Top off-the-beaten-track honeymoon destinations

Last Updated on May 15, 2014 by Jody Halsted

While for many people a honeymoon consists of nothing more than spending two weeks on a beach in the Caribbean, Maldives or somewhere equally sunny and pretty, that doesn't have to be the case if you'd like a bit more adventure.

If you want to rebel against the sun, sea and sand culture of honeymoons, check out these suggestions of top places to go for an off-the-beaten-track adventure with your new husband or wife.

Namibia

You hear African safari and you instantly think Kenya or possibly South Africa – but does Namibia ever spring to mind? Well, maybe it will now and, as far as out of the way destinations go, it's a pretty good one to choose.

One of the things that makes Namibia such a fascinating place to explore is the diversity of its landscapes. You've got the Etosha National Park where you can spot big game like elephants, lions and even black rhinos; the Skeleton Coast which stretches for miles on end and is characterized by its ghostly shipwrecks and bleached whale bones on the beaches; and the red sand dunes of Sossuvlei.

Plan a tour to see the country's top attractions and, if you're feeling brave, have a go at some of its adventure sports. Its desert areas are perfect for dune and sand boarding, while on its Atlantic coast you can do everything from kite and windsurfing to scuba diving.

Borneo

Although it's perfectly possible to have a quintessential beach honeymoon if you go to Borneo, the island is so full of exciting places to explore and offers such a range of activities, it'd be a real shame to spend all your time lying on a stretch of sand.

Waterfall in Kinabalu park

Head to the Malaysian part of Borneo – Sabah – and you can have honeymoon adventures you'll never forget. After all, your first trip as a married couple should be something that will stay with your forever.

Trekking in Kinabalu Park will give you the chance to spot all manner of exotic wildlife, such as the spotted giant flying squirrel and Muller's Bornean gibbon. If you're up for a challenge, you can climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, which stands at 4,095 m above sea level, or, for something even more thrilling, tackle the world's highest Via Ferrata. This concept originated in Italy and the name translates as iron road. It's basically a series of rungs, rails, cables and platforms attached to a sheer rock face for you to navigate – truly exhilarating.

Ecuador

Offering a host of exciting activities, Central America is another great destination for an adventurous honeymoon. Ecuador is a prime example, with mountains, volcanoes, cloud forest and unique wildlife all waiting to be discovered. You can make your trip extra special by devising your own perfect holiday to the Galapagos Islands with Explore.

Scuba diving in the waters around this protected archipelago is a fantastic way to start married life and will be unlike any experience you've ever had. There's actually nowhere else in the world you can observe creatures like marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions, while you might be lucky enough to see hammerhead or whale sharks on your dives.

Back on the mainland, you've got everything from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest to explore, so really, there's no excuse to be idle – hike, climb, kayak or paraglide your way through these stunning landscapes for a honeymoon you'll always remember.