Research shows that amongst couples who choose a traditional wedding, 99% of them go on a honeymoon — it’s all part of the wedding experience and planning the perfect honeymoon has become as important as the wedding itself.
In the UK, the average honeymoon costs just over £3,500. Considering that the average cost of a summer holiday for a family of four costs close to £1,000, it’s clear to see that couples consider their after wedding holiday a cause for celebration and a cause to splash out some serious dosh!
With the massive popularity of the internet, it’s no surprise that an outstanding 80% of honeymooners in the last 5 years used social media to research their ideal destinations. Lifestyle blogs are also a great resource for those researching weddings and honeymoons.
There are so many things to think about once you’ve decided on your dream destination, the to-do list only seems to get longer! Angelic Diamonds, retailers of wedding rings, share with us the top luxury honeymoon locations of 2018 and how to perfectly plan your romantic trip there (down to the pound).
Top destinations
British based luxury travel operator, Kuoni, revealed the top honeymoon destinations based on the number of bookings made.
The Maldives
If sugar-white beaches and crystal clear water is part of your honeymoon wishlist, then The Maldives, the nation in South Asia, is probably somewhere you have always dreamed of travelling to. Made up of more than 1,000 coral islands it oozes magnificence and romance. Making it the top honeymoon destination of 2018.
Cost of flight: £474*
Accommodation cost per night:
Budget: £110 – £290
Mid-range: £220+
Top-end: £545+
A must-do:
Visit the Piano Deck at Baros. This is a platform built in the heart of the ocean that can be hired for a few hours for breakfast, lunch, dinner or spa treatments. Why not treat yourselves to a sunrise breakfast for £235?
Sri Lanka
Covered ancient sites, temples and never-ending beaches, Sri Lanka has only recently become a tourist destination but it’s clear to see why its popularity is on the rise. It has so much to offer, with eight UNESCO sites and many opportunities to have memorable experiences.
Cost of flight: £346*
Accommodation cost per night:
Budget: £10 – £17
Mid-range: £17 – £42
Top-end: £42+
A must-do:
Hike to World’s End — a sheer cliff situated in Horton Plains National Park which looks over tiny villages and tea plantations. The round trip is around 7.5km by foot, and many say that you won’t regret it (and it costs under £20).
Mauritius
Situated in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is synonymous with everything luxurious. There’s plenty to do in the way of activities but, of course, you can lie on the beautiful beaches all day if you’d prefer — take your pick…
Cost of flight: £369*
Accommodation cost per night:
Budget: £35 – £66
Mid-range: £70 – £133
Top-end: £133+
A must-do:
Visit the Chamarel Waterfall. Surround yourself with luscious vegetation instead of the sandy beaches you may have become accustomed to and explore the southern side of the island.
Planning the perfect honeymoon to Thailand
Thailand
Behind the Maldives, Kuoni named Thailand the second most popular honeymoon destination for LGBT couples and fourth for straight newlyweds. It’s become popular with backpackers over the past decade but that doesn’t mean it’s not full of hidden gems and romantic spots. Wonderful if you’re planning the perfect honeymoon.
Cost of flight: £279*
Accommodation cost per night:
Budget: £13 – £23
Mid-range: £23 – £91
Top-end: £91+
A must-do:
Explore the Phi Phi islands. Considered to be some of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia, you can reach them by a short speedboat journey from Phuket or Krabi. Discover true paradise and turquoise-blue waters with your partner.
Indonesia (Bali)
In Bali, you’ll experience the locals’ unforgettable culture combined with beautiful landscapes. The people are friendly and the beaches are one-of-a-kind — we’re not surprised it made it into the top five.
Cost of flight: £345*
Accommodation cost per night:
Budget: less than £36
Mid-range: £36 – £109
Top-end: £109+
A must-do:
Visit the Gili Islands by sea. Take the fast boat over from Bali to the islands and sit on the famous Datu Swing at Hotel Ombak Sunset with your loved one as the sun goes down.
Once you’re all booked up, all that is left to do is pack your suitcase. Make sure you budget for the following — according to one survey on wedding couples these are the items most likely to be bought before honeymoon travel:
- New wardrobe (70.1%)
- Swimsuit (69.9%)
- Sunglasses (69.9%)
Are you thinking of planning the perfect honeymoon?
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