When thinking of honeymoon destinations, most people imagine warm and tropical ones. After all, Hawaii and Mexico have been and continue to be among the most popular honeymoon spots. However, as more couples seek affordability, adventure, and novelty in their romantic destinations, honeymoon destinations are changing. Now, newlyweds are traveling to these unexpected honeymoon destinations.
The New Popular, Yet Unexpected Honeymoon Destinations
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While Hawaii may still be a fan-favorite, it may be slowly gaining some competition. Honeyfund, a honeymoon registry site that helps couples fund-raise for romantic getaways, has the inside scoop. With their large clientele and massive database, they have a good general knowledge of where the majority of couples are heading off on their honeymoons in 2026. The destinations may surprise you. While they are all good travel destinations, they are definitely unexpected honeymoon destinations - or at least some of them were to me.
Sara Margulis, the co-founder and CEO of Honeyfund, shared both the international and US destinations that newlyweds are now selecting. For international destinations, Japan and Italy are on the rise. Honestly, I am not surprised by either of those destinations. I know three friends personally who chose Italy as their honeymoon destination and loved it. Additionally, Japan is full of stunning landscapes and incredible culture. However, the US-based destinations surprised me a bit more.
Domestic Unexpected Honeymoon Destinations
According to the data, "US destinations, like Tennessee, California, Florida, and Alaska," are growing on the unexpected honeymoon destinations list. Out of that list, Tennessee truly seems to be thriving. Margulis attributes it mainly to the "cozy, Gatlinburg mountain cabin vibe," which she shared is "lovely." Additionally, "Alaska broke into the registry's Top 20 honeymoon destinations at No. 18 for 2026, after being at No. 21 for the two prior years."
It seems people value the adventure it offers over the lack of warm weather. The NY Post reported that a Honeyfund spokesperson said the change came after COVID. "These shifts are based on a post-COVID shift," the spokesperson said. "Toward affordability, driveability, and passport-less destinations."
