A new trend of separate honeymoons “may signal the continued evolution of marriage”
With over 1,500 hashtags on Instagram, #solomoon — or unimoon — is the new hype. It essentially refers to newlyweds who choose to spend their honeymoon spouseless.
But why is it that more people are choosing to spend their newlywed moments without their loved one?
For some, adjusting their post-wedding travel plans is something they don’t want to compromise on. Taking a vacation alone has also seen an increase in the last years and it reflects in couples’ lives as well.
@janetnewenham – Jumping for joy at my decision to travel solo in the Maldives. #SoloMoon#MaldivesOnABudget pic.twitter.com/zNXuZKss30
— Girls LOVE Travel® (@girlsLOVEtravel) May 30, 2016
“Frankly, the idea of separate honeymoons may signal the continued evolution of marriage,” said Jessica Carbino, an online dating expert based in Los Angeles who is also a sociologist for the dating app Bumble.
“Given the recognition that for most couples today, marriage and partnership is considered all-consuming, with the partner needing to fulfil every role — physical, spiritual, emotional and sexual — perhaps separate vacations is a recognition among some couples that all expectations cannot be met by a single person.”
A recent poll asking 2,000 Americans showed that almost every one in four Americans prefers to travel alone. And 44 per cent of the respondents indicated they would like to travel alone more in the future.
Planning a trip alone and venturing out on a solo adventure is a sign of individualisation, which has recently been considered healthy for a lovers’ relationship. Other reasoning may also follow the saying that you must first love yourself before letting other people love you.
The reasons to travel alone might be different for everyone, and they can include differing interests or scheduling conflicts.
Taking a honeymoon together is important to establishing a strong relationship
However, some people might find the idea of parting from your partner so early on counter-intuitive.
If you are going to take a unimoon you might as well find your divorce lawyer at the same time, because that is where you’re heading. Why even bother with the wedding?
— Lori Johnson (@LoriJohn0674) March 22, 2019
“It’s a very individualistic, modern practice of efficiency over everything else,” said international development consultant William Powers.
“I think that it’s tied with workaholism and being on the work-and-spend treadmill when you can’t even coordinate one of the most important times of your life together.”
Similarly, according to Kinsey Institute research fellow Helen Fisher, “when couples take vacations together, they can trigger all three brain systems: romantic love, feelings of deep attachment and sex drive.”
A babymoon might be your last chance to relax
Solomooning has emerged alongside another travel trend — babymooning. While on one hand, babymooning takes into account the fact you’re pregnant — so no crazy parties — it is perhaps also your last chance to relax and do nothing.
U can still do a staycation type babymoon! Pamper yourself one last time before she comes. Go to a nice spa or something. Get ya feet rubbed w a nice view
— Very Beautiful ☀️ (@celluh_Montana) March 28, 2019
“Babymoons are pre-baby vacations for expectant couples,” said Christine Albury, owner and editor of BabyMoonGuide.com. “Their purpose is to give the parents-to-be some relaxing, quality time together before two becomes three.”
Some places and hotels even offer babymoon holiday packages. These often include prenatal massages, yoga or special meals designed to sate the cravings.
However, there are destinations that are best to avoid. Certain tropical destinations might seem like a paradise at first. Yet, they might come with creatures carrying diseases threatening the well-being of the baby.
