Travel Trends: 2010 Honeymoon Statistics from The Knot

Le Meridien Bora BoraThe honeymoon market is unaffected by the economy, says The Knot in releasing honeymoon statistics from its 3rd annual survey of more than 12,000 U.S. newlywed couples, tracking the more than $6 billion honeymoon market. The majority of couples did not scale back their honeymoon budget due to the economic downturn. In fact, three in five couples spent more than their original budget. Another interesting statistic: Luxury honeymooners spent approximately $10,000 on an average 11-day trip, visiting more than one destination. Statistics from The Knot’s 2010 Honeymoon Study can be found below:

1. Estimated Number of Honeymooners: 1.4 million U.S. couples per year

2. Cost of a Honeymoon: $4,466, on average

3. Honeymoon Length: 8 days, on average (excluding travel time)

4. Who’s Paying: 62 percent of couples pay for most (at least 90%) of their honeymoon on their own

5. When They Book the Honeymoon: 4 months before the wedding date, on average

6. Most Popular “International” Destinations (% of overall honeymooners): Mexico (15 percent), Hawaii (12 percent), Jamaica (7 percent), The Bahamas (5 percent), Italy (5 percent), St. Lucia (5 percent), France (3 percent), U.S.V.I. (3 percent)

7. Most Popular Continental U.S. Destinations (% of overall honeymooners): Florida (8%), California (5%), Nevada (3%)

8. Luxury Honeymooners: represent 15 percent of the market and spend more than $7,000

9. Most Popular Luxury Honeymoon Destination Region (% of luxury honeymooners): Europe (28 percent), Caribbean (21 percent), Hawaii (18 percent), South Pacific (11 percent)

 Pictured: Le Méridien Bora Bora, as featured in “Honeymoon Suites” in Luxury Travel Advisor’s February 2011 issue