A few decades ago, newlyweds might have been grateful for a few days in Torquay, but not any more… the “honeymonth” is the latest trend among just marrieds.
Couples are even eschewing traditional breaks in paradise locations such as the Maldives in favour of longer, more adventurous post-wedding breaks.
Forget cuddling on a beach or sipping cocktails by the pool, the modern honeymoon is as likely to include bungee jumping as relaxing.
A third of trips booked in the last year were for four weeks or more, compared with an average of just 1.5 weeks 20 years ago.
Honeymoon destinations are also changing, with long-distance hot spots previously only regarded as backpacker and gap-year favourites, becoming more popular.
Bookings to places like Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are up by an average of 25 percent in two years.
A poll by holiday comparison site, www.travelmatch.co.uk, said young couples are saving their annual holiday entitlement to be used for one long honeymoon.
Some 65 percent said they had taken most of their holiday time for a honeymoon in one go, to travel to a far-flung destination for longer.
Increasingly, couples are asking for cash gifts used to fund an adventure honeymoon, rather than the traditional idea of a toaster or bedding.
Travelmatch founder Alex Francis said people saw their honeymoon as a last chance of unfettered adventure before having to put fun ahead of paying the bills and children. – Daily Mail