How Long is a Honeymoon?
How Long Should a Honeymoon Be?
There's no single right length for a honeymoon, but there is a right length for your honeymoon. It depends on where you're going, how long it takes to get there, how much time you can take off, and whether you want to stay in one place or see several. Here's how we help couples decide.
How Long Is the Average Honeymoon?
A week is the most common honeymoon length, and it's rare for couples to take less. Couples who can take more time often stretch to 10 days or two weeks, and some take a month or longer. The biggest factor isn't the calendar. It's travel time. A destination that takes a day to reach "costs" you two days of your honeymoon.
How Many Nights We Recommend by Destination
| Destination | Typical travel time from the US | Nights we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico and the Caribbean | A few hours, often nonstop | 5 to 7 |
| Hawaii | Most of a day | 7 to 10 |
| Europe (Italy, Greece, France) | Overnight flight | 10 to 14 |
| Tahiti, Bali, the Maldives, Fiji | A full day or more, with connections | 10 to 14 |
For destination ideas at each length, see our guides to St. Lucia, Hawaii, Italy, Greece and the Maldives.
4 Questions That Decide Your Honeymoon Length
- How much time can you both take off? Start with the smaller number. Many couples schedule the honeymoon a few months after the wedding so they can take more time.
- How far is it? Long-haul trips need longer stays to be worth the jet lag. A week in Bali is possible, but 10 days or more feels very different.
- One place or several? Every move costs time and money. Two destinations work well in a week or more; three or more need at least two weeks.
- Relax or explore? A beach-and-spa honeymoon is wonderful for a week. An adventure in Peru, Iceland or New Zealand needs more time to avoid rushing.
"The most common regret we hear isn't 'we stayed too long.' It's 'we wish we'd added two more nights.'"
How to Make the Most of the Time You Have
- Plan early. Booking six months or more ahead gives you the best choice of rooms and flights, and often better rates.
- Consider travel dates carefully. Shoulder seasons can mean better prices and fewer crowds. See our guide to honeymooning outside hurricane season.
- Limit the moves. Fewer flights and transfers means more time together and a lower total cost.
- Choose an all-inclusive for short trips. With meals and drinks covered, you spend your days relaxing instead of planning. Here's what's usually included.
- Work with a specialist. We match the destination to the time you have, so you never spend half your honeymoon in transit. Our honeymoon planning timeline shows what to book when.
Not Sure How Long Your Honeymoon Should Be?
Tell us your dates and your dream destination. We'll recommend the right number of nights, the best routing and resorts that make every day count.
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