How long should your honeymoon last?

Weddings are among the most important and awaited days for newlyweds, but the anticipation doesn't end there. After the stressful planning and preparation of a wedding, couples eagerly await the next big thing—their honeymoon.  For them, it’s a well-deserved escape; a dream getaway with their loved one. A looming question remains: how long should a honeymoon last?

For most couples, seven days is the average duration for a honeymoon. However, if you're travelling overseas, it could be between 10 to 14 days. Some couples might even prefer a short and sweet honeymoon, ranging anywhere between three to five days.

The duration of a honeymoon is entirely up to you and your spouse, although there are certain factors like budget and official leave days, to consider when making the decision. To help you decide, we've listed down all the things to keep in mind when planning your honeymoon. 

How much time can you take off work? 

If you’ve played it smart and saved up on your leaves, then you can plan a long enough honeymoon. If not, you could plan it around a holiday or a long weekend. And if you’ve got less than two weeks' leave, make the most of it by going to a great destination that fits well into your budget and leave balance. Another great option is to go for a mini-moon right after the wedding and then a longer one later (once you’ve banked those leaves).

Figure out your budget

Your budget plays an important role in deciding your honeymoon destination. If you’re on a tight budget, opt for a shorter getaway to a place that offers both value and romance, it needn’t be the Swiss Alps or Paris. The key is to focus on creating memorable experiences without burning a hole in your pocket. But if going to a particular destination is an important factor for you, you could travel during the off-season when prices plummet, which would allow you to enjoy a longer holiday without spending too much money. 

Conversely, you could take a mini-moon after the wedding, save up, and then take a longer honeymoon later. Mini-moons are a honeymoon trend, lasting anywhere between one to five days, allowing couples to enjoy a short break right after the wedding. These are not only affordable but also easy to fit into a busy schedule. 

Picking a destination that matches the duration

Picking where you go for your honeymoon can dictate how long you go for. If it requires more than one day of travelling, the last thing you want is a short five or seven-day honeymoon, where you spend one-fourth of the trip on the road or on a plane. Plus, if you’re travelling abroad, keep in mind the jet lag (both, to and from the destination). On the other hand, if it is a nearby destination or if you know you’ll finish seeing and exploring the place in a week or less, opting for a shorter honeymoon is ideal. 

Enjoy an extended honeymoon

If you have a job that allows you to work remotely, make the most of it and take a longer honeymoon. You can spend the first half of it spending quality time with your partner, and then work out of your honeymoon destination whilst enjoying a vacation. This way to get to enjoy a long honeymoon without exhausting your leaves. 

Also read: 6 ski resorts across the world that are perfect honeymoon destinations

Also read: 5 visa-free destinations you can visit for your honeymoon