Facebook Names the Top Honeymoon Destinations in U.S., World
One of the top spots is surprising.
— -- The fact that Hawaii is a top honeymoon destination isn't exactly a shocker. Gorgeous beaches, history, luxury hotels -- all without a passport. It's pretty much a no-brainer.
According to Facebook check ins, Hawaii's islands account for five of the top 10 honeymoon destinations. But it's not number 1.
Las Vegas, according to Facebook, is actually the most popular place in the U.S. to take that all-important post-wedding getaway. And if that doesn't surprise you, the number eight destination -- the one that didn't top Hawaii but did beat out both New York City and Lake Buena Vista (home to theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios) most surely will.
Because its Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Facebook measured the top destinations based on couples on Facebook who both posted a marriage event in 2014 and checked into a location within two weeks of their marriage date. Check-ins within 20 miles of their home location were excluded.
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg markets itself as a romantic getaway. And this small city of fewer than 4,000, according to the 2010 census, is poised to give the great state of Hawaii a run for its honeymoon money. Golfing? Check. Hiking? 600 miles of trails. Add in ziplining, snowboarding and tubing, biking, and horseback riding and you've got the making of action-packed vacation.
There's a few hotels classified as "luxury" in Gatlinburg, according to TripAdvisor, but none of the luxury chains (think Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and the like) that dot the Hawaii coast.
Call Gatlinburg a lovers' hideaway, at least for the time being.
Top honeymoon destinations in the US for all (international + US) couples:
1. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
3. Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii
4. Lihue, Kaua'i, Hawaii
5. Key West, Florida
6. Poipu, Kaua'i, Hawaii
7. Kihei, Maui, Hawaii
8. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
9. New York City
10. Lake Buena Vista, Florida
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