Why Buddymoons Are Becoming a Big Trend—and How to Plan the Perfect One

Honeymoons are a great way for couples to celebrate their nuptials, but did you know that other types of trips are becoming just as popular among newlyweds? A recent survey from Brides and Investopedia found that buddymoons—trips where couples invite close friends to join them—are growing in popularity. In fact, 19 percent of couples surveyed said they plan to go on a buddymoon after their wedding.

Here are some of the key things to know about buddymoons, and how to make them work for you. 

What Exactly Is a Buddymoon?

If you’ve never heard of a buddymoon before, you’re definitely not alone. While buddymoons are becoming more well-known, they’ve only started to become mainstream in recent years.

For couples who’ve already done a lot of solo travel, or those who prefer a more social honeymoon experience, buddymoons offer a great way to share the experience with friends and plan group activities. While most buddymoons still allow plenty of alone time for couples, they’re also a unique way to enjoy fun and adventure with your closest friends by your side.

How to Choose the Best Location

Like any vacation with friends, finding your go-to destination should be a joint effort that takes everyone’s interests into account. Are you and your friends foodies who want to check out the local food scene in a new city, or are you hoping for a relaxing spa vacation? 

Outlining two to three options is a great starting point to help you hone in on what works best for you, your partner, and your friends. Once you’ve decided what type of trip you’d like to take, it’s time to check out some destinations. 

Offering something for everyone, cities like Santa Barbara, California, Kahului (Maui), Hawaii, and Sarasota, Florida are three destinations that are easily accessible from most U.S. cities. Each location also offers plenty of activities and sightseeing options, as well as a unique food scene. Although you might decide to go further abroad, focusing on a range of options, including a few closer to home, is the best way to find the one that’s right for your group.

Tips for Keeping It Budget Friendly

Cost is another important factor. While you may invite your friends to join you on the trip, you’re not obligated to pay for everyone’s meals or accommodations. Couples generally split the expenses by paying for their own accommodations, and the meals and activities each couple takes part in.

We suggest discussing costs and budgets early in the planning process to avoid any unnecessary surprises. Be sure to consider everyone’s needs and preferences, and to highlight any activities that you and your partner want to do on your own. By setting clear expectations about the cost and itinerary, you’ll ensure that everyone has a great time while doing the things most important to them.

The Key to Finding Affordable Flights

Another way of keeping costs down is by booking your getaway with the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards from Chase. Rapid Rewards Plus Cardmembers now have even more opportunities to earn toward future travel with the new card benefits launched this past fall, like 2x points on local transit and commuting purchases, including rideshare; internet, cable, phone services; and select streaming purchases. With perks like two EarlyBird Check-in® credits per year, and 25% back on inflight purchases, Cardmembers get even more out of their everyday travel and spending for future adventures.

What’s more, every point earned with the Rapid Rewards Credit Cards count toward the coveted Companion Pass®, Cardmembers can bring a travel companion of their choice to fly with them for free (excluding taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way), every time they purchase or redeem points for a flight. Companion Pass is good for the remainder of the year you earn it plus the following calendar year so the savings can be huge depending on how many trips you take together.

Celebrating your new marriage with friends can make it even more special. With careful planning and activities for everyone in your group, you’re off to a great start and on your way to enjoying every minute of your buddymoon.

All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms.