The Decline of the Cookie-Cutter Holiday
For decades, the great Indian honeymoon followed a familiar script: a seven-day package to Switzerland, a whirlwind tour of Thailand, or a predictable stay at a beach resort. These templated trips, designed for mass appeal, offered convenience and a sense
of security. But their rigidity is precisely why they are losing favour. Modern couples are increasingly turning away from fixed itineraries that rush them from one tourist hotspot to another. The appeal of a trip planned not for them, but for operational efficiency, is fading. They are no longer content with being passive passengers on a group tour; they want to be the authors of their own journey. This shift signals a move away from travel as a checklist to travel as an experience.
Connection Over Convention
So, what's driving this change? It's a blend of economic and cultural factors. Rising disposable incomes and a greater exposure to global trends, largely through social media, have empowered couples to dream bigger and more specifically. The honeymoon is now seen less as a ritual and more as the first chapter of a shared life. Reports show that a majority of Gen Z couples—62% according to one platform—now prefer curated, story-led travel. It's about 'connection over convention'. Instead of a packed sightseeing schedule, couples are opting for slow travel, wellness retreats, and quiet boutique stays that allow for privacy and meaningful connection after the whirlwind of a wedding. They are prioritising experiences that strengthen their bond, like a private dinner on a secluded beach or learning a new skill together, over simply collecting photos at landmarks.
What 'Custom' Really Means
Personalisation in 2026 goes far beyond just choosing your hotel. It involves building an itinerary from the ground up, tailored to a couple's shared interests and values. For some, it might be a food-focused tour through Vietnam, a thrilling wildlife safari in Kenya, or hunting for the Northern Lights in Norway. For others, it could mean a wellness-centric stay at an all-inclusive resort in Bali or Sri Lanka, complete with yoga retreats and couple's spa treatments. Travel companies are seeing a significant rise in requests for unique activities like local cooking classes, craft workshops, or multi-destination trips that combine relaxation with adventure, such as pairing the Maldives with Sri Lanka. This is the era of the 'main character' traveller, where the trip is designed to reflect their personality, pace, and passions.
The New Map for Newlyweds
While classic destinations like the Maldives, Bali, and Switzerland remain popular, the custom-travel trend is expanding the honeymoon map. Couples are venturing to more unconventional locales that offer unique cultural or adventurous experiences. Destinations like Japan, Greece, and the Amalfi Coast are gaining traction for their blend of culture, scenery, and romance. There is also a growing interest in places that offer incredible value and authentic experiences, with Vietnam showing significant growth, particularly among travellers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Domestically, couples are exploring the serene backwaters of Kerala, the Andaman Islands for a passport-free beach escape, or the mountains of Kashmir and Sikkim for alpine beauty closer to home. The choice of destination is no longer just about the place, but about the story they want to tell.
