What: Couples Are Ready to Go All-Out on Their Honeymoons
According to new research from Expedia, honeymoons are shifting into overdrive following the pandemic. With COVID-19 impacting 97% of honeymoon plans (with couples cancelling, postponing or paring down their trips), Expedia says that the couples hosting an estimated 4.7 million weddings in 2022 and 2023 want an even bigger and better honeymoon than they were originally planning for. In fact, 53% of those surveyed are planning to spend more, and 59% are now more interested in going to a bucket-list destination.
Why It Matters: Capturing This Business Is a Major Opportunity for Travel Advisors
Bigger honeymoon plans translate to increased opportunity for travel advisors who sell this type of travel. Even couples who weren’t working with an agent pre-pandemic may turn to one now, if they’re looking to spend more, go farther afield and make the overall travel experience even more special than it would have originally been. Advisors should think about reaching out to any engaged — or recently married — couples on their client lists, and otherwise promoting their honeymoon planning services to take advantage of current demand.
Fast Facts: Couples Are Looking to Take Multiple Trips, Redo Their Honeymoons and More
- Sixty-five percent of respondents say they are now more likely to add a honeymoon fund to their wedding registry, prioritizing travel experiences over traditional registry items.
- An impressive 83% of couples are planning to take two honeymoons, such as a quick trip just after the wedding, with an extended honeymoon to follow later.
- Even couples who did take a honeymoon during COVID-19 are looking to travel again — Expedia found that 54% of married couples are not satisfied with the honeymoon they took during the pandemic and want a “do-over.”
- Relaxation is a top priority for honeymooners, with 45% interested in an all-inclusive resort getaway and 52% looking for some kind of pampering. Romantic activities (such as hot air balloon rides or sunset boat cruises) are another top desire for 54% of respondents.
- When it comes to destination type, beach and tropical destinations (19%) just barely edged out other types of trips, including multi-destination itineraries (18%), city escapes (16%) and national parks (15%).
