10 June 2025

Ah, the destination engagement. Equal parts romantic fantasy and logistical juggling act. You’ve seen the pictures: golden sunsets, clifftop proposals, crystal-clear waters, and a very sparkly ‘yes’ moment captured just as the ring goes on. But what you don’t see? The missed flights, lost rings, sunburns, and arguments over dinner reservations that nearly derailed the magic. Don’t get us wrong — planning a destination engagement is absolutely worth it. When done right, it’s unforgettable for all the right reasons. But after chatting with dozens of couples who’ve gone before you, there’s a clear split between the "Best Decision Ever!" crew and the "Next Time We'll Just Go to Pizza Express" crowd. So, how do you land firmly in the first group? Here’s how to plan your dream engagement getaway — plus the candid regrets couples wish they’d known beforehand. Step 1: Pick the Destination for You, Not Instagram That cliff in Santorini looks stunning... in filtered photos. In real life, it may be jam-packed with tourists and windier than you expect — not exactly the romantic moment you pictured. Regret #1: “We picked the place for the photo, not the vibe.” Many couples admit they chose a location because it looked good on social media, not because it felt like them. The best proposals happen in places you feel relaxed, connected, and where logistics won’t overshadow emotion. Maybe that’s a five-star eco-lodge in Costa Rica, or maybe it’s your favourite little wine bar in Lisbon. Choose a location that brings you joy as a couple, not just likes. Step 2: Don't Over-Schedule the Romance Yes, it’s tempting to cram in Michelin-star meals, sunrise hikes, boat charters, and spa days to make the trip feel “worth it.” But your proposal isn’t a time slot to squeeze between activities. Regret #2: “We were too exhausted to enjoy it.” Some partners shared they were so busy “making memories” that by the time the big moment came, they were cranky, tired, or stressed. Build in downtime. Let the proposal have space to breathe. You’re not producing a rom-com montage — you’re creating a memory that’s all yours. Step 3: Think About the Ring... Like, Logistically We’re not trying to ruin the mood, but rings go missing. They fall out of carry-ons, trigger airport security checks, or worse — get left in hotel safes. Regret #3: “I spent the whole trip paranoid I’d lose the ring.” A few practical tips: keep the ring in your carry-on, never in checked luggage. If you’re worried your partner will stumble across it, consider a discreet box or wearable option (like a dummy ring for the moment, and the real one later). Also, insure the ring. You’ll thank yourself. Step 4: Plan the Proposal, Not a Performance Not everyone wants the flash mob. Or the violinist. Or the photographer jumping out of a bush. What they do want is to feel seen and loved. Some of the most touching engagements are simple and heartfelt — no choreography required. Regret #4: “I tried to impress, not connect.” Trying too hard to create a "wow" moment can backfire. Instead, think: what makes your partner feel loved? Is it a quiet beach picnic, a personal letter, or a meaningful playlist? Focus on making them feel special — not the people who might see it on TikTok later. Step 5: Capture the Moment... But Not at the Expense of It A proposal is a milestone — and yes, it’s lovely to have photos. But some couples admitted that the pressure to capture the “perfect shot” took them out of the moment. Regret #5: “We spent more time posing than feeling.” If you want photos, hire a discreet photographer who blends in. Or have someone take candids from afar and save the full shoot for later. But above all, feel the moment. You only get one ‘just engaged’ high. Don’t spend it reviewing camera angles. Step 6: Have a Plan B (and Maybe C) Weather happens. Tour guides cancel. Boats capsize (rare, but still). Your Plan A might not play out exactly how you imagined — and that’s okay. Regret #6: “I froze when things didn’t go to plan.” One partner shared how he planned to propose on a hot air balloon — which was grounded last minute due to wind. In a panic, he ended up blurting it out in a hotel elevator. (Spoiler: she still said yes.) The key is flexibility. Have a backup. Be prepared to pivot with grace. The gesture matters more than the setting. Step 7: Make It a Shared Story, Not a Surprise Trap While surprises can be fun, some couples confessed they wished they’d talked more about what they wanted before the trip — especially the “are we on the same page?” chat. Regret #7: “We hadn’t even discussed timelines.” If your partner is truly caught off-guard — and not in a good way — it can lead to awkwardness. Have those pre-engagement conversations early. Discuss timelines, values, and expectations. The proposal can still be a surprise... just not the idea of getting engaged. Final Thought: It’s About the Beginning, Not the Backdrop In the end, your destination engagement should feel like a reflection of your relationship — not a pressure-cooker event. It’s not about the perfect sunset, or the expensive resort, or the viral photo. It’s about the two of you, in love, saying: “Let’s do life together.” The moment doesn’t need to be flawless. It just needs to be yours. So plan thoughtfully, pack wisely, and most importantly — don’t forget the ring. (And maybe some blister plasters. Just in case.) Say Hello to Stress-Free, Yes-Worthy Proposals - Let’s make sure your destination engagement is remembered for all the right reasons — breathtaking views, happy tears, and that magic “yes” moment you’ll replay forever. When you trust me to plan your perfect proposal getaway, you get expert support, seamless logistics, and the kind of insider touches that turn “special” into unforgettable. No stress, no guesswork — just pure romance, beautiful memories, and your best decision ever (second only to who you’re proposing to). Let’s create your once-in-a-lifetime moment. Get in touch for an informal chat. - luxury.romance@travelcounsellors.com

10 June 2025

Congratulations! You’ve said “I do,” survived the table plan drama, and danced your way through the awkward uncle’s rendition of Come On Eileen. Now comes the best bit: the honeymoon. But forget the traditional two weeks on a beach with nothing but sunburn and overpriced cocktails—honeymoons in 2026 are getting a glow-up. From the rise of eco-conscious escapes to bringing your mum along (yes, really), we’re breaking down what British couples are actually doing with their precious post-wedding time—and what it’s all costing. What’s the Damage? Let’s talk money. In 2026, the average UK couple is spending around £4,500–£5,000 on their honeymoon. That’s roughly the cost of a decent second-hand car or about three Taylor Swift tickets, depending on your priorities. That said, there’s a wide range depending on the couple's style: Budget-friendly minimoon: £500–£1,500 (typically 2–4 nights in the UK or Europe) Mid-range honeymoon: £3,000–£5,000 (popular European spots, boutique hotels, and some extras) Luxury/multi-destination honeymoons: £7,000+ (Maldives, South Africa, Japan, etc.) Interestingly, more couples are choosing to split their wedding and honeymoon budgets entirely—some even pushing the honeymoon several months down the line to avoid going straight from vows to overdraft. The “minimoon” is having a serious over-haul. Forget muddy fields and dodgy Wi-Fi—today’s minimoon is a chic, perfectly packaged luxury break for two. It’s the champagne toast after the confetti settles, giving couples a stylish pause before the big honeymoon blowout a year or so later. Think three nights in Paris, soaking in the view from your private balcony (and your freestanding tub). Or a long weekend in Florence, strolling hand in hand between gelaterias and Renaissance masterpieces. Or perhaps a rooftop cocktail in Lisbon, followed by a sunset tram ride through its charming, cobbled hills. These bite-sized getaways offer all the romance with less of the admin—and with boutique stays, they feel indulgent without wrecking the honeymoon fund. Minimoon? Maximum vibes. Destination Weddings: Sunshine, Savings, and a Built-In Honeymoon Destination weddings are no longer just for celebrities and soap opera finales—they’re smarter, more stylish, and surprisingly cost-savvy. Sure, they come with Instagrammable perks—sunsets, sangria, and groomsmen who’ve overdone it on the SPF-free tanning oil—but they’re also an elegant way to turn your "I do" into a multi-day experience with your nearest and dearest. And here’s the twist: while a Santorini soirée or barefoot Bali bash sounds expensive, many couples are actually saving money by combining their wedding and honeymoon into one dreamy trip. With smaller guest lists (only the ride-or-dies tend to hop on a plane), lower decor costs (who needs marquees when you’ve got the Aegean Sea as a backdrop?), and all-inclusive packages that bundle it all up neatly, the total can come in on par, if not less than a UK do, minus the drizzle. Plus, let’s be honest: no one complains when the wedding invite doubles as a holiday. 2026 Honeymoon Trends Worth Packing For - So, where are newlyweds heading now? And more importantly, what kind of honeymooners are they? The Eco-Explorer Carbon footprint guilt is real, and couples are responding by swapping long-haul flights for eco-retreats, train travel, and nature-first holidays. Think treehouses in Wales, low-impact cabins in the Lakes, or solar-powered stays in Scotland. It’s all the romance, with less of the emissions. The Euro-Tourist Brexit be damned—Europe is still calling. Rail passes and multi-city itineraries are booming in 2026, with couples hopping from Paris to Porto like seasoned Interrailers (except with better luggage and fewer pot noodles). It’s the perfect blend of food, culture, and strategically chosen wine regions. The Buddymooner Here’s a twist: more couples are inviting friends along for the ride. It turns out some people actually like their mates enough to share a honeymoon. Whether it's a week in Ibiza with the crew or a safari with siblings in tow, the line between honeymoon and group holiday is increasingly blurred. The Wellness Wanderer After months of wedmin-induced stress, some couples are opting to detox rather than retox. Cue silent yoga retreats, digital detoxing lodges, and spa resorts so serene they make your in-laws' house feel like a nightclub. Namaste, indeed. The Luxe Camper Glamping is still going strong, but in 2026 it’s less bell tent and more boutique pod with underfloor heating, a hot tub, and a concierge who can deliver a flat white. The UK countryside has never looked more appealing—or less muddy. The Mega-Mooner Go big or… well, just go very big. With remote working now second nature, some couples are taking extended trips and working from their honeymoon locations. Picture morning emails with a view of the Alps, or Slack messages sent poolside in Thailand. Why rush home when your Wi-Fi works just as well in Bali? Final Thoughts - - The 2026 honeymoon isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some couples want simplicity; others want adventure. Some are saving up for a dream safari; others are happy with a romantic weekend in Devon (preferably with a claw-foot bath and a good pub nearby). But no matter where you go or how much you spend, the modern honeymoon is about experience over extravagance and meaning over mileage. After all, the most important thing you’re taking on the trip is each other… oh, and maybe a power bank, sunscreen and that cute linen outfit. Happy honeymooning! Claire.xx Why work with me? Luxury Romance is all about helping you celebrate love and life’s big moments in serious style. I plan honeymoons, destination weddings, proposals, anniversaries, hen and stag dos, birthdays — anything worth popping a bottle for (or two). Whether you’ve got a Pinterest board bursting with ideas or no clue where to start, I’m here to make it all feel easy, exciting, and totally personal. Let’s have a chat, swap some ideas, and maybe plan the best trip of your life. Drop me a message at luxury.romance@travelcounsellors.com — warning: may cause extreme wanderlust.