The Best Travel Guidebooks for Your Honeymoon: Part 1

by Erica Comitalo | Updated: May 19, 2020

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Let’s be honest — one of the things that gets couples through the stress of wedding planning is the promise of a big vacation once it’s all done. But with the world at your fingertips, planning a honeymoon can be overwhelming! Don’t worry, though — you don’t have to figure it all out on your own! Travel guidebooks can be just as helpful pre-honeymoon, while you try to decide where to go, as they are while you’re exploring the streets of your destination. SEE MORE: 14 Save the Dates That Guests Will Definitely LOVE We hunted down some of the best guidebooks for honeymooners on their way to France, Japan, Africa and Hawaii, and whether your style is more laid back or adventurous, you are sure to find the perfect guidebook for your romantic getaway.

A French Cultural Immersion

Paris In Stride: An Insider’s Walking Guide by Jessie Kanelos Weiner & Sarah Moroz

According to the book’s introduction, this is “a handbook for those curious to explore the metropolis beyond the obvious routes.” Written by two expats who have spent the last decade exploring their new Parisian home, Paris In Stride is perfect for a honeymooning couple eager to see the City of Lights through the eyes of locals. Laid out in easy-to-follow and beautifully illustrated maps, the walking tours featured in the book lead visitors to little-known local gems without leaving out the iconic landmarks. SEE MORE: This is What Couples Are Spending the Most Money On For Their Wedding

Sundays In Paris: An Insider’s Guide to the Best Places to Eat, Drink and Explore by Yasmin Zeinab

What began as a blog sharing Parisian hotspots that remained open on Sundays has become a perfect guidebook for honeymooning couples looking for the best in food, drinks and sightseeing in Paris. Complete with day-by-day walking tours and even an entire section on the best coffee shops (!!!), Sundays in Paris is a 227-page guide to the best Paris has to offer. Zeinab even includes business hours and how much a visitor can expect to spend in each location.

Back Roads France from DK’s Eyewitness Travel series

For couples looking to do a little exploring outside of the city walls, Back Roads France is a comprehensive guide to the country by car. Boasting “24 leisurely drives,” the guidebook shares what to see, what to eat and where to stay as you sip the wines of Bordeaux, explore the architecture of Chartres, or relax on the beaches of Nice. Whether you are a history buff or searching for the best food France has to offer, this guidebook has a drive just for you.

An African Safari Adventure

Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting

So you’ve decided to go on an African safari for your honeymoon…now what? As the back of this guidebook says, it “compares all the top wildlife reserves and attractions in all the best wildlife countries.” Covering such topics and the best times to visit and where you’ll be able to see which animals, Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries is an invaluable resource for adventure-seeking honeymooners.

The Complete Guide to African Safaris from Fodor’s Travel

With tips and tricks from local experts, this travel guide helps couples make the most of their time in Africa. The Complete Guide highlights the top sights, includes a packing checklist and shares hotels suitable for any budget. They even include a section on what to wear…and what you should probably just leave at home in the closet.

A Japanese Journey Through History

The Rough Guide to Japan from the Rough Guide series

If you’re looking for the most comprehensive overview of what Japan has to offer, this is it! Perfect for trip planning, The Rough Guide to Japan has everything from itineraries to cultural basics, and regional highlights to “29 Things Not To Miss.” While its nearly 900 pages can be overwhelming, this guidebook is the perfect starting point for couples looking to explore Japan for the very first time.

Tokyo: 29 Walks in the World’s Most Exciting City by John H. Martin and Phyllis G. Martin

Filled with cultural insight and history, this guidebook shares not only where visitors should go but also why they should go there. Whether you are interested in the rich history or the vibrant present, honeymooning couples are sure to find a walking tour that they love. The book even includes annual events and festivals that you may want to check out while you’re in town!

Discover Japan from Lonely Planet

For couples looking to hike Mt. Fuji or visit the temples of Kyoto, this Lonely Planet guidebook should help you build your packing list. Extensively covering the things to do (and to avoid) in Tokyo, Fuji Five Lakes, Osaka, Naoshima, Hokkaido, Okinawa and so many more places, Best of Japan helps couples build a honeymoon suited to their interests…and their budget.

A Hawaiian Island Retreat

Hawaii from Insight Guides

For couples planning to island-hop during their Hawaiian honeymoon, this guidebook is a must-pack companion. With maps, sightseeing highlights and transportation tips for each island, it is the equivalent of having 10 guidebooks all in one! A history of the island chain, as well as a crash course on the local culture, is also included which is guaranteed to enrich your trip.

Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty

As one of the most-loved spots in the Hawaiian Islands, Maui is a dream honeymoon destination, and this guidebook ensures that couples will enjoy the best the island has to offer. Maui Revealed highlights the stunning waterfalls, hiking trails and, of course, the best beaches, as well as the top activities and adventures couples can experience during their honeymoon in paradise.

National Geographic Traveler’s Hawaii by Rita Ariyoshi

If you are looking to venture off the beaten path and find the hidden gems and tropical oases only the locals know about, this guidebook is for you. Covering each of the islands in detail, the book is the true tour guide: equal parts historian and navigator. Complete with both in-depth features and maps, National Geographic Traveler’s Hawaii is perfect for the couple looking for an adventure.

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