How to plan a romantic, affordable, and Instagram-worthy escape based on global search data
Why 2025 Is the Year of the Strategic Honeymoon
In 2025, the traditional honeymoon is undergoing a transformation. No longer just a post-wedding splurge, honeymoons are now an extension of a couple’s shared values and lifestyle. As the cost of weddings climbs—with the average UK couple spending over £23,250—newlyweds are rethinking how they spend their money. This shift is fueling a rise in strategic honeymoon planning: choosing destinations that offer great value, rich experiences, and strong social media appeal.
Couples today are more informed than ever. They are consulting travel blogs, Google Trends, Instagram hashtags, and booking platforms before making decisions. Search terms like “best honeymoon destinations 2025”, “honeymoon under £1000”, and “affordable romantic getaways” are spiking. The result? A new generation of travel-savvy romantics who seek luxury without overpaying, beauty that translates well on Instagram, and destinations that deliver authentic, emotion-filled experiences.
This chapter explores the mindset of the modern couple and why destinations like Indonesia and Thailand are rising stars in the honeymoon space. These aren’t just beautiful places—they’re data-driven choices that align with evolving values around money, time, and shared adventure.
Indonesia Takes the Crown—Here’s Why
Indonesia is the undisputed honeymoon champion of 2025. With an impressive Honeymoon Appeal Score of 88.1, it tops the global list of most desirable destinations for newlyweds. But what makes it stand out so spectacularly?
Cost & Value
At just £717.22 for a week-long honeymoon, Indonesia offers an unbeatable luxury-to-cost ratio. For under £800, couples can experience private villas in Ubud, world-class spa treatments, beachside dinners in Seminyak, and sunrise hikes up Mount Batur. Compared to traditional destinations like the Maldives, it offers similar luxury for a fraction of the price.
Romantic Infrastructure
Indonesia boasts 1,947 romantic hotels, one of the highest in the ranking. Whether you prefer beachfront bungalows or jungle hideaways, the variety caters to every type of couple. Many hotels also offer honeymoon-specific packages with curated romantic experiences like couple’s massages, floating breakfasts, and private candlelit dinners.
Instagram Appeal
With over 129,100 Instagram hashtags, Indonesia isn’t just a memory—it’s a visual story. Think rice terraces, flower baths, pink sunsets, and cliffside temples. It’s perfect for couples wanting their trip to double as digital art.
Weather
Year-round hot weather and tropical scenery make Indonesia an ideal choice regardless of when your wedding takes place. Bali, Lombok, Gili Islands, and Komodo offer different flavours of the Indonesian honeymoon, all equally magical.
Whether you’re a beach bum, culture lover, or luxury seeker, Indonesia delivers it all—and does so affordably.
Thailand—The Budget Honeymoon That Doesn’t Feel Budget
Thailand’s second-place ranking in the 2025 honeymoon study is no fluke. With a score of 65.9, this destination proves that budget-friendly doesn’t mean basic. Thailand has mastered the art of romance on a budget—and couples around the world are taking notice.
Exceptional Value
At just £1,035.65 per week, Thailand is slightly more expensive than Indonesia but still highly affordable. For this price, you get access to luxury beachfront resorts in Phuket, spa experiences in Chiang Mai, and island hopping tours from Krabi.
Diverse Experiences
Thailand caters to every type of honeymooner. Love nature? Go elephant trekking in Chiang Rai. Prefer beach luxury? Stay in a 5-star villa in Koh Samui. Want city adventure? Explore Bangkok’s markets, rooftop bars, and night cruises. The diversity makes it ideal for couples who don’t want a cookie-cutter honeymoon.
Romantic Activities
Thailand scored a perfect 100/100 for romantic activities. From floating markets to private beach dinners, sunrise temple tours to fire-lit evenings, the country offers a rich menu of experiences.
Visual Beauty
Though its Instagram hashtag volume (6,100) is lower than some others, Thailand is still a highly photogenic destination. Its tropical beaches, jungle temples, and vibrant night markets give couples a treasure trove of memories to capture.
Maldives—Instagram Heaven with a Luxury Price Tag
The Maldives is still the stuff of honeymoon legends—but its third-place ranking reflects a growing awareness of cost vs. value. With the highest average cost on the list at £3,654.53 per week, the Maldives offers dreamy visuals but comes at a steep price.
Social Media Power
With 136,000 Instagram hashtags, the Maldives dominates in visual appeal. Those iconic overwater villas and turquoise lagoons are tailor-made for photos. It’s a destination that practically screams luxury and exclusivity.
Search Popularity
It also has the highest monthly search volume at 18,100. This shows that while many aspire to visit, fewer actually book—likely due to the high price point.
Limitations
The Maldives scored only 55/100 for romantic activities and has just 411 romantic hotels. It’s an example of a destination where the scenery sells, but the diversity of experience may not match others like Indonesia or Thailand.
If your budget is flexible and your priority is privacy, seclusion, and the ultimate in barefoot luxury, the Maldives remains a top contender.
Southeast Asia’s Rise—Vietnam & Sri Lanka
Southeast Asia continues to gain ground as a honeymoon hotspot. Vietnam and Sri Lanka are two of the most under-the-radar yet highly rewarding destinations for couples.
Vietnam: Culture, Nature, and Affordability
- £678.53/week
- 1,204 romantic hotels
- 100/100 romantic activity score
Vietnam is ideal for couples who love authenticity. Explore lantern-lit streets in Hoi An, sail through Halong Bay, or unwind in Da Nang’s luxury beach resorts. It’s perfect for couples searching “cultural honeymoon destinations” or “romantic places off the beaten path.”
Sri Lanka: Lush, Intimate, and Wildly Affordable
- £641.33/week
- 1,000 hashtags
- 72/100 romantic activity score
Sri Lanka blends safari, spirituality, and seaside. It’s great for couples wanting to mix yoga, nature, and adventure. You’ll find hidden waterfalls, cliffside tea plantations, and quiet beachfront stays.
Both destinations reflect the trend of couples choosing value-packed honeymoons with emotional and cultural richness.
Italy & Greece—Old World Charm Meets Honeymoon Goals
Italy
- £2,382.29/week
- 2,379 romantic hotels (highest on the list)
- 5,640 monthly searches
Italy’s romantic reputation is eternal. Whether you’re wine tasting in Tuscany, gliding through Venetian canals, or exploring Amalfi’s coastal cliffs, the country offers timeless romance. It’s ideal for couples seeking “honeymoon in Europe with luxury and history.”
Greece
- £2,586.14/week
- Whitewashed houses, turquoise water, ancient ruins
- Instagram-perfect destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete
These Mediterranean marvels are still top-tier honeymoon choices for those prioritising culture, cuisine, and iconic views.
Honeymooning on a Budget Without Compromise
The term “budget honeymoon” used to imply compromise. Not anymore. These destinations prove you can travel smart and stay romantic.
Best Honeymoon Spots Under £1,000:
- Sri Lanka – £641.33
- Vietnam – £678.53
- Indonesia – £717.22
- Thailand – £1,035.65 (barely over)
- Morocco – £930.00
Each offers:
- Dozens (if not hundreds) of romantic hotels
- Unique cultural and culinary experiences
- Hot weather during peak season
- Stunning photo ops
These countries appear in search queries like “luxury honeymoons on a budget”, “cheap romantic destinations”, and “honeymoon for under 1000.”
The Most Instagrammable Honeymoon Destinations in 2025
Hashtag Rankings:
- Maldives – 136,000
- Indonesia – 129,100
- USA – 42,900
Today’s couples often plan honeymoons with photography in mind. From floating breakfasts to jungle swings, these destinations fuel Pinterest boards and reel-worthy moments.
Best Photo Spots:
- Bali: Rice terraces, cliffside temples, flower baths
- Italy: Cinque Terre, Lake Como, Amalfi Coast
- Greece: Santorini rooftops, Aegean sunsets
- Maldives: Overwater villas, infinity pools, underwater restaurants
Use tags like #BaliHoneymoon, #SantoriniSunset, or #MaldivesRomance to join the global gallery of love.
Behind the Rankings—What Is the Honeymoon Appeal Score?
The Honeymoon Appeal Score is a comprehensive, weighted index designed to reflect what couples actually care about.
Metrics:
- Search Volume (20%): Measured via Google Keyword Planner
- Instagram Hashtag Volume (15%): Gauged from real-time data
- Average Honeymoon Cost (20%): From BudgetYourTrip
- Romantic Hotels (15%): Using TripAdvisor filters
- Weather Score (15%): April–October suitability
- Romantic Activities Score (15%): From GetYourGuide
This data-driven approach ensures rankings reflect reality—not just tradition or aspiration.
How to Choose Your Perfect Honeymoon Destination in 2025
Still undecided? Start with a few key questions:
- What’s your total budget?
- Do you value seclusion or adventure?
- Are photos a priority?
- When are you traveling?
Example Filters:
- Budget under £1,000? Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka
- Want guaranteed sun? Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia
- Love Instagram? Maldives, Greece, Bali
- Crave authenticity? Morocco, Vietnam, Sri Lanka
Create a shortlist using these filters and cross-reference with Google searches and Instagram tags. Your dream destination might surprise you.
Credit: Data provided by Country House Weddings. Full dataset available on request.
Suggested reading:
How Are Wedding Traditions Evolving in 2025?
Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Wedding Dresses
Top honeymoon destinations in India
Shopping Hacks to Elevate Your Honeymoon Wardrobe