The dream honeymoon involves four candle-lit meals, two spa treatments, several adrenaline-fuelled-thrill-seeking experiences and at least 3 hours and 37 minutes of sunbathing every day, reveals research by travel experts Opodo.*
The study found that good food (76%), plenty of cocktails (53%), as well as champagne on arrival at a five-star hotel (48%) are also essential for the perfect post-marriage trip.
The research reveals that newlyweds will expect to travel at least 11 hours by plane to reach to their preferred honeymoon destination and spend up to 12 days away.
While the average Brit would like to soak up the sunshine and be showered with love and affection on their honeymoon, they also want it to fulfil their ‘wish list’ of holiday experiences.
This means that newlyweds intend to blow at least £2,125 on the honeymoon of their dreams, with more than a third (34%) of those surveyed saying that ‘encountering new cultures’ and ‘visiting historical sites’ at least once a day is essential during their trip.
Although some of obvious holiday activities will remain popular during their ultimate honeymoon, such as going to the beach, sightseeing or trips to the spa, the research shows that fundamental cultural experiences while honeymooning are equally as important.
For example, tasting local cuisines (78%), understanding local rituals and history within the area (51%) and visiting galleries (34%) were all cited in the study, as was learning parts of a foreign language (31%), practicing native dance routines (28%) and learning how to cook the local food that they get to taste along the way (23%).
Although the average person still imagines their honeymoon to full of romance, they prefer their post-married break to be coupled with action and adventure.
The most popular adrenaline fuelled activities that newlyweds will try together more than once during their first marital holiday includes: scuba-diving (39%); mountain-climbing (36%); water-skiing (28%); go-karting/racing (26%); windsurfing (20%); sky-diving (20%); shark-cage-diving (19%); caving (19%); bungee-jumping (15%) and air-surfing (13%).
The perfect honeymoon activities (apart from the obvious!)
Finding a balance of ‘romantic, relaxation and adventure’ is key for three quarters (75%) of those surveyed, followed by more than half (57%) stipulating that agreeing on the types of activities and adrenaline experiences before departure was important.
Despite forty two percent agreeing that ‘focussing entirely on their partner’s needs’ during the twelve-day holiday is key to a successful honeymoon, when it comes to making decisions however, a third (33%) like to keep all their options open to avoid arguing while on the honeymoon and 30% believe that being considerate of their budget helps.
Robert McNamara, Head of Opodo.co.uk, said: “Most people only plan on going on a honeymoon once in their lifetime, so it’s important they get it right. Before you go, think about the places you’ve always wanted to visit or the things you’ve longed to do, and build a trip that you and your partner will remember for the rest of your life.”
And the perfect destination?
The vast-majority (80%) of Brits said that they would choose their ideal honeymoon destination together, while 10% are happy to leave the arrangements to their partner and 7% said they take on sole responsibility of organising the holiday themselves.
When it comes to choosing the perfect honeymoon destination, 38% of 18-25-year-olds are inspired by social media while 16% of all of those surveyed take inspiration from where their favourite celebrity couples have honeymooned. With the upcoming royal nuptials, 9% of men confess they would be swayed by royal honeymoon destinations, compared to just 5% of women.
Top 20 honeymoon destinations…
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Aruba
- Bali
- Bora Bora
- New York
- Santorini
- Venice
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Koh Samui
- San Francisco
- Paris
- South Africa
- Buenos Aires
- Vancouver
- Vietnam
- Peru
- Mallorca
- Botswana
For tips and advice on planning the ideal honeymoon, as well as finding out more information on the ideal honeymoon destination, visit https://www.opodo.co.uk/honeymoon-travel/
