The honeymoon is an exciting time in any relationship. It’s a period of excitement and newfound love that comes with dreamy dates, mushy interactions, daydreams of spending eternity together, and zealous attempts to please each other. It’s a phase that, for many couples, is the defining force behind their marriage.
Honeymoons provide a much-needed break from the everyday stresses of life, and give newlyweds a chance to build a foundation for their marriage. Often, couples will choose to spend their honeymoon on a faraway destination where they can explore a foreign culture or engage in thrilling activities together. The unique setting and intimate experience provide the perfect environment for fostering a strong emotional connection that will last a lifetime.
While the honeymoon may seem like a fairytale, it’s not without its challenges. Once the initial excitement fades, and real-life responsibilities take hold, it can be difficult for couples to maintain that initial bond. This is why it’s important for couples to remain self-aware and recognize when they have exited the honeymoon stage. By addressing the transition with open communication and continuing to do the things that made them happy during their honeymoon, couples can make it through this challenging milestone in their marriage.
The etymology of the word “honeymoon” is up for debate, but most scholars subscribe to one theory: the name originated from the custom of grooms kidnapping their brides and taking them on a month-long getaway. The goal was to ensure that their marriage would be as sweet and long-lasting as their wedding day.
Modern couples can personalize their honeymoon to match their individual passions, and they can even use their honeymoon as a testing ground for their future lifestyle. Whether they want to embark on a hiking adventure or sample exotic foods in the heart of a foreign city, a new generation of honeymooners are willing to go off the beaten path and embrace adventure to celebrate their marriage.
Couples can also design their honeymoon to include a variety of experiences, from relaxing beach holidays to cultural explorations in exotic cities. This flexibility, coupled with an increasing trend toward trip stacking – where couples book multiple vacations back to back – offers the opportunity for honeymooners to create their own unique adventure that’s uniquely suited to their relationship and interests. The ability to personalize a honeymoon experience is one of the reasons why it’s important to start planning six or eight months in advance. That’s particularly true for those looking to travel during peak season or on popular honeymoon destinations, such as Europe.