Civil Partnerships are nearly one year old (hurrah!) and those gay couples who have already formally cemented their relationship will soon be celebrating their 'paper anniversaries', so a big congratulations to all of you!

If you're thinking of tying the knot then there’s a lot to organise and, after actioning that endless lists of tasks, you’ll probably need that all important gay honeymoon - where you can smooch with your loved one, show of your rings and end the happiest day of your life in luxurious style!

But where to go? Oh, the worry! Stress not, with our top destination picks for a romantic honeymoon.


Australia
Vibrant cities, pristine wildernesses, palm fringed beaches, starry skied deserts, untouched mountain ranges, tropical islands and coral reefs; Australia truly is a land of huge diversity and offers honeymoon options that are second to none. Larger in size than mainland Europe, there is a huge array of new experiences even for the most well seasoned traveller. 15 world heritage sites are spread over this enormous country and each city and town offers its own unique personality for each visitor to discover.

Much of the life centres around the sea and with over 7,000 coral reefs (two of which are world class). So, whether you want to snorkel with turtles, swim with wild dolphins, dive with whale sharks, learn to surf, sail to deserted tropical islands or just relax on the beach there’s a destination to suit you.

Inland offers even more experiences, white water rafting, hiking through rainforests, visiting world renowned vineyards, sampling world class cuisine or exploring inland rivers and lakes whatever you decide to do we guarantee one thing, you’ll want to return.

Cape Town / Southern Africa
South Africa’s constitution is one of the most liberal in the world and guarantees freedom from discrimination for gays, making it a great place to enjoy your honeymoon! Of course the cosmopolitan and extremely popular gay destination of Cape Town is an obvious choice, but there is such a huge diversity of destinations in this magnificent country and indeed the neighbouring countries of Southern Africa.

A year round climate, breathtaking scenery, sumptuous cuisine, luxurious safari lodges, warm smiles and all with no jet lag – Southern Africa has something for everyone. As a two or three centre destination there are endless possibilities for romantic add-ons to your honeymoon. Amazing Victoria falls, which can be seen from either Zambia or Zimbabwe, Namibia’s beautiful and contrasting landscapes, or the exclusive lodges of Botswana’s Chobe National Park -  and what better celebrity endorsement could you get than Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor who spent their honeymoon here.

Caribbean
One of the most traditional honeymoon destinations for our straight counterparts, the Caribbean unfortunately is not well renowned for it’s tolerance of homosexuality. There are however certain destinations in the Caribbean where you can be assured of a warm welcome and a friendly reception. Situated just off the North coast of South America are the Dutch Antilles, which have been described as ‘Where Northern Europe meets sweet Caribbean’ and you can be assured of receiving timeless hospitality and unsurpassed personal service on these friendly, South Caribbean Islands.

Dutch colonial style and charm are combined with Caribbean hospitality and, of course, an idyllic setting makes this a romantic destination that’s hard to beat. There are a number of accommodations who are IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association) members which really shows their commitment to gay and lesbian tourism.

Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the most liberal country in Central America and has extremely progressive attitudes towards homosexuality. The jewel in Central America is the Costa Rica, an oasis of calm and tranquillity with beaches galore, lush jungles and cloud forests full of playful monkeys and tropical birdlife. The best time to visit is from December to April during the dry season where you can take your pick between Caribbean or Pacific coast resorts which are separated by the lush tropical interior.

There is a relatively large gay scene in San Jose situated inland which boasts many bars, restaurants, clubs, saunas, hotels and guest houses. There is even a small scene in Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast which boasts gay hotels and a gay beach.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country and a particularly good destination for the gay and lesbian traveller looking for an unspoilt and pristine destination.

France
Of course we would have to be insane to leave France out of our list of honeymoon destinations as it’s home to probably the most romantic city in the world. Just a short flight or train ride away, Paris practically invented the concept of romance and lovers have flocked here for centuries for the beautiful sights, amazing history, chic atmosphere and of course to eat the best food in the world.

The rest of this amazing country also has an incredible amount to offer and tempt the most discerning traveller with sumptuous châteaux and palaces, majestic mountains, picturesque medieval fortressed towns, dramatic canyons, vast forests, a rugged Atlantic coastline and peaceful Mediterranean beaches.

Hawaii
Hawaii has long been a favourite destination for gay and lesbian tourists from all over the world owing to its liberal attitude towards gays and lesbians. This island group has a long history of incorporating homosexuality into their culture and the laid back, easy-going atmosphere is evident in every way of life on these beautiful islands.

In fact, it is actually possible to have a gay commitment ceremony here as same sex marriage is legal, and there are certainly no shortage of beautiful beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, mountains and lush valleys to provide that perfect backdrop for your wedding vows.

The four main islands offer a huge range of accommodation to choose from, everything from luxury hotels to intimate gay B&B’s. Plus, with a year round tropical climate, caressed by gentle trade winds, these islands make a great honeymoon destination all year round.

Indian Ocean: Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius
A nirvana for divers and naturalists and an untouched slice of paradise, the islands of the Indian Ocean feature picture perfect beaches, shallow azure lagoons and an exotic jigsaw of cultures. A spectrum of marine colours reflects the virtually cloudless sky and incredible resorts await lucky visitors. From the tiny atolls of the Maldives to the more cosmopolitan resorts of Mauritius to the natural beauty and pristine environment of the Seychelles, these islands are truly heaven on Earth. The most that you will generally have to concern yourself with is which water-sports to try next (!), what spa treatment you should pamper yourself with, or which delicious fresh meal can tempt you to feast on, it all sounds just too stressful doesn’t it.

Provincetown
Provincetown is a magnet for gay and lesbian tourists from all over the world who come here thanks to the tolerant and relaxed attitude of this beautiful New England seaside town. The slow pace of this gay resort is in stark contrast to many gay resorts where bars and night clubs stay open late into the night and it offers a welcome alternative for those looking for a mixture of a picturesque resort with a healthy atmosphere. There are a wealth of traditional inns, restaurants and bars as well as intimate guesthouses which make a perfect base for exploring the galleries, shops, sights and cycle tracks of this famous retreat.

New York
For those of us looking for a little more-fast paced honeymoon destination then good old New York is still one of the most exciting cities for a gay honeymoon. Home to some of the finest hotels in the world there is certainly no shortage of chic boutique hotels or landmark hotels with sumptuous facilities in this city to make it a great choice for your romantic city getaway. Take a horse drawn carriage through central park, a helicopter trip over Manhattans famous skyline, take in a show on Broadway, or enjoy a romantic meal in one of thousands of excellent restaurants.

Spain
Spain is the most popular destination for tourists from the UK, offering a remarkably relaxed and tolerant attitude towards homosexuality - it was the third country in the World to legalise same sex marriage. This tolerant attitude is reflected in the large amount of gay resorts located in the country, Sitges, Benidorm, Ibiza, Mallorca, Malaga, Torremolinos, Gran Canaria as well as all of the major cities which have there own varied and diverse gay scenes.

Add to this the great weather, fantastic food, colourful history, architecture and that fiery Latin spirit and this is a country that still has an abundance of interesting and exciting destinations for the gay or lesbian honeymooner. Successive dynasties throughout the last 2 millennia have all left their unmistakable mark on this captivating and diverse country making it a captivating and romantic destination for a special honeymoon.

Thailand
With its magnificent scenery, laid back culture and welcoming people, Thailand has to rate as one of the friendliest destinations in the world for any tourist. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for any visitor. The country offers a wealth of options for a relaxed and interesting honeymoon and has some of the most beautiful and pristine scenery in the world. From the rugged mountains and orchid filled forests of the North of the country to the tropical islands and long unspoilt coastline of the Southern peninsula, finding your own slice of paradise in this country is not hard to do. There are a host of world class resorts, spas and hotels in which to relax and be pampered throughout the whole country.

Vermont
Vermont was the first state in the good old US of A to legalise civil unions between same sex couples in the summer of 2000. Since then it has become a focal point for gay tourism as couples flock there to register their partnerships as civil unions are also open to out of state residents. This is a land of small picture postcard towns in rolling hills and lush valleys, and cosy inns on the shores of crystal clear lakes with a distinctly wholesome and outdoorsy atmosphere. One of the most liberal and intimate states in the USA, Vermontt’s laid back citizens have already been extending other gay honeymooners their hospitality for several years making this an already tried and trusted gay honeymoon destination - and there aren’t too many of those around!

For more information on Civil Partnerships, read Get Hitched: A Guide To Civil Partnerships, Vox Pop: Civil Partnerships, Civil Partnership: Things To Think About, Getting Hitched In Style, Gay Romances and Buck And Beaver Parties.

Useful Links:

Civil Partnership Act
Civil Partnership in Scotland
Stonewall: Partnership
General Register Office
General Register Office for Scotland
Advicenow: Living Together

Find out all the latest gay travel information by buying the 2006 Spartacus International Gay Guide. Get it online and save some money to put towards the other Bruno Gmunder guides - Hotel and Restaurant Guide and Sauna Guide.

Get it online and save some money to put towards splashing out on your next trip!