Franklin Dean
Honeymoons are a holiday taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage. They are most popular in Europe, with 75% of couples taking a honeymoon, according to a 2023 survey. Beach resorts are a common honeymoon destination, with the Caribbean and Mexico being popular choices. Other couples opt for a multi-destination trip to Europe, where they can enjoy the summer weather, exciting cities, mountains, and island-hopping. For those seeking a more exotic honeymoon, countries like Tanzania, South Africa, and Jamaica offer wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences. Closer to home, North American destinations like Los Cabos in Mexico, Iceland, and even U.S. cities like Denver and Perth provide a mix of outdoor adventures, food, and wine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of couples taking a honeymoon | 75% |
| Most popular destination | Europe |
| Second most popular destination | The Caribbean or Mexico |
| Average amount spent on a honeymoon in the US | $4500 |
| Country where honeymoons are least popular | India |
| Type of location | Beach resorts |
| Alternative name | English-style voyage |
| Alternative type | "Solomoon" or "unimoon" |
| Honeymoon benefit | Lower risk of divorce |
| Honeymoon destinations | Scotland, Tanzania, Portugal, Greece, South Africa, Jamaica, Ireland, Australia, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Honeymoon destinations in Europe
Italy is a popular choice, with its remarkable landscapes, delicious food, and quaint cliffside towns. The Amalfi Coast is a standout destination, with the towns of Ravello, Positano, and Amalfi offering sweeping ocean views, luxurious accommodations, and access to some of the region's largest beaches. Lake Como, located about 50 miles north of Milan, attracts honeymooners with its stunning setting, vintage boat rides, gourmet cuisine, and luxurious hotels.
Greece is another sought-after honeymoon destination, with its picturesque islands and romantic sunsets. Corfu is known for its breathtaking blue water, fragrant olive and citrus trees, and sandy bays. It offers a mix of palaces, monasteries, and culinary delights. Santorini is also a popular choice for its stunning landscapes and romantic ambiance.
For those seeking a unique blend of old-world architecture and romantic charm, Prague, the capital of Czechia, is ideal. The Old Town, Petrín Hill, and Charles Bridge provide a perfect backdrop for couples, along with affordable dining and luxurious accommodations.
Cavtat, Croatia, located near Dubrovnik, offers turnkey wedding services and a range of accommodation options, from five-star hotels with sea views to boutique hotels and wellness centres.
Paris, the "City of Love," is a quintessential European honeymoon destination. With its sumptuous hotels, cruises on the Seine, and iconic monuments, it exudes romance and offers a wealth of experiences for couples.
Other notable European honeymoon destinations include the Scottish Highlands, known for their moody weather, majestic mountains, and tranquil lochs, and Portugal, which boasts golden-sand beaches, eco-friendly resorts, and adrenaline-pumping activities like whale watching and scuba diving.
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Beach honeymoons
For those seeking a European beach honeymoon, Portugal's Algarve coast boasts golden-sand beaches and adrenaline-pumping activities like whale watching and scuba diving. Greece is another excellent option, with islands like Corfu offering picturesque sandy bays, fragrant olive and citrus trees, and affordable accommodations.
If you're looking for a more unique beach experience, consider Mauritius, a small African island with tranquil beaches, first-rate accommodations, and excellent snorkelling and scuba diving spots. Or, head to the Indian Ocean and explore the 115 islands of the Seychelles, where you'll find secluded beaches, luxury resorts, and the chance to spot Aldabra giant tortoises.
For the ultimate tropical bucket list experience, Bora Bora in French Polynesia is a dream come true. Here, you can stay in lavish overwater bungalows with private plunge pools and enjoy immediate access to the sea and shore. Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, offers a livelier atmosphere with black sand beaches, luxury resorts, and lush tropical landscapes.
Whether you're seeking relaxation on serene beaches or adventure in the form of water sports and exploration, beach honeymoons offer a diverse range of experiences to create unforgettable memories.
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Honeymoons in the Caribbean
Honeymoons are a popular tradition across the world, with many couples choosing to go on a trip to relax and celebrate their marriage. The Caribbean is a popular honeymoon destination, with its white and black sand beaches, teal waters, and upscale resorts. Here are some ideas for a Caribbean honeymoon:
The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic, north of the Caribbean, is known for its world-class beaches and romantic resorts, making it one of the top honeymoon destinations. With 1,000 miles of coastline, clear blue ocean waters, and stunning sunsets, it is a great choice for newlyweds. The best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is consistently good and the rainy season has passed.
Aruba
Aruba is a quintessential Caribbean island, offering sun, sea, and stretches of powdery white sand. Aruba is an ideal year-round destination as it sits outside the hurricane belt. Honeymooners can enjoy tropical cocktails, snorkelling, and relaxing walks on the beach. Eagle Beach is a particular favourite for its tranquil atmosphere.
Barbados
Barbados is a great choice for couples seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. White sand beaches, calypso music, and Mount Gay Barbados Rum set the tone for a memorable honeymoon. For a more active experience, explore shipwrecks off Carlisle Bay through snorkelling or scuba diving, or discover the island's history with a visit to Harrison's Cave.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands offer a mix of thrilling cities, charming colonial towns, and natural wonders. Honeymooners often visit the four main islands: Tortola, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda. These islands boast attractions such as Smuggler's Cove, Cane Garden Bay, and the famous Baths rock formation.
Grenada
Grenada is ideal for couples seeking a balance of adventure and downtime. Scuba diving and sailing are popular activities, along with relaxing on one of the nearly 50 beaches. Grenada's low-key atmosphere and natural beauty make it a tranquil choice for a Caribbean honeymoon.
Curacao
Curacao is known for its incredible beaches, delicious food, and friendly locals. While it may not have as many all-inclusive resorts as other destinations, it offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty that makes it a memorable choice for a honeymoon.
The Caribbean provides a range of options for honeymoons, from relaxing beach vacations to adventurous explorations. With its stunning natural scenery, vibrant culture, and romantic resorts, it is a popular choice for couples seeking an unforgettable tropical getaway.
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The history of honeymoons
The tradition of the honeymoon has evolved over the centuries, with the custom as we know it today symbolising romance and celebration. However, the honeymoon's origins are rooted in a darker, less romantic ritual known as "marriage by capture", dating back to medieval times in the 5th century. According to wedding historian Susan Waggoner, the groom would kidnap his bride, often with the help of friends and family, and hide her away until she became pregnant, thus preventing her family from objecting to the union.
The term "honeymoon" itself is believed to originate from the practice of guests giving the newlyweds enough mead, a honey-based alcoholic drink, to last them a full moon cycle, or about a month. The couple was expected to drink the mead within this period, as it was thought to enhance virility and improve the chances of conception. In this context, the "honeymoon" referred to a period of love and happiness, with the idea that the first month of marriage is the sweetest.
In early-19th-century Britain, upper-class couples began taking "bridal tours", sometimes accompanied by friends and family, to visit relatives who could not attend the wedding. This custom soon spread to the European continent, becoming known as "voyage à la façon anglaise" or "English-style voyage" in France. During the Belle Époque in the late 1800s, the honeymoon in the modern sense—a holiday voyage undertaken solely by the couple—became widespread.
Today, honeymoons are often celebrated in exotic or romantic destinations, and they serve as an opportunity for couples to relax, bond, and explore. According to the 2023 Global Wedding Report, among the 15 countries surveyed, an average of 75% of couples took a honeymoon, with European countries being the most popular destination, followed by the Caribbean and Mexico.
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Honeymoon spending
Honeymoons are often one of the most important events of a wedding, offering a chance for the newly married couple to relax and celebrate their union in a beautiful destination. While the cost of honeymoons can vary widely, there are some general trends that can be observed.
According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a honeymoon in 2024 was $5,300, excluding the cost of the wedding itself, which averaged $33,000. This represents a slight decrease from the average cost of $5,700 in 2023 and $5,100 in 2022. Additionally, the study found that 69% of couples planned a honeymoon in 2024, with 59% of couples travelling outside the United States for their trip.
The cost of a honeymoon is influenced by various factors, including the destination, time of year, duration, and type of accommodations. For example, a week-long stay at an all-inclusive resort can average around $8,000 to $10,000, while opting for a city with cheaper accommodations or a road trip can significantly reduce costs. Location is typically the biggest factor affecting the budget, with popular destinations like France or Italy being more expensive than Mexico or Jamaica for a beach vacation. Similarly, travelling during the high season of a destination will result in higher costs.
To save money on a honeymoon, couples can consider travelling within their own country or taking a road trip to a nearby destination. Booking flights and accommodations in advance can also help secure lower prices. Additionally, opting for a honeymoon package can provide all-inclusive benefits and protect against unexpected costs during the trip.
Regardless of the budget, careful planning and research can help create an unforgettable honeymoon experience. From relaxing on tropical beaches to exploring historic cities, honeymoons offer newlyweds a chance to indulge in a well-deserved vacation and create lasting memories together.
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