Summer 2022 is era of the Honeymoon. Travel is bigger, wider, more important than ever and that seems to be showing up in honeymoons – make that “mega-moons” – as well.
A recent study conducted by Expedia found that an astounding 97% of honeymoon plans were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly every couple forced to cancel, pare down or postpone their post-nuptial plans over the last two years. The survey indicates a romance season with a whopping 4.7 million weddings expected to take place in 2022-2023. And couples are embracing bigger and better ways to honeymoon.
To this end, more than half of couples surveyed said they plan to spend more on their honeymoon than they originally budgeted and 59% are more interested now in going to a bucket list destination for their honeymoon.
Rise of the Mega-Moon
- Trips, not toasters: 65% are more likely to add a honeymoon fund to their wedding registry, prompted by the pandemic to prioritize their once-in-a-lifetime trip over traditional registry items.
- Mega-moon Budgets: More than half (53%) plan to spend more on their honeymoons than they originally budgeted and 59% are more interested now in going to a bucket list destination.
- Duo-moons: 83% of those in a relationship are planning a “duo-moon” or multiple honeymoons, such as a quick trip immediately following the wedding and an extended trip later.
- Redo-moons: 54% of married couples are not completely satisfied with the honeymoon they took during the pandemic and want a “do-over.”
“Coming out of the pandemic, couples are clearly determined to have an epic honeymoon,” says Christie Hudson, head of U.S. public relations for Expedia. “For many couples that will include flights, luxurious accommodations and romantic in-destination activities.”
Honeymoon to Mega-Moon R & R
After the stress of postponed plans, many couples are looking forward to enjoying some R&R during their honeymoons. According to the survey, the most popular itinerary includes an all-inclusive resort (45%), romantic activities such as hot air balloon rides or sunset boat cruises (54%) and pampering (52%).
However, couples are split on the type of destination they desire, with beach and tropical destinations (19%) scarcely more popular than a multi-destination trip (18%), city escape (16%) or national park visit (15%).
Ten Top Sought Honeymoon Spots
Expedia polled couples on where they would most like to go for their post-pandemic honeymoon and the results were all over the map, but maybe in the best way possible.
United Kingdom: A multi-city itinerary exploring Scotland and England by train
Dubai: Straddling the line of beach and big city luxury
Paris: Honeymooning in the most romantic place in the world
Florida: A Florida honeymoon two ways in Palm Beach or Surfside, Miami
Los Angeles: La La Land for newlyweds
Spain: A fairytale honeymoon through Madrid and Seville
Italy: La dolce vita through Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast
St. Lucia: The clear waters, lush rainforests and Pitons call
Iceland: Active adventure, magical explorations
Maldives: Checking private island living off the bucket list
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