After the excitement and celebrations of marriage, every newlywed couple eagerly looks forward to their honeymoon to enjoy peaceful moments together, often in the lap of mountains or near calm beaches. However, a significant shift has emerged in the travel trend among Indian couples. According to a recent report, instead of planning only one long honeymoon after the wedding, today’s newlyweds are opting for two separate vacations. This new pattern reflects their increasing desire to relax immediately after the wedding, followed by a more immersive and extended trip planned later to celebrate married life in a more meaningful way.
The first holiday planned by couples is a short trip taken immediately after the wedding, now popularly referred to as a “mini-moon.” The second is a long, elaborate, traditional honeymoon that lasts for several days or weeks, recently termed a “big-moon.” This travel trend has been highlighted in a report released by the Indian travel platform Thrillophilia. The report shows a clear rise in couples dividing their honeymoon into two parts to ensure relaxation, enjoyment and balance between personal commitments and vacation time without overwhelming scheduling or financial pressure right after marriage.
Thrillophilia’s Honeymoon Travel Report 2025–26 states that modern couples prefer a mini-moon of three to five nights immediately after their wedding celebrations. Months later, they travel again for the big-moon, a long and experience-rich holiday. The popularity of mini-moon vacations has risen rapidly, recording nearly 18 per cent year-on-year growth. This shift highlights how newly married couples now choose to spend their first year of marriage by prioritising both quality time and memorable travel experiences rather than rushing into a single long vacation when they are already exhausted from wedding rituals and social gatherings.
Several reasons explain why newlyweds have started prioritising mini-moons soon after their wedding. A short break helps them recover from emotional and physical exhaustion caused by long celebrations and hectic preparations. It also enables them to enjoy a refreshing getaway without applying for a long leave from work, which is often difficult immediately after marriage. Mini-moons require simpler planning, fewer logistical arrangements and almost no stress, allowing couples to travel spontaneously. In contrast, a big-moon planned months later gives them time to choose a destination thoughtfully, personalise the trip, set a budget and focus on off-beat or luxurious experiences while deeply understanding each other’s travel interests.
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The report further notes that couples are now choosing their mini-moons and big-moons based on experiences rather than just luxury. Nearly 64 per cent of newlyweds prefer romantic upgrades such as sunset cruises, villa stays and candlelight dinners by the beach to enhance privacy and intimacy. About 42 per cent enjoy adventurous experiences like snorkelling, zip-lining, desert stargazing and Ayurveda retreats during their trips. Together, these choices are redefining honeymoons for modern Indian couples as something beyond just sightseeing — transforming them into journeys filled with romance, relaxation and excitement that strengthen their emotional bond.
Popular destinations for both mini-moon and big-moon trips within India include Kerala, Andaman, Goa and Rajasthan, where couples experience a beautiful mix of nature and cultural heritage. Additionally, quieter scenic destinations like Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Coorg are gaining popularity among couples seeking privacy and unique off-beat experiences away from crowded tourist hubs. In the international travel circuit, Thailand, Vietnam, Bali and the Maldives have emerged as the leading honeymoon choices. These destinations offer a blend of luxury, adventure, breathtaking landscapes and romantic settings — making them ideal for couples wishing to celebrate love twice through both a short escape and a long, memorable holiday.