It seems like each year there are one or two travel destinations that every other newlywed couple chooses to go. According to a recent survey by Zola, 80% of couples honeymoon overseas, and unsurprisingly, Hawaii lands the top spot!
Heather Cook Elliott Photography
But what factors come into play when couples decide where to go? Here are a few that may strongly influence how couples choose their honeymoon destinations:
Safety and Security
It’s unfortunate, but we live in a reality where terrorist attacks are increasingly in the forefront of our minds. It has become a larger fear for travelers looking to spend time in Europe with recent attacks in France and the UK. 72% of couples stated that things like security are very influential on their travel decisions. Another cause of concern is the travel ban, which could seriously affect couples where one is not a US citizen. You should be conscious of safety while traveling, but I would strongly advise against living your life in fear of terrorist attacks.
Ashley Ludaescher Photography
Other safety factors are a bit more ambiguous such as sex and drug trafficking and theft in countries such as Thailand or Mexico. Although these countries will involve a bit more preparation and diligence on the part of tourists, the risks are far outweighed by the beauty and rich cultural experiences you’re sure to have.
So if you’ve always dreamt of getting on a plane and visiting France, Belgium, Turkey, or anywhere else, now is as good a time as any to grab your lover and go!
Health
20% of couples surveyed by Zola expressed that viruses such as Zika are a deterrent when deciding where to go. In case you’re not familiar, Zika is a virus that is spread by mosquitoes in tropical areas. As someone who recently traveled to Western Samoa, I can say that it is something to be considered but not a deal-breaker.
If you visit the World Health Organization’s website, it will lay out the places where the virus is of top concern by a color coded system. For example, Samoa was orange, so there had been some cases, but as long as you take the necessary precautions, there’s nothing to worry about! These types of viruses can affect places like Hawaii and the Caribbean, which are on the list of top 10 most popular honeymoon destinations. So do your homework and pack your bug spray!
Jose Villa Photography
Health concerns also involve food and water safety. We’ve all been advised not to drink the water in certain countries, but this includes: fruits and vegetables washed in tap water, beverages served with ice cubes, and local street food. If you have a sensitive stomach, plan your food prior to the trip by using travel guides to map out where and what you can eat. It wouldn’t hurt to bring along some probiotics and digestive aids as well! If you and your hubs are major foodies, don’t let this stop you, do your research and leave no snack un-sampled!
Weather
This may seem like a small deterrent compared to the others, but many people plan their honeymoon solely around the climate of the country. And coming from the frozen tundra that is Chicago in February, I can’t blame them! 27% of couples interviewed said they take into account seasonal weather patterns when booking their honeymoon.
There are a few things to keep in mind here, however: weather is not limited to just hot and cold. You may be traveling during your peak summer, but it may be another country’s rainy season or winter (hello, Southern Hemisphere!). Some places even have “jellyfish season”, when the water temperatures are warmer and therefore more prone to have poisonous jellyfish present. And of course, traveling anywhere in peak season will undoubtedly be more expensive and touristy. Keep that in mind when booking your flights!
As with any trip, planning and research are very important, but perhaps even more so for your honeymoon, since it could very well be the first large trip you’re taking with your partner. Have a chat about the above-mentioned factors with your new hubby and use them to plan your perfect getaway!
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Goli Parvinian is a bridal enthusiast and masters student living in Melbourne, Australia. Over the past few years, she has worked for bridal brands in her hometown of Chicago, New Zealand and New York City. You can typically find her in a cafe, face-timing her nieces or out on a long run.
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