You don’t need a crown to tell you you’re royalty — all you need is a vacation where you’re treated like royalty. Whether you’re actually in the process of planning a honeymoon or just want to feel like a prince(ss) for a week, these are the destinations for you. Using the honeymoons of our favorite queens and kweens, here are 10 royal vacations that you can actually plan yourself.
Princess Diana & Prince Charles (UK)
Honeymoon: Sailing the Mediterranean with stops in the Greek Islands
Whether or not you’re living that #yachtlife, you can replicate the royals’ serene cruise in the Mediterranean sea. Consider planning a 14- or 7-day European Cruise that takes you from Spain to Italy and back again. However, if dolmades and gyros are at the top of your list, then a cruise around the Greek isles may be more your speed.
Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel, Duke of Vastergotland (also Sweden)
Honeymoon: Beaver Creek, Colorado; NYC; Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Consider yourself a jetsetter? Then follow in the footsteps of Sweden’s royals. They hopped from Colorado to NYC to Bora Bora, getting a taste of the outdoors, city and sunshine. If you’ve got the cash flow (and PTO) to follow suit, be sure to book your trip at least 5 months ahead for Bora Bora.
Prince William and Kate Middleton
Honeymoon: Seychelles
It’s all oysters and pearls in Kate and Will’s dream escape. The Seychelles are known for their scenic vistas, incredible beaches, sprawling nature reserves and unique wildlife. While it’s no easy feat to get there (no nonstop flights from US or Canada means you’re looking at a day’s worth of travel), the blue waters alone are worth it.
Michelle and Barack Obama
Honeymoon: California Coast
Politics aside, the former president and first lady redefined relationship goals. After they were married in 1992, the Obamas traveled through San Francisco, Big Sur and Napa Valley. Looking to replicate this all-American love story? Start your ‘moon with a flight to San Fran. Visit the Mission District’s Foreign Cinema for a movie with your meal. Then, rent a car and head up the coast to Napa Valley’s famous wineries and a cozy B&B. End the trip by heading back down the coast to bask in the commanding presence of Big Sur.
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel
Honeymoon: Tanzania
When Justin and Jessica tied the knot, every 90s kid felt their heart skip a beat. Replicate their post-wedding retreat by saying “bye bye bye” to your office for a while. Head to Tanzania where you can take in a safari, hike Kilimanjaro and relax by the beach. Just be sure to begin booking your trip at least 6 months ahead for the best airfare deals.
Jim Parsons & Todd Spiewak
Honeymoon: Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast can make anyone feel like a romantic genius. Winding cliff roads, rainbow colored towns, crystal blue waters… and all the Italian food you can eat. Start in Sorrento and hit the main sites like Pompeii’s ruins and Positano’s fishing villages. Be sure to visit Ceramiche Cosmolena di Margherita di Palma, a treasure trove of Italian pottery and ceramics that the Amalfi region is known for. End your trip in Salerno with a meal at Ristorante Cicirinella.
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall
Honeymoon: Mystic, CT
Not exactly the glamourous, paparazzi-fueled escape you pictured for some of film’s most iconic stars, right? But Mystic, CT and its neighboring towns offer the perfect backdrop for a historical honeymoon. Book lovers should venture to The Book Barn in Niantic — a Mecca for any and every bibliophile. Grab lunch at the movie-famous Mystic Pizza, get ice cream on Main Street before heading across the drawbridge and end the night at the posh S&P Oyster Co for craft cocktails and fresh seafood. Plus, for high rollers you’re within driving distance to both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos.
Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi
Honeymoon: Los Angeles
You don’t need to go far to celebrate your new married status. These lovebirds delayed their honeymoon and took a mini-moon instead in their hometown of LA. If you want to go out west as a newly united pair, consider honeymooning in Los Angeles in September. That’s when we see the lowest median airfare ($214) for the year. Get your art fix by visiting the Getty Center, people-watch on the Santa Monica Pier and get fancy with reservations at Hinoki & the Bird.
See a destination that’s making you feel moony? Know when there’s a great flight or hotel deal. Simply set a KAYAK Price Alert to track prices based on your travel dates.
Want to join in the wedding celebration in London? Set a Royal Alert (basically a Price Alert, but fancier) to track flights prices for the Royal Wedding week. Smashing!
