Franklin Dean
Honeymoons are a holiday taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage and create a shared memorable experience. They are often considered the first family vacation for the couple. The modern purpose of honeymooning varies by culture, but it generally involves spending time relaxing, exploring, and adjusting to married life. For some, it is a time to get to know one another or become sexually intimate. Honeymoons can be adventurous, luxurious, or romantic, and may include activities such as hiking, skiing, exploring local cuisine, or simply lounging by the pool. They are often associated with exotic or romantic destinations, with beach resorts being a popular choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To celebrate marriage, get to know each other, become sexually intimate, relax, create memories, adjust to married life |
| Activities | Relaxing, romantic activities, luxurious activities, adventurous activities, sightseeing, trying new food, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, exploring local culture |
| Locations | Exotic, romantic, beach resorts, Tulum, Rome, Yosemite National Park, Hudson Valley, Zermatt, Innsbruck, Vail, Big Sky, Southern Germany, France, the Alps, Crete |
| Cost | $12 billion a year industry, couples in the US spend an average of $4500 |
| Other | Honeymoon stage is when the relationship becomes less exciting, reduction in showing physical affection |
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What You'll Learn
Honeymoon destinations: exotic, romantic, or cultural?
Planning a honeymoon can be a serious business, with so much expectation for an unforgettable trip. Couples may be looking for a romantic, exotic or cultural experience, or a combination of all three.
For those seeking an exotic honeymoon, Polynesia and its islands of the South Seas are a far-flung castaway fantasy. Fiji offers empty beaches, spectacular surf, waterfalls, and blue lagoons where couples can swim with shoals of rainbow-coloured fish. Closer to home, the rugged landscapes of Scotland offer a different kind of natural beauty.
Romantic honeymoons are often associated with lounging on a beach, and the Maldives is the quintessential destination for this. Couples can laze in hammocks in over-water villas, sip martinis, and enjoy candlelit dinners on a private sandbank. For a more affordable option, the Greek islands of Naxos and Lefkada offer stunning beaches, quaint villages, and crystal-clear waters, without the crowds of Santorini and Mykonos.
For those seeking a cultural experience, Zanzibar is steeped in centuries of Swahili culture. In Stone Town, rustic streets and charming boutiques unravel the history of global concerns such as slavery and colonialism. Buenos Aires also offers a unique cultural experience, with the chance to try the local wine in Mendoza or take private cooking courses in traditional Argentinian cuisine. Sicily is another option, with its ancient archaeological sites, as well as the chance to learn about local food and wine.
Whether it's exotic, romantic, or cultural, there are countless incredible honeymoon destinations to choose from, each offering a unique and memorable experience.
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Honeymoon activities: adventure, relaxation, or exploration?
Adventure, relaxation, or exploration—there are many ways to spend your honeymoon. If you're looking for adventure, consider a destination that offers thrilling activities such as hiking, skiing, or even sandboarding. For those who crave exploration, embark on a journey to uncover ancient wonders or immerse yourself in new cultures. On the other hand, if relaxation is your priority, create a peaceful atmosphere with comfortable clothes, delicious food, and a tranquil setting. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination and help you plan your dream honeymoon:
Adventure Activities
For adventurous couples, there are numerous destinations that offer thrilling experiences. Consider the Italian Dolomites, where you can enjoy skiing, hiking through UNESCO-designated mountains, and discovering charming alpine villages. Fuji, Japan, blends natural wonders with cultural experiences, offering activities like Jyukai lava hiking, electric bicycle tours, and canoe lessons. If you're feeling really adventurous, try sandboarding on the colossal sand dunes of Namibia or climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. The Canadian Rockies provide year-round adventure with activities like ice-climbing, heli-skiing, and wildlife spotting along the Icefields Parkway.
Exploration Activities
For those who crave exploration, consider a honeymoon in Egypt, where you can explore ancient wonders like the Great Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor. Africa also offers romantic landscapes, serene beaches, and thrilling wildlife safaris. Embark on a walking safari in Zambia or a gorilla-tracking experience in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Republic of Congo. Botswana is another excellent choice for exploring natural wonders on water, such as the Okavango Delta.
Relaxation Activities
If relaxation is your priority, create a soothing atmosphere with comfortable clothes, indulgent cuisine, and outstanding champagne. Start your day with a relaxing morning yoga class to engage your mind, body, and spirit. Take a cooking class to immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with your partner. Indulge in fine dining, sip wine while painting, and lounge by the pool with a good book. For the ultimate relaxation, treat yourselves to a spa experience, such as the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda in the Italian Dolomites or the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
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Honeymoon timing: when to go and for how long?
Honeymoons are a time to relax, create memorable experiences, and adjust to married life. They are often celebrated in exotic or romantic destinations, and can be a great opportunity to explore new places and cultures together.
When to go on a honeymoon is a personal choice and depends on various factors, such as the couple's work schedules, the weather, and the desired location. Some couples choose to go on their honeymoon immediately after the wedding, allowing them to extend the celebration and enjoy some quality time together. Waiting a few days or a week after the wedding, as some people shared, can also give couples time to wind down from the wedding festivities and spend time with family and friends before departing.
The length of a honeymoon varies depending on personal preferences, budget, and time constraints. On average, couples tend to spend around two weeks on their honeymoon, but it can range from a few days to several weeks or even longer. Some couples may opt for a shorter honeymoon due to work or financial constraints, while others may prefer a longer trip to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Seasonal considerations may also influence the timing and duration of a honeymoon. For example, couples seeking a winter getaway might opt for destinations like Switzerland or Austria, while those preferring warmer climates might choose summer months for destinations such as Southern Germany or France.
Ultimately, the timing and duration of a honeymoon depend on what works best for the couple. It is important to discuss expectations and plan accordingly to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.
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Honeymoon traditions: what's the history and purpose?
The honeymoon tradition, as we know it, is a holiday taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage in exotic or romantic destinations. The custom originated in early-19th-century Britain when upper-class couples would take a "bridal tour", accompanied by friends or family, to visit relatives who couldn't attend the wedding. This practice soon spread to the European continent and was known in France as a "voyage à la façon anglaise" ('English-style voyage'). Honeymoons in the modern sense, as a pure holiday voyage undertaken by the couple, became widespread during the Belle Époque in the late 1800s.
However, the origin of the word "honeymoon" and the tradition itself has a more complex history. The term "honeymoon" first appeared in the 1500s, referring to the first month of marriage, a period of love and happiness. The word may allude to the idea that the first month of marriage is the sweetest, like a phase of the moon that is no sooner full than it begins to wane. In 1552, Richard Huloet wrote:
> "Hony mone, a term proverbially applied to such as be newly married, which will not fall out at the first, but th'one loveth the other at the beginning exceedingly, the likelihood of their exceadinge love appearing to aswage, ye which time the vulgar people call the hony mone."
In the mid-18th century, Samuel Johnson's dictionary defined the honeymoon as "the first month after marriage when there is nothing but tenderness and pleasure". The tradition of couples taking a holiday immediately after marriage likely stems from these bridal tours popular among the upper classes, combined with the rise of popular travel and tourism in the 1800s.
According to wedding historian Susan Waggoner, the honeymoon tradition also has roots in the medieval practice of "marriage by capture". In this ancient custom, the groom would kidnap his bride, holding her captive with the intention of impregnating her without her family objecting. The couple would go into hiding, sometimes accompanied by friends, to avoid reprisals from the bride's family. This deceptive and manipulative practice is where the term "honeymoon" may have originated, signifying a moon's worth of honey wine or mead consumed by the couple to increase the chances of conception.
Today, the purpose of honeymooning varies by culture. For some, it is a time to get to know one another, become sexually intimate, relax, or create shared memorable experiences. In the 21st century, couples prioritise personalisation, designing their perfect honeymoon, often a mix of relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, and learning. An emerging trend is the solomoon or unimoon, where newlyweds take separate, solo holidays. Despite these modern twists, the honeymoon tradition remains a popular post-wedding ritual, with 75% of couples surveyed across 15 countries taking a honeymoon.
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Honeymoon planning: how to prepare and pack?
Planning a honeymoon can be a tricky undertaking, especially with all the excitement and stress of wedding planning. However, good travel planning takes more than just a simple packing list. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare and pack for your honeymoon.
Planning
The first step in planning your honeymoon is to pick a location. Discuss with your partner where you would like to go, ideally about seven months ahead of time. This gives you enough time to book your destination and accommodation, and a few weeks to reconsider your decision. Beach resorts are the preferred location for many couples, with Europe being the most popular continent for honeymoons. You could also consider an "unimoon" or "solomoon", where newlyweds take separate solo holidays.
Packing
When it comes to packing, you will want to bring all your essential items without overpacking and risking heavy bag fees. Look at your itinerary and see what you will need for each activity. Pack functional and comfortable clothing and shoes, including travel shoes that can be dressed up or down, and clothes that can be worn on the plane or to a restaurant. Limit yourself to four or five tops and two to three bottoms, and pack laundry detergent so you can wash your clothes. Remember to pack a few back-up items in case of unexpected events, but do not overdo it and exceed your airline's luggage weight requirements. You may also want to leave room for souvenirs.
Documents and Insurance
Ensure your passports are up to date and look into travel insurance options. Travel insurance protects your travel investment, reimbursing you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to sudden illness, natural disasters, or other reasons beyond your control. It is also a good idea to make photocopies of crucial travel documents, such as passports, visas, immunisation records, and travel reservations, and store them separately from the originals.
Extras
To make your honeymoon extra special, you could pack a few romantic extras, such as a heartfelt love note for your new spouse. If you plan on drinking alcohol or going to fancy restaurants, remember to pack cash for tips. Finally, do not forget the sunscreen!
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Frequently asked questions
A honeymoon is a holiday taken by newlyweds after their wedding to celebrate their marriage. The custom originated in 19th-century Britain, where upper-class couples would take a "bridal tour" to visit relatives. Today, honeymoons are often celebrated in exotic or romantic destinations and are a $12 billion a year industry.
My spouse and I went to Portugal for two and a half weeks. We loved being together 24/7, without any schedules or worries. We also took some time after the wedding to wind down and spend time with family before leaving.
It depends on your interests and the destination. Some popular activities include hiking, skiing, exploring local neighbourhoods and attractions, trying the local cuisine, and relaxing by the pool. You can also add some excitement with activities like zip-lining, ATV'ing, and rappelling.
We left a few days after our wedding, which gave us time to pack and unwind from the wedding festivities. It's a good idea to wait a bit to spend time with family and friends who attended the wedding.
