In biblical times, a newlywed man was exempt from public service and military exploits for an entire year after his wedding to “bring joy to the wife he has married.” (Deuteronomy 24:5)

In the 16th century, there was the idea that the first month after marriage was the sweetest.

In the 19th century, a custom was borrowed from India; a custom where upper class couples would go on a tour to visit relatives that could not attend the wedding.

Today, the honeymoon is one of the largest targeted mass tourism markets around the world.

So whether you’ve met the love of your life and you’re planning your first great escape as husband and wife, or you’re fantasising about where you will go with that Prince you are yet to meet, here are some of the most visited (and breathtaking) honeymoon destinations from around the world.

Italy
Be it Rome, the northern Alps or the Amalfi Coast, the land of amore is at the top of almost every list. Take a romantic gondola ride in Venice, max out your credit card in Milan or experience breathtaking Ravello on the Amalfi Coast, where D.H Lawrence wrote Lady Chatterley’s Lover. And the rest of Europe is right there to explore if you can’t get enough of the romance.

Hawaii
Maui is the number one honeymoon destination of Hawaii and continues to welcome newlywed couples all year round. But Maui isn’t all Hawaii has to offer, with each Hawaiian island harnessing its own unique charm, from white sandy beaches to dramatic coastlines, volcanoes, picturesque rainforests and mountain ranges. And what’s a honeymoon without a luau?

Tahiti
Tahiti always looks nice. You know that amazingly beautiful resort in the 2009 movie Couples Retreat? That was set at the gorgeous St. Regis Bora Bora Resort in Tahiti. Try horseback riding through mountain trails, scuba diving with colourful sea sponges and fish or gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes as the sun sets behind you on your own private beachside veranda. Paradise? I think so!

Mexico
Dance your feet off at a famous nightclub, eat your weight in delicious Mexican food and drink cocktails until the sun comes up – Mexico is a great place to party and explore. If the beaches, nightlife, shopping and ancient ruins aren’t tempting enough to make the journey, the many all-inclusive resorts should tip the balance.

Bali
Elizabeth Gilbert may have eaten her way through Italy and spent her days praying in India, but she found love in Bali. It isn’t a bad place to go once you’ve found love either. Rich with culture, ancient temples, mountain lakes, rainforests and beaches whilst being so very close to home, no matter what you do or where you explore, Bali has everything you need for an unforgettable honeymoon.

This article first appeared on minx magazine.