Unusual Honeymoon Ideas

After all the stress, anxiety, and hustle and bustle of your wedding day, it’s perfectly understandable to want to find a way to relax and unwind at the end of it. Whether it’s with a long soak in the bathtub or a binge-watching session of your favorite show on TV, taking the time to de-stress and put yourself at ease is an absolute must.

But did you know that couples across the globe also have their own unique ways of relaxing? While there’s often a universal element to it, there are also a few ways that are completely specific to a region. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed after the sparklers for wedding send off have fizzled, why not try one of these five methods on your honeymoon instead?

Spend Time At a Sauna

In some parts of Russia, people like to go to something called the “banya,” or a hot sauna. Now, this isn’t to be confused with the hot tubs and spas that are popular in many parts of the western world. Instead, these are rooms that have been traditionally heated up with firewood to create an enveloping plume of steam to cloak your body.

And yes, it’s definitely going to completely cloak it – tradition dictates that you completely skivvy down for a session at the banya. Also, don’t be surprised if you meet other newlywed couples while you’re there. Couples often tend to go together, and they generally spend the time talking to one another. Afterward, you’ll feel like a brand-new person!

Throw Plates At the Wall

In Kyoto, Japan, one of the go-to ways of letting all that tension out is by throwing plates at the wall. If you think about it, it actually makes perfect sense. We’ve all been there, so tense and stressed out that we felt like we could break something. That said, throwing things at the wall can be a great way to let off some steam and regain your composure.

Just make sure you’re doing it in a controlled environment, and you’re using all safety precautions to avoid accidental injury. Be sure to use goggles, and avoid accidentally stepping on any broken shards. And once those plates are broken, why not repair them again with kintsugi, a Japanese technique of using gold to fix broken pottery?

Grab a Sweet Treat

Most – if not all of us – have been there. It’s 2 p.m., we’re in our midday slump, and we’re desperate for a strong cup of coffee and maybe a pastry to wash it down with. Well, if you’re in Sweden when that urge strikes, then you’ve come to the right place. Known as “Fika,” this is a midday mini-meal that is designed to help you unwind during the tensest part of your day.

This tradition goes all the way back to the 18th century, and it usually involves a strong cup of coffee and a delicious treat to go with it. Even better, you and your partner canto enjoy Fika together. What better way to clear your mind and make you ready to head back to work than something chocolatey and a gab session with your soul mate?

Get a Little Intimate

In many parts of the United States and Canada, personal time with your partner can be exactly the ticket to help you relax and unwind. Being intimate comes with a host of benefits, too. Research shows that enjoying a little one-on-one time can help boost endorphins, release oxytocin, and clear your mind. It can also help strengthen your bond with your partner, as well.

The best way to do this, though, is with a focus on pleasure. After all, the last thing you want is to be more annoyed afterward, especially if your whole goal is to feel better. One great way to do this is by setting the mood. Some old-school love songs, candles, flower petals, and 36 inch sparklers will do the trick. However, don’t overlook the importance of communication. Immerse your partner in conversation and let the magic happen organically.

Enjoy a Scalp Massage

If you’re wanting to really relax and make your body feel like a melted pile of bliss, why don’t you follow in the footsteps of certain parts of India? Or rather, the head steps. Getting your head massaged is a tradition that goes back literally thousands of years in India, and their Ayurvedic texts outline its benefits of it in clear detail.

Not only can a head and scalp massage help balance your chakra (or energy center), but it can help dissolve your stress away, banish that tension headache that’s been blooming at the base of your skull all day and even help improve your lymphatic system. Don’t worry if you fall asleep, either. That’s completely normal and all part of the benefits of getting one of these massages!

There you have it: five proven ways to help you relax and unwind on your honeymoon. While some may be more unconventional than others, they’re all sure-fire ways to help you start to feel better when your stress levels seem at an all-time high. No matter which therapeutic activities you choose, you’ll love how at ease you feel afterward!