Newlyweds are splurging more and more on their honeymoon, new research suggests.
The average cost of a post-wedding trip in 2022 increased by 23% from the year before to £3,800 as fewer couples choose staycations over mega-moons
Beach honeymoons were the most popular amongst couples in 2022, with more than half of newlyweds choosing to romance one another in front of the lapping waves at a coastal retreat.
In a show of where people's priorities are, more than half of couples polled as part of the National Wedding Survey conducted by Hitched said they were saving for a honeymoon alongside paying for their wedding, while less than a third were saving for a house deposit or to start a family.
James Chapman, an independent honeymoon specialist known as The Travel Chappy on Instagram, said: “After the last couple of years living with Covid, and knowing how much preparation goes into planning a wedding, most people are ready to spend their well-earned time relaxing on the beach together.
“I’ve seen a big trend in mini moons, where people have a short beach break in Europe after their wedding, and then wait a couple of months for their main honeymoon for the real adventure.
"After helping plan and hearing about so many people's honeymoons, it’s clear to see how much newlyweds enjoy relaxing together in paradise.”
For those couples planning to head to the beach for their honeymoon, James shares his favourite destinations, as well as some great budget-friendly alternatives.
“The Maldives is still my top selling honeymoon destination, and it’s easy to see why," he said.
"However, Nungwi Beach in Zanzibar is almost identical and costs a fraction of the price, and is also just a short flight from the Serengeti, which makes it a perfect safari and beach combo for many couples’ dream honeymoon.
“Belize is another great up and coming option; it has the second largest barrier reef (after Australia) and some of the best diving in the world.
"I have booked my honeymoon to Belize and Mexico in December this year, and I can’t wait to go.
“Finally somewhere else I think will get more and more popular in 2023, is Ras El Khaimah, it’s just over and hour from Dubai, and with white sand beaches and being surrounded by mountains, and tradition, instead of modern skyscrapers, it could easily become one of the most popular destinations in the UAE for a relaxing beach holiday, with the option of a short trip into the glitz and glam of Dubai.”
James’ Top 5 tips for finding the perfect beach honeymoon
1. Book early to get the best prices and guarantee availability
"I can’t stress how important this is," he said.
"Most hotels have early bird offers for booking over a year in advance, so take advantage and book early to make savings and avoid the disappointment of your perfect hotel being already booked."
2. Shoulder seasons are a great time to travel.
"They are often much cheaper to travel than in peak seasons, a lot less tourists and with the weather being unpredictable at the moment due to climate change, they can often end up having just as good, if not better weather than the peak season," James advises.
3. Twin centre honeymoons
"I mentioned before that the Maldives is my top selling honeymoon destination, but most people tend to only visit for a week, partly due to the cost, but also as there is usually one person who says a week on the beach is enough for them," he continued.
"It’s so easy to stop off on the way to somewhere like Sri Lanka, so you can stretch out the budget and add another unforgettable experience to your honeymoon."
4. Book with an expert
"I had to say this as a honeymoon specialist but I’m planning my own wedding, so I know how much work goes into it, and how much is involved to ensure the wedding day is perfect," James said.
"I think a honeymoon is the same, for most people it will be the most expensive trip they will ever go on, so why risk anything going wrong when you’re away, or not having the right financial protection.
"Let someone who is ATOL protected take all the stress away and do all the hours of research for you, so after your wedding all you need to worry about is getting to the airport on time."
5. Enjoy booking your honeymoon and don’t feel you have to rush into the decision
" I absolutely love helping customers book their honeymoons. It’s so exciting talking through all the different destinations, researching and picking the perfect place to celebrate becoming newlyweds," James recommended.
"It can be overwhelming trying to decide, but it’s all part of the fun, like choosing which decorations to have on your wedding day."
