The medieval ages are ones that have gone down in history for being notoriously rough.

Between violent crusades, dangerous medical treatments, sweeping famines, gruesome torture methods,

and bizarre customs, just to name a few, it was a gnarly time to be alive.

It was also the period of time where the term honeymoon was coined, but it was a far, far cry from what we enjoy today.

The custom we regard today as romantic began in many cases as a quite literal kidnapping, when a groom would hold his bride captive until the family would give up on

retrieving her, or the bride would become pregnant.

In 5th century Europe, guests would give the couple a month, measured by one moon cycle,

worth of mead, which is fermented honey.

The couple were expected to drink for 30 days, the line of thinking being it would improve

the chances of conceiving a child, hence, Honey, Moon.

Thankfully for everyone involved, the custom evolved with time to involve a variety of

less violent traditions.

In the early 1900s, Niagara Falls dubbed itself the honeymoon capital of the world,

and throughout the globe, honeymoon resorts emerged, serving as romantic getaways for the newly

married. The destination, duration, and itinerary can be as unique as each couple, but there is a

reason many revolve around a tropical getaway.

They just ooze relaxation. But some newlyweds don't want relaxation. They want to kick off

their next chapter with a bang, with a grand adventure. But that appetite for adventure can be a bit

too tempting to indulge, and for some, they bite off a bit more than they can chew.

Welcome to National Park After Dark.

Welcome to National Park After Dark. Wow, I learned a lot in that intro.

Isn't it kind of nuts? I never knew that.

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