How To Plan The Perfect Honeymoon In 2018

Planning the honeymoon is all part of the wedding planning process. When surveyed, 99% of couples who choose a traditional wedding said that they’d go on a honeymoon too. In the UK, the average honeymoon costs just over £3,500. Considering that the average cost of a summer holiday for a family of four costs close to £1,000, its clear to see that couples certainly splash out for their after-wedding vacation.

If you’re looking for inspiration, many look no further than the internet. An outstanding 80% of honeymooners in the last 5 years used social media to research their ideal destinations.

There are so many considerations to make once you’ve decided on your potential destination. Here to ease the stress, Angelic Diamonds, retailers of solitaire engagement rings, tell us the top luxury honeymoon locations of 2018 and how to perfectly plan your romantic trip there (down to the pound).

What are the top destinations for 2018?

According to British based travel operator Kuoni, the following are the top honeymoon destinations based on the number of bookings made:

1. The Maldives

This destination is one that’s probably always crossed your mind. It’s made up of more than 1,000 coral islands and is famous for its sugar-white sand beaches, private islands and luxurious resorts. It oozes magnificence and romance, no wonder it was revealed to be the top honeymoon destination of 2018.

Cost of flight: £474*

Accommodation cost per night:

Budget: £110 – £290
Mid-range: £220+
Top-end: £545+

A must-do:

Take a trip down to the Piano Deck, situated at Baros. This is a platform built in the heart of the ocean that can be hired for a few hours for breakfast, lunch, dinner or spa treatments. Why not treat yourselves to a sunrise breakfast for £235?

2. Sri Lanka

Lined with beautiful beaches and ancient temples, it’s clear to see why Sri Lanka is so popular. It has so much to offer, with eight UNESCO sites and many opportunities to have memorable experiences.

Cost of flight: £346*

Accommodation cost per night:

Budget: £10 – £17
Mid-range: £17 – £42
Top-end: £42+

A must-do:

Take a hike! To World’s End — a sheer cliff situated in Horton Plains National Park which looks over tiny villages and tea plantations. The round trip is around 7.5km by foot, and many say that you won’t regret it (and it costs under £20).

3.Mauritius

Mauritius sits in the Indian Ocean and is nothing short of luxurious. There’s plenty to do in the way of activities but, of course, you can lie on the beautiful beaches all day if you’d prefer — take your pick…

Cost of flight: £369*

Accommodation cost per night:

Budget: £35 – £66
Mid-range: £70 – £133
Top-end: £133+

A must-do:

Take a trip to the unforgettable Chamarel Waterfall. Surround yourself with luscious vegetation instead of the sandy beaches you may have become accustomed to and explore the southern side of the island.

4. Thailand

Thailand was named the second most popular honeymoon destination for LGBT couples (behind the Maldives). It’s become popular with backpackers over the past decade but that doesn’t mean it’s not full of hidden gems and romantic spots.

Cost of flight: £279*

Accommodation cost per night:

Budget: £13 – £23
Mid-range: £23 – £91
Top-end: £91+

A must-do:

Discover the memorable Phi Phi islands. Considered to be some of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia, you can reach them by a short speedboat journey from Phuket or Krabi. Discover true paradise and turquoise-blue waters with your partner.

5. Indonesia (Bali)

In this destination, you’ll be taken to a whole new world. A culture like no other, combined with beautiful landscapes, brings you Bali. The people are friendly and the beaches are one-of-a-kind — we’re not surprised it made it into the top five.

Cost of flight: £345*

Accommodation cost per night:

Budget: less than £36
Mid-range: £36 – £109
Top-end: £109+

A must-do:

Swing into the ocean from Bali to the islands and sit on the famous Datu Swing at Hotel Ombak Sunset with your loved one as the sun goes down.

Decided on your destination? Now all that’s left to do is pack! Make sure you budget for the following — according to one survey on wedding couples these are the items most likely to be bought before honeymoon travel: