Your honeymoon is the ultimate opportunity to escape and focus entirely on your new life together. For 2026, the highest-ranking destinations for American newlyweds are those that balance breathtaking beauty with a welcoming, secure environment.
Whether you are looking for the total seclusion of an island paradise or the slow-paced charm of a European village, these 10 locations offer the perfect sanctuary for relaxation and connection.
1. Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is one of the most popular spots for international honeymoons. It is widely considered the most romantic and welcoming island in the Caribbean for Americans.
- Why it’s ideal: It is a perfect blend of lush rainforest adventure and high-end all-inclusive luxury. Saint Lucia is famous for its “open-wall” architecture, where resort suites (often called sanctuaries) are missing a fourth wall, providing unobstructed views of the tropics, the Piton Mountains, and the sea.
- The Experience: Beyond the views, couples can enjoy therapeutic Sulphur Springs mud baths, private sunset cruises, and world-class chocolate-tasting tours at local cocoa plantations.
- What You’ll Need:
- U.S. Passport: Must be valid for your entire stay in St. Lucia. 6 months’ validity is highly recommended.
- Visa: Not required for U.S. citizens visiting for tourism.
- Electronic Entry Form: Complete online or through an expert assisted service like iVisa, no more than 3 days before travel, to get a receipt for immigration/customs.
- Proof of Departure: You need to show confirmed onward or return tickets.
2. The Maldives
The Maldives is the gold standard for seclusion, considered the world’s top destination for couples who want to feel like they are the only two people on Earth.
- Why it’s ideal: Each resort sits on its own private island, offering a level of privacy that is simply unmatched elsewhere. It is the birthplace of the overwater bungalow. In 2026, many resorts will have updated these villas with private infinity pools and glass-bottom floors.
- The Experience: Spend your days snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons filled with vibrant coral and manta rays. For a truly unforgettable evening, many resorts offer candlelit sandbank dinners, where you are boated to a private strip of sand for a meal under the stars.
- What You’ll Need:
- U.S. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
- Visa: A free 30-day tourist visa is granted on arrival for U.S. citizens.
- Traveller Declaration (IMUGA): Must be submitted electronically via the IMUGA portal or through a trusted assisted service like iVisa within 96 hours of your arrival.
- Proof of Stay: You must show a confirmed booking at a registered resort and a return flight ticket.
3. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy is synonymous with romance, and the Amalfi Coast continues to be the highest-ranking European escape for American couples in 2026.
- Why it’s ideal: This region offers a cinematic backdrop of pastel-colored villages clinging to sea cliffs. It feels like stepping into a classic film, providing a sense of “old-world” romance that is both sophisticated and relaxing.
- The Experience: Enjoy slow afternoons at exclusive beach clubs in Positano, private boat tours to the Blue Grotto in Capri, and limoncello tastings in the lemon groves of Sorrento.
- What You’ll Need:
- U.S. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date.
- ETIAS Authorization: Launching in late 2026, U.S. citizens must apply for this digital permit online before departure. You can now apply for your Italy Schengen Visa through a trusted assisted service like iVisa.
- EES Biometrics: Border control now uses facial and fingerprint scans instead of traditional ink stamps.
- Stay Limit: Visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days.
4. Koh Samui, Thailand
Known as the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand—and specifically the island of Koh Samui—is a top choice for American honeymooners in 2026 due to its calm and serene environment and exceptional value.
- Why it’s ideal: Koh Samui offers 5-star luxury at a fraction of the cost of Europe or the Maldives. It is a welcoming, safe environment where the hospitality is world-renowned.
- The Experience: Newlyweds can indulge in side-by-side aromatherapy massages at open-air spa pavilions, visit ethical elephant sanctuaries, or take a private long-tail boat to the uninhabited islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park.
- What You’ll Need:
- U.S. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Thai ETA / Digital Arrival Card: U.S. citizens must complete a digital arrival card/ETA electronically or through an assisted service like iVisa at least 3 days before arrival.
- Proof of Funds: You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
5. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is often described as the most beautiful island in the world, famous for its blue-domed churches and whitewashed villages overlooking a volcanic caldera and sparkling blue sea.
- Why it’s ideal: The architecture is designed for romance, with “cave-style” suites carved into the cliffs, offering private plunge pools and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
- The Experience: Santorini is all about the “view.” Watching the world’s most famous sunset from a private balcony in Oia or taking a sunset catamaran cruise around the caldera are the hallmarks of a Santorini honeymoon.
- What You’ll Need:
- U.S. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure.
- ETIAS Authorization: Required for all U.S. citizens traveling to Greece starting in late 2026. You can apply now for your Greece Schengen Visa.
- Proof of Onward Travel: Immigration may request to see your return flight confirmation.
6. Costa Rica
For the couple that finds peace in nature, Costa Rica offers a “Pura Vida” (pure life) experience that is both adventurous and deeply relaxing.
- Why it’s ideal: 2026 travelers are flocking to the Arenal Volcano region, where luxury lodges are tucked into the jungle, offering total immersion in nature without sacrificing comfort.
- The Experience: Relax in natural hot springs heated by the volcano or take a private guided canopy tour through the cloud forests of Monteverde.
- What You’ll Need:
- U.S. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry.
- Visa: Not required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 180 days.
- Proof of Exit: You must have a confirmed return flight or onward ticket out of the country (strictly enforced at check-in).
7. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is the perfect honeymoon getaway for couples seeking “quiet luxury”—a place where the world feels small, the pace is unhurried, and your biggest decision of the day is whether to swim in the ocean or your private pool.
- Why it’s ideal: It is the ultimate “fly-and-flop” destination where you can disconnect from everything. The island’s resorts are famous for their Polynesian hospitality and incredible attention to detail.
- The Experience: Most couples spend their time in overwater villas, where breakfast can be delivered by outrigger canoe. For adventure, you can swim with stingrays and black-tip reef sharks.
- What You’ll Need:
- U.S. Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 to 6 months after your scheduled departure.
- Visa: Not required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days.
- Proof of Funds: You may be asked for proof of sufficient financial resources for your stay.
8. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is the perfect choice for couples who want a peaceful, cultural experience rather than a standard beach holiday.
- Why it’s ideal: Kyoto is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, but it’s the quiet moments—like strolling through a bamboo forest—that make it such a romantic place.
- The Experience: Stay in a traditional Ryokan where you can experience “Omotenashi” (wholehearted hospitality), enjoy private kaiseki dinners, and soak in natural onsen hot springs.
- What You’ll Need:
- U.S. Passport: Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. 6 months’ validity is highly recommended.
- Visit Japan Web: Complete your declarations via Visit Japan Web before arrival to get a QR code for faster entry.
- Visa: Not required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days.
9. Fiji
Fiji is the perfect international sanctuary for couples who want to replace the stress of wedding planning with “Fiji Time”—a local philosophy where the clocks slow down, the “Bula” smiles are genuine, and the only schedule you follow is the rhythm of the tides.
- Why it’s ideal: Fiji is world-famous for its people, who treat guests like extended family. It is incredibly safe and offers “one-island, one-resort” options that provide total seclusion.
- The Experience: Enjoy private waterfall breakfasts, explore the Great Astrolabe Reef, or simply relax in a hammock at a “bure” (traditional villa) on the edge of a white-sand beach.
- What You’ll Need:
- U.S. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
- Visa: Not required for U.S. citizens for tourist stays up to 4 months.
- Proof of Funds & Planned Departure: You must show you have sufficient funds and an onward or return ticket.
10. Croatia
Croatia is the ideal getaway for newlyweds who want a Mediterranean escape that feels authentic and unhurried—a place where medieval stone walls meet the clearest turquoise water in Europe and every meal is a celebration of “slow food” and local wine.
- Why it’s ideal: The country is exceptionally safe and welcoming. The Dalmatian Coast features thousands of islands and ancient walled cities made of gleaming white stone.
- The Experience: Rent a private boat to explore the hidden coves of Hvar and Korčula, or walk the historic walls of Dubrovnik at sunrise.
- What You’ll Need:
- U.S. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure.
- ETIAS Authorization: Required for U.S. citizens starting in late 2026. Apply now for your Croatia Schengen Visa through iVisa.
- Stay Limit: Your 90-day visa-free limit is shared with all other Schengen countries.
An Enjoyable Honeymoon Starts with Good Planning
Organizing an international honeymoon is both a thrilling and stressful experience. There are a lot of factors to consider, like travel document preparation, sticking to a set budget, and keeping informed about international travel rules and restrictions.
If you’re careful in your planning, you can avoid unpleasant experiences like subpar hotels, missed flights, disappointing meals, and unfavorable weather. By thinking ahead about critical considerations like these, you and your partner can ensure you’ve planned a beautiful, unforgettable honeymoon.
Keys to Planning a Successful Honeymoon
- Do your research. You and your partner most likely already know what type of honeymoon you want. Create a list of the places you are considering for your honeymoon destination and use a variety of sources to collect information on those locations.
- Work with a Travel Agent, if needed. If you’ve done your research but still need help, a travel agent or consultant may be able to offer invaluable guidance and assistance with planning your honeymoon.
- Prepare Your Travel Documents. When traveling abroad, you’ll need to make sure that you and your partner have all of your international travel documents in order.
Depending on the country you’re visiting, you may be required to obtain a tourist visa in addition to a valid U.S. passport.
If you’re running behind in getting your plans together, be sure to expedite your passports and rush your visa applications so that they arrive in time.
Additionally, if one of you is taking the other’s last name, you’ll need to be sure that you are strategic with how and when you handle the name change on your travel documents. Passports must either match your legal name or you must travel with documentation (like your marriage certificate) to prove your name change.
- Be prepared for travel uncertainties. Consider resorts or destinations that provide alternatives in case of changes in flights or property regulations. Stay up-to-date with current health concerns that may affect your travel plans.
- Keep tabs on current travel restrictions. The U.S. government issues travel advisories for U.S. citizens to be aware of current dangers in locations around the world.
- We recommend enrolling in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so you can get these updates delivered directly to your smartphone or inbox.
Enjoy Your Perfect Honeymoon
The journey of marriage is a thrilling adventure, and your honeymoon is the first of many shared experiences in this new season of your lives.
A honeymoon isn’t just a holiday; it’s a celebration of your love and the start of your shared life. While planning an international honeymoon can be a daunting task, with careful consideration, you can avoid unpleasant experiences and ensure a relaxing, memorable honeymoon.
The world is full of amazing places just waiting for you to explore. Whether you want to hide away in a romantic retreat or find a mix of thrills and relaxation, our top 10 picks are the perfect places to celebrate. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s to a spectacular start to your journey together!
Congratulations and safe travels,
Laura
Is Your Passport Honeymoon-Ready? Don’t let a processing delay disrupt your dream escape. Standard processing in 2026 is currently 4–6 weeks. If you are traveling soon, ensure your document is valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip.
