Admit it: planning a wedding can be terribly stressful. People constantly ask you to care about things at a moment’s notice that you had not, until that moment, knew existed. So, I understand the impulse to find an all-inclusive in Cancún and call it a day after your wedding. But for folks willing to put in the time and effort to have a more adventurous honeymoon, I’ve put together this list of 20 unique honeymoon destinations all over the world.

Unique Honeymoon Destinations in Europe

Lapland, Finland

If you and your partner’s travel tastes are closer to 9 or 10 on the adventure scale, few places scratch that itch quite like Lapland! The farthest northern region in Finland, much of the region sits north of the Arctic circle, making it the ultimate snowy destination. Accommodations in the region are some of the most unique in the world; why stay at a banal airport hotel when you can watch the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your own glass igloo? For Christmas lovers, Rovaniemi is world-famous for its real-life Santa Claus village. In addition to adventurous outings like dogsledding and running with reindeer, explore amazing cultural experiences unique to the area, like learning about the Sámi and relaxing in a sauna.

Must-dos: See the northern lights (September-March), go dog sledding, relax in a sauna (with a quick plunge in the snow, as Finns recommend).

Lefkada, Greece

While islands like Mykonos and Santorini tend to attract the most well-heeled tourists from around the world, my favorite Greek island is a secret most outsiders know little about: Lefkada. This gem on the Ionian sea is equally accessible by bus from both Athens and Thessaloniki, and is a very popular destination with Greeks. Ringed with sparkling blue waters, the island has many beaches accessible by bus for a small traveler’s fee. Stay in the main city (also called Lefkada) for access to energetic-yet-casual nightlife, or retreat to Kathisma for direct access to white sand beaches. As a bonus, you’ll save a bundle by avoiding more popular areas.

Must-dos: Eat Greek specialties like moussaka and fried talagani, jump off the cliffs into the ocean at Kathisma beach, chat up the ridiculously friendly locals

Tivat, Montenegro

If you demand a Mediterranean vacation even more off the beaten path than Lefkada, try Budvo, Montenegro. Thanks to its low cost of living and beautiful coastal location, this tiny country (only half the size of Sicily and slightly smaller than Connecticut) has recently gained international attention thanks to its appeal to retirees and expats. With beautiful natural scenery and high-end accommodations for cheap, it also sets the stage for a beautiful European honeymoon, with far fewer crowds than similar destinations like Croatia.

Must-dos: Shop the high-end ateliers along the marina, eat fresh-caught seafood, take a hike in nearby Lovćen National Park.

Kobarid, Slovenia

If this primarily land-locked Eastern European country hasn’t come up on your bucket list yet, consider moving it up. Red-roofed castles and bright cerulean lakes dot dramatic mountain valleys for scenery plucked straight from a fairy tale. The architecture has a lot of the old-world charm common in the region, but this nation really shines in the countryside. As one of the cleanest and safest countries in the world, Slovenia really shines in the quiet moments. Stroll along the very pedestrian-friendly streets of the cities, or take an outdoor adventure to appreciate the understated charm of Slovenia.

Must-dos: Have a romantic dinner at Hisa Franko, raft along the turquoise Soča river, take a boat ride on Lake Bled, sample the exquisite local wine

Unique Honeymoon Destinations in Asia

Trongsa, Bhutan

Tucked high in the Himalayas, the quiet mountain nation of Bhutan is one of the safest, most beautiful countries in the world. As such, the country takes pride in promoting sustainable tourism, with a SDF (sustainable development fee) applied to travels there. Bhutan also maintains fierce national pride in local culture; you won’t find any gift shops stuffed with trinkets or restaurants serving unpalatable hamburgers here! While you won’t find any ostentatious hedonism, Bhutan is about as close as you can get to a modern-day Shangri-la.

Must-dos: Eat the spiciest food you can, recharge from a challenging hike with a traditional hot stone bath, watch a spirited da (archery) tournament

Doha, Qatar

Before the discovery of oil, the tiny peninsula of Qatar’s main export was pearls found by traditional divers in the Persian Gulf. Now, it has the most Mercedes per capita in the world. Despite its flashy new exterior (Doha has one of the the highest-rated airports in the world), Qatar (pronounced like “c utter”) has maintained many cultural practices and preferences alive. The resulting travel experience blends high-end, modern amenities with old world hospitality and arts. Though not as strict as other countries in the region, make sure you research acceptable clothing and interactions between men and women in public, as it is more conservative than the west.

Must-dos: Experience Qatari culture at Katara Cultural Village, ride a traditional Dhow boat through a mangrove forest, eat traditional regional food at Jiwan on the fourth floor of the national museum

Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

If Seoul is the beating heart of South Korea, driving progress and culture throughout the peninsula, Sochko is the lungs, breathing in fresh renewal and restoration. This stunning seaside town is a popular destination with Koreans, but not as popular with outsiders. If you want the lively jubilance of a city with easily accessible nature, Sochko allows you to go precisely as fast or slow as you wish. With some of the highest-rated beaches in Korea, dramatic mountain vistas, and gorgeous temples and shrines, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as the soul.

Must-dos: Explore the multitudes on offer at the Sochko central market, spend a day (or two or three) exploring Seoraksan National Park, try a jjimjilbang (traditional Korean spa experience)

Phú Quốc, Vietnam

If you want the crystal clear waters and high-end amenities of Phuket with more bragging rights, Phú Quốc is your answer. Though you can certainly access typical tourist resources, the island, nicknamed “Pearl Island” is well-known for sustainable tourism and conservation. Over half of Phú Quốc is a designated UNESCO bioreserve! Adventurous travelers willing to put in some sweat equity can access secluded beaches, dramatic waterfalls, and cool caves. Thanks to the clear, calm water, Phú Quốc is one of the most popular places in Vietnam for water sports. If you prefer a quieter honeymoon, you can lounge to your heart’s content on their famously secluded beaches.

Must-dos: Sample the fish sauce at a local factory (they’re famous for it), take the Sun World cable car for the best view in Vietnam, have dinner on a floating restaurant

Unique Honeymoon Destinations in North & South America

Prince Edward Island, Canada

You don’t need to be an Anne of Green Gables fan to appreciate the rugged, pastoral beauty of PEI. Driveable from mainland Canada, PEI nevertheless feels miles removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Agriculture and fishing still dominate the economy here, and wildflowers mirror the rainbow of homes along the coast in the summer. More, “friendly walk along the beach” than “grueling hike up a mountain,” PEI is nevertheless well-suited to honeymooners who prioritize fresh air. The tourist season here is relatively short, but robust, with no shortage of local workshops, performances, tours, and demonstrations to experience.

Must-dos: Slurp down fresh Atlantic oysters, join a ceilidh brought over by Irish and Scottish immigrants centuries ago, ride a horse or a bike along the dramatic coastline

Anguilla

Right in the sweet spot between the Bahamas (crowded) and Barbuda (uninhabited), Anguilla offers a classic Caribbean getaway feel without the piles of cruise ships. As the smallest inhabited island in the Caribbean, they simply have less room for tourism behemoths! With no public transit and no formal addresses, making your way around the island can be a challenge. Not to worry – the locals are happy to help out! Besides, you can always give up and relax at one of the 33 beaches on the island – 4 of which are consistently ranked some of the best in the world. Anguillans are as serious about sustainability as they are lax about formal mapping. Look for accommodations and restaurants with high sustainability scores.

Must-dos: Try pigeon peas – a legume that’s a staple of Anguillan food, join in the boisterous night life at Sandy Ground beach, dig into local art, influenced by centuries of different indigenous and African tribes.

Glacier National Park, Montana, United States

US national parks nerds like myself consistently rank Glacier National Park as one of the most beautiful. If you go, it’s easy to see why. Dramatic alpine valleys created by millennia of glacial movement give way to crystal clear lakes studded with multicolored pebbles. I am convinced Thoreau would have written, “Nothing so fair, so pure, lies on the surface of the earth” about St. Mary’s Lake, not Walden Pond, had he had occasion to travel to Montana. Unique to most US national parks, Glacier features a small quasi-downtown area in the park, with a charming midcentury lakeside lodge offering alternate accommodations to those who decline to camp in a tent.

Must-dos: Take an early-morning kayak out on Lake McDonald, sample a huckleberry bear claw at Polebridge Mercantile, pop over the Canadian border to Waterton Lakes International Park.

Montevideo, Uruguay

While this small nation is often overshadowed by its neighbor to the north, Brazil, Uruguay has a lot to offer in its own right! Known for its stunning beaches and gorgeous post-colonial architecture, the strong social programs in Uruguay means it’s generally regarded as one of the safest countries in the world! Also, as one of the highest beef-producing regions in the world, you’d be remiss not to try traditional asado, or a big barbecue gathering! Yerba mate (typically shortened to maté) is the national drink of Uruguay, and can be found in abundance for a refreshing caffeine boost. Just down the coast from Montevideo, the lively beach town of Punta del Este, often called the “Miami of South America” has a great mix of fun nightlife, beautiful beaches, and charming architecture.

Must-dos: Go shopping at the beautiful, vibrant Mercado del Puerto, stroll along the “old town,” Ciudad Vieja, grab a cup of maté at Cafe Brasileria, a 19th century haven for Uruguay’s artists and intellectuals.

Unique Honeymoon Destinations in Africa

Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana

If you have ever dreamed of going on an African safari, Botswana should be the top choice on your list. Africa’s longest-running multi-party democracy also has a fairly low population density, meaning great swathes of the land have been dedicated to wildlife reserves. Botswanans take ecotourism very seriously – a hedonistic romp this is not. Visiting during the dry season (June-October) means higher chances of spotting wildlife, as they must congregate around fewer sources of water. Getting to Moremi is no small feat – it requires first a flight through a larger south African city (like Gabarone or Cape Town) to Maun, the local “tourist city,” then a smaller chartered flight directly to your accommodations. If you want to TRULY immerse yourself in nature, the Okavango Delta is the spot to do it.

Must-dos: Get pictures of the “big five,” (lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), take a sunset river cruise, relax in an outdoor shower to the tune of 500 chattering bird species

Flic en Flac, Mauritius

Located on the teal blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Mauritus has long been one of the world’s greatest trading posts thanks to its position relative to Africa, India, the Middle East, and China. Thanks to some, shall we say, unique, banking regulations, Mauritius is a bit of a haven for the wealthy, resulting in a wealth of luxurious options. But make no mistake, Mauritius is a peaceful and prosperous country with centuries of diversity making for a culture as unique and colorful as the landscape.

Must-dos: Snorkel or scuba dive one of the many coral reefs, see a dramatic waterfall in Black River Gorges National Park, spot a humpback whale in its natural environment (June-October).

Marrakech, Morocco

Though Casablanca is its most famous city to westerners, Marrakech is undoubtedly the beating heart of Moroccan culture. This bustling, vibrant city in the desert has been that way for millennia. Beautifully tiled riads make for gorgeous, private accommodations. Adventurous eaters will love the profusion of spices and flavors present in food cooked in a traditional tagine. As a devoutly Muslim country, you will hear the calls to prayer five times per day, calling moments of peace in a delightfully chaotic and boisterous city.

Must-dos: Haggle over textiles, spices, and leather goods in a souk (market), watch a master craftsman make an intricate tile mosaic, ride a camel (or hot air balloon!) through the Sahara.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

For a combination of wildlife and dramatic seaside scenery, Tanzania can’t be beat. With game reserves in the interior and white sand beaches on the coast, the whole country is full of natural wonder. Zanzibar is technically an island off the coast, that offers both a breathtaking beach experience and immersion in a strong local culture. While you could spend the whole trip relaxing on a pristine beach, make sure to engage with the local museums and institutions, too. Zanzibar has a fascinating history. Because of the strong influence of Muslim culture on the western side of the island, Zanzibar is actually quite conservative, especially when it comes to dress and PDA. Leave your thong bikini at home.

Must-dos: Visit Stone Town, a beautifully intact example of a Swahili trading town, see chattering colobus monkeys and giant tortoises at Jozani Chwaka Bay National park, eat the delicious fish curry known as Mchuzi Wa Samaki.

Unique Honeymoon Destinations in the Pacific

Antarctica

For those whose tastes veer to the polar opposite of Cancún (literally), it doesn’t get any more adventurous than Antarctica. After braving the famously rough tides in the Drake Passage, Antarctica rewards you with stark scenery and inhospitable weather. For those willing to brave its quirks, Antarctica rewards you with unforgettable experiences, like kayaking amongst penguin colonies and experiencing night skies with near-zero light pollution. If you come in the heart of summer (January), you can even camp outside! Despite the distinct lack of Mai Tais, Antarctica is still one of the most romantic places in the world to my mind, as it is a testament to the truly diverse wonders of our planet.

Must-dos: Trek amongst bustling penguin colonies (baby chicks are common around Christmas!), navigate ice floes in a kayak, tour a research facility basecamp.

Tasmania, Australia

While Australia’s Gold Coast is a parade of quirky beach towns, the dot to Australia’s question mark is one of the most diverse, fascinating places in the world. In a country with much of its own diverse wildlife, Tasmania kicks things up a notch with creatures like the Tasmanian devil and the red-bellied pademelon (which looks like a small, fat kangaroo). Tasmania also has some of the most diverse topography in Australia, with rainforests rubbing elbows with dramatic granite peaks, and white sand beaches snuggling against red stone cliffs.

Must-dos: Visit a winery along Tasmania’s eastern or northeastern coast, learn about Australia’s punitive past at the Port Arthur historic site, see skiers, dramatic waterfalls, and giant primordial trees in the same place: Mount Field National Park.

Tuvalu

As the least-visited country in the world, a honeymoon in Tuvalu certainly qualifies as unique! Enclosed in the Te Namo Lagoon in the center of the pacific ocean, this archipelago is only accessible by air from Fiji. But if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to get there, Tuvalu will reward you with breathtaking views, friendly locals (fewer than 10,000 of them), and deep immersion in nature. Thanks to climate change, Tuvalu’s future is uncertain – the capital city literally sits on a coral atoll. But those lucky enough to experience Tuvalu can’t say enough about this tiny piece of paradise.

Must-dos: Shop for locally-made handicrafts like baskets and jewelry, snorkel or scuba dive in the pristine lagoon, grab some international stamps (seriously – they’re some of the most valuable in the world)

Vanuatu

If over-water bungalows are more your speed, but Bora Bora seems too cliché, try Vanuatu on for size. With one of the longest histories in the region – Vanuatu has been inhabited since about 2,000 BCE, locals are so proud of their homeland that even the name loosely translates to “to stand on our land.” Though more visited than Tuvalu, Vanuatu sees about 300,000 tourists per year, far below the 1 million Fiji sees. To be sure, the scenery in Vanuatu is gorgeous, but the real appeal is the biodiverse landscape, with hundreds of unique species and an elevation difference of over 6000 feet (2000m).

Must-dos: See an ENORMOUS flying fox on Mona or Vanua Lava, get up close and personal with the active volcano Mt. Yasur, swim in the layered pools of the Mele cascades.