How Long is a Honeymoon?

Story Amour
Written by Story Amour · Posted in Honeymoon Last Updated March 18, 2023 · minute read
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    After an action-packed process of wedding planning, you deserve a break – a honeymoon is the perfect opportunity for that. This is the time to treat yourself to certain indulgencies you don’t usually get to experience.

    couple walking on honeymoon

    How Long is a Honeymoon?

    The first thing to consider in your travel bucket list is choosing a destination. And being a once-in-a-lifetime event, you don’t want to spend all your time traveling. For most newlyweds, the first question that comes to mind is, how long is a honeymoon? This post will explore the average length of a honeymoon to help you make the perfect honeymoon plan.

    Average length of a honeymoon

    The average length of a honeymoon is 7-16 days. Some prefer week-long vacations, others go for months away. The ideal length is what makes you feel de-stressed and most relaxed. As a couple, you should consider your vacation time, budget, and destination.

    Can you honeymoon longer than the average?

    Of course! There are no rules on the length of a honeymoon. The number of days you want to spend sorely depends on what you agree as a couple. Some will opt for trips that last up to 16 days, some shorter. Again, you don’t want your trips to be too short, such that you end up feeling like you didn’t have a proper break after the big day. The actual days will depend on what you want and how much time you have. If you have more wiggle room in your budget, you can extend the stay.

    Honeymoon Length Considerations

    Remaining vacation days

    You want to make the most of your vacation days, so you should know how many you have. If you only have a week or two, you should consider the days for wedding preparation and any other time off.

    With proper planning, you want to reserve most days for the honeymoon. That way, you don’t have to count your paid days off. Are the days enough for a week in the mountains?

    Some experts recommend postponing the honeymoon until you get a date that coincides with a holiday. This means that you get more time off to enjoy. If your boss is friendly, you can ask for more vacation days in honor of your wedding. Don’t be afraid to give it a shot.

    Budget

    As you plan for your honeymoon, you want a realistic budget. Being a one-time event, you may be tempted to overspend on your dream destination. It can even be more financially draining if you’re trying to recover from wedding-related costs. If you don’t want to have any regrets, you should set a reasonable budget. Some of the travel expenses you should include in the budget include:

    • Accommodation
    • Food and drinks
    • Flights and travel
    • Car rental
    • Shopping
    • Excursions and activities

    Once you establish your daily spending, you should back it up with miscellaneous expenditures. There could be some hidden costs like transportation to and from the airport, accommodation in an isolated areas, etc. If you want to reduce your costs considerably, you may want to plan the honeymoon with a travel agent. Most companies have information on restaurants and excursions that offer discounts and reduced rates.

    To ensure you get it right from the beginning, you should plan early – preferably 6-8 months before your honeymoon. If you see you are struggling to budget, but have time to plan, you can reduce your living costs and also consider asking for money for the wedding.

    Where are you going?

    If you only have a few days off work, you need a destination closer to home. However, you can schedule a foreign excursion if you have more days to spare. For those who react to jet lag, make sure to leave enough time to recover.

    The perfect destination should offer experiences based on interests. Are you an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or do you like getting up close to nature? Choose a place that allows you to spend quality time together while ensuring you leave enough time to experience new things. For example, couples going to the Caribbean may want more days as the weather may not be favorable for many activities.

    A lot of people copy someone else’s itinerary. Don’t make this mistake. You never know – it may not be the best option for your partner. The final decision should be a collaborative endeavor unless your spouse has no travel preferences.

    Another important part of the honeymoon is planning a romantic surprise. Sunset views? Candlelit dinners on the beach? You can always arrange with the hotel to assist with the planning.

    How long does it take you to relax?

    If you only have a week for your vacation, you don’t want to spend it traveling across continents. Perhaps the best approach is to choose a destination closer to home. This will provide adequate time to chill, relax and enjoy those honeymoon vibes. If you’re traveling overseas, you should keep in mind how long you need to relax.

    If you need a vacation to decompress, you may want to go somewhere without family.

    A honeymoon is a chance to take a mental break from the wedding experience as sometimes this can be an incredibly stressful experience.

    How many days do you need to celebrate your marriage? Things get a little easier if you’re the kind of couple that thrives when you’re away from distraction.

    What time of year

    If possible, it’s recommended that you travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak months). Generally, the season will vary on the destination. During the peak season, the cost may skyrocket. This can be a bewildering experience if you can’t stretch the budget. Again, if you explore the excursions when the crowds are many, you may not stay as long as possible.

    Traditionally, a honeymoon follows immediately after a wedding. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

    Alternatives to a Honeymoon

    Honeymoons are an important tradition: the one time couples get to focus on each other, have no worries about work or kids, and truly relax. It is the cherry on top of a finally finished wedding day, and many couples eagerly anticipate it after months or even years of wedding planning.

    For some people, a honeymoon is not always possible or practical. If you are on a tight budget, have young children, or simply cannot take time off work, then a honeymoon may not be in the cards. Fortunately, plenty of alternatives to a honeymoon can still help you celebrate your new marriage.

    A Mini Moon

    Minimoons are a shorter, more local version of a honeymoon. It is aimed to keep you close to town while still giving you the romantic getaway offered by a more extensive honeymoon. A minimoon can be as short as one night or even a long weekend. It includes the traditional elements of a honeymoon, such as candlelit dinners, massages, and quality time together, but on a small scale.

    You can go camping in a nearby state park, get a couples massage at a local spa, or take a cooking class together. Many bed and breakfasts or small inns offer special minimoon packages complete with champagne, chocolates, and other romantic amenities. On a minimoon, you can still escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and focus on your spouse without having to spend a lot of money or take too much time off.

    It is a convenient and budget-friendly way to celebrate your new marriage, and you can even use it as a trial run for a longer honeymoon in the future.

    Take A Road Trip

    For couples who love adventure and travel, a road trip can be the perfect alternative to a traditional honeymoon. You can map out a route ahead of time and hit all the spots you have always wanted to see. Or, you can throw caution to the wind and explore whatever comes your way.

    A road trip can be as long or short as you want, and you can tailor it to your budget. You can camp under the stars, stay in cheap motels, or splurge on a few nights in a nice hotel. The best part about a road trip is that it allows you to go at your own pace and see whatever interests you.

    You can make spontaneous stops, take detours, and get a feel for the open road. It is the perfect way to explore your own country or even venture into new territory. And, of course, you will have plenty of time to bond with your spouse as you navigate your way to new and exciting places.

    Local Getaway

    Just because you cannot go far away does not mean you cannot have a romantic getaway. A local getaway can be the perfect alternative to a honeymoon if you are short on time or money.

    You can book a room at a nearby bed and breakfast, go on a wine-tasting tour, or spend a day at the spa. Many local businesses offer special packages for couples, so be sure to ask around. You can even get creative and turn your home into a romantic oasis.

    Set up a tent in the living room, make a picnic dinner, and snuggle up by the fire. A local getaway can be just as romantic as a larger honeymoon, and it can be a great way to celebrate your new marriage without having to travel far from home.

    Get A Couples Massage

    A couples massage is a great way to relax and reconnect with your spouse. During a couples massage, two people are massaged in the same room simultaneously by two different therapists. It is a great way to spend quality time together and enjoy the benefits of a massage.

    Couples massages are often available at local spas, but you can also find them at some hotels and resorts. They are a bit more expensive than a regular massage, but they are worth it. If you want to save money, you can even give each other massages at home.

    Have A Fancy Dinner or Cooking Class Together

    You can still enjoy a romantic evening together if you don’t have the luxury of time or money for a honeymoon. Many restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus for Valentine’s Day or other occasions, so you can treat yourselves to a fancy dinner without spending a fortune.

    Or, you can sign up for a cooking class and learn to make a new dish together. You will have a lot of fun in the kitchen and have a delicious meal to share. It is a great way to spend quality time together and learn something new. And, of course, you will get to enjoy a delicious meal at the end of it.

    Go Camping

    Camping can be a great alternative for outdoor enthusiast couples who love nothing more than spending time in nature. You can pack your tent and all your gear or opt for a more comfortable glamping experience.

    Camping is a great way to disconnect from technology and the outside world and focus on your spouse. You can spend your days hiking, fishing, swimming, and exploring the great outdoors. Moreover, get those campfire vibes and sit around the fire stargazing.

    Camping is relatively cheap and a way to save money on your honeymoon. It is also a great way to bond with your spouse and create memories that will last a lifetime.

    Have A Staycation

    When you take a Staycation, you simply skip the expensive flight and hotel and enjoy a vacation at home. You save a ton of money this way, and you can still have plenty of fun, from exploring your city to indulging in some much-needed rest and relaxation.

    There are endless possibilities for a staycation, but some great ideas include getting a hotel room in your city, taking a day trip somewhere nearby, or visiting a local Bed and Breakfast. You can also treat yourself to some luxurious experiences that you might not normally splurge on, such as a couples massage, fancy dinner, or tickets to a show.

    If you are looking for a romantic alternative to a traditional honeymoon, plenty of options are available. From camping and cooking classes to massages and staycations, you can find something that fits your budget and schedule. These seven alternatives to a honeymoon provide the perfect opportunity for couples to relax, bond, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

    Conclusion

    If you want to have a great honeymoon, you should figure out the time you have available. On average, you need two weeks of vacation. But the exact time will depend on how far you travel and what you want to see, among other factors. You may want to talk to your partner to set expectations. After all, this is your honeymoon, so it should be how you want it to be.