediterranean jewel offers you not only heavenly scenery with its isolated coves and turquoise blue waters, but a whole range of activities too, such as snorkelling and visiting caves accessible only by kayak. You can also explore the island’s three lighthouses, surrounded by a breathtakingly beautiful landscape which absolutely deserves to be visited.

As the island has no airport, you go there by boat which only takes 30 minutes from Ibiza which itself is less than three hours by plane from Luxembourg.

Feeling relaxed with the person you love, you can let yourself go here and enjoy the sublime experience of watching the island’s legendary sunset, while eating fresh fish or one of the local specialities made from figs, washed down with a nice glass of Sangria.

Formentera, the smallest of the Balearic Islands, makes the perfect destination for a really relaxing holiday, without breaking the bank or travelling any great distance.

When covered in its most beautiful cloak of white, there’s no better place than Canada to celebrate having tied the knot.

With its vast open spaces, Canada is the ideal place for outdoor activities. There are as many regions as activities for you to try out as a couple, depending on what you like best.

Forest walks on Vancouver Island, skiing and snowboarding at Mount St Louis Moonstone, dog sledding just a few kilometres from Montreal, ice climbing in Quebec and so on.

Not to mention the top honeymoon destination: the Niagara Falls. While there, go on a helicopter ride and fly over the Falls, a spectacular experience that shows you both breathtaking view points and gives you the thrill of flying.

For couples who like the challenge of something out of the ordinary, you can also spend the night together in two unusual locations:

The ice hotel in Quebec is a unique concept unique in America and utterly romantic! Here you sleep on a bed of ice, covered with furs and all warmly wrapped up.

Or else try the Monts-Valins National Park where nature is all around you. Here you can spend the night in an igloo, which you can only reach on foot, cross-country skis or snowshoes. You’re bound to have your very own magical adventure here.

Lapland, the land where white snow stretches as far as the eye can see, from land to sky.

From September to March, Lapland offers all the Nordic activities you could want: cross-country skiing, snowshoe treks, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, ice fishing and so on.

And for those of you looking for something a little less strenuous, you could visit Santa Claus Village or perhaps go along to watch some reindeer racing.

For teatime, what could be nicer that a lovely thick slice of gingerbread with some hot berry juice, in other words you’ll feel as if you’re in a Christmas tale.

As for later on in the evening, after a nice tête-à-tête at the fireside what could be more romantic than going for a walk (well wrapped up) hand in hand in the deafening peace and quiet to wonder at the northern lights?

So that you are absolutely guaranteed a traditional atmosphere, you’ll sleep either in a little log cabin, lovely and warm with animal furs or in an igloo. There are snow igloos for those wanting the most authentic experience or glass igloos which are ideal for falling asleep while watching the stars.

For lovebirds who love a winter wonderland, great expanses of snow and nature at its purest, this is the trip for you.

You love grace and beauty? You thrill to the romance of the famous ballet Swan Lake? You’re eager to try out cross-country skiing on the frozen surface of the Volga River?
What could be better than a honeymoon in the land of the Tsars?

With its architecture, abundance of art and grand history and heritage, Russia has always exerted fascination.

Moscow and St Petersburg are its two leading cities – quite different from one another, but both packed with culture and traditions.

Should you stop off in Moscow, also known as the “Magnificent City”, we would recommend that you stay in a hotel close to the famous Red Square, a perfect location for visiting the city’s must-see sites in the sparkling snow: Lenin’s Mausoleum, the Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral… and of course let’s not forget the Vodka Museum.

Before you leave, make sure you enjoy all the benefits of a Russian sauna at the Sanduny Bath House.

And don’t forget to attach your lock to the branches of the “Tree of Love” and throw away the key into the river below so as to seal your love forever.

If you want to travel on afterwards to St Petersburg, also known as the Venice of the North, you can take a high-speed train both during the day and overnight.

Once the canals of the Neva are covered with ice, nothing could be more magical than the fairy-tale atmosphere in this city …Just like mirrors, you’ll see images reflected of this bohemian and romantic city’s magnificent splendour.

And to finish off your journey, go and spend a couple of nights above the Arctic circle, far from the hustle and bustle of the city… on the archipelago of the Solovki islands where you’ll discover unspoilt nature as well as the beauty and peace and quiet of the White Sea.

After watching the film “The Beach”, who hasn’t dreamt of walking along the sandy beaches of Phi Phi Island? You wouldn’t be the first married couple to be tempted by Thailand, which is Asia’s top honeymoon destination because of its lovely temperatures, sophisticated cuisine and breathtakingly beautiful natural panoramas.

A road trip is a great way to explore the Land of Smiles from north to south. Getting around in Thailand is very simple: it’s easy to take a train, bicycle, scooter or to travel by boat or plane, and it won’t cost you a fortune either.

Generally you would start off by exploring Bangkok and its spectacular palaces and Buddhist temples. Then you would continue your tour by going back up north as far as Chiang Mai, an ancient city surrounded by jungle, ideal for trekking and one of the best areas for learning how to cook Thai food with your darling spouse.

Finally, to enjoy a little relaxation and leisure time at the end of the holiday you could travel back down to the south of the country to take in the amazing beauty of islands here and their picture postcard scenery. You can have fun trying out lots of different diving spots offshore in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, or in the many sea caves you can reach either on foot or by kayak in Phang Nga Bay in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Apart from these trips, this area is also particularly well known for its massages and for having amazing hotels where you can enjoy luxurious comfort.

If you’re looking for that unforgettable holiday you’ve always dreamt of as a way of celebrating your marriage then Thailand has it all. So go for it! Let yourselves be tempted by Thailand and all its exoticism, its tropical jungle and its little natural paradises.

Do you dream of travelling with your partner to the four corners of the world for your honeymoon and enjoying unforgettable experiences together?

The problem is that you’ve already taken leave to get ready for your wedding, so you only have a very short time left in which to roam the planet and discover all the marvellous and mysterious things our precious Earth has to offer. Don’t worry, this is not a problem, it’s possible for you to get round the world in just three weeks and various options are available.

You can treat yourselves to an airborne cruise with no comfort spared on board a private plane with a dozen bespoke stopovers scheduled, and with your own personal guide if you so wish.

You’ll enjoy direct flights, your own named seat for the whole holiday, no queuing to embark and fine dining befitting a five-star hotel.

For this ‘celebrity’-style trip you’ll need to budget at least 15,000 Euros each.

Young married couples with more restricted budgets can also live this dream thanks to around-the-world tickets sold by consortiums of airlines. With these tickets you can travel within the areas where the consortiums fly: One World, Skyteam, Star Alliance and also Emirates...

If you fly economy class up to a maximum of 26,000 miles you’ll need to spend €2,100 per ticket, and if you want to extend this to visit six regions, the tickets will cost you around €3,500.

The idea is simple: you buy your “around-the-world ticket”, you choose where you want to stop off from what is available and then away you fly.

Whatever the destinations you choose, you can tell yourselves that you’re absolutely bound to see some amazing sights. This honeymoon will be a holiday you’ll treasure forever as you explore the world and its marvels. You’ll come back home with your heads packed with memories and your hearts full of love.

If you’re thinking of a road trip in the USA, dozens of different options are possible. Mariages.lu has decided to present you with a tour to the West Coast.

Take a plane to Los Angeles and start with a Hollywood Studio Tour, not forgetting to visit Beverly Hills, the iconic address where the stars live. Then spend a little time on LA’s famous beaches, Santa Monica and Venice Beach, and enjoy watching the sun set.

After a few days in this part of the coast, it’s time for a romantic get-away to Las Vegas, so hire a car and spend a night there – and try your luck at the casino! And the following morning, why not take the opportunity to renew your wedding vows at the Elvis Chapel?

Once you’ve tried this crazy experience, head off together to discover the West by driving the legendary Route 66. Stop off for a couple of hours to stroll hand in hand around the village of Hackberry, rebuilt in 1930s style.

Then in a spirit of adventure, visit the National Parks of the Wild West by flying over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, hiking in Monument Valley, visiting Lake Powell and Colorado River and then continuing via Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks... Treat yourselves to a romantic stopover at The Inn at Death Valley hotel before going on to brave this dreaded Valley and its infernal temperatures.

The following days, travelling back up to Mammoth Lakes, you’ll experience a complete change in scenery as in the space of a day you switch from desert to the snow-covered mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

After reliving all those iconic scenes from your favourite American films and as a lovely way to finish off your made in the USA honeymoon, travel up to San Francisco before you return home to start your married life with masses of shared memories.

Each morning, a new sunrise, a new port of call and new landscapes to discover…

You’ll never have a moment to get bored with such a range of activities provided on board and you can also do what you want, when you want.

Since cruise ships are so huge, couples wanting to be romantic on their own can always find a corner all to themselves on a deckchair tucked away on the deck.

Here is a selection of romantic places to stop off in the Caribbean, all with beaches that are both relaxing and breathtakingly beautiful, providing the perfect setting for your honeymoon.

In Miami, a shopping session or private picnic in Lummus Park await you.

In Mexico, go and explore the hinterland and all the marvels of Mexican nature in the heart of the jungle.

In the Bahamas, this is where you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of going for a dip alongside the swimming pigs who paddle around in the warm sea water.

In Jamaica, you can bathe in waterfalls, go horse riding and swim with dolphins… It’s up to you to choose what you’d most enjoy.

In the Honduras, your day will be easily filled here with a trip into the jungle, as well as a visit to the magnificent Lancetilla Botanical Garden.

The Cayman Islands offer the ideal opportunity for shopping as prices across the whole country exclude sales tax.

A cruise is by definition an exciting combination of resting and being active. And if you choose the Caribbean, both on the coast and on land, you’ll discover scenery which comes pretty close to being paradise on earth.

What could be more romantic than travelling round the lands of Eros and Aphrodite, the God and Goddess of Love?

Greece has a thousand or so islands in the glorious waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, and each has its own hidden treasures to reveal in the middle of the Mediterranean.

With stunning scenery and historic ruins, Greece has plenty to surprise you and take your breath away.

In Mykonos you’ll find numerous bays and white sandy beaches overlooked by immaculately white villages with their blue domes.

Corfu, called the Emerald Island because of its lush greenery, has mountains which are great for walking and beautiful beaches to relax on.

On the beach on the Island of Santorini, you’ll walk over both black and red sand, a natural phenomenon left behind after volcanic eruptions, a unique experience!

As well as swimming in the sea and sunbathing, the Greek Islands also offer all sorts of different activities: water sports such as diving, rafting and kayaking as well as mountain activities such as cycling, climbing, etc.

Here you can enjoy fine food oozing with sunshine and traditional flavours, as well as great wine lists of which Greek winemakers are so proud.

You must visit the ruins, they still hold as much fascination because of their splendour and they remain oblivious to the march of time.

Because of all these well-kept treasures, the Greek Islands continue every year to attract many young lovebirds who have just tied the knot.

Try this romantic way of exploring the Grenadine Islands and go off cruising for a week on a catamaran.
This is a perfect spot for sailing as the sea here is calm and the sun shines all year round.

With the tropical wind, sail from one island to the next as you explore the archipelago of St Vincent and the Grenadines: 32 islands and sea as far as the eye can see… A wonderful way to start your new married life.

Play at Robinson Crusoe and Friday on these deserted islands with their breathtaking scenery and dive into the warm, turquoise waters to look for the multi-coloured coral reefs where timid fish choose to hide.

Whenever you set foot on terra firma, you won’t be disappointed. These small, remote islands have a very rich flora and fauna and gorgeous, fine white sandy beaches: the ideal location for peaceful, scenic walks.

On those islands which are inhabited, let yourselves be moved by the rhythm of Caribbean music, be intoxicated by the fragrant smells of the colourful markets and be surprised by the flavours of Creole cuisine.

On this cruise you’ll be able to combine love and exotic lands. As well as a complete change of scenery, you’ll also be guaranteed complete rest for body and mind by embracing the main activity of these islands: inactivity!