The South Pacific, Asia and Australia

For many couples, a honeymoon on the other side of the world is a once-in-a-lifetime dream. Turquoise lagoons, temple towns, spice markets, rainforests and vast empty beaches feel impossibly far from everyday life, and that distance is part of the magic. It is also the biggest planning challenge. A long-haul trip needs more thought about pacing, time zones and budget than a getaway closer to home.

Lagoon islands of the South Pacific

The islands of the South Pacific are the stuff of honeymoon legend. Wikipedia's article on Bora Bora describes an island in French Polynesia whose main island is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef, with the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks at its centre. It notes that the island's economy is driven almost entirely by tourism, and that over-water bungalows on stilts are a standard feature of most of its resorts.

Islands like this invite a very slow pace: swimming straight from your deck, snorkelling in calm water, paddling across the lagoon and watching the colours of the water change through the day. They also tend to be expensive and remote, so couples often stay a shorter time than on other trips and combine the island with a stop elsewhere on the way.

Asia for two

Asia offers extraordinary variety for couples. You might combine a bustling city full of night markets and rooftop views with a quiet island beach, or pair a temple town with a mountain retreat among tea fields. Food is often a highlight, and some of the most memorable meals will be at simple street stalls rather than smart restaurants.

Respect local customs, particularly around dress when visiting temples and religious sites, and be aware that public displays of affection are frowned upon in some places. A light scarf or shawl that covers shoulders is useful to carry. Seasons vary greatly from one part of Asia to another, with monsoon rains arriving at different times in different regions, so research the weather for each stop rather than assuming one pattern fits the whole continent.

Australia and New Zealand

Down under, couples can combine city life with reef, rainforest, desert and wine country. The distances are huge, so it is wise to choose one or two regions rather than trying to see everything. Remember that seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere: a winter escape from the north can mean summer sunshine in the south.

Planning a long-haul honeymoon

• Consider a stopover. Breaking a very long journey with a night or two in a city on the way can make the trip easier and adds a second destination.
• Do not overpack the itinerary. Every flight or ferry costs you most of a day. Two or three bases are plenty for two weeks.
• Book the first night carefully. A comfortable room close to the airport, or one where you can check in early, is worth a great deal after a long flight.
• Read the fine print on connections. Remote islands may only be served by small planes or boats with baggage limits and weather delays.
• Check entry requirements early. Visas, passport validity and health requirements can take time to arrange.

Crossing time zones

A trip to the far side of the world means crossing many time zones, and your body will notice. Wikipedia's article on jet lag describes it as a temporary physiological condition that occurs when a person's circadian rhythm is out of sync with the time zone they are in, typically after travelling rapidly across multiple time zones. It also notes that jet lag is linked to distance travelled along the east–west axis, so a long flight that goes mostly north or south does not cause it.

Plan the first day or two gently: an easy walk, a swim, an early dinner. Getting outside in daylight and keeping to local mealtimes helps many travellers settle in. The guide to jet lag and sleep explains more about your body clock and why it needs time, and the honeymoon guide covers how to shape the whole trip so that the romance is not lost to tiredness.

Health and practicalities

Long-haul destinations may need vaccinations or other health preparations. Check official health advice well before travelling and see a health care provider if you have any questions. Travel insurance is particularly important for a trip that is expensive, far away and dependent on several connecting flights. The romantic travel tips page covers documents, budgets and packing in more detail.

The payoff

Yes, a long-haul honeymoon takes effort. But waking up to a lagoon outside your door, walking through a lantern-lit market or watching the sun rise over a reef makes every hour of travel worthwhile. Plan well, pace yourselves, and let the distance be part of the story.