Luxury safari outfitter, Go2Africa, commissioned a survey of over 2,000 Brits in partnership with YouGov to shed light on the evolving trends and preferences of honeymooners. 

Shockingly, one in ten respondents expressed a willingness to delay having children to prioritise their honeymoon experience. This number increased the younger the respondents were, with 29% of those aged 18–34 willing to delay children to afford a more expensive and luxurious honeymoon.

The government region of Northern Ireland had the highest number of respondents willing to delay children’s dream honeymoon (18%), followed by the North East at 14%. Scotland, Yorkshire and the Humber regions were least likely to delay children, with just 7% of respondents saying they would.

It’s not just delaying children that Brits are willing to give up to have their dream honeymoon. 21% of those aged 25–34 would also consider delaying buying a house. This time, those in Yorkshire and the Humber were most willing to put their dreams of homeownership aside, with 11% choosing to prioritise spending on their honeymoon, higher than any other region. Northern Ireland was least likely, with just 3% of respondents delaying the purchase of a home.

To fund a dream getaway, Brits are willing to make sacrifices in their day-to-day luxuries. The results revealed that the following are most likely to be cut to save money:

• Treats such as massages and spa days (36%)
• Eating out (35%)
• Gym memberships (23%)
• Buying clothes and electrical goods (23%)
• Future holidays (21%)
• Home renovations (20%)

Half of respondents aged 25–34 would be willing to cut costs on other wedding-related expenses to enhance their honeymoon experience. In contrast, only 23% of those aged 55 and older would consider this option.

The survey also highlighted that the cost of the honeymoon is important, with 65% of respondents mentioning it as a factor when considering a honeymoon destination. Women are more likely to consider costs at 69%, while just 61% of men would find this a key consideration. Furthermore, younger respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 were less likely to consider costs at 61%, rising to 70% for those aged between 45 and 54.

With the cost of living crisis hanging over consumers, there’s a clear trend of Brits choosing to spend less on their honeymoon. Over four-fifths of Brits (81%) are looking to spend £5,000 or less on their post-wedding getaway, with 23% in total budgeting for £1,000 or less per person.

Once again, the older generation is more money-savvy, with half (50%) of those ages 45+ looking to spend £1,000 or less per person, compared with those aged between 18 and 34, of whom only 36% would spend £1,000 or less.

Maija de Rijk-Uys, managing director at Go2Africa, discussed the report: “Honeymoons are a key part of a couple’s wedding celebrations and is a perfect way for them to get away and have a luxurious adventure before they move into a new and exciting phase of their relationship.  

“The survey that we conducted in partnership with YouGov has shared some fascinating insight into the UK’s views on honeymoons. The data demonstrates that couples are willing to invest in unforgettable memories and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey where every moment is luxurious, with almost half admitting it was a key component of a honeymoon.

“At Go2Africa, our experienced team are on hand to support couples in tailor-making their perfect honeymoon in Africa and the Indian Ocean. With soft-sand beaches, endless savannahs teeming with wildlife, and some of the most idyllic scenery on the planet, Africa and our islands have all the ingredients for a honeymoon a couple will never forget.” 

What’s the image above? It’s our way of showing appreciation to our Filipino readers by offering an exclusive competition just for them.