10 Unique Honeymoons

After the months, sometimes years, of planning and stress that go into pulling off that perfect wedding fete, nothing's sweeter than boarding the plane en route to post-marital bliss-a.k.a. the long-awaited honeymoon.

But when it comes to honeymooning, where does one even begin in choosing a destination? The good news is you're not limited to an all-inclusive Sandals resorts or over-the-top Caribbean cruise. Nor do honeymoons have to be restricted to beaches and umbrella-garnished boat drinks. In fact, many more intrepid honeymooners are choosing the path less traveled and opting for cold-weather jaunts as an alternative.Take, for example, a Hurtigruten expedition trip up to Spitsbergen, a remote island in the Arctic Circle that's part of the Norwegian-occupied archipelago of Svalbard. Not only will you have one-on-one time with your new spouse far from the maddening crowd where cell phones, TV and Internet are scarce to none. But you'll also enjoy an intimate experience in some of the most remote reaches of the planet, surrounded by glaciers and towering jagged peaks, keeping your eyes forever pointed toward the horizon searching for a polar bear, reindeer, Arctic fox, walrus, minke whale or other friend of the far North.

Or you might decide on high-altitude fun in an outdoor sports summit like Switzerland instead. Philadelphia-based couple Lindsey Ferris Carmine and Andy Carmine did just that, hopping a flight to Zurich, gateway to the Alps, after their New Year's Eve nuptials two years ago, and making their way southwest via Switzerland's high-tech rail system. ''A small wooden elevated train track lined with white Christmas lights coiled the town center of Gstaad, our first stop,'' the Carmines recall. ''When the train came to a halt, a mix of night skiers, locals and wide-eyed visitors poured out onto the main street. If our trip had ended with that view alone, we would have been satisfied.''

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Those with summer honeymoons on the calendar might also consider a visit to Switzerland. Where biking and hiking and mountain climbing opportunities abound, the Engadin Valley in the southeastern corner region of Maloja is chock-full of high-end resorts and outdoor tours-so you can have your cake and eat it, too (i.e. get your fill of the outdoors without sacrificing luxury while doing so). Take an extreme mountain bike ride down from Corviglia, through the town and have a picnic alongside the lake. Or try your luck at the terrifying yet exhilarating mountain climbing trail, Via Ferrata, which ends just above 10,000 feet, at nearby Diavolezza, before soaking in the world's highest hot tub, toasting to your achievements with a fine bottle of bubbly.

For a bit more adventure with unique flair, New Zealand has much to offer. From zorbing-i.e. hurling yourself down a grassy knoll in a beach ball-like globe contraption-and rappelling through glowworm-lit caves on the North Island to week-long kayaking journeys, hang-gliding, sky-diving and exploring the bush along the South, you won't be lacking for cardio activities to fill your days.''Since New Zealand's the size of California, it's easy to see and do more in two weeks than elsewhere like Australia,'' Donna Heiderstadt, travel editor at Modern Bride magazine, says. ''I know of many couples who made
adventure-like trying every crazy extreme sport New Zealand has to offer-the focus of their honeymoon.'

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Image: Hit the streets in Macau