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Take a break before saying ‘I do’

Destination inspiration for an “earlymoon”

They say your wedding day is the ‘best day of your life,’ but what ‘they’ often forget to mention is just how stressful the lead up to the big day can be! If your nuptials are nearing and you’re both feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, you might want to consider setting off on an ‘earlymoon’ to unwind and reconnect before saying ‘I do.’ It’s the perfect opportunity to remind one another why you decided to get hitched in the first place.

2min read

Published 13 February 2023

Destination inspiration for an “earlymoon”

The prospect sounds rather irresistible, right? Hop to it and make that booking! Here’s some destination inspiration to help you find ‘the one’ that seamlessly fits the two of you as a couple, both in terms of your preferences and the type of holiday you need to help you relax.

Cape Town

For: Laid-back couples who love to explore at their leisure

If you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere without having to sacrifice on things to do, you’ll love exploring Cape Town and learning to live like the locals. Plan a day of sight-seeing, sit down to a steaming cuppa at a trendy coffee shop, or dip your toes into the refreshing waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one of the windswept beaches.

“Remember to book as far in advance as possible when intending to visit Cape Town whether for an ‘earlymoon’, a honeymoon or a holiday ‘just because’. It’s an international and domestic vacation favourite for a reason, and accommodation tends to fill up fast, particularly during holiday season from November to January,” cautions Garrett.

Quick travel tip: Consider leaving some of your wedding shopping until the last minute if you’re planning on venturing to Cape Town on an ‘earlymoon.’ With so many world-class retail outlets available at shopping malls like the V&A Waterfront, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to wedding favours, wedding décor, and even your bridesmaids’ dresses!

The Drakensberg

For: the couples who love the great outdoors

There’s no better place to breathe than the Drakensberg where the mountain air is fresh, abundant, and untainted! Grab your love and get closer to Mother Nature as you hike in the sunshine, go mountain biking along a winding nature trail, or get that adrenalin pumping on a canopy tour. It’s the ideal destination for letting off steam, releasing plenty of endorphins, and savouring the simpler things in life.

Quick travel tip: If you’ll be spending some time hiking, be sure to splurge on an excellent pair of supportive hiking boots before leaving for your trip. You definitely don’t want a sprained ankle to prevent you from slipping into those heels on your wedding day. It’s also a good idea to consider buying a set of arm shields (slip-on sleeves) to protect your arms from both the sun and scratches when wading through thick foliage.

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Durban

For: sun-worshipping couples who need to de-stress

What could be more soothing to a tired body, mind, and soul than some vitamin-‘sea’? Replenish your energy and your motivation to add the finishing touches to your wedding planning with a couple of days (or weeks) spent lounging on the beach, tucking into succulent seafood, topping up your tan, and catching up on your reading.

Quick travel tip: Don’t forget the sunblock. While you’ll undoubtedly feel tempted to work on enhancing your natural ‘glow’ ahead of the big day, be careful not to take it too far. There’s a difference between a subtly sun-kissed complexion and a severely sunburnt bride or groom!

Stellenbosch

For: the couples who enjoy the finer things in life

Book a stay at a lavish guesthouse in Stellenbosch and you’ll both be able to rest, relax, and wine and dine to your heart’s content!

“While it’s definitely best-known for its luxurious offerings, Stellenbosch is actually a fantastic destination choice for all sorts of couples as it offers such an expansive ‘menu’ of things to do. Visitors will be able to revel in endless self-indulgence at their chosen hotel or guesthouse, plan laid-back picnics or wine tastings at local wine farms, dine by candlelight at 5-star restaurants, or get out and active on a hike, sight-seeing walk, or e-bike or Scootour!” says Sue Garrett, GM of Supply, Pricing and Marketing at the Flight Centre Travel Group.

Quick travel tip: Be on the lookout for creative, sensory food and wine pairing experiences. They’re extremely trendy in Stellenbosch at the moment, making it easy to bond, laugh, and indulge in a host of mouth-watering flavours with your one and only. Think fynbos-infused cupcake and wine pairings, biltong and wine pairings, and much more. Perhaps you’ll allow these flavours to inspire your chosen catering and wine selection on your special day? Or book for a revolutionary dining experience at Dusk Restaurant or any of the trendy wine bars in the town centre.

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The Kruger National Park

Too much noise and too much hustle and bustle since the wedding planning started? Escape to the serene silence of the bushveld in the Kruger National Park to re-organise your thoughts, re-focus your mind, and soak up some alone time with your soon-to-be spouse. You can opt to keep it simple with long, leisurely braais at sunset on the veranda and lazy lie-ins or throw in a dose of adventure with scenic nature walks, game drives, and helicopter rides.

Quick travel tip: Since you’re surrounded by so much breath-taking scenery, why not organise a pre-wedding photoshoot at sunset? There are plenty of professional photographers who specialise in bushveld photoshoots in the Kruger National Park and who’ll be more than happy to capture some unforgettable moments leading up to your union.

Avoid a bridal breakdown and replace it with a well-deserved break-away instead. Put the planning on hold, step away from the stress, and revel in the romance of it all as your wedding day edges closer. You’ve earned it.

Click here for more romantic holidays that will sweep your partner off their feet.