Indian couples are transforming their honeymoons: How Gen Z is reshaping travel trends

The way Indian couples approach honeymoon is witnessing a profound change. According to the latest report from Pickyourtrail, there has been a shift from traditional itineraries to more personalized and intentional journeys that reflect the unique way couples want to start their lives together.

Gen Z is leading the shift, with 62% preferring curated, story-led travel, while 38% of Millennials still prefer the comfort and familiarity of traditional vacations.

Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of Pickyourtrail, spoke about the trend, saying, “Today’s couples are no longer just looking for a beautiful destination – they want their honeymoon to feel like them. It is no longer about making lists, but about creating moments that actually mean something to them. We have clearly seen this shift – more than 50% of honeymoon travelers are now asking for curated experiences. Over the years, honeymoon travel has increased exponentially for us, and “what is interesting is how the idea of ​​a honeymoon itself has evolved.” The 5-night format is still popular, but what fills those days has changed – from making their own silver rings and learning local recipes to experiencing healthy traditions or exploring local culture in ways that stay with them – and that’s what’s redefining today’s honeymoon. “

This shift is part of a broader trend toward authenticity. Couples are now designing a honeymoon that aligns with their values ​​and lifestyle, and are looking for experiences that reflect their identity. This search for authenticity is not limited to influencing activities; It’s also reshaping spending habits.

Most couples now spend between INR 1-2 lakh for their honeymoon, with an increasing number of people spending between INR 3-4 lakh for more personalized and immersive experiences. The result? 5% year-on-year increase in honeymoon spending, as couples choose trips that feel unique to them.

At the city level, the largest share of honeymoon bookings come from Chennai (27%), Bangalore (26%), Delhi (23%), Mumbai (17%) and Hyderabad (7%). As for destinations, while the Maldives, Bali, Thailand and Europe remain perennial favourites, Vietnam and Dubai are showing the fastest growth. Notably, Vietnam now outperforms Europe among tier 2 and tier 3 travelers, as couples seek deeper cultural connections.

In the past year, honeymooners in India have increasingly favored cultural and experiential travel, with a shift from luxury resort stays to authentic local experiences. Gen Z couples are at the forefront of this shift, opting for activities like traditional cooking classes, ring-making workshops, and wellness sessions. Meanwhile, millennial couples continue to lean toward comfort and familiarity, highlighting a clear generational gap in travel preferences.

A five-night honeymoon remains the most popular option, with couples carefully balancing comfort and value. Private dining experiences, couple spa rituals, and creative workshops are among the memorable highlights. Interestingly, the average booking period has increased to 50-60 days, which shows that travelers are planning smarter and ensuring better value while maintaining flexibility.