More newlyweds are ditching the traditional long honeymoon for a shorter, sweeter escape called the minimoon. And they might be onto something. After the whirlwind of wedding planning and the emotional high of your big day, a minimoon offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, reconnect and savor those first sweet moments of married life.
This short but satisfying escape is all about shedding post-wedding stress without the pressure of planning a full-blown honeymoon. From budget-friendly tips to dreamy destination ideas, here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect “honeymoon lite.”
Say Hello to the Minimoon
A minimoon is exactly what it sounds like—a mini honeymoon. It’s shorter, often closer to home, more affordable and equally enjoyable. You can still escape somewhere beautiful to celebrate your first few days as a married couple without external distractions.
Minimoons are usually three to five days long—just enough to unwind and relax after all the wedding planning and celebration.
All newlyweds can do a minimoon. However, it’s particularly recommended for couples who:
- Are busy: Don’t let demanding schedules or jobs stop you from having your much-needed R&R.
- Are on a budget: A minimoon is ideal for couples looking to save money for other goals, such as future family expenses or a new house.
- Prefer shorter trips: Some couples may not want to take a long vacation immediately after the wedding, making minimoons an ideal way to decompress afterward.
- Want to travel sooner: Minimoons allow you to enjoy a romantic trip quickly after tying the knot.
- Want to save for a more luxurious trip: A minimoon serves as a teaser for a more extravagant getaway, allowing you to experience the thrill while saving up for your dream destination.
Make Every Moment Count: Top Minimoon Tips
Make your trip one to remember. Follow these tips to get the most out of your short minimoon.
1. Consider Travel Style
How do you and your partner enjoy traveling? Are you happiest on a beach, in a cozy cabin or a bustling city? Ensure your destination matches your shared interests as a couple. Here are some common travel styles:
- Adventurous: Consider thrilling activities like hiking, snowboarding or camping.
- Relaxing: Look for destinations with pristine beaches, luxurious spas or natural landscapes.
- Cultural: Assess cities featuring rich history, art, food and local traditions.
- Foodie: Research places known for their unique food offerings.
2. Set a Budget
Weddings can be expensive, so set a budget and start working from there. A minimoon isn’t about deprivation but prioritizing what matters most to you and your spouse.
Would you rather stay in an all-inclusive resort or go backpacking to explore as many places as possible? Prioritizing can help you allocate your budget effectively. You can also consider off-season travel dates to skip long queues and get discounts on accommodations.
3. Avoid Overscheduling
Wedding planning and celebration is a whirlwind of activities. During your minimoon, give yourselves a break from your to-do lists. Focus on spending quality time with your lifetime partner and easing any post-wedding anxiety. Prioritize moments that fill your heart over those that just fill your phone with pictures.
4. Splurge Wisely
One thing about minimoons is that not everything needs to be a splurge. You can save in certain areas to spend more on other things to make your trip unforgettable. One strategy is to book an affordable hotel and then splurge on unique experiences, like a private chef’s tasting dinner or a hot air balloon ride. Having a few fancy experiences for a night or two will be worth it.
5. Think About Feasibility
Since minimoons only take a few days, consider a destination within driving distance. Doing so will lessen your costs and travel time spent. You may also search for direct flights from your city to your location to see if that’ll be a more economical option.
6. Choose Your Destination
A short journey from your hometown to a secluded cabin in the countryside or a historic city you’ve always wanted to explore is enough to be called a minimoon. Here are some locations worth checking out:
- Truckee, California
Truckee is a few hour’s drive from San Francisco. It’s a great place to explore Lake Tahoe and try outdoor activities, especially during winter. Colder months offer the joy of traveling off-season and access to discounted accommodations and flights. However, while you may luck out on discounted travel, be sure to prep for possible delays or cancellations in your travel plans.
- New Orleans, Louisiana
If you like parties and a festive vibe, consider visiting New Orleans. Admire French architecture, eat Creole food and enjoy live jazz music.
- Tybee Island, Georgia
On Tybee Island, you can enjoy gorgeous sunsets, pristine beaches and fresh seafood. It’s an ideal place for couples who crave unique adventures, like climbing a lighthouse or fossil hunting.
7. Unplug
Your minimoon will go by super fast, so always be present. Avoid social media and turn off your notifications to soak in the bliss of newlywed life. Aside from letting you be fully present, unplugging can help you establish a healthier work-life balance while on vacation.
Here’s to Planning Your Minimoon Today
You and your new spouse deserve some R&R after months of wedding planning. Spend the first days as a married couple on a beach, atop a scenic mountain or exploring a nearby city. The key is choosing a destination that aligns with both your preferences, ensuring a memorable experience together.
About the author:
Mia Barnes is a freelance writer and researcher with a passion for healthy travel and wellness. Mia is the founder and editor-in-chief of Body+Mind magazine. Follow Mia and Body+Mind on X and Instagram @bodymindmag!
Snapshot Summary
Minimoons offer newlyweds a refreshing alternative to traditional honeymoons—short, sweet escapes that let you unwind after wedding chaos without breaking the bank. Lasting 3-5 days, these getaways work brilliantly for busy couples, budget-conscious travelers or those saving for a future dream trip. For maximum bliss, match your destination to your shared interests, splurge selectively, stay nearby to minimize travel time and unplug completely.
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