Some couples may be looking for the ultimate way to explore our world. Discovering a region on your own terms, intimately, can give you an insight like no other. Now, before your big day isn't the time to start scuba diving classes--with wedding planning taking up more hours than you knew you had--but if you already have your certification, why 
not go to one of the world's most exciting diving destinations? Or you may want to cross the Serengeti and view exotic wildlife in their natural habitat; this could be the time to do just that. If you two want to spend your honeymoon pursuing activities that you either already do together often or dream of doing together, this may be the time to go.
1) Rafting. The Colorado River is well known for its white water rafting. Are you an expert river runner or a first timer? From April through October, this extreme sport will give you a total adrenaline rush. Whitewater rafting is a challenging, but fun, a way of testing your strength, endurance, reflex time and ability to think on your feet. Some of the most famous river rapids in the country include the Snake and Colorado Rivers (through the Grand Canyon). But there are thousands of rivers in every state that offer white-water rafting.
For your honeymoon, you may want to try a 5 to 7 day trip. Guests spend 3-6 hours per day on boats, the rest of the time hiking and exploring side environs, eating, or just relaxing in camp. Most rafts are designed to accommodate four or five passengers, so you two will probably be sharing the raft with strangers, but because of the teamwork involved in paddling, by the end of the trip you'll feel as though you are leaving family. Listen to the sound of the mighty Colorado River as you lie down under a blanket of innumerable stars each night after your rafting experience. The Grand Canyon is ever-changing, with massive walls that step back to expose eons of natural history, at one place dark and narrow, and at another lush with waterfalls thundering hundreds of feet. This is a journey that will test you like no other.
2) Hiking. In Alaska, as in most places, you must be up front about you hiking ability (easy trails, moderate, difficult) before you go. Hiking and backpacking to explore and experience the Alaskan wilderness, you will follow your tour guide through an ancient forests amazed at its natural, unspoiled beauty. You may even spot mountain goats, marmots, black bear, or moose. Traverse over the passes, waterfalls, wildflowers, and ruins, they'll add some spice to the hike and your honeymoon.
Opt for a 5 to 10 night tour and stay in your choice of lodge accommodations--traveling that distance from the Hudson Valley is worth a stay as long as you can. Or combine Alaska's unmatched majesty with its most dramatic glaciers, allowing you a chance to bathe your senses in the awesome beauty of your surroundings. Although there are many expert guides, you can walk on your own; but the guides also will provide all your gear to safely explore your glacier. Mostly accessible mid-May through early October, the glaciers are home to spectacular views of crevasses, caves and surface ponds. Alaska is enormously amazing and it has the potential to create a perfect backdrop to this special time together...
3) Safari. For a wildlife viewing adventure in the African bush, there is no better place than north western Tanzania on the eastern coast of Africa. Known as the Serengeti, this is the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and scientific value. It's an area known for its fascinating and exclusive experience. Buffalo roam, gazelle gather while you and your spouse explore an astonishing diversity of landscapes, compelling cultures and abundant wild life. You can opt to stay in a luxury lodge, a hotel or a rustic camp.
The mass migration moves from Kenya south in December, January, February, and March. But this doesn't mean that there isn't great game viewing at other times. Off-peak season can be a very relaxing time. Traditional Land Rover safaris require little physical activity. If you want to be more active, walking safaris are becoming extremely popular, where you can choose to walk up to 6 hours a day for the 8 to 10 days. Not to worry, though, in this case, the Land Rovers follow behind the tour group and you can ride whenever you want. If you long for an adventure with memories that will last your lifetime, this could be the honeymoon for you.
4) Biking. For exploration and impromptu discovery, nothing can compare to a bike tour. In Italy, for example, you two can travel modestly but comfortably seeking out special experiences that make the trip extraordinary. The best way to go is on a tour that allows you independence, flexibility and a choice of traveling any days you chose without the constraints of group travel. Be honest with your cycling level prowess, though--easy, moderate, avid--and book accurately.
There is a plethora of tours available all over the world that feature various levels of accommodations. They can move your baggage each day from hotel to hotel, and supply you with a bike suitable for the terrain. Your bike tour can take you along the road to Chianti. Rich in the sights, sounds and smells of vineyards, your tour will explore streets of medieval hilltop towns, and you will savor endless panoramic vistas as you pedal your way across the landscapes. The decisions, the pace and the memories are yours to make on a bike tour honeymoon.
5) Diving. Before it grew to be the trendy and romantic place it is today, Belize was a diver's haven. And you can enjoy both aspects of this incredible country on your honeymoon. Phenomenal dives are abundant up and down the entire length of the Belize Barrier Reef, the Western Hemisphere's diving mecca. If you aren't certified divers, don't despair. You can spend about $400 per person and 4 days to earn your certification. If, however, you don't want to spend that kind of money and time, you can opt for a one day introduction to scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) in what's called discovery courses, which are usually ΒΌ of the normal costs. Watch the local underwater inhabitants--barracudas, nurse sharks, eagle rays, loggerhead turtles and dolphins--who are just as curious about you as you are about them.
But Belize is not just an underwater paradise--it also has Mayan ruins and a pristine rain forest. By venturing inland to the rainforest, you can walk beneath a canopy of lush vegetation and spot exotic animals such as jaguars, tapirs and toucans. This spectacularly beautiful country can be the final stage of your wedding if you two are adventurous enough to jump in here.
These honeymoons may be more pricey than a week at a local chalet. Let's face it; a trip to Tanzania is going to cost you a lot more than a tank full of gas. Here's where delaying the onset of your honeymoon a couple of months or so really can give you time to refill the bank accounts. These 5 adventures can be had in many locations, so let your imagination take you away. You can take a bike tour in Colorado or you may decide to hike in Belize. These destinations are adventurous; but they'll also put you in touch with the nature of our planet. This is a way to experience it up close.
For more detailed information on some of these destinations (Alaska, Italy and Belize), you can search for previous honeymoon articles on this website by clicking the "Honeymoon" tag below.
Emma McKnight is travel agent specializing in cruise vacations. View her website at: Cruise With Emma or contact her.