It might surprise you to know that Tony and I did not go on a honeymoon. We spent our wedding night at a prominent local hotel, but that was the extent of our post-nuptial holidaying. The reasons for such stemmed primarily from a matter of budget as well as that we'd soon be flying back to Ireland (where Tony was living and working at the time, and where we would go on to live for the first two years of our life together) from Penticton where our small wedding was held, and the cost involved with that took precedence over a vacation, as lovely as one certainly would have been.
I have no bitterness or negative feelings about not having a honeymoon (or a more elaborate wedding; we had a casual civil ceremony with just a few close family members present that was held at my mom and step-dad's house). My wedding and the days that ensued right after might not have been as I'd envisioned them when I was a little girl, but that didn't matter. What mattered - what will always matter - is that I got to stare into the eyes of my soul mate, recite my vows, and marry the man I love more than life itself.
That doesn't mean however, that I'm not a big fan of honeymoons (and traditional weddings), because I most certainly am - and who knows, maybe one day we'll take a belated honeymoon someplace magical. There's no absolute hard and fast rule that says it has to fall right after you tie the knot.
For most people though, that is when a honeymoon takes place, and with spring officially here now, and thus the return of wedding season, I thought it would be tons of fun to launch a four part series (with one post to appear throughout each of the four months of spring) dedicated to a quartet of different much loved, endlessly appealing classic honeymoon destinations across the world.
{While this charming young couple may have been helping to swell Edmonton's ranks back in the 1940s, I'd venture to guess that they - like most newlyweds of the 19th, 20th, and now 21st centuries – likely took at least a small trip someplace away from home for a few days (or longer) after swapping vows. Image source.}
The tradition of a honeymoon period stretches back for centuries, and has its roots in the days when couples often shared their first truly private moments together after being married. In some cases, where arranged marriages were involved, a honeymoon may even have been the first time aside from the wedding when the new bride and groom got to know each other point blank.
In Western culture the honeymoon largely came into popularity during the early 1800s, when well-to-do British couples would embark on a "bridal tour" (or voyage à la façon anglaise, in French), which was a trip in which the new couple set off to visit friends and relatives who hadn't been present at their wedding itself.
As time went on, fewer and fewer couples held onto this aspect of post-wedding day travel, however many - more so than ever - embraced the idea of taking a special trip to celebrate their new life together, and by the early 1900s, most newlyweds who had the financial means were embarking on a journey someplace away from home (Italy and the French Riviera were two of the most popular honeymoon destinations for those in Britain and France during the late Victorian and Edwardian years).
A couples’ choice of honeymoon destinations is virtually limitless today, though various spots that gained popularity over the course of the past century remain traditional favourites with many, and it is four of those that this series will focus on, starting with none other than the aforementioned Italy.
{That's right, for our inaugural vintage honeymoon destination, we've booked passage for none other than the sublimely inviting, timelessly gorgeous country of Italy. Image source.}
While this ancient and sweepingly beautiful land just happens to be where my darling husband hails from, I've not had the immense pleasure of setting foot there myself yet (one day, I truly hope), and this look at Italy will be one from the perspective of a fan, not of an actual traveler who has been there.
Boasting an endless array of old world charm, more history than you can shake a cannoli at, breathtaking landscapes and cities alike, scrumptious food to please every palette, sun-kissed beaches (or, if you prefer, fantastic ski hills in the north), and a people and culture that are impossible not to love, it is easy as (pizza) pie to see why Italy has been a honeymoon mainstay for two centuries.
There is so much to do and see in fact in Italy, that this post does not center on just one city, such as Rome, Venice or Florence, instead it highlights some of the places that couples headed to this Mediterranean slice of heaven may wish to see throughout the country. While putting together your itinerary for gorgeous Italia, as the locals call it, why not consider adding some, or all, of the following seven locations and activities to your list.
Savour the rich history and stellar architecture of Florence
Take a gondola ride in Venice
Pose for a picture with the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Let your inner foodie soar in Naples (home of some of, if not the, best best pizza in the world)
Swim and sunbath on the Amalfi Coast
Dress to the nines and go out for an evening of fine dinning, then to the opera or theater anywhere in the country
Go shopping at the famous The Porta Portese flea market in Rome
{To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}
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While the more northerly regions of Italy such as Trento-Alto Adige share certain geographical and culture similarities with neighbouring countries such as Switzerland, Austria, and France, as well as - in some areas - a nippier climate, especially during the winter, it's a fair bet to say that the bulk of the country is quite warm for most of the year.
As such, you'll want to pack with a toasty climate in mind (especially if you're visiting anytime between mid-spring and early fall). Think breezy sundresses, light weight separates, straw sun hats and handbags, comfortable wedge heels and/or sandals that you can easily walk in, a shawl or light jacket for evening, shorts, playsuits, capri pants, chiffon scarves (perfect for keeping hair that may have gone frizzy from any humidity quite literally under wraps), sunglasses, chic jewelry, a swimsuit or two if you're going to be anywhere near the ocean, lake or hotel pool, and of course plenty of sunscreen, too.
The following seven items would all be great choices to tuck into your suitcase as you jet off for the majestic shores of Italy.
{A wide brimmed hat is an absolute must in climates like Italy's where the sun rarely takes a day off. 1930s straw cartwheel hat with navy ribbon and millinery flowers (which, purely by coincidence, was made in Italy - you've got to love that!), $120.00 from etsy seller Sonnet and Bough.}
{Much like a hat - and perhaps even more so in some settings - a great pair of specs are a true must while in the Mediterranean. 1940s OPTIKS round lens sunglasses, $131.41 (at the time of writing) from etsy seller Tamta's.}
{When packing for a sizzling hot destination, it's always wise to think light, both in terms of weight and colours. This elegantly lovely 1940s sheer lace blouse hits the mark perfectly on both counts. Fits a 38-41" bust/undefined waist, $42.00 from etsy seller Dear Golden.}
{Skip sleeves, slather on oodles of sunscreen, and spend your days looking so gosh darn cute in vintage polka dots that buttons everywhere will be jealous. 1940s spaghetti strap sundress, fits up to a 34" bust, 26/27" waist, $128.00 from etsy seller Mel's Vanity.}
{You'll look as gorgeous as a cherry red Vespa when you scoot around Italy in these fantastic 1950s high waisted shorts. Fits up to a 31" waist/44" hips, $26.60 (sale price at the time of writing) from etsy seller Piccaso Muse.}
{Holidays often call for big bags - they're towels, maps, guide books, snacks, sunscreen, souvenirs, water bottles, sunglasses, and myriad other things to carry with you while on the go, so a substantial sized vintage tote like this 1940s/50s straw gem is a must while on your honeymoon. $72.00 from etsy seller Dark Bloom Vintage.}
{A country flanked by the seas practically begs to scene while sporting something with a jaunty nautical vibe to it, and these wonderfully well priced red and white wedge sandals fit the bill there perfectly. Available in modern ladies sizes 5.5 to 11 (as well as black and white, and blue and white, too), $19.87 from Amazon.}
While packing, remember of course to take your camera (and/or video camera) along, too. This is neither the time nor the place to be without a way of recording your exciting travels as a newly married couple.
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There have been hundreds, if not more, books written about travel to, as well as the history, culture and cuisine of, Italy over the years, and if you're headed in the direction of that exciting part of the world for your honeymoon, it may we well worth investing in a few to better acquaint yourself with this fantastic country before you arrive. The following is an alphabetically arranged assorted list of great titles that you may find especially helpful on that front.
-A History of Italian Cinema by Peter Bondanella
-A Month of Italy Rediscovering the Art of Vacation by Chris J. Brady
-Cinema Italiano: The Complete Guide from Classics to Cult by Howard Hughes
-DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Italy by DK
-Fashion at the Time of Fascism (edited) by Mario Lupano and Alessandra Vaccari
-Fodor's Essential Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice & the Top Spots in Between by Fodor
-Frommer's Italy Day by Day by Sylvie Hogg and Stephen Brewer
-Italian Cuisine: A Cultural History by Alberto Capatti and Massimo Montanari
-Italianissimo: The Quintessential Guide to What Italians Do Best by Louise Fili and Lise Apatoff
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Italian Slanguage: A Fun Visual Guide to Italian Terms and Phrases by Michael Ellis
-La Bella Lingua: My Love Affair with Italian, the World's Most Enchanting Language by Dianne Hales
-Larousse Pocket Dictionary: Italian-English Dictionary by Larousse
-Lonely Planet Italy's Best Trips by Paula Hardy, Robert Landon, and Duncan Garwood (this book features 38 exciting road trips around Italy)
-National Geographic Traveler: Italy, 4th Ed. by Tim Jepson
-100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go by Susan Van Allen
-Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary by Rick Steves
-Rome: A Cultural, Visual, and Personal History by Robert Hughes
-Seeking Sicily: A Cultural Journey Through Myth and Reality in the Heart of the Mediterranean by John Keahey
-Speak the Culture: Italy: Be Fluent in Italian Life and Culture by Andrew Whittaker
-Sprezzatura: 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World by Peter D'Epiro and Mary Desmond Pinkowish
-The Delizia!: The Epic History of the Italians and Their Food by John Dickie
-The Finest Wines of Tuscany and Central Italy: A Regional and Village Guide to the Best Wines and Their Producers by Nicholas Belfrage and Hugh Johnson
-The Oxford Companion to Italian Food by Gillian Riley
-The Pursuit of Italy: A History of a Land, Its Regions, and Their Peoples by David Gilmour
-The Shakespeare Guide to Italy: Retracing the Bard's Unknown Travels by Richard Paul Roe
-Travel Italia: The Golden Age of Italian Travel Posters by Lorenzo Ottaviani
-Venice: A New History by Thomas F. Madden
-Vino Italiano: The Regional Wines of Italy by Joseph Bastianich and David Lynch
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Italy truly is one of the most romantic, captivating, exquisitely pretty places this vast world of ours has to offer. From seas of vineyards churning out some of the best wine in the world to housing magnificent works of art, ancient runs and thriving modern metropolises alike, there is really no where else quite like, nor are there many that are as perfectly suited to providing couples with the dreamy sort of honeymoon most of us adore envisioning ourselves in.
{One can't help but wonder if the writer of this 1950s ad promoting travel to Italy had honeymooners in mind as they penned those inviting opening lines. Image source.}
As incredible as Italy is, if it's not your cup of tea (or would that be espresso?), but you're still looking for warmer grounds to take your first trip and a married couple to, fear not, we'll be heading to another sunny, gorgeous spot that calls the Pacific ocean home in the second installment of the vintage honeymoon series.
Be sure to tune in April to find out just where exactly we're headed to next!