The Rise of Adventure Honeymoons

As more and more Brits seek experiential travel over traditional beach holidays, this trend is also increasingly evident among modern honeymooners. Rather than simply lounging on picturesque beaches, today’s couples are looking to have a more adventurous honeymoon itinerary, choosing to begin their married lives with extraordinary, shared experiences that forge deeper connections and create memories that last a lifetime.

According to pre-pandemic surveys from The Knot and other premier wedding planning platforms, approximately 40% of couples were already prioritising adventure activities in their honeymoon planning before COVID changed the travel landscape. This shift has further accelerated post-pandemic, with couples increasingly valuing meaningful experiences and creating lifelong memories as they step away from traditional notions of luxury defined solely by thread counts and champagne service.

A comprehensive Honeymoon Trends Report by luxury travel specialist Kuoni (2022-2023) found that an impressive 68% of couples under 35 now prioritise adventure activities as a central element of their honeymoon planning, with multi-destination trips increasing by 36% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This remarkable shift reflects a desire to pack more diverse experiences into these special journeys, as couples seek to write the opening chapters of their marriage with bold strokes of exploration and discovery.

Not in the Guidebooks, the UK’s leading experiential and sustainable travel brand, has this week launched its own Honeymoon portfolio on its website giving couples access to an extensive catalogue of immersive, experiential adventures and carefully crafted itineraries that are designed to create once-in-a-lifetime holidays.

From exploring the ancient mysteries of Peru’s mountain landscapes where couples walk hand-in-hand along the same paths as Incan rulers, to experiencing the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City where the sensory explosion of street food markets creates unforgettable shared moments. Adventurous newlyweds can embark on a wild safari through Tanzania’s legendary national parks, watching majestic lions roam across golden savannahs as the sun sets on another perfect day together, or witness the midnight sun in Norway’s breathtaking fjords, where the ethereal light creates a fitting backdrop for the dawn of a new life partnership.

Carol Savage, Founder and CEO, Not in the Guidebooks, said: “Honeymoons aren’t just holidays. These are the first chapters of your most incredible adventure—marriage. There is a growing trend toward adventure-focused honeymoons that challenge the traditional model. Many couples already live together before marriage and want their honeymoon to be more than just a relaxing vacation—they’re seeking transformative experiences that strengthen their bond through shared discovery and adventure.”

Savage added that Not in the Guidebooks has organised honeymoons for couples in Costa Rica where they’ve ziplined through misty cloud forests and bathed in natural hot springs, and in Peru where they’ve watched the sunrise over Machu Picchu, a moment of awe that becomes embedded in their shared history. They’ve even been asked to organise a mini-moon in Lapland where couples can snuggle under furs in glass-topped igloos while the Northern Lights dance overhead.

She continued: “We’ve also observed the rise of the ‘mini-moon plus adventure-moon’ concept, where couples take a short relaxing trip immediately after the wedding followed by a longer more adventurous trip months later when they can fully immerse themselves in the experience without wedding fatigue. This approach allows couples to enjoy the best of both worlds while creating distinct memories that mark the beginning of their married life together.”

For honeymoon bookings made in 2025, Not in the Guidebooks is offering a free airport lounge pass, allowing couples to begin their transformative journey in comfort and style, setting the tone for the extraordinary experiences that await.