After tying the knot, many married couples eagerly anticipate their honeymoon in a bid to enjoy some marital bliss before returning to the reality of day-to-day life. From unwinding on the beach to adventure-packed fun, exploring local culture, and taking in breathtaking views, a lot is riding on finding the perfect honeymoon destination.
With Google searches for ‘romantic getaway’ seeing a huge increase of 83% in the last year, it’s evident that loved-up couples are keen to find their perfect honeymoon match. Search results have shown some destinations receiving a huge spark in interest with thousands more searches than the previous year.
So, which locations are seeing a surge in popularity for 2025? To find out, long-haul travel specialists at TravelBag analysed data from the UK Google search volume for each destination and calculated the percentage of bookings that increased or decreased year over year.
It comes as no surprise that the Maldives is named as the top long-haul honeymoon destination, receiving an average annual amount of 22,800 UK searches and a 37% increase in bookings. Known and desired for its luxury overwater villas and crystal-clear waters, the island offers an exclusivity that couples consider to be top tier.
But what does come as a surprise is the huge increase in searches for one South Asian island that honeymooners are now adding to their lists. Sri Lanka came in at second place with an explosive surge in popularity with a +124% increase in bookings since 2023.
Due to its affordable luxury and rich culture, the island is now at the top of couple lists. With a choice of relaxing in Mirissa, with its scenic shores, wild safaris in Yala National Park, and ancient temples just waiting to be explored in Kandy, it’s no wonder Sri Lanka is a must-visit destination.
These increasing interests suggest that newer couples are becoming more interested in more off-the-beaten-path, alternative travel destinations for their honeymoons. Coming in at number three is Puerto Rico, with yet another drastic surge in popularity at +100% searches, despite a lower search volume of 600.
This huge increase in interest in the location may be down to the affordability of Puerto Rico, where couples can still enjoy luxury resorts and world-class cuisine. The island has plenty to offer for romance and fun, with lush rainforests, the vibrant Old San Juan bursting with colour and charm, and stunning beaches.
At number four is Zanzibar with a 48% increase in searches, totalling 7,080, and behind it, the usually sought-after spot, Bali. Despite receiving more searches than the previously mentioned destinations (12,000), Bali has seen a 2% incline in its popularity on Google.
It appears that while the demand is still there for those just married to let loose in Bali, many couples are looking for a taste of something new. While 2025 couples are looking for their ultimate honeymoon spot, they should also consider some of the other destinations on the honeymoon hot list—Banff, Costa Rica, Seychelles, and Queenstown.