Couples travel is having a moment.
UK research shows “baecations” are rising, with 44% of adults reporting a partner-only trip in the last year, up from 40%.
In the U.S., romance travel is also heating up. Valentine’s trips surged 42% year over year in 2025, and honeymoons remain a major market with a 2024 global value estimated at about $132 billion.
Key stats: Couples Travel
- The romance travel market (honeymoons, anniversary trips, romantic escapes) was worth USD 1.83 billion in 2024 and is growing fast.
- Honeymoon tourism market size: about $131.6 billion in 2024, projected to reach $191.9 billion by 2030.
- More than 90% of couples intend to maintain or raise their travel budgets in 2025 vs 2024.
- 73% of couples see travel as the ultimate test for their relationship — adventures often expose compatibility under stress.
- Many romantic getaways last 4 to 6 nights — that’s the sweet spot for couples in many surveys.
- Taking one or two longer vacations a year is linked to stronger romantic passion and relationship satisfaction.
- Married Americans report being 65% more romantic on vacation; 82% believe romantic travel reignites their relationship; 56% say trips rekindle it.
- Planning styles matter — 63% of couples value similar travel preparation habits, such as spending, hygiene, and food preferences.
- Top romantic destinations for couples in 2024 included places like Amalfi Coast and Greek island-hopping.
- “Baecations” are back: 44% of UK travelers took a partner-only holiday in the last 12 months, up from 40% the year before.
- U.S. Valentine’s travel demand rose 42% year over year for 2025, with warm-weather spots leading.
- Average honeymoon cost in the U.S. was $5,300 in 2024, following $5,700 in 2023.
- Typical U.S. summer travel party size averages about 2.4 people, often a couple or a small group.
How big is the romance and honeymoon market?
Market researchers point to a large and steady honeymoon segment that anchors the broader romance category.
Honeymoon market at a glance
| Scope | 2024 value | 2030 projection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global | $131.6B | $191.9B | CAGR roughly mid-single digits through 2030. |
| United States | $13.7B | $19.6B | U.S. segment highlights beach honeymoons and fast-growing minimoons. |
| North America | $26.6B | — | Region shows strong preference for beach honeymoons; Mexico flagged as a growth leader. |
Why this matters: romance travel is not just a niche. It is a sizeable, resilient spending category that supports airlines, hotels, cruises, and tours year round.
Where are couples going for quick romantic getaways?
Real booking data around Valentine’s Day provides a good snapshot of short romantic breaks and long weekends.
- Valentine’s 2025 demand rose 42% year over year. Warm destinations topped the lists.
- In Allianz’s ranking, U.S. travelers skewed toward sunshine cities and island gateways, with a strong domestic share and a meaningful international slice.
Valentine’s 2025 booking mix and flavor
| Indicator | Result |
|---|---|
| Year-over-year change in trip volume | +42% |
| Trip mix snapshot | Majority domestic, notable international share |
| Destination pattern | Warm-weather cities and beach hubs |
Source: Allianz Partners USA analyses of February travel.
Are couples trips actually becoming more common?
Yes, at least in the UK data that tracks who people traveled with. ABTA’s nationally representative survey shows partner-only trips rising across age groups, including among parents who are adding a couples break alongside family vacations.
“Baecations” trend in the UK
| Measure | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers who took a partner-only trip in last 12 months | 40% | 44% |
Source: ABTA Travel Trends 2025 (Holiday Habits survey).
How much are couples spending on honeymoons?
The honeymoon is still a major spend after the wedding. The Knot’s 2025 update shows the average U.S. honeymoon cost at $5,300 in 2024, down slightly from 2023’s $5,700.
Average U.S. honeymoon cost
| Year | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $5,100 |
| 2023 | $5,700 |
| 2024 | $5,300 |
Source: The Knot.
What styles of couples trips are trending?
- Beach honeymoons remain the largest segment globally and in North America.
- Minimoons are the fastest-growing honeymoon subtype in U.S. market modeling, reflecting shorter getaways right after the wedding with a bigger trip later.
- For short romantic breaks outside of honeymoons, couples often target quick-flight warm destinations and city-plus-sun combinations around calendar holidays.
How do we know couples are a big slice of trips?
Several national and insurer surveys show small travel parties dominate leisure. A 2025 summer survey pegs the average party at about 2.4 people, which commonly means couples or a duo with a friend or child.
Frequently asked questions about couples travel
Is couples travel actually growing, or are we just noticing it more?
Both. UK survey data shows a clear year-over-year rise in partner-only trips. In the U.S., sharp Valentine’s gains signal strong demand for romantic getaways.
How big is the honeymoon market today?
Estimates put the global honeymoon market around $131.6 billion in 2024, with projections near $192 billion by 2030.
What does the typical honeymoon cost in the U.S.?
About $5,300 in 2024, according to The Knot.
Where do couples go for short romantic trips?
Analyses of Valentine’s travel show strong demand for warm U.S. cities and nearby beach destinations, with a meaningful share of international travel as well.
Sources
- ABTA — Travel Trends for 2025 (Baecations are back)
- Allianz Partners USA via TravelPulse — Warm Destinations Lead Valentine’s Day Travel Trends (2025)
- Allianz Partners USA via Insider Travel Report — Top Valentine’s Day Destinations (2025)
- Grand View Research — Honeymoon Tourism Market Size, Share & Trends
- Grand View Research (U.S. outlook) — U.S. Honeymoon Tourism Market Highlights
- Grand View Research (North America outlook) — North America Honeymoon Tourism Market Highlights
- The Knot — Average Cost of a Honeymoon (updated 2025)
- Generali Global Assistance — Summer Travel Trends Survey 2025 (party size)
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