Maybe you grew up dreaming of the day you get married to the love of your life and jet off across the globe to enjoy a romantic honeymoon.
However, you still haven’t met “The One” and they don’t seem to be on the horizon anytime soon. That doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy an incredible getaway. It’s time to plan a friendmoon with your BFFs — you’ll be glad you did.
What is a friendmoon?
Just like a honeymoon where you and your partner jet off to a beautiful city to take in some amazing sights, eat some delicious food, and enjoy some rest and relaxation, a friendmoon is the same — you just go with your nearest and dearest platonic pals instead of a spouse. Not only is it just as enjoyable, but it often ends up being more affordable as well since you can share many of the costs between you.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a whopping 46.4% of American adults are single. That’s nearly 120 million people over the age of 18 that are without a romantic partner, many by choice. It’s no wonder, then, that friendmoons are becoming more popular. After all, why should you have to be in a relationship to enjoy many of the same perks?
(It should be noted that the term “friendmoon” is also sometimes used to refer to a newlywed couple that chooses to take a group honeymoon with their respective friends rather than alone. However, that’s not what we’re referring to here.)
Why you should consider taking one
- Life is stressful and you deserve a break.Seriously, things are tough out there. Between work, running a house, and just trying to stay alive, stress is high pretty much 24/7. And you’re not alone in that — your friends are likely in the same position. You could use some downtime together for sure.
- There’s less drama when traveling with friends than with a partner.It can be really annoying to go on vacation with a significant other, especially if you have different ideas about what constitutes an enjoyable trip. You’re more likely to be on the same page about how to have fun with your BFF. This makes a friendmoon the perfect choice.
- You may never get married (and you might never want to).Why should you put your life on pause until you find a spouse? Maybe that will never happen and maybe you don’t want it to. In that case, why not live your life now? Get together with your nearest and dearest and get out there.
- It’s a great way to build new memories and strengthen your platonic bonds.Taking trips with your friends is a great way to deepen your bonds and create lasting memories you’ll never forget. You’ll do things you wouldn’t normally do in your everyday lives and experience things that will shape who you are as people. It’s a real gift.
- There’s so much to see and experience in the world.There are 195 countries in the world on seven continents with thousands of different cultures. Going out and experiencing them firsthand will make you a more well-rounded, empathetic person. It will also open your eyes to different ways of living, which is incredibly enriching. Doing all of that with your closest friends is just icing on the cake.
- Good friends are hard to find.They sure as hell are. So, if you’ve found some, treasure them.
Things to do on a friendmoon
- Take a road trip.Program the sat nav, take turns driving, and go off the beaten path. Sometimes the most interesting, beautiful places are a bit harder to find. You’ll have to head out of the city or town center and be willing to venture further afield. Don’t forget the aux so you can provide the best soundtrack, too!
- Book a stay at the most luxurious hotel you can find.Even if you can only afford one night before moving to more moderately priced accommodation, this is worth doing once in your life. Your friendmoon should include an element of luxury. Pool your funds and stay at an outrageously chic hotel in the place you’re visiting. You’ll know, even if only for a little while, how the rich and famous must feel!
- Take a city break over the weekend.If taking a lengthy trip abroad just isn’t feasible for whatever reason, a city break can be just as amazing. Choose a place you can fly to within an hour or two and head to the airport. You can get far enough away in that time to feel like you’re in a completely different world sometimes.
- Visit a place you’ve always dreamed about but never thought you’d see in person.A friendmoon is just as special as a honeymoon should be. Make it your dream trip. Is there a place you and your best friend have always dreamed about visiting but thought you’d never get a chance to see? Now’s the time. Even if it’s on the other side of the world, there’s no day like today.
- Order room service to bring you breakfast in bed.This is another example of that aforementioned luxury. Nothing feels quite as lavish and posh as getting breakfast in bed delivered right to your room. Fresh fruit, croissants, deliciously strong coffee… yum. All while you’re still wrapped in the hotel’s fluffy bathrobe!
- Spend all day lounging on a beach with a book.You don’t have to be on the go the entire time, and you probably shouldn’t. Save at least once day for lounging by the pool/on the beach with a good book and no plans at all. It gives you time to live in the moment and appreciate it, all with your BFF by your side.
- Try an activity that’s popular with locals.Is there something most locals do in the place you’re visiting that’s outside of your comfort zone? Maybe it’s paddleboarding or making wine, who knows? Figure out what the local pastimes are and give it a go. You never know, you may just discover a new passion.
- Enjoy a bit of day drinking.You can’t truly call it a friendmoon if you don’t, can you? After all, as they say, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!
- Play tourist and see all the sights.You’re not too cool for doing the most cliche things in the city you’re visiting. Going to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City or seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris isn’t corny, it’s actually really fun. Go and see all the sights and do things tourists do. It’ll make a very memorable trip.
- Celebrate your friendship.That’s what friendmoons are all about, after all. Your friendship is vital. It makes you who you are, pushes you to be a better person, and makes your life a whole better place. That’s worth a celebration.
