‘Go big or go home’ – literally – is the whole idea behind romance & travel’s latest trend. ‘Megamoons,’ or mega-honeymoons, are exactly what they sound like: post-wedding getaways that go beyond conventional trips, whether this means booking bucket-list destinations, signing up for out-of-this-world experiences, or travelling for weeks or months on end. Though they’ve been around forever, megamoons are seeing a post-COVID renaissance, with newlyweds going all out on the trip of their dreams. But how do you plan and prepare for a megamoon? And where should you go? We asked John Hawks, Executive Director at Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association (DWHSA), for the skinny on big, brilliant honeymoons that deliver lifelong memories.
Why do you think megamoons are gaining in popularity?
“Before the pandemic, almost all engaged couples cancelled their honeymoon plans. But in 2023 and 2024, they came roaring back, with couples determined to achieve the honeymoon of their dreams. Our members report many of their couples are now focusing more on their honeymoon plans than their actual weddings! They’re pulling back on their destination wedding guest lists and budgets, and increasing their honeymoon spend.”
What are some pros and cons of a megamoon?
“With larger megamoon budgets, it’s much easier to plan an itinerary that fits the interests of both members of the couple. If the bride wants a week at a five-star resort but the groom wants an eco-getaway in the mountains, a megamoon budgets makes all of that possible. Another advantage is the fact that megamoons can last anywhere from 10 days to two weeks or more, which allows couples to stay longer in long-haul honeymoon destinations.
“The biggest challenges with megamoons are the higher cost and longer trip length. Not every couple will have the budget and available time off work to plan such an intensive getaway.”
What planning tips do you have for couples booking a megamoon?
“They should avoid ‘overpacking’ the itinerary and build in plenty of extra time for transfers and hotel changes so that one late flight doesn’t collapse the entire trip. Purchase top-level travel insurance and have healthy emergency savings ready; the longer they’re travelling, the more likely unexpected things might happen.
“Another good idea is to combine standard travel arrangements with ‘splurges’ if their budget gets out of control. For example, if 14 nights in a hotel suite in Hawaii is adding up too fast, they can stay in a comfortable room for 11 or 12 nights and upgrade to a suite or beachfront bungalow for the final few nights.
“And lastly, they should remember that not everything on the megamoon needs a price tag. After several days of pricey meals and shopping, their best memories may end up being the afternoon they spent in a local park and simply people-watching.”
What destinations or travel styles would you recommend for a megamoon?
“We see two big trends with megamoons: trips with a common theme such as ‘high foodie’ experiences or intensive wellness, which can mean being based at one or two luxury properties with culinary adventures or high-end spa treatments every day; and trips that include exploring nearby destinations, which may require long-haul flights to get to but are easier to go back and forth between them. This can include combinations like Italy and Croatia, or Chile and Argentina.”
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