The honeymoon has always been a classic part of the wedding experience. But with borders shut down and air travel considered risky, what can you do? Thankfully, there are plenty of exciting alternatives to choose from.
Planning a Honeymoon During a Pandemic
During the summer – at the height of the pandemic (and wedding season) – the popular honeymoon registry service Honeyfund asked engaged couples for feedback on how they were being forced to alter their honeymoon plans. As you might anticipate, a large percentage of couples reported changing from international to domestic destinations and/or postponing their original trip. Just seven percent of couples reported planning to take their original honeymoon exactly as planned.
If you’re getting married during the pandemic, it’s highly likely that you’ll be altering your plans as well. And we have a few alternative suggestions for you and your soon-to-be spouse:
- Rent a Cabin
Cabins are great options (for a number of reasons). Not only are they readily available (you should be able to find good options within 45 minutes to an hour of your house), but they’re also inexpensive, secluded, and romantic.
If you are going to rent a cabin, make sure there’s plenty to do. Yes, you’ll naturally want to spend plenty of time cozying up together inside, but there’s also something to be said for enjoying a few outdoor activities. Whether it’s fishing, hiking, or kayaking, there’s something rewarding about getting out and spending time in nature.
- Go Glamping
If you like the idea of being in the great outdoors, but can’t find a cabin that’s romantic enough for your liking, you might want to try glamping.
Green Wedding Shoes calls glamping the “unofficial 2020 getaway solution” – and after seeing these gorgeous pictures, you’ll know why. There are different levels of glamping, so make sure you and your spouse are on the same page. Do you want something with air conditioning and all of the amenities, or are you okay with something more basic? Do your research and look for something that aligns with your expectations and wants.
- Take an RV Trip
An RV is a pandemic-friendly solution for seeing the country without exposing you and your new spouse to unnecessary levels of risk.
An RV is basically like a traveling bubble. It allows you to sleep, eat, and live in safe quarters, while still traveling around and experiencing new sights and sounds. Whether it’s national parks, back roads, or cozy coastal towns, there’s an RV trip for everyone.
- Enjoy a Staycation
RV honeymoons are becoming popular, but that doesn’t mean they’re for everyone. You might find that a staycation is more your speed.
“Don’t feel like going the distance? Walk a different route through your neighborhood, or prime your own backyard or patio area for plenty of lazy days cloud gazing,” travel blogger Christopher Platis writes. “Pitch a tent outside and gaze at the night sky together.”
Remember: Your honeymoon is what you make it. A staycation might sound lame under normal circumstances, but in a pandemic season, it can be just the right speed. It’s all about having the right mindset. The more optimistic you are, the more upbeat your partner will be.
- Keep Your Vacation Days
Here’s a super alternative option: Don’t take a honeymoon…at least not yet.
Rather than use up all of your vacation time on a trip that you’re not psyched about, why not save the vacation days and wait to plan a delayed honeymoon for after the pandemic passes?
Enjoy a couple of days at home after the wedding, but don’t take a full seven or 10 days off. That might sound lame, but your future self will thank you. And once things finally do normalize, you’ll be glad that you exhibited so much patience.
Plan an Unforgettable Honeymoon
While it might not be the same honeymoon that you’ve always dreamed of, who says a pandemic has to keep you from having an unforgettable experience with your brand-new spouse? Whether it’s an RV trip or a staycation, it’s not always about where you go as much as who you’re with.
Make the most out of these unique circumstances and don’t be afraid to try something different.