When it's time to get away, travel agents are often asked, "What are some unheralded destinations that wife and I should visit?"
Rafa Mayer knows the answer. "Patagonia is home to some of the most stunning places on earth and it also happens to be one of the most-requested honeymoon and anniversary destinations that we book," said Mayer, founder and CEO of Say Hueque, in South Africa.
"Definitely geared for the more adventurous couple, people flock to the region for the breathtaking scenery, camping and trekking, but laid back luxury is also popular, thanks to all-inclusive cruises and stargazing through domed ceilings at EcoCamp Patagonia in Torres del Paine."
Jacquie Whitt would recommend that this (or any) couple escape to the Amazon jungle.
"Now more accessible than most people imagine," said Whitt of Adios Adventure Travel. "Fly one day to Lima, Peru. Then the next day, it's a short flight and boat ride to your lodge. A private bath with hot water and all meals prepared on site (special diets not a problem), guided tours to search for wildlife are designed for most active people of all ages. The downside? No Wi-Fi and limited electricity for short periods daily to charge batteries/cameras."
Margie Lenau said that there are many small towns around the world to see, but even small towns can get expensive, so she's recommending a jaunt to Mexico.
"Mexico is convenient," said Lenau of Wonderland Family Vacations in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "While you may have traveled to Cancun or Los Cabos, the resorts are constantly changing and many visitors do not take advantage of getting out to see the culture and customs of the country. Visiting the ancient Mayan civilization sites, or experiencing Day of the Dead celebrations, and experiencing a Christmas in Mexico are some of the ways to experience their culture. This destination may seem common, until you get out of the resort and see some of the country for yourself."
Trish Mercer recommends two places for the couple to consider. First, Gateway Canyons outside Grand Junction Colorado. "Large and sumptuous rooms," said Mercer of Georgia Travel Experts. "Two TVs so if being indoors is your thing, each can enjoy their own space. Fabulous spa for one partner or both and amazing car museum and fast cars to drive. Great occasional true BBQ in the foothills with hay rides and the fire going. Gorgeous grounds for hiking and strolling."
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She also recommends Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina. "Such low country hospitality and great Gullah history if you want to learn more about these descendants of enslaved Africans," said Mercer. "Wonderful dolphin experiences and fresh shrimping in season. The cottages are complete with large two-person tubs, with fire places and outdoor day beds on screened porches, plus lots of local seafood and incredible bars and restaurants in Bluffton nearby."
Why don't her customers already visit Bluffton? "They don't know how close it is to Savannah and Charleston so they never try to find it," said Mercer. "Truly one of the great hidden gems of travel."
Alex Buri said that while the Azores are still a buried travel treasure for many Americans, "Europeans and those in the travel world know that Portugal's gorgeous volcanic islands are on the cusp of being the next romantic outdoorsy island vacation hot spot."
Buri is the co-founder of kimkim, which specializes in tailor-made adventures customized by local travel experts.
"Couples will find fewer American tourists in The Azores than in, say, Iceland which is already on most travelers' wish lists," said Buri.
"Flights from Boston to The Azores are only about $570 USD roundtrip if you book months in advance and your U.S. dollars will go far in Portugal. With its robust wine country (there are three wine regions in The Azores), epic food (think rich stews and amazing cheeses) and breathtaking landscape, it's just a matter of time before these gems are discovered by Western travelers."
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Finally, Pam Walker books adventure travel, but said that this was a hard call. "There are some great glass pods in Peru hanging from cliffs over the Sacred Valley which you either have to climb up to or down to and then zip line down to the valley floor," said Walker, of Walker Adventures, an independent affiliate of Travel Experts.
"Romantic for me, but not for others. You can have dinner by candlelight in your glass pod or sleep under the stars all cozy and warm in your little pod for two. That would be my best couple's getaway, but it's not for everybody."
Virtuoso and Brides magazine partnered to take the pulse of what's hot in romantic travel today. Only Virtuoso advisors were surveyed for the 2017 Brides Honeymoon Awards, and the poll revealed that leading the top 10 unexpected romantic destinations was Iceland, followed by Switzerland, Japan, Sri Lanka, Antarctica, Bhutan, Nicaragua, Myanmar, Cambodia and Canada.
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