The Best October Honeymoon Destinations
With cozy vibes, cooler temps, and dramatic, color-changing leaves, October is full of autumn enchantment and epic romance. So it comes as no surprise that this magnificent month is such a popular wedding choice! Whether you’re planning a fall wedding or the perfect autumn honeymoon, you’re probably searching for the best October honeymoon destinations. From fiery fall foliage to relaxing all-inclusive resorts, these romantic honeymoon destinations are sure to sweep you off your feet!
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Is October a Good Month for a Honeymoon?
With temperate weather in many areas of the world, October is an ideal time for honeymoon travel. In addition to pleasant weather, the fall months also bring fewer crowds and better prices. And if it’s cozy fires and fall foliage you’re after, you won’t find a better time than October! To decide when to take your honeymoon, check out The Ultimate Honeymoon Planning Guide For The Newly Engaged Couple!
Maine: Fall Foliage and Cozy Romance
For a romantic escape that embodies all the coziness and romance of fall, there’s no better place than Maine! If you’ve never witnessed the show-stopping fall foliage of the Northeast, your fall honeymoon is the perfect opportunity! Cozy up in intimate, atmospheric villages, enjoy stunning natural beauty, and experience the drama of that breathtaking fall foliage. If leaf-peeping is a priority, plan to visit during peak times. Coastal and Southern Maine typically reach peak foliage between the middle and end of the month. Meanwhile, the northernmost parts of the state peak around the first week of October.
What is the Prettiest Region of Maine?
A large state with several distinct regions, Maine has something to offer everyone. For maximum flexibility, rent a car and make it a road trip! Or, choose your favorite slice Maine and cozy up for a more relaxing stay. Consider the rocky shorelines of Southeastern Maine, where you’ll find the charming seaside villages of Kennebunkport, Kittery, and Old Orchard Beach. Or for dramatic mountains and sparkling glacial lakes, explore the natural wonder of Western Maine.
But for a romantic honeymoon that checks all the boxes, we recommend the magical village of Bar Harbor. You’ll enjoy incredible ocean views, shop artisan boutiques, indulge at local eateries, and of course, feast on fresh Maine lobster! Outdoorsy couples will love Acadia National Park, where hikers can explore the area’s mountains, tidepools, lakes, and wildlife. And for an unforgettable romantic honeymoon experience, be sure to watch the sunrise from the idyllic Cadillac Summit.
With so much to do in Bar Harbor, you can tailor your romantic getaway to your fit your own needs. If you’re partial to spooky October vibes, try a Bar Harbor ghost tour. You’ll get chills down your spine as you learn a bit of the area’s dark lore and history. Looking for more to explore beyond Maine? Consider the scenic ferry to Nova Scotia. The high speed CAT ferry lasts about 3.5 hours and disembarks in beautiful Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Stay for a day – or for a few nights! – to discover the astounding beauty of this captivating Canadian peninsula.
Barbados: Honeymoon on Island Time
During hurricane season, a Caribbean honeymoon can seem like a non-starter. But if your heart is set on a romantic beach getaway, look no further than vivacious and beautiful Barbados. This magical island hasn’t experienced a major hurricane since 1955! Home to stunning white sand beaches, delicious island cuisine, luxurious all-inclusive resorts, and world-famous rum, there’s lots to do, eat, and enjoy in Barbados. From shipwreck snorkeling and cave tours to signature rum tasting, Barbados is sure to steal your heart.
For a luxuriously romantic honeymoon stay, consider Sandals Royal Barbados, located on the dazzling shores of St. Lawrence Gap. This lavish resort is adults-only and couples-only, resulting in a romantic vibe that’s both sophisticated and relaxing. Every “room” at this extravagant resort is actually a well-appointed swim-up suite that comes complete with butler service. With 21 restaurants and a wide range of entertainment and activities, Sandals Royal Barbados promises a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon experience.
If your honeymoon celebration includes the whole family, book your stay at Sugar Bay Barbados. This family-friendly all-inclusive resort pairs lavish accommodations with fun activities and entertainment for all ages. With a kid’s club, game room, and spacious family-sized suites, Sugar Bay Barbados promises a lively and fun-filled celebration for your entire family.
How Much Does an All-Inclusive Honeymoon Cost?
With all-inclusive food, alcoholic beverages, resort activities, and nighttime entertainment, all-inclusive resorts offer incredible honeymoon stays in some of the world’s most beautiful locations. But what will it cost you?
The total cost of an all-inclusive honeymoon depends on various factors. Your length of stay, choice of destination and accommodations, and the time of year you travel will all impact the total cost. The good news is that there’s an all-inclusive honeymoon to fit every budget! Depending on your honeymoon destination, all-inclusive resorts can run anywhere from $200 to upwards of $800 per night. To find out what you can expect to pay for a luxury honeymoon in 2023, check out our guide here!
Santorini: Old-World Romance at Every Turn
Imagine sunny blue skies, crystal clear waters, and charming, whitewashed villages. For a romantic honeymoon that checks every box, few places compare with magical Santorini! And with fewer crowds and temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, October is the perfect time to visit!
Located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, Santorini promises panoramic sunset views, delicious Greek Food, and romance at every turn. For a fairytale honeymoon experience, book a room with a view at Katikies Hotel Santorini. This luxury cliffside hotel in upscale Oia boasts private verandas, infinity pools, Michelin-starred dining, and a full-service spa.
Stroll arm in arm through the narrow, cobblestoned streets of Santorini’s ancient villages, indulge in a wine tour, or even learn the secrets of Greek cuisine in a cave house cooking class. Or, let someone else do the cooking and book a table at Lycabettus Restaurant. Nestled into the dramatic cliffside, this luxurious dining experience is one of Santorini’s most romantic and scenic restaurants. And for an incredible end to any Santorini day, enjoy sunset from the water on a romantic sunset cruise.
Where is the Best Place to Honeymoon in Europe in October?
With cooler weather and lower crowds, October is shoulder season in many parts of Europe – making this month a great time for travel to some of Europe’s most charming and scenic destinations, including France, Switzerland, and Italy. But for picture-perfect weather, enchanting romance, and that quintessential honeymoon vibe, Santorini is our top pick.
When Should a Honeymoon Start?
Anytime you want! A “traditional” honeymoon might start right after the wedding, but when you travel is entirely up to you. If you plan to travel immediately after your big day, we recommend allowing a day or two before departure. This will give you time to recuperate from the festivities and start your adventure feeling rested and refreshed.
But there are perks to taking your honeymoon later! Traveling at a later date allows you to honeymoon when it’s convenient for you – or to visit your dream destination in its peak season. You may also have access to better pricing options and better availability.
Whether you’re chasing fiery fall foliage, relaxing on island time, or strolling historic, cobblestoned streets, your romantic October honeymoon should leave you feeling connected, rejuvenated, and refreshed. If you need help choosing the best October honeymoon destinations for you, we’ve got you covered. Contact us here to get started!