Honeymoon Trends

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

While the traditional vows endure, the ways to celebrate a marriage have changed right along with the travel industry.

Today's honeymooner may be looking for value, adventure, or variety and searching for a getaway that's as exotic as a stay in a private European castle or nearby as a local bed-and-breakfast inn.

One constant is that couples are willing to spend money on a honeymoon - an average of $1,402 per couple compared to $421 spent annually on regular trips according to the Travel Industry Association of America.

Young couples, age 18 to 24 years, spend the most on honeymoons, averaging $1,873. And as many as one-third of all honeymooners spend over $2,500 for that once-in-a-lifetime trip.

And while the move is back toward the traditional wedding and honeymoon associated with earlier generations, today's newlyweds are a far cry from the travelers of earlier days. “They're looking more for luxurious and romantic places, like the little out-of-the-way small hotels and inns and private castles,” points out Sylvie del Giudice, spokeswoman for Les Romantiques Hotels.

“They're ready for a different experience. It's the experience of a lifetime. They are choosing to go further away on their honeymoon to a different environment and that includes everything: a different language, culture, and food.”

Today's couples are finding new ways to celebrate their union, creating honeymoon trends that are being felt throughout the industry.  . . .

travel column © copyright Paris Permenter and John Bigley

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