How Long Should A Honeymoon Be?

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If you’re thinking about those first steps into married life, you’ve started thinking about the big trip, the honeymoon!

Amongst all the research about wedding etiquette and traditions you’re probably wondering how long should a honeymoon be? What exactly is the average honeymoon length? We’ve got you covered!

Your honeymoon is an opportunity to celebrate each other, a reward for all the saving , planning (and maybe even stressing). The table plans, first dance songs, menu tastings, dealing with problematic loved ones, wedding planning is a lot! 

Read on discover how long a honeymoon should be (for you!) and the average honeymoon length for couples.

What is the average honeymoon length

The amount of annual leave couples have at their disposal varies around the world. In the USA and to a lesser extent in Canada, annual leave / vacation time is more limited so the average honeymoon length is usually 7-8 days.

This contrasts with the more leisurely pace seen in countries in Europe and Australia, where couples enjoy extended holidays and the average honeymoon length is 14 days.

However, these figures for an average honeymoon length are just starting points in the grand scheme of honeymoon planning!

A honeymoon can be as brief as a 5-day mini moon, a shorter getaway of quality over quantity.

On the other end of the spectrum, some couples choose to embark on a longer epic journey, a round-the-world trip or once-in-a-lifetime multi-destination honeymoon that can last for weeks or even months.

Remember, the perfect honeymoon is not measured in days but in the memories you create together on this trip of a lifetime.

Whether you choose a shorter sojourn or an epic long haul honeymoon, there’s a few factors to consider to find out how long should a honeymoon be (for you!).

How much time can you take off work

When planning your honeymoon, the first and probably most important factor to consider is the amount of annual leave or vacation time you have. This is crucial as it sets the boundaries for how long should a honeymoon be.

We’ve mentioned that some couples will have limited time for various reasons, whereas some couples are lucky enough to have a generous amount of time they can take for their dream honeymoon.

One key aspect to consider is how much time you need to truly relax and disconnect. It’s not just about the number of days you can spend away, but also about ensuring you have enough time to unwind and enjoy each other.

After the whirlwind of wedding planning and the big day itself, your honeymoon is a chance to recharge. This might mean relaxing on a beach together or sightseeing in a beautiful city.

A clever strategy for extending your honeymoon, especially with limited leave, is to plan around public holidays / bank holidays. Align your honeymoon with these days so you can add extra time to your trip without dipping too much into your annual leave.

Another solution is to consider a ‘latermoon‘ – postponing your honeymoon to a time when you can take a longer break. This option not only allows for more flexibility in planning but also gives you something wonderful to look forward to after the wedding buzz has settled.

How far do you want to travel

When envisioning your honeymoon, the distance you wish to travel is a big factor in deciding how long a honeymoon should be.

For some couples, the allure of distant shores and exotic locales is irresistible, while others will find their honeymoon bliss in nearby retreats.

For those dreaming of far-off destinations, it’s important to consider the additional travel time required.

Longer flights and possible layovers mean that a big portion of your honeymoon could be spent in transit. Therefore, if you’re drawn to faraway destinations such as jungle adventures in Bali or the enchanting streets of Rome, or the heavenly beaches of French Polynesia, it’s wise to allocate extra days to accommodate both travel time and recovery from jet lag.

This ensures you have ample time to immerse yourself in the destination and fully enjoy the experience!

On the other hand, a ‘minimoon’ – a shorter, more immediate getaway – can be a perfect fit for couples who prefer a brief escape or have limited time available.

Destinations within a short flight or a drive away have the advantage of minimal travel time, allowing more of your honeymoon to be spent making memories rather than navigating airports.

Regardless of the average honeymoon length, you might prefer to consider nearby havens, be it a cosy cabin in the mountains or a boutique hotel by the sea.

How much you can spend

When it comes to honeymoon planning, the how much it’s going to cost is a decisive factor in how long a honeymoon should be.

It can shape your entire experience. It’s a delicate balance between your dreams and the financial resources at your disposal!

For couples working with a tighter budget, the key is to focus on creating memorable experiences without overextending financially.

This might mean opting for a shorter getaway, perhaps a few days to a week, in a destination that offers both value and romance.

Destinations closer to home or those with affordable accommodation and dining options can be surprisingly delightful, proving that you don’t need to travel far or for long to celebrate your love in a special way.

Think an all inclusive resort Mexico if you’re in the US or Canada, or island hopping in Indonesia if you’re in Australia or the beaches of Greece or Spain if you’re in Europe.

Conversely, couples with a more flexible budget might face a different dilemma: deciding between an extended honeymoon or an opulent, albeit shorter, honeymoon retreat.

A larger budget opens the door to extended stays in dream destinations. Imagine spending weeks backpacking around Asia staying in romantic boutique hotels or just one week unwinding in a luxury resort in the Maldives.

We’d usually recommend a ‘quality over quantity‘ approach. For some couples, the allure of luxury and the promise of unparalleled pampering, even if for just a few days, is the epitome of a dream honeymoon.

The primary focus, when thinking about how long a honeymoon should be, is that you’re not stressed about money.

How long you need to spend in a destination

Choosing your destination is just the beginning. The next crucial step is to decide how long a honeymoon should be to fully embrace and enjoy this special place.

This decision hinges on various factors, including the nature of the destination, the length of the journey to get there, and the activities you wish to experience.

For couples embarking on long-haul flights to far-flung destinations, it’s important to factor in recovery time from jet lag. The last thing you want is to spend the first few days of your honeymoon feeling exhausted.

Allowing a day or two to acclimatise will ensure you’re energised and ready to explore. For instance, if you’re planning a honeymoon in Japan or a road trip in New Zealand, giving yourselves this buffer time can make a significant difference.

Once you’ve adjusted, consider the mix of activities you’re planning. Are you looking to balance relaxation with adventure?

Perhaps you’re dreaming of lazy days on a beach in Thailand, interspersed with exciting excursions like snorkelling or island hopping. Or maybe you’re planning a cultural deep-dive in Italy, balancing leisurely wine tastings in the Tuscan countryside with busy museums in Florence.

Remember, every destination has its rhythm, and aligning your honeymoon length with this rhythm is key. Consider the travel time, recovery needs, and the variety of experiences you wish to have. 

How much time you prefer

Ultimately, the most crucial factor in the average honeymoon length is what feels right for each individual couples. It’s a deeply personal choice, influenced by your preferences, lifestyle, and how you envision your first days as a married couple. 

For some couples, a short honeymoon is the perfect fit. This could be due to limited time availability, budget constraints, or simply a preference for shorter, more frequent vacations.

A brief getaway can be just as magical and fulfilling as a longer one! A long weekend in Las Vegas or a winter honeymoon in a snow or ice hotel in Lapland

Other couples might dream of a long, leisurely honeymoon. A longer honeymoon allows for a deeper exploration of a destination, more time to relax and unwind, time for a mix of adventure and beach or pool days.

Whether it’s a multi-week road trip, an extended stay island hopping in Hawaii or a tropical paradise like the Seychelles, or a journey through multiple countries, a lengthy honeymoon can be an unforgettable adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In the end, don’t let the average honeymoon length be a factor in how long a honeymoon should be for you. Your wedding, your way. Your honeymoon, your way!

Let us know in the comments how long you will be taking for your honeymoon.

Happy Planning x