Planning the Perfect Second Honeymoon

A second honeymoon sounds magical:This is a great way for couples to spend some time alone, reignite a spark in their marriage and show each other how strong their bond still is.

This is the most important part of any second honeymoon. Just as marriage is someone you share and participate in together, so is planning a second honeymoon—half the fun comes from doing something (in this case the planning the honeymoon) together.

Second Honeymoon Do's and Don'ts                                                                                                  

• Do leave the kids behind.
• Do plan the vacation together. Expressing your expectations is crucial to making the trip a memorable one.
• Do consider making a vow renewal part of your second honeymoon; many resorts can help you arrange the complete details.
• Do make sure that each of you gets to do something you really want to on the trip -- and participate in it as a couple.
• Don't over-schedule your time. Keep it relaxing and feel free to do what you want when and where you want to do it.
• Don't use the honeymoon to solve problems in your relationship -- or expect the time away to erase problems.
• Do pack a tender wedding night "surprise gift."
• Do keep your sense of humor: Travel plans can go awry, and starting a journey off with patience, understanding, and a good laugh can put your marriage on the right track.

Romantic Top 10 Second Honeymoon Spots                                                                                        

Anna Maria Island, Florida

If you've never tried a beach wedding, or you want another one, there's a seven-mile stretch of snow-white Gulf Coast sand just waiting for you. Once that's done, enjoy the barrier island’s vintage vibe — no chain hotels or high-rise condos here. Share a pitcher of beer at the Rod & Reel Pier, or savor a cocktail and locally caught grouper overlooking the water at the elegant Beach Bistro (don’t miss its signature plum tomato and Maytag blue cheese soup). Go all out, and book the cottage with the heart-shaped Jacuzzi at Harrington House Beachfront Bed and Breakfast.

Hana, Hawaii

Adventurous ’mooners mustn’t miss the 64-mile drive on the Hana Highway, a sinuous, narrow route from Kahului to Hana on the lush island of Surrounded by photogenic tropical rain forest, you’ll pass waterfalls, the Garden of Eden Arboretum and roadside stands, where you can stop for shaved ice, coconut candy or a slice of freshly baked banana bread. Bask on a black- or red-sand beach before bedding down in a renovated seaside cottage at a vacation favorite: Travaasa Hotel Hana. Accommodations have no TVs, setting the mood for romance.

Las Vegas

never gets old when it comes to over-the-top honeymoon experiences. Cuddle in a gondola at the Venetian resort. Steal a kiss atop a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Reserve a terrace table to savor Spanish and French dishes at the elegant Picasso restaurant as you watch the dancing Fountains of Bellagio sway and soar to favorite tunes. Renew vows at one of dozens of wedding chapels or while sipping champagne and slowly spinning over the shimmering lights of the Strip in a cabin on the 550-foot-tall “High Roller” Ferris wheel.

Aruba

This serene South Caribbean island is catnip for honeymooners. Among enticements: It's out of the hurricane belt and averages more sunny, dry days than the other Caribbean islands. Sunsets on popular Palm and Eagle beaches bring out couples holding hands in the powdery sand while sipping sundowners on chaises or nuzzling in the calm waters. Sunset cruises are a popular diversion. Or enjoy surf and turf in the glow of tiki torches at Passions on the Beach. Island casinos up the ante for a celebratory night.

Paddlewheel Cruise

Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara spent their honeymoon steaming to New Orleans on the Mississippi; if you're lovers of romance novels and U.S. history, you might like a similar cruise. The American Queen plies the mighty river, with stops at Natchez, Miss.; Hannibal, Mo.; New Orleans; and more. Queen of the Mississippi itineraries include the upper and lower stretches of the river. Fans of popular Viking River Cruises should note that the line plans trips on the Mississippi and its tributaries starting in 2017.

Healdsburg, California

More intimate than better-known California wine country meccas, Healdsburg is heaven for honeymooners. Stay in the comfy, contemporary Hotel Healdsburg (its spa has a couple’s suite with large soaking tub) or one of many B&Bs before heading out by car or bike to explore some of the finest Sonoma Valley vineyards. At Wilson Winery, winemaker Diane Wilson or a family member may pour you an award-winning zinfandel. Try wine and food pairings in the Bubble Room at J Vineyards & Winery. Then stroll downtown Healdsburg with Wine Country Walking Tours, where you might taste to-die-for guacamole cones at Mateo’s Cocina Latina and homemade boysenberry blueberry pie at Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar. Save the town’s noteworthy boutiques and antique shops for après dessert.

Safari in the U.S.A.

African wildlife outings are romantic — and expensive. But a safari experience can be yours about an hour southeast of Columbus, Ohio. At the Wilds, you’ll spot rhinos, giraffes, antelopes, zebras and more from an open-air viewing vehicle and go eye-to-eye with cheetahs and African painted dogs in enclosures. At night from May through October, wine and dine in an intimate cafe before sleeping in an adults-only canvas yurt with private bath and all the modern conveniences. The Grand Yurt with its two-person shower and a view of animals roaming the grasslands might be right up your alley.

Little Palm Island, Florida

The only way to 5-acre Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, off Little Torch Key, is by the resort’s motorboat or seaplane. No in-room phones or TVs will interrupt intimate hours on this tiny private island. Unwind in a thatched-roof, ocean-view bungalow, dine by torchlight on the beach or book a couples massage in the spa. Here, any duo will feel like royalty.

Sandals Resorts

The 15 couples-only beachfront hideaways on seven Caribbean islands specialize in honeymoons and pampering that won’t break most banks. All-inclusive rates cover meals, activities, premium wines and top-shelf booze — even butlers if you have the urge to splurge. Love Nest Suites with soaking tubs for two and Millionaire Suites with private plunge pools fulfill Sandals' mission: “completely dedicated to couples in love.” The ReTie the Knot package includes vow renewals before an officiant, bouquet and boutonniere, cake and 30-minute receptions for up to six guests.

Bali, Indonesia

One of the world’s dream destinations delights every sense. Book a cottage decorated in traditional Balinese style at the intimate beachfront Tandjung Sari resort, where Mick Jagger exchanged vows with Jerry Hall in a 1990 Hindu ceremony. Or drive inland to the artists’ town of Ubud, where Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert found her soul mate. Here on the island of the gods, hotels overlook gorges and rice paddies, and women balance towering fruit arrangements on their heads as they walk to temple ceremonies.