Some of the most memorable moments in life are our ‘firsts’: our first time getting behind the wheel, going to a gig or kissing someone. But often the settings for such events – car parks, community centres, graffitied alleyways – don’t do them justice.

This got us thinking: if you had the chance to relive these pivotal moments anywhere in the world, where would be the perfect place to try them?

Inspired by The Best Moment of Your Life – an anthology of 100 profound, moving and unforgettable travel experiences – we’ve paired some of life’s major milestones to settings suited to their significance.

First… drive

Many of us grew up fantasising about our first time getting behind the wheel, putting the pedal to the metal and screeching off into the sunset. The reality for most involved crawling in first gear around the empty car park of a local supermarket, with a parent or older sibling sitting rigidly in the passenger seat, sporadically stamping on an imaginary brake pedal.

If you could do it over: swap the supermarket for the wild mountain passes of Canada with a cruise along the Icefields Parkway. This wide public highway, based on an old packhorse trail once trudged by fur traders and First Nation communities, meanders for 143 epic miles through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, skirting around hulking, snow-scuffed mountains and thickets of forest that shimmer in the reflective waters of glacial lakes. While minimal traffic flow bodes well for newly qualified drivers, road tripping in this remote part of the world does come with its own unique hazards: grizzly bears.

Alternatives: for more wildlife-heavy road tripping (and minimal obstacles), consider a self-drive safari in Zambia. Meanwhile, equally jaw-dropping landscapes are prevalent along Argentina’s Ruta 40, which traverses 20 national parks as it winds down the length of the country.

First… kiss

Ah, the first kiss – a true minefield of a milestone. Whether yours was at a school disco, sweaty nightclub or student dormroom, the chances are the first time you locked lips with someone felt uncomfortable, awkward and a little… slobbery.

If you could do it over: first-time Frenchers can soothe both pre-smooch jitters and fear of excess moisture by watching dozens of people take part in the annual Omed-Omedan festival, also known as ‘the kissing ritual’, in the Balinese village of Sesetan. On the first day of Saka New Year, swarms of unmarried locals gather to publicly suck face in a bid to ward off bad luck and find love, before being unceremoniously drenched in water by priests keen to not let things get too heated. Once confident of your technique, head south to one of the Bukit Peninsula’s pristine stretches of sand – not a bad spot for a first kiss come sunset.

Alternatives: for something a little more traditional, consider the Pont Notre-Dame Bridge in Paris – ideally in the rain – or, for those looking for love, try the ‘Kissing Bench’, a landmark on Syracuse University campus, New York State. It’s said couples who kiss while sitting on the bench will one day wed.

First… tattoo

Whether that chinese symbol etched permanently into your arm was procured in a dubious high street studio, a ‘talented’ artist friend’s bedroom or forms the lasting memory of a week-long coming-of-age romp in one of Europe’s famed party towns, when it comes to tattoos, we don’t always get it right first time round.

If you could do it over: add a dab of gravitas to your first tattoo experience by getting inked at what’s thought to be the oldest tattoo parlour in the world. Located down a winding alleyway in Jerusalem’s Old City, Razzouk Ink is run by Wassim Razzouk, who proudly continues a 700-year-old family tradition of tattooing pilgrims who visit the holy city. While religious motifs remain the core of his work – with some designs based on hand-carved wooden stencils from the 16th century – travellers going under the needle in this atmospheric parlour can choose from a wide range of options or create their own design in advance.

Alternatives: more traditional tattooing techniques are on offer in parlours throughout Thailand, where bamboo tattoos (using pieces of sharp bamboo rather than an electric needle) are popular. Those lacking inspiration should consider heading to London’s annual tattoo convention, where over 400 international artists showcase their best body art skills.

First… concert

Everyone wishes the first gig they attended was some sort of seminal event writ large into musical folklore; Dylan going electric, Kurt Cobain headlining Reading Festival in a wheelchair – an impressive anecdote to whip out at work parties. But when all is said and done, your first live music experience likely involved a cover band at your local town hall, fronted by an overweight man sporting an ill-fitting Bon Jovi wig and a haunted look in his eyes.

If you could do it over: there are few more breathtaking venues in which to plunge into the world of live music than the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. The hilltop venue has been moulded from a natural rock formation, with a stage and open-air seating venue nestled between two giant sandstone monoliths that provide exquisite acoustics. The one-of-a-kind venue has welcomed some of the world’s biggest artists over the years, including Jimi Hendrix, U2 and, notably, the Beatles as part of their first US tour. Today the distinguished setting attracts everything from jazz to EDM artists, all backed by views of the vast parkland with a star-flecked sky overhead.

Alternatives: to hear classical instruments sounding their very best head to the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall; the venue is home to the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and exalted for its legendary acoustics. Meanwhile, England’s world-famous Glastonbury Festival welcomes hundreds of live acts to its farmland venue during its weekend run, meaning you’re certain to stumble on at least one performance worth bragging about.

First… legal drink

Nothing says ‘adulthood’ like that initial glug of your first legal alcoholic beverage, even if it was a glass of cheap vino bought for you by an aging aunt in a sticky-floored local pub. Chances are that first dalliance with alcohol was forgettable, and not just because of the quantities consumed.

If you could do it over: Beer Day is celebrated annually in Iceland on March 1, the day that the country’s 74-year prohibition laws finally came to an end in 1989. Each year the anniversary of that fateful day is marked with great gusto by Icelanders: join the partygoers thronging Reykjavik’s pubs, sample a celebratory swig of Brennivin (the country’s signature drink) atop Snæfellsjökull glacier or, for the quintessential Icelandic tourist experience, order a beer from the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa’s swim-up bar. Skál (cheers) to that.

Alternatives: for hops and hedonism, join lederhosen-clad revellers celebrating Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, in Munich, Germany, or for something a little more small-scale, soak up the atmosphere of Dublin’s old-world pubs, where the local trad music scene is as intoxicating as the locally brewed Guinness.

First… trip abroad

For many, the annual family holiday is akin to a game of Monopoly: it seems to last forever, squabbles ensue over money and everyone wants to be the dog (who’s enviably been left at home). Of course, childhood trips provide mounds of cherished memories, but there’s more to life than sitting in a damp tent playing yet another game of rummy.

If you could do it over: the Grand Tour was a traditional rite of passage for wealthy young European (and later American) nobles during the 18th century. Those who could afford it would leave their homeland, often accompanied by a ‘bear-leader’ (chaperone), in an attempt to enlighten themselves by perusing the art galleries and frequenting the concert halls of Europe. Fortunately, in the 300 years since, travel around the continent has become far more accessible – with Interrail passes a perennially popular way to trundle between iconic cities – but no less rewarding. Stroll by the Seine in Paris, browse ramshackle bookstores in Amsterdam and gawp at ancient relics in Rome: let the education begin.

Alternatives: a beach break in Sri Lanka? Horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan? Following the Gringo Trail through South America? While it might be too late to do-over your first holiday, there are endless possibilities for your next.

The Best Moment of Your Life – Book

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, you’re not alone. The remote archipelago in the Pacific receives flights and ships full of tourists every day – nearly 10 million per year. That number is expected to continue to grow, but as visitor numbers rise so do environmental costs.

The very elements that attract travelers to Hawaii – namely, the natural beauty and the local people and culture – are at risk of suffering under the weight of 10 million visitors. So if you’re headed to Hawaii, here’s how to show the islands some aloha.

Choose wisely

One of the first things on a trip to-do list is booking a home away from home. It’s also one of the main ways travelers impact a destination for better or worse. Choose ‘better’ by narrowing your search to properties contributing to the community and respecting the environment, people, and culture.

Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club is an oasis of aloha in the sea of concrete and chain hotels of Honolulu. It’s also a property committed to environmental and cultural conservation. Surfjack was the first hotel in Waikiki to eliminate single-use plastic, but you won’t miss those wasteful disposable bottles: endless refills are available at hydration stations. You’ll also find free reef-safe sunscreen dispensers, plastic-free bikini and accessories pop-up shops, and ‘talk story’ sessions on cultural and environmental topics.

Mahina & Sun’s – a sea-and-farm-to-fork restaurant serving up Hawaiian flavors, locally grown produce and sustainably sourced seafood – is a highlight at Surfjack. The sea snapper is the obvious star but be warned: creative side dishes like pohole (fiddlehead) salad and the ‘ulu (breadfruit superfood) with chili pepper aioli are so addictive you might find yourself filling up on them and still begging for seconds.

Spend locally

Visitors consume resources and can create or exacerbate local challenges such as traffic and degradation of sites (to the point some destinations are asking tourists to stay away, and some sites are shutting down temporarily or even permanently). But tourism done right can create a positive economic impact. Support local businesses and ensure your money cycles into the local economy.

Grab a fresh bite at a family-run restaurant like South Shore Grill, near iconic Diamond Head crater (the macadamia nut pesto is a must). For a special night out and a taste of Hawaiian cuisine, sit down to dinner at Merriman’s (locations on Kaua’i, Maui, O’ahu, and the Big Island of Hawai’i. For some fun, ask your server to choose your entrée, then order an appetizer or share plate (the Farm to High Rise Kim Chee at the Honolulu location is killer) and a specialty cocktail. The No Ka ‘Oi (the best) cocktail topped with honey lilikoi (passion fruit) puree comes by its name honestly.

Farmers markets throughout the islands make it easy to buy fresh and local. Some, like Uncle Robert’s Wednesday Night Market on the Big Island, have live music so you can turn your shopping trip into an island-style night out. Don’t worry if you dance up a sweat; you can cool off with a chilly treat from Nicoco – organic vegan gelato made from locally-sourced coconut, coffee and cacao.

You can also go straight to the source and tour a working farm, like ONO Organic Farm on Maui or Kahumana Organic Farm & Café on O’ahu. Kahumana has a community-minded social mission and works with vulnerable populations, so every dollar you spend goes back into the community. Raise a glass of the chilled hibiscus-and-herb drink and cheers to that!

Tread lightly

Hawaii’s natural environment is fragile, and with 10 million visitors setting foot here each year, it’s at risk of being trampled. There are a number of ways to tread lightly and aloha ‘aina (love and respect the land).

Hawaii played host to the first-ever World Reef Day and was the first U.S. state to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and oxtinoxate. The law will take effect in January 2021. But in the meantime, you can skip chemical sunscreens that pollute the ocean and harm marine life. Opt for reef-safe sunscreen like Raw Elements instead.

More tips: Carry your own reusable water bottle, bag, and utensils and say no to single-use plastics. Don’t harass or touch wildlife – it’s not only disruptive and potentially dangerous, in some cases (like with endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals and sea turtles) it’s illegal. Stay off the reef while swimming (touching or standing on reef destroys it and can injure you) and stick to marked trails while hiking.

Do venture away from the major tourist attractions to check out lesser-known activities like parts of Volcanoes National Park and forest bathing at Kahulu’u Gardens. Respect the sacred sites (yes, that means abiding by signs and fences even if other visitors disregard them. Don’t desecrate a sacred site for the ‘gram.)

Malama ‘aina

There is a concept in Hawaii called malama ‘aina, meaning to love and nurture the land. No doubt you will take more from Hawai’i than surf skills and a suntan – traveling brings new experiences, friends, inspiration, memories, and more. So why not give something meaningful back?

Keep an empty bag with you to collect trash you find on trails or beaches. Join a beach cleanup event with local organizations like 808 Cleanups on the Big Island or Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii on O’ahu. It’s a fantastic way to meet and mingle with a diverse mix of locals. 808 Cleanups even has an app and events calendar listing beach cleanups and activities such as wetland work days, shoreline restoration, and the planting of native limu, seaweed and algae.

Dig in deeper and get your hands dirty in the taro paddies of Ka Papa Lo‘i o Kānewai. You’ll learn about traditional farming methods, taro (a culturally significant Hawaiian crop), and Hawaiian history while working alongside locals. Or volunteer with Paepae o He’eia where you might be tasked with trash pickup, removing invasive mangrove or reconstructing a fishpond wall. The work can be challenging but the experience of teaming up with locals to malama ‘aina is unforgettable.

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We’ve hit peak wedding season, and just like the rest of us, celebrities love a summer ceremony. The past few weeks have seen Zoe Kravitz and Karl Glusman, Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger, and Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas all celebrate their nuptials with romantic getaways. But of course, the A-list’s honeymoon destinations tend to be a little more luxurious than ours — here, we’re counting down 10 of the most stunning locations the stars have been jetting off to this year.

Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas: The Maldives

After having their Las Vegas wedding spoiled by Diplo’s notorious live-stream of the event, the young couple married again in Provence last month. For their honeymoon, they jetted off to the Maldives for a stay at the eco-friendly, barefoot hotel Soneva Fushi. On Instagram, Turner shared pictures of the pair cycling around the island, dining on sushi at the overwater bar and crossing a rope bridge to the treetop restaurant, Fresh in the Garden. Guests can choose between the secluded Kunfunadhoo island’s sunset and sunrise sides: the former offers best access to the reef for snorkelers, while the latter promises greater privacy, ideal for the newlyweds. Both sides boast white sandy beaches, as captured in a post on Jonas’ Instagram account, next to videos of him snorkelling and having a go on the hotel’s ocean water slide. Soneva Fushi is made up of 63 lavish villas, and guests can enjoy water sports, an open-air cinema, the homemade chocolate and ice cream parlours, and an observatory with 3D telescope. Doubles from $1,796 per night, see here.

Zoe Kravitz and Karl Glusman: Positano, Italy

Kravitz and Glusman wed in her father Lenny’s three-storey 18th-century Paris mansion last month, and the pair are believed to have spent their honeymoon in Positano, Italy. The couple were pictured soon after the wedding in the coastal village, where they dined in Chez Black. The seaside restaurant dates back to 1949 and has been hailed as a Positano institution, serving Mediterranean cuisine including its specialty, spaghetti with sea urchin.

Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

As if their Moroccan wedding wasn’t romantic enough, the actor and model spent their honeymoon on an eco-friendly safari in Tanzania. In May, they travelled to Serengeti National Park, where they stayed in the idyllic Singita Grumeti lodges. Singita is known for its conservation initiatives, and the Grumeti lodges help to generate revenue to sustain the reserves. Elba and Dhowre shared pictures of their stay in two of the lodges: Sasakwa and Faru Faru. The former is built in the style of an Edwardian manor house with east African influences, while the latter offers contemporary African decor offset with the clean lines of Danish design. Guests can take a dip in the private infinity pool, visit the spa, attend a guided safari walk or go on a game drive to get up close to the incredible wildlife. Doubles at Saskwa lodge from $2,150 per night (high season), $1,615 per night (low season). Doubles at Faru Faru lodge from $1,795 per night (high season), $1,475 per night (low season), see here.

Jude Law and Phillipa Coan: Sardinia, Italy

The British actor married Coan, his partner of three years, in April, and the newlyweds spent their honeymoon on the Italian island of Sardinia last month. It’s the second-largest island in the Mediterranean but less crowded than many of its neighbours — perfect for well-known visitors like Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Denzel Washington seeking peace and tranquility. Sardinia boasts romantic five-star hotels with panoramic sea views, fresh seafood restaurants and white sandy beaches for lazy days in the sun. Law and Coan were spotted taking advantage of the gorgeous weather on a boat ride through crystal-clear waters, having lunch at a restaurant along the coast, and driving around the island in a classic Alfa Romeo convertible.

Caroline Wozniaki and David Lee: Portofino, Italy

The tennis star and the former NBA player exchanged their vows under the Tuscan sun in June, but they only had time for a quick break before Wozniaki had to fly to Wimbledon for this year’s championships. Days after their wedding, the pair were pictured enjoying some gelato on the pastel-coloured streets of Portofino, a fishing village on the Italian coastline. Wozniaki shared a few sun-soaked snaps from their ‘mini moon’ of the two on board a yacht, and later said the couple could only spend ‘a couple of days’ on the boat, but would be planning a longer getaway after Wimbledon.

Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra: Musandam, Oman

Jonas and Chopra’s two blockbuster weddings were followed by equally opulent honeymoon trips to the Middle East and the Caribbean. For the first, the couple stayed at the Six Senses Zighy Bay, a luxe resort in the northern Musandam peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman. Chopra shared pictures of the two laid out on palm-shaded sun loungers at their beachside retreat, with its high cobblestone walls. Guests are just footsteps from the sea, where they can partake in a variety of water sports, or visit the resort’s spa, tennis courts and saltwater swimming pool. Chopra and Jonas both posted photos from their second honeymoon in January, when the two posed in front of a private pool, as well as a video of Chopra on a beach swing, somewhere in the Caribbean islands. Doubles from $606, see here.

Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger: Lana’i, Hawaii

Two weeks after tying the knot in Montecito, California, Pratt and Schwarzenegger headed to the Hawaiian island of Lana’i. Hawaii is close to Pratt’s heart: he lived there before he became a Hollywood star, working odd jobs and sleeping in his van. Pratt returned this year for a relaxing holiday on the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, where he also celebrated his 40th birthday. Their hotel hasn’t been revealed (although there is just one luxury resort open on the island, the Four Seasons Lanai), but the two were seen hanging out poolside, doing laps, eating French fries and playing cards together amidst tropical gardens and the pristine shoreline.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk: Paris, France

Paltrow and new husband Falchuk also took multiple honeymoons, starting in the rolling hills of Umbria, Italy, where the actress shared a photo of a beautiful sunset. Next up, the couple travelled to Paris, and checked into the honeymoon suite at the grand Four Seasons Hotel George V. The Goop guru gave her Instagram followers a tour of the suite, with its vast marble bath and plush bedroom, which is also where Elizabeth Taylor spent her honeymoon with second husband Conrad Hilton. The rooftop terraces give a 360-degree view of the city, including the Eiffel Tour, and guests can dine at the hotel’s three Michelin-starred restaurants. Doubles from €1,200 (€25,000 for the honeymoon suite), see here.

Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber: Ravello, Italy

After their courthouse wedding, the Biebers decamped to the Italian town of Ravello, nestled high above the Amalfi Coast. They spent their holiday in the Belmond Hotel Caruso, a former 11th-century palazzo, which now boasts marble hallways and sweeping arches with original frescoes and antique chandeliers. The famous heated infinity pool offers breathtaking views of the coast, while the hotel also has its own traditional wooden boat, which guests can borrow for sunset excursions, and provides a courtesy shuttle to Amalfi and Positano. Doubles from $938 per night, see here.

Robin Wright and Clement Giraudet: Formentera, Spain

Wright also turned to the Mediterranean for her honeymoon with Giraduet, a VIP public relations manager for Saint Laurent. Following an intimate ceremony in La Roche-sur-le-Buis, France, the couple made their way to the Spanish island of Formentera, next door to Ibiza. It’s not known where they stayed during their trip, but the pair were seen soaking up the sun on the beach and swimming in the turquoise waters, looking the picture of newlywed bliss.

Jordan – Book

Poets have written about it, bands have sung about it, Hollywood has made movies about it: long-distance love has been a well-documented trial of the heart for as long as people have travelled and felt Cupid’s arrow. It’s also increasingly common in this age of cheap flights, digital nomads, TEFL teachers and footloose travellers.

But long-distance love can be an isolating and challenging experience, so how do couples make it work? Lonely Planet writer James Bainbridge, who had a continent-spanning relationship between London and Cape Town, asks couples for their tips and offers his own advice.

Editor’s note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

1. Have an end in sight

I met Leigh-Robin in a bar on Cape Town’s main nightlife strip, Long Street, and we kept the fire burning after a few days of cavorting around the pretty Cape Winelands. A couple of months later, Leigh-Robin came to visit me in London, then we lived in Istanbul for a spell and finally I followed her to Cape Town. Nine years later, we’re happily (if sleep-deprivedly) married with two young children.

During those early days of Skype sessions and separation, it was encouraging to have an end to the long-distance chapter in sight. We had a goal to work towards, first her visit to London, then Istanbul and finally Cape Town, all times when we would actually be on the same continent. Without those concrete goals, the relationship might have eventually started to feel like an abstract, virtual affair, removed from our everyday lives. But we made it through that phase and, true to the globe-trotting nature of our courtship, we’re passing on the travel bug to our kids.

2. Share a dream

Illinois-born Jennifer Gilmore has lived the travel dream through teaching English around the world, spending over a decade in nine countries from Turkey to Chile, the Czech Republic to Japan. Given this globe-trotting career, it was perhaps unsurprising that she added long-distance love to her visa stamps, when she met Tanzanian Fabi Mwaikokoba while on holiday in Zanzibar.

“What has made our long-distance relationship bearable is our shared belief in our dream,” Jennifer writes from Uganda. “We are apart because it’s best for our careers and we’re both saving money, but our long-term goal is to buy land, build a house, grow a farm, and rent bungalows in mainland Tanzania. We both want this, and we’re willing to make sacrifices to get it. When the distance between us gets particularly difficult, we talk again about our plans, recommit to them, and remind one another that we are apart so we can live the life we want to live for the rest of our lives.”

3. Read a good book

Technology is a huge help in sustaining long-distance relationships, whether it’s lovers WhatsApping sweet nothings or grandparents keeping in touch with their grandchildren on Skype. Cory Booker, New Jersey senator, reads books aloud over FaceTime with girlfriend Rosario Dawson. He also sends the Hollywood actress a song every morning. They enjoyed City of Thieves, David Benioff’s novel set in St Petersburg during World War II, and their list of books is likely to get longer still.

4. Share core values

Having a shared spiritual belief was central to the transatlantic courtship of London-based digital developer Paddy Keane and American jewellery designer Christine Casil.

“The distance also fortuitously encouraged me to think about marriage, as I couldn’t afford the trips to the USA and back, so the relationship developed sustainably while having some helpful pressure to make decisions,” says Paddy.

Trips to Christine’s home patches of New York and Hawaii and Paddy’s spiritual home, West Cork, kept the magic alive, as did Facebook and FaceTime, but Paddy ultimately credits a higher ideal.

“Having shared core values and efforts in trying to cultivate a Buddhist-centred mindset and a desire to help local communities came into play.”

5. Play Boggle

It’s no surprise that Lonely Planet’s travel-loving writers are wise in the ways of long-distance love. American author Alex Leviton says that, while catching up digitally is great, it’s even better to “find something to do online. Play a game, make lists, read or watch something together.”

Her story bears this out, beginning with meeting the love of her life at a castle in Spain. “I was working on the Lonely Planet book Calm at the time, and writing out my research in Google Docs. We’d have dates “in” Google Docs, chatting about not only our day or our lives, but also the research. Chatting on Skype was fine, but it wasn’t real life. This way, we had a chance to connect over a shared experience, talking about music or nature or meditation or whatever else I was researching.”

The couple still applies this lesson when Alex is on the road. “We play games over text message now when one of us is travelling. Whoever stays home takes a photo of our Boggle board and we play a few games before the later person’s bedtime.”

6. Find the same headspace

Love also crossed the pond for British filmmaker Patrick Steel. The transatlantic couple has converged on Edinburgh, a fittingly beautiful place to live happily ever after, but Patrick says it was sometimes challenging to make the relationship work across time zones.

“If there is a time difference, try and find solid time to catch up properly when you are both in the same headspace, rather than snatched moments between other events. WhatsApp is a great invention for keeping in touch day to day so you are both invested in each other’s lives.”

7. Be open in correspondence

Travel writer Alex Leviton’s use of Google Docs was certainly unusual, but imagine the complications if both partners were peripatetic Lonely Planet writers. This happened to American authors Ryan and Alexis Ver Berkmoes, who met at a writers’ conference and “spent years long-distancing it”. Now living in California, the couple found a particularly writerly solution to the separation.

“Have an open heart in your correspondence,” says Ryan. “And in our case, we only corresponded at first: no text, no calls, no Skype, no FaceTime. Pure epistolary romance – there is a benefit to that, too. Then, once we got going as a couple we incorporated the other forms of communication.”

Work still takes them overseas, and they are mastering the various aspects of long-distance love, from trying to speak every day to managing transitions.

“We’ve come to understand that inevitably we get a bit lone-wolfish when we’re apart and that it’s okay if there is some friction in communication at reuniting because we have to relearn to be a couple/duo.”

8. Watch a movie

Designer Matthew Wainhouse and analyst Lenka Smitova are pragmatic, respectively saying “it just requires a really good internet connection” and “it takes tons of nagging over the phone.” Lenka lives in London, while Matthew can be found renovating their house in Slovakia and snowboarding in the High Tatras.

“One thing we often do is both watch a movie, by pressing play at the same time and wearing headphones – if you get it right, it’s almost the same as really watching a movie together,” he says.

You might also like:

Pop the question at the world’s best engagement destinations
The 10 best places for solo travellers to find love
Be my travel buddy forever: 10 proposal stories from Lonely Planet staffers

This article was originally published in December 2019 and updated August 2020.

Renowned for romance, Fiji is a long-time honeymooners’ hotspot. But these days, more and more couples are choosing to also tie the knot on this photogenic patch of paradise, closing the wedding/honeymoon gap and turning their Big Day into the trip of a lifetime. Whatever your wedding style – intimate, large-scale, offbeat, elopement – Fiji is a fabulous place to say ‘I do’.

Why Fiji?

The real question is: why not Fiji?

This tropical nation is balmy and beautiful year-round, making it a top-notch spot for an outdoor wedding whatever the month, and its unforgettable (and eminently Instagrammable) backdrops of sea, sand, rainforest, waterfalls and mountains ensure enviable wedding pics wherever you decide to exchange vows.

Such splendor comes at a cost – a low cost. For a fraction of the price of a wedding in many other countries, you could get hitched (and honeymoon) in swoon-worthy style; affordable wedding- package deals mean your nearest and dearest can join you as you walk down the aisle

Another bonus; it’s easy! Most resorts have on-staff wedding coordinators who can organize everything – from the venue and the catering to flowers and photography- even Fijian choirs and warriors for that special touch. Want to get married on a remote South Seas sand spit or private island? Done. How about a kava ceremony to ensure a mellow start to matrimony? Also done. And say goodbye to bland chicken and fish dishes at your reception: opt for a lovo – a traditional Fijian feast where food is cooked in an underground oven – instead.

Intimate weddings

Those eager to get their marriage off to a great start are in luck: you’ll find exclusive resorts galore in Fiji. Strewn across the islands and perched on Fiji’s trademark white sands beside equally iconic turquoise lagoons, private paradises include Matangi Private Island Resort (off the ‘Garden Isle’ of Taveuni), replete with ridiculously romantic treehouse love-nests; Tokoriki Island Resort, which boasts a darling thatched-roof stone chapel and on-site ‘Romance Coordinator’; and the to-die-for Likuliku Lagoon Resort (Malolo Island), which is actually above a lagoon – its luxe accommodations were Fiji’s first overwater bures (traditional thatched dwellings). For the most intimate of ceremonies, rafts of resorts – such as Yasawa Island Resort and Royal Davui Island Resort – offer increasingly popular (and highly affordable) elopement packages.

Large-scale weddings

Whether you’ve got a super-sized entourage of relatives or are keen on having everyone from your best friend’s second cousin to your colleague in accounting attend your big day, Fiji’s larger resorts have you covered. Viti Levu (the ‘big island’) and the Mamanuca Island chain just offshore house most of Fiji’s bigger venues: Musket Cove Island Resort (Malolo Lailai Island) can accommodate wedding parties of up to 100, while the heftiest of clans can celebrate en masse at the Sheraton Fiji Resort on Denarau Island – it can host up to 1600 guests. For those who can’t make the journey, the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa on the Coral Coast offers a live-feed from its wedding pavilion so folks can watch back home.

Weddings with a twist

It’s not just resorts and hotels that host exciting nuptials in Fiji; couples can take their vows in a variety of venues ranging from quirky to quaint. Nature-lovers can indulge in flowery festivities at the gorgeous Garden of the Sleeping Giant or Flora Tropica Gardens; hit the heights of romance in the mountains of the Nausori Highlands; or make a splash with a ceremony at Taveuni’s Bouma Falls. Like to be in the Great Outdoors but not that outdoors? Both Namale Resort and Spa or Savasi Island Resort offer the romantic grotto ceremony of your dreams. And for those who simply can’t get enough of each other, a private ceremony straddling the International Dateline allows you to let that first kiss as newlyweds linger over two days at once.

Weddings with a Fijian flair

Looking for something completely different? For brides, how about being escorted down the aisle by a group of traditionally clad Fijian warriors, or transported to the ceremony on a garland-draped bilibili (raft)? Fiji can make it happen. Perhaps you would like to wear a traditional Fijian gown, or have a Fijian choir as part of the ceremony – those are some of the most popular options of all. Plenty of resorts also offer brides the chance to be carried to their groom in a flower-and-palm-leaf strewn wooden throne, complete with a conch-blowing choir. And if you and your betrothed take ‘taking the plunge’ literally, Koro Sun Resort and Rainforest Spa on Vanua Levu offers underwater weddings.

The nitty-gritty

Getting married in Fiji is a surprisingly simple proposition. Lots of websites offer guidelines and advice; if you’re opting for a resort wedding, there’s a good chance they’ll be able do all the planning and organizing for you. Main points to note:

Legal stuff

Fijian weddings are legally binding and recognized worldwide. You’ll need to obtain a marriage license upon arrival in Fiji and provide the required legal documentation including birth certificates and a “Single Status Certificate” proving you’re not already married. Not to worry, your resort’s wedding coordinator can help with all this too!

Visas

Free tourist visas (lasting 90 days) are granted on arrival to citizens of more than 100 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and most countries belonging to the European Union.

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When your wedding budget stretches into the millions, the possibilities are endless. So it’s no surprise that celebrities often choose to say their ‘I dos’ in exotic locales.

From romantic Italian villas to grand Irish castles, if you’re looking for some wedding inspiration from the stars, let us walk you down the aisle with these iconic celebrity destination weddings.

1. George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin
Location: Venice, Italy

The 2014 nuptials of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor and the renowned human rights lawyer were always going to be memorable. But Clooney and Alamuddin’s venue choice made this wedding an all-timer.

The pair tied the knot with a four-day celebration in Venice. First, they stopped off at the Palazzo Ca’ Farsetti for a 10-minute civil ceremony (Alamuddin wearing that famous cream trouser suit) before taking a water taxi to the luxurious Aman Canal Grande for their reception. Built in the 16th century, it had opened as the city’s only seven-star hotel the year before. It has two private gardens, spectacular views of the Grand Canal and ceiling frescoes by 18th-century painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

2. David Beckham and Victoria Adams
Location: Dublin, Ireland

As the recent Netflix docuseries Beckham reminded viewers, Beckham and Adams held an epic ceremony at a 15th-century Irish castle back in 1999. The wedding had a Robin Hood color scheme – shades of burgundy, forest green, and deep purple; plus violet his-and-hers outfits – and reportedly cost US$800,000.

With matching oversized thrones, a gold-and-diamond tiara, plus fireworks to close out the festivities, it was the ultimate of opulent celebrity destination weddings. It all took place at Luttrellstown Castle, in Castleknock on the outskirts of Dublin. Now a popular golf resort, the castle is still available to hire for weddings complete with ornate furniture, rolling countryside and views over the Wicklow Mountains.

3. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas
Location: Jodhpur, India

With a flurry of pre-rituals, ceremonies and receptions from Jodhpur to North Carolina, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas guaranteed their wedding was the most lavish celebrity do of 2018.

They held the main event at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the primary residence of Jodhpur’s erstwhile royal family, which now includes a hotel. Spread across three days, the couple had both Christian and Hindu marriage ceremonies, and blended Indian and American culture.

The palace has 347 Art Deco-style rooms, including a throne chamber, a museum, a library, an indoor pool and a spa. Set on a hill above Jodhpur, guests get to look out over the historic Blue City and wander through its 26 acres of gardens.

4. Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge
Location: Antibes, France

When Sofia Richie – model, influencer and daughter of music legend Lionel Richie – married record executive Elliot Grainge at the oceanfront Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the south of France, TikTokers dubbed it “the Royal Wedding.” Their ultra-glamorous Antibes ceremony featured three Chanel bridal gowns, a fireworks display and a star-studded guestlist that included Cameron Diaz and Paris Hilton. No wonder it went viral — the glittering resort is pure old-world romance.

Originally a 19th-century artists’ retreat, the Hôtel du Cap has welcomed everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Elizabeth Taylor to Beyoncé. It remains one of the world’s finest hotels and features a grand promenade – setting for Richie’s seven-minute walk down the aisle – Dior-run spa, five tennis courts, and a dazzling saltwater infinity pool.

5. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen
Location: Lake Como, Italy

Celebrities love to choose Italy for their destination weddings. One of their favorite spots is Lake Como, where George Clooney, Madonna and Gianni Versace have all owned holiday homes. It’s no surprise, then, that John Legend and Chrissy Teigen were so smitten with the area that they opted for the lakefront Villa Pizzo for their big day in 2013.

As well as its gorgeous terrace, the sun-bleached pink facade is fabulously photogenic – as are the tree-lined avenues, lakeside gardens and baroque fountains. Inside, much of the 16th-century decor has been beautifully maintained, complete with magnificent frescoes and gilded interiors.

6. Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker
Location: Portofino, Italy

After low-key ceremonies in Las Vegas and Santa Barbara, the reality TV star and blink-182 drummer tied the knot for a third time during an extravagant weekend on the Italian Riviera

Hosted by Dolce & Gabbana at the brand’s private Portofino estate, the whole Kardashian-Jenner clan descended on Villa Olivetta. The party then made their way to Castello Brown, a scenic medieval castle overlooking the harbor.

Built in the 16th century as a military fortress, today it is open to the public as a museum and available for hire for private events. Surrounded by a lush Mediterranean garden full of cypress trees, roses and pergolas, the terrace offers panoramic views of the bay.

7. Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman
Location: Big Sur, USA

Hollywood couple Hathaway and Shulman exchanged their vows during an outdoor wedding at the picturesque Ventana in Big Sur. Surrounded by Californian redwoods, the sunset ceremony had a stunning backdrop of both the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia mountains.

The resort has plenty for guests to do: gather around cozy fire pits; dine on coastal cuisine; and take in the ocean views. It also has Japanese hot baths and an infinity pool. Designed to reflect the area’s beauty, the rooms in this eco-friendly hotel have modern rustic furnishings alongside sustainable initiatives like water conservation and energy efficiency usage. They use native landscaping, too.

8. Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre
Location: Marrakesh, Morocco

The British actor and his Canadian model finance jetted off to Morocco for a secret ceremony in 2019, which included three days of celebrations in three luxury Marrakesh hotels. The night before the wedding, the couple held a “colors of the Souk”-themed dinner at the Amanjena Resort, a rose-hued idyll just outside the Red City. Mint green accents complement its pink clay walls with decorative arched ceilings and soaring pillars built around a dramatic central water bassin.

The official ceremony took place at the Ksar Char Bagh, a decadent retreat inspired by 14th-century Moorish architecture. Located in Marrakesh’s Palmeraie, only 30 guests at a time could enjoy its palm-lined pool, red marble hammam and intricately tiled courtyards. The Elba wedding culminated in an all-white party at the Mandarin Oriental whose magnificent gardens span 20 hectares and overflow with 100,000 multicolored roses.

9. Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner
Location: Provence, France

Their marriage may have ended in 2023, but the memories of their big day endure as dreamy wedding inspiration. In 2019, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner celebrated their nuptials in Provence, at the majestic Chateau de Tourreau. The castle stands at the end of a long line of century-old plane trees, surrounded by 20 acres of lush parkland, and includes a consecrated chapel that dates back to the 17th century.

It also has an infinity pool, tennis courts, bubbling fountains and a sculpture garden, while inside, guests can relax in the carefully restored library or games room, before sitting down to meals prepared by a chef using ingredients from the on-site vegetable farm.

10. Michael Buble and Luisana Lopilato
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Following their civil ceremony, Michael Buble and Luisana Lopilato held a second wedding in 2011 in the actress’s native Argentina. For the venue, the couple chose Villa Maria, a secluded palace on the outskirts of Buenos Aires; attendees sipped cocktails by a lake lit up with 1000 candles before dancing the night away.

Built in 1927 and designed in a Norman-Tudor style, the three-story estate offers 11 elegant rooms decorated with antique furniture and four-poster beds. There’s also a wood-paneled billiards and cigar room, while outside, guests can meander through 180 acres of nature trails and serene greenery for an utterly charming rural retreat.

11. Chiara Ferragni and Federico ‘Fedez’ Lucia
Location: Sicily, Italy

In what was described as “the Italian royal wedding”, fashion influencer Chiara Ferragni and rapper Fedez wed in a 19th-century estate in Noto in 2018. The couple flew friends to Sicily for the three-day festivities, which began with a rehearsal dinner at the Palazzo Nicolaci, a beautiful baroque building built in 1765 and now open to the public.

The following night, the two tied the knot in an outdoor ceremony at Dimora delle Balze, a lovingly refurbished palazzo brimming with rustic Italian charm. The venue blends old and new with contemporary design pieces, natural stone terraces, a saltwater pool and classical columns, while each of the 11 rooms is decorated in tribute to a Sicilian artist.

A new adults-only museum focused on Bangkok’s notorious Patpong red-light district has opened in the Thai capital. But is it as seedy as it sounds? Jamie Fullerton goes behind the curtain to investigate.

It only takes a few seconds after entering Bangkok’s Patpong Museum to realise this isn’t your run-of-the-mill heritage museum.

The realisation hits me like a ping pong ball, which has been fired in my direction from a hole in the wall situated between the legs of a silhouette of a naked woman.

Nearby, a screen shows footage of the act that inspired the creation of the ball-shooting machine, filmed in the district of the Thai capital in which I currently stand. In it, a naked woman launches balls across a bar from her genitals, as an enthusiastic, fully-clothed western man gleefully bats away the projectiles with a table tennis paddle.

I glance around and find myself wondering, “Are these really exhibits that belong in a museum?”

A one-of-a-kind museum

Opened in October 2019 by Austrian Michael Messner, who previously ran bars in the area, Patpong Museum celebrates a place considered shamefully seedy by many people.

Since the now-defunct Grand Prix Lounge was opened in 1969 by an ex-US soldier called Rick Menard – becoming the first venue in Patpong to feature scantily clad female dancers – the area has been a stomping ground for sex workers, nude dancers, the famous ping pong markswomen and their clientele: mainly male expats and tourists.

Messner, 42, is a confirmed defender of those who ply their trade in Patpong – but even he squirms at some aspects of his adopted neighbourhood. He said that despite installing the aforementioned video in his museum, he found the ping pong antics “very degrading. But that’s part of our mission: to let people know what’s out there.”

A few famous faces

The museum certainly showcases what’s out there, but also shines a spotlight on those that come to enjoy it.

One regular Patpong visitor given much museum space is CIA officer Tony Poe, who died in 2003. Poe trained Laos tribespeople to fight against the North Vietnamese and was known for cutting ears off dead enemies. He allegedly inspired the character Colonel Kurtz in the 1979 Francis Ford Coppola film Apocalypse Now – trinkets from the film feature in the museum.

More recent notable Patpong visitors, including action movie stars Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme, are depicted on a ‘wall of fame’. One museum guide confirms that the latter is a “very nice guy”, and is sometimes spotted near the venue.

David Bowie also visited Patpong in 1983 while on the Bangkok leg of a tour, and also appeared to have enjoyed himself. The video for his song ‘Ricochet’ plays on loop in the museum, featuring the singer surrounded by near-naked women in a go-go bar that still operates not far from the venue.

The history of Patpong

Messner says that despite the jovial tone of many of the museum’s exhibits (which also includes an impressive scale model of the neighbourhood alongside the baht-stuffed thongs and objects being fired out of orifices), Patpong Museum was born of respect for the area he has worked in since the early 2000s, and aims to educate visitors about its rich heritage.

Patpong’s less salacious history is revealed to visitors via the story of Poon Pat: a Chinese immigrant who made his fortune selling cement before being given the title Luang Patpongpanich by Thailand’s King Prajadhipok in 1930. In 1946 Patpongpanich bought the land that would become Patpong, which at that time was a banana plantation site.

Patpong expanded into urbanity with Udom, Patpongpanich’s son, encouraging firms such as Shell and Air France to base offices there in the 1950s. In the 1960s CIA operations ran from the district and US soldiers on breaks from the Vietnam War relaxed there, creating the potential customer base for booze and female nudity-focused venues that the area is still synonymous with.

To reinforce the idea of the museum as a celebration of Patpong, Messner says that he gave free tours to local workers when the museum opened, including many in the sex trade.

“They were proud,” he says. “Everyone should have self-respect, but they often lack that because they can’t talk about where they work. Now they’ve become part of Patpong’s story.”

The winds of change

As night fell after my visit to the museum, Patpong became illuminated by go-go bar signs, as whispering touts offered “lady massages” to passing gentlemen.

Messner notes that despite such scenes, many raunchy bars in the area have closed down as the soldier-fueled boom years become increasingly distant.

A family-friendly night market changed the vibe of the area when it opened in the early 1990s, perhaps leading those seeking exclusively X-rated thrills to visit other Bangkok red-light districts such as Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy. More recently Bangkok’s nightclub and trendy cocktail bar scene has exploded, with more expats and tourists indulging in Sex on the Beach rather than sex in a brothel.

The museum, Messner admits, documents a scene increasingly out of step with Bangkok nightlife trends – arguably making its opening all the more timely and important. “Many visitors come to Patpong to see what a red-light district looks like,” he said. “But really, it’s a concept not of our time anymore.”

It seems such exhibits do belong in a museum after all.

Patpong Museum is located at 5 Patpong Soi 2, Bangkok, and is open 10am-11pm daily. Tickets cost 350 baht (check the museum’s website for potential discounts). Visitors must be aged 18 or over.

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A sublime sunset view, a wild off-road adventure: these are the moments that turn our escapes into love affairs for a new locale. And while there may be myriad cities on your bucket list befitting a fleeting holiday romance, what about the destinations we choose to make a long-term commitment to?

We often have a love-hate relationship with the cities we live in. They may infuriate us at times and have us dreaming of more exotic affairs, but through the make-ups and break-ups we still get butterflies when we think of home. In celebration of these special relationships, our Lonely Planet Locals get to the heart of why they love the cities they’ve decided to settle down with.

Rome, Italy: an eternal love

My type used to be quaint and quiet, but spirited Rome swept me off my feet. Italy’s capital wooed me with its sweeping views and gilded sunsets, best relished from the top of the Gianicolo Hill. Even the most mundane tasks were thrilling – a work commute became a heady adventure brimming with the clatter of coffee spoons, the Colosseum, cupolas. Five years in, the initial passion has ebbed: I’ve seen Rome’s flaws, its traffic and graffiti and noise. Sometimes I’m tempted by Copenhagen’s icy good looks or Glasgow’s hills. But one twilight stroll along the Tiber, and I’m reminded why I stay.

The moment I fell: A way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach; by my first dish of rigatoni alla carbonara, Rome had me weak at the knees.

Alexandra Bruzzese is an American freelance journalist who has lived in Rome since 2012. Follow her on Instagram @foodaroundrome.

Tel Aviv, Israel: my springtime soulmate

Those of close acquaintance know Tel Aviv by its pet name ‘Hill of Spring’, so it seemed apt that we should meet in April, just as the flowers were blooming and the locals were starting to dip their toes back into the balmy Mediterranean after the winter. Maybe it was the seasonal stirrings of romance in the air, but Tel Aviv felt like an old soulmate. As I delved deeper I discovered a spicy, artistic, musical soul. Like all long-term couples, we’ve had our ups and downs, war and peace – but it’s safe to say things have never been boring.

The moment I fell: The sun was setting over the sea, turning the sky purple and pink as I walked along the seafront promenade. Struck by the energy of the locals jogging, cycling and playing basketball I had the urge to climb a tall eucalyptus tree. Sure, it wasn’t the most sensible idea, but I know for certain that was the moment I fell (almost literally) for Tel Aviv.

Dan Savery Raz is a travel writer based in Tel Aviv. He loves writing poetry and fiction, as well as going on nature trails with his children. Follow his tweets @dansaveryraz.

Dublin, Ireland: love at second sight

My first encounter with Dublin was at the start of a crippling recession and we didn’t gel. After some time apart, we met again in 2015 and everything changed. It felt better this time around; we’d both grown up and become more confident. Dublin wasn’t the best looking city, but it had an unbeatable sense of humour and lots of hidden creative talent. Eventually I realised this wasn’t a fling; this was a real grown-up love affair with the right mix of comfort, excitement and plenty of date nights to keep the spark alive.

The moment I fell: Every time I round a corner to find a new, colourful piece of street art, I fall a little more in love.

AnneMarie McCarthy is Social News Coordinator for Lonely Planet and lives in Dublin. Follow her photos @annmo13.

Delhi, India: my metro mania

Though somewhat aloof, Delhi had always been close to my heart, and that inexplicable fascination for the unattainable found me vying to bridge the emotional gap. As we got closer I discovered an exasperatingly conflicting personality – impetuous one moment, surprisingly genteel the next and, at times, almost hostile. But being smitten I doggedly pursued, and before long came to understand the substance beneath the superficial attitude. As things stand today, Delhi completes my constant craving for history, culture and cuisine like nowhere else in India.

The moment I fell: Delhi’s resilient architectural heritage tells of a rich and animated past – these weather-beaten poems-in-stone had me at first sight.

Puneetinder Kaur Sidhu is a travel writer, content developer, food critic and incorrigible globetrotter. Follow her on Instagram @puneetinder_kaur.

New York City, USA: my mercurial amore

I’d long admired New York City from afar. And when we finally became acquainted, I knew it was the beginning of a lifelong romance. Its energy was beguiling, filled with the easy confidence of someone who knows they’re special. As I wandered its cinematic streetscapes, I came to love New York’s electric and unpredictable charms and the way its mood changed in an instant – from chaotic urban scenes set to a cacophonous rhythm of taxi horns, to tranquil, brownstone-lined lanes with cafes tucked away from view, a secret to all but those in the know.

The moment I fell: The day I finally realised the secret to New York’s heady allure: whether your inclination be culture, food, fashion, architecture or history NYC can fulfil your fantasies.

Mikki Brammer is a writer, editor and photographer who always strives to have visited as many countries as years she’s lived. Follow her tweets @mikkibrammer.

Běijīng, China: love is blind

Whoever said love is blind must surely have meant you, Běijīng. Dressed in your gown of prim modernity, girdled with skyscrapers and garlanded with scarlet flags and socialist flowerbeds. Harmonious, civilised, and just a little bit bland. But I see the fire in your eyes that tells of a life richly lived. Triumphs and tragedies, love and laughter, secrets that reveal themselves to those who get close to you. Your winding lanes and willow-lined lakes, temple relics and wall remains, culinary and artistic treasures that survive and thrive. What I’m really saying is drop the act, you’re not fooling me. I love you for who you really are.

The moment I fell: Wandering through silent, sleeping hutong alleyways by the light of a silvery moon.

Tom O’Malley is a writer who swapped London for Běijīng in 2008 and never looked back, apart from those times when he really missed pubs, or his mum. Follow his tweets @Beijing_gourmet.

Cape Town, South Africa: more than skin deep

It wasn’t quite love at first sight. I mean, I couldn’t help but find Cape Town attractive – how could you not? But it was only after I left that I realised I had fallen head over heels. What followed was a (rather one-sided) long-distance relationship, and when I returned I wondered how I could ever have left. Cape Town gets more beautiful by the day – of course it comes with some baggage, but who doesn’t? After all, it’s Cape Town’s history that makes it such an amazing, soulful place, reminding me that you should never judge a book by its cover.

The moment I fell: Seeing that first glimpse of Table Mountain on my return to Cape Town and getting that wibbly feeling in my stomach, a feeling that confirmed this city was the one for me.

Lucy Corne moved to Cape Town in 2010 and writes on travel, food and beer. If she cricks her neck at just the right angle, she can see Table Mountain from her spare room/office. Follow her tweets @LucyCorne.

While some people dream of a big wedding day surrounded by all of their friends and family in a local venue, many couples are choosing to elope these days, for myriad reasons.

For some, the idea of being in the spotlight is terrifying, while others don’t want to want to spend a huge amount of money on just one day. Then there are those who embrace the opportunity to travel and celebrate the big day somewhere that is special to them or in a place they have always wanted to visit. With that in mind, Manchester-based videographer Catherine Luther Wedding Films analysed 100,000 Instagram images with the hashtag #elopement to compile a list of the 25 most popular destinations around the world for wedding elopements.

She found that Bali is the most popular destination for elopements, followed by New York, Paris, Las Vegas and Yosemite National Park. US National Parks were also incredibly popular for elopements, offering stunning backdrops for wedding photography. “For some, the decision to elope may be down to avoiding the undesired limelight that naturally comes with a big wedding, and for others, it’s a great excuse to avoid complicated family relationships or simply to keep costs low,” says Catherine.

Intrigued as to what makes people decide on a location, Lonely Planet asked these couples why they chose to elope to the top five destinations.

1. Bali

Margot Russ was gifted a trip to the Indonesian island of Bali as a 30th birthday present from her fiancé of two years, Austin. The idea of a traditional wedding didn’t appeal to them, and three months before the trip, they decided get married while in Bali. “We wanted to add new stamps to our passports and start our life together with an adventure,” says Margot. “Eloping to Bali was our way of having a unique and meaningful experience, with a focus on the commitment we were making to each other at the center.”

Margot and Austin started their wedding day by sharing deeply personal vows by the Indian Ocean, in which they promised each other a lifetime of rich, authentic experiences. Then they rode scooters down a narrow, windy trail and climbed down 1000 steps to discover half a dozen waterfalls. They explored a historic temple and watched the sunset over a rice field beside a remote hillside village.

“Bali is so spiritual, welcoming and the true definition of paradise,” says Margot. “We felt like we saw so much of this beautiful, lush island on our wedding day, but it was the genuine warmth and kindness of the local Balinese people that made us feel at home.”

2. New York

New York is a very popular spot for proposals and engagements, with iconic locations like Central Park, the top of the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge serving up a huge dollop of romance. Indeed it was on Brooklyn Bridge that Lisa Rübsam was proposed to by her fiancé Julien in 2016, during their first visit there.

“Traveling is, and always was, our passion,” says Lisa. “We love to explore countries, cities and cultures. As we wanted to enjoy the special day of our wedding on our very own, we decided to go back to the most stunning city in the world, which was already a special place for us. And, of course, I wanted to have a kind of Sex and the City/Carrie Bradshaw feeling.”

3. Paris

There is no shortage of glamorous backdrops for elopement photos in Paris, ranging from the wrought-iron Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe guarding the avenue des Champs-Élysées, to the lamplit bridges spanning the Seine.

Nina Gill says that she and her fiancé chose to elope to the City of Love because they weren’t inspired to plan a traditional wedding day. “The idea felt a bit overwhelming,” she says. “Paris was a trip that we’d both dreamt about, so the idea was sparked and the rest was history. We loved the experience and felt that it was the very best decision for us. Of course, we’d do it again without hesitation.”

4. Las Vegas

Bride Marina and her fiancé live in Los Angeles, and they felt that Las Vegas was a perfect option for their elopement. “It’s fast, it’s beautiful, it’s fun and definitely romantic,” she says. “We had our ceremony at sunset in Red Rock Canyon and it was the most beautiful and emotional moment.”

Marina says that wedding planning is stressful, and couples don’t have the time to realise the importance of what’s happening and live it through with each other. “I believe that a wedding, most importantly, is a celebration of two people, and it is vital to experience each moment with your significant other with no distractions,” she says. “This was the main reason we decided to elope. It was just the two of us.”

5. Yosemite National Park

Hiking and being outdoors is a huge part of Katie and Ryan’s relationship and they visit Yosemite National Park several times a year. They held their ceremony on a trail they have hiked many times with 15 of their closest friends and family present. “It was a no-brainer when we were deciding where to get married,” says Katie. “Both of our families had never visited the park, so it was a blast getting to be the ones to introduce them to the place that means so much to us.”

Katie and Ryan chose to elope because they said that their dream wedding wasn’t about the frills, but about the deep commitment they were making to one another. “Marriage is one of life’s big adventures, and we wanted our wedding to reflect that,” says Katie. “No other place we have been to makes us feel more connected to our earth or creator. I felt so relaxed and excited on our wedding, and if I could do it again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

You can see the full results of the findings of the elopement research and an interactive map on the Catherine Luther Wedding Films website here.

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Want to get wed under wide open skies, or say ‘I do’ with sandy toes? Outdoor humanist, civil or religious ceremonies are legal in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but in England and Wales there are limitations: all marriages must currently be conducted under a permanent structure with a fixed roof and solid floor.

But the rules are set to change. Marriage laws (dating from the 1800s) are under review and by 2021, couples could have a wider choice of al fresco wedding venues. For now, here are some of the most beautiful outdoor wedding venues in the UK.

Fforest, Pembrokeshire

If you’re after a rustic, rural wedding but are worried it will look twee, Fforest Farm will allay your fears. Set within 200 acres of Welsh countryside, this secluded retreat is run by two creatives who have designed their lodges, barns, cabins and geodesic domes with effortless style, making use of local materials, handmade textiles and wild flowers picked on site.

Say ‘I do’ in an old quarry or in wide-open fields (humanist ceremonies can be held almost anywhere on site) or opt for a civil ceremony in the open-sided garden pavilion, before tucking in to a locally-sourced feast, raising a toast in a tiny 200-year-old pub and dancing around the outdoor fire pit.

Isle of Coll, Inner Hebrides

Was your love written in the stars? Consider tying the knot on the wild Isle of Coll, Scotland’s only dark sky island. There are no street lights on this 13-mile-long Inner Hebridean island and only 200 residents, meaning light pollution is practically non-existent and the star gazing opportunities are out of this world – particularly on clear winter nights, when there’s even a chance of spotting the Aurora Borealis.

Local community centre An Cridhe – which means ‘the heart’ in Scottish Gaelic – can entertain up to 120 guests and you can say your vows on nearby Toristan Beach, where you may acquire a few extra witnesses in the form of bobbing seals.

Temple Island, Oxfordshire

Marriage isn’t always plain sailing – and it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Those are just two of the slightly misplaced idioms best men and fathers of the brides might feel compelled to use in their speeches during a wedding on Temple Island near Henley-on-Thames, since every summer it marks the start of the Royal Henley Regatta.

Yes, you can hire this tiny island on the River Thames in its entirety for your wedding blessing and reception. The temple itself is an 18th-century folly, complete with an Etruscan-style dining room which seats 40. With the addition of a marquee on the lawn the islet can host up to 120 guests, who will arrive in style by boat.

Finnebrogue Woods, County Down

If your officiant agrees, your wedding ceremony (even if it’s religious) can take place anywhere in Northern Ireland. And Finnebrogue Woods would be a fine choice. Set in the grounds of a private mansion less than an hour’s drive from Belfast, you can say your vows in a magical woodland glade above a 30-acre lough (lake) and dance the night away in a giant tipi surrounded by fairy-lit trees.

Doing it for the gram? Snag the perfect couple shots on a photo safari (where you’re driven around the estate to search for the ideal backdrops) – book to get wed in April to pose in a carpet of bluebells.

River Cottage, Devon/Dorset

Did your romance take root over a shared meal? Has your mutual love of food bonded you forever? Whether you choose to say ‘I do’ in the walled kitchen garden, the restored threshing barn or within the famous farmhouse itself, one thing’s for sure: you can count on fabulous (not to mention fresh, seasonal and organic) catering at River Cottage, along the Devon/Dorset border.

Unfortunately you can’t contract celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall to conduct the ceremony or walk you down the aisle (as far as we’re aware) but brides can still arrive in true pastoral style: on a tractor-drawn trailer!

Hush, Norfolk

Hoping for a festival-style wedding? Grab your flower crowns and get yourselves to Hush in Broads National Park. Here civil ceremonies are held in the Old Woodshed amongst ancient oaks and beeches – and outdoor hammocks, a communal fire pit and canvas tipi accommodation all add to the laid-back vibe. A limited number of weekend-long wedding slots are available each year, and the beautiful natural setting acts as a blank canvas with which couples can create their perfect day. Bonus for those worried about rain: Norfolk is one of the UK’s driest regions.

Tunnels Beaches, Devon

In North Devon you’ll need to venture through a 200-year-old tunnel to reach seaside Tunnels Beaches, where you can seal the deal beneath a gazebo overlooking a windswept beach and the Bristol Channel beyond. Ilfracombe’s four historic tunnels were carved by miners in the 1820s, opening up access to the coastline’s hidden beaches and a tidal pool – you and your guests will be free to explore the private beach after the ceremony, and can watch the sky turn fiery hues with a sundowner from the venue’s rooftop terrace.

Harvest Moon, East Lothian

Want a barefoot wedding? Just a 45-minute drive from Edinburgh awaits a broad sandy beach backed by dunes and tree-lined paths. With Harvest Moon Weddings you can get hitched on this wild stretch of coastline and party with your congregation in a marquee on the adjacent fields. There are seven luxury beach cabins, including a honeymoon suite with a four poster bed and sea views. In autumn and winter, you can opt for treehouse lodgings and a woodland ceremony.

Pergola and Hill Garden, London

Londoners needn’t be confined to stuffy hotels or chilly churches for their wedding ceremony – England’s capital is packed with quirky venues, including some al fresco gems. Hampstead Heath’s little-known Pergola and Hill Garden is one such spot; the 800ft-long walkway is a Grade II listed structure, and its vine and wisteria strewn columns ooze faded Edwardian grandeur. You can hire this venue for two hours only – so we suggest reconvening at a pub (with a garden) to continue the celebrations.

Carnglaze Caverns, Cornwall

They’re not technically out in the open-air, but Carnglaze Caverns are just as wild as any beach or forest wedding. There are four venues on site, two of which are underground. Choose to walk one of the longest aisles in Cornwall in the huge Rum Store cave (it’s 80 metres long), or descend 60 candlelit steps to meet your partner at the edge of the turquoise underground lake, which provides a more intimate setting. The temperature in the caverns is a steady 10ºC year-round, and there’s no chance of rain, so you can plan your outfits without worrying about the weather!

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