Just because a minimoon is a stop gap before your main honeymoon, it doesn’t mean you have to stay in a leaky B&B in Clacton-on-sea. There are so many lovely, romantic places that you can visit that can be done in a few days and on a smaller budget than the real deal – after all, that is the point of a mini-moon, right?
What are you looking for?
Do you want to stay in the UK for your mini-moon or are you desperate to jump on a short haul flight to somewhere a little further away? Do you want a secluded cabin with a hot tub and BBQ, or are you fancying a luxury hotel in a city? Think about whether you want to sunbathe, or explore, and the best places to do those things. The only limit is your imagination (and of course, your budget and time frame!).
How will you pay for it?
Remember that you can use flyustothemoon.com to add a mini-moon onto your gift registry, so that your Aunt can pay for one night’s stay in your country cottage, while your best friend can get you both a relaxing massage. Work can all chip in pay for your first night’s meal and wine, thank you very much! It’s the perfect way to be able to afford to do something really special that might have been out of each otherwise. Your entire mini-moon could be covered before you know it! Of course, if you’d prefer, then you can save all that money and put it towards the main honeymoon later. Think of it like the first savings pot for your big adventure. So where’s best to go on a mini-moon that’s low budget and short term?
Keep it close to home?
There is a whole range of hidden gems in the UK for you and your new husband or wife to explore. This has the bonus of not including any flights which should be kinder to your bank account and mean that jet lag won’t wipe you out. That said, you may still have to take a long drive if you are travelling from one end of the country to the other and perhaps a train will be more relaxing – plus you can drink!
The Lake District
Ideal for either nature enthusiasts who love nothing more than a good hike, or those who want to find themselves alone in the middle of nowhere, with nothing at all to do. Stay in a glamping pod for something a bit different, or a cute little B&B.
England’s largest national park, The Lake District
Wales
Whether you head to Cardiff, Conwy, Snowdonia or Llandudno, Wales has everything you could want from a mini-moon. Gorgeous gardens to walk around, castles to explore, and for the more thrill seeking among you, the longest zip line, or a collection of trampolines within a cave!
Snowdonia in north west Wales and a national park of 823 square miles. Photo by foxycoxy.
Ireland
Head to the emerald isle and see all that it has to offer. Why not rent a private cottage for some serious alone time, and explore some of the stunning scenery. Obviously, enjoy some celebratory Guinness and a tour of the brewery if that’s your bag. There is much to see and do in Ireland that it’s almost like being abroad without a long haul flight!
Tourmakeady in Ireland. photo by Christian Birkholz
Scotland
Why not enjoy a few days in Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands or the Hebrides. Scotland is an amazing location for history buffs, mountain lovers and adventurers you can even take a whale and dolphin watching trip in Torridon! It doesn’t have to be all action in Scotland; however, you could just relax, catch a show and enjoy each other’s company.
Edinburgh castle in Scotland
Italy
Everyone knows that Italy is a place of romance, whether you go to Pisa, Venice, Sorrento or Rome. Enjoy amazing food, culture and exploring this country as a newlywed couple. Jump on a Vespa for the authentic Italian trip experience!
Venice in Italy. Photo by Kirk Fisher
France
Head straight to the capital of love, Paris for a luxury weekend away, or for a skiing adventure Courchevel. The South of France is fantastic for weather, and you won’t be short of things to do and delicious baked goods to eat!
Courchevel in France. Photo by Aurélien DP.
Greece
Greece is cheap and gorgeous and Santorini, for example, is an idyllic place to spend time with your loved one for a special few days. Check out historical ruins, golden beaches and of course, trips to a winery. Everyone will be jealous of your pictures as you bliss out for a few days of love.
Santorini in Greece.
