When it comes to overseas romantic getaways, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you want an island retreat perfect for lazing on the beach, or envision strolls along cobblestoned streets in Europe, there’s a destination to suit. Here are our top six getaways.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini

The force of a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago reformed the Greek island of Santorini, leaving it with a giant, central lagoon that oozes with romantic appeal. The island’s capital, Fira, is situated on a high cliff overlooking the lagoon, where every evening the sunlight reflecting off the water creates unforgettable sunsets. The island offers amazing views, quaint villages, and sheltered bays that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Venice, Italy

Venice

Just thinking about Venice amps up the romantic atmosphere! Built on a lagoon, this city truly is one of the most romantic getaways in the world, and has managed to remain virtually unchanged in over six hundred years. Imagine viewing magnificent architecture while floating down a canal ensconced in a traditional gondola, or dining in an 18^th century castle. Although water travel is a crucial part of getting around Venice, off the water you’ll find plenty of drama and history in the city’s many cobblestoned squares and hidden alleyways.

Belize

Belize

Magical and mysterious, Belize will have you falling in love all over again. The country is located on the north-eastern coast of Central America, and surprisingly, English is its official language. Once you’re settled in your accommodation, modern resort style or quaint original colonial, you can choose to hike alongside Howler monkeys through lush jungle to locate Mayan temple ruins, or simply lounge on the beach with a good book.

Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca

Who hasn’t watched the famous movie and ached to be immersed in the romantic spirit of the city of Casablanca? Well, there’s a lot more to the city than intriguing ‘Gin Joints’ and gorgeous movie stars! Dotted among the many mosques, museums and market places are cafes and restaurants offering western and traditional food, or visit one of Casablanca’s beach clubs and find a patch of private sand with a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal

Completed in 1653, this jaw-droppingly beautiful building was built by an emperor in memory of his much-loved wife. Considered one of the wonders of the world, the mausoleum embodies the spirit of true love.

Each year, lovers visit the Taj Mahal to soak up the tranquil atmosphere and watch the building turn a remarkable translucent pink as it is bathed in the light of the setting sun.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora

Take a leaf out of Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman’s honeymoon book and consider this most romantic of romantic getaways. On Bora Bora, your most difficult decision will be whether to stay in a resort next to the beach, or in one of the famous bungalows built over the lagoon. With masses of tropical jungle inland enclosed by warm, blue water and the whitest of sand beaches, Bora Bora is the perfect place for couples to unwind and enjoy being in love.

When planning your romantic getaways, remember, you don’t have to splurge lots of money or even travel very far to spend quality time with your partner. Loads of romantic places and romantic activities can be found right here at home. Check out the Port Stephens area for the most peaceful of romantic getaways, surrounded by the natural beauty the region is known for.

Planning your Honeymoon

So much time and effort goes into planning your dream wedding that you could almost be forgiven if you forgot about planning the honeymoon altogether. Almost.

Whether it is big or small, long or short, expensive or cheap, the honeymoon is the beginning of your life together with your new husband or wife.

For their honeymoon some people plan to trek around Europe for months or have a romantic resort escape while others just want to take a road trip down the coast for the weekend. Whatever it is you are planning, you need to do just that … ‘plan’.

First of all, choosing a destination should be a mutual decision and may even be the very first compromise you both make in your long and happy marriage.

Next step is to keep the time of year in mind when deciding. Don’t head somewhere without any regard for timing just because you’ve always wanted to go there. If your dream destination isn’t in season for another six months, perhaps have a weekend away now and take your big honeymoon later.

The same goes for budget. Agree on a budget together before planning and booking your holiday so you aren’t tempted to go overboard once you are talking with the travel agent. If you find your dream destination is just too expensive right now (especially after paying for the wedding!) you can take the holiday for one of your anniversaries, which will give you time to save and something to look forward to down the track.

But what if you can’t think of a destination you want to visit? A helpful trick is to try writing down what you would like to do on your ideal honeymoon. This could be along the lines of: sip cocktails by the pool, trek through wilderness with just a backpack and your new spouse or travel a country that has a completely different culture and language to what you are used to. Take this to a travel agent so they can match your wish list to the perfect destination. And by doing this, you will already have a part-planned itinerary!

Once you, or your travel agent, have planned and booked the honeymoon there are a few things you need to organise. These points are especially important for anyone planning an overseas honeymoon:

– Make sure both your passports are up-to-date and have at least 6 months on them.

– Purchase travel insurance and read the fine print.

– Make a copy of your passports and all travel documents such as hotel and plane confirmations. Hide a spare copy in your suitcase to have on hand if you lose your handbag or wallet. Also give a spare copy to someone you trust at home for the same reason.

– Along with the travel documents, leave a copy of your itinerary and also your contact details with at least one person at home. You may not want to be disturbed while on honeymoon but there should always be an option for contacting you in case of emergency.

Because the days leading up to your wedding might be quite hectic with last minute preparations it is best to have the honeymoon organised well in advance. That way it becomes one more thing where you can just relax and enjoy!