There is a new travel trend in town, and it involves bringing your besties along for the ride. Ever since actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda shared glimpses of their getaway to Koh Samui, Thailand, the internet has been buzzing with one word: Buddymoon.
Essentially, a buddymoon is a modern twist on the traditional honeymoon where newlyweds invite their closest friends or family to join them. What was once a strictly private romantic escape is now turning into a high-energy group celebration.
Why is it trending?
Experts believe this shift is all about valuing shared experiences over old-school conventions. Sandeep Arora, Director, Brightsun Travel, explains that the concept gained steam after the pandemic. He shares:
“Buddymoon as a concept has gained traction after the Covid-19 pandemic – when physical social interaction was completely cut-off – as people in general and couples in particular have started valuing experiences more than conventions. Couples want to spend more time with people who matter in their lives, sharing their special moments – even intimate ones like honeymoon – with a close-knit group.”
For Millennials and Gen Z, the appeal lies in the “more the merrier” vibe. Hari Ganapathy, co-founder, Pickyourtrail, notes that travel is now as much about community as it is about romance.
“The new trend, Buddymoons, is allowing couples to blend celebration with comfort by bringing along friends who can ease planning stress, add energy to the trip, and create richer memories,” says Ganapathy.
Is the traditional honeymoon dead?
Not exactly. Rather than replacing the romantic getaway, the buddymoon is acting as a “plus-one.” Ganapathy shares: “It’s not so much replacing the traditional honeymoon as it is evolving it. We’re seeing couples either split their travel into two parts, a social trip followed by a private retreat or choose destinations that offer both privacy and group-friendly experiences.”
Arpita Kohli, psychologist and counsellor at PSRI Hospital, agrees that while group trips are refreshing, the “we time” remains vital. “It cannot fully replace a private honeymoon. Couples still need personal time to connect emotionally and understand each other better after marriage,” Kohli adds.
Choosing your ‘buddymoon material’
Before you send out the group invite, be warned: not every friend is built for a buddymoon. Psychologists suggest looking out for “red flags” like friends who are overly controlling, negative, or careless with money.
Aditi Govitrikar, psychologist and actor, points out that mismatched expectations can quickly sour the mood. She says, “Some people might push boundaries or always want attention, which could mess things up. Or they bring in drama, get competitive, or just make everything about them instead of the couple. Financial stuff can clash too… It seems like mismatched expectations cause most of the trouble on these trips.”
Pro-tips for a drama-free trip
If you are convinced a buddymoon is for you, planning is key. Here is how to keep the peace: Set a common budget so there is no awkwardness at expensive dinners.
Aditi Govitrikar suggests a simple fix: “Something simple, like eating breakfast just the two of you each morning, can stop little annoyances from building into bigger problems.” Let people choose their own activities so no one feels pressured to match the group’s energy 24/7.
Top destinations for a buddymoon
Experts suggest that the best spots for a buddymoon are those that offer large private villas, allowing the group to stay together while maintaining personal space. Destinations like Koh Samui, Phuket, Bali, Ibiza, and the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos are top choices, offering private beach access and curated group experiences.
In Southeast Asia, Thailand and Bali strike a perfect balance between affordability and luxury with their pool villas, beach clubs, and yacht parties. For a more indulgent getaway, Europe’s Amalfi Coast, Mykonos, and Ibiza offer high-end boutique villas and vibrant nightlife, making them ideal for adult groups looking to combine celebration with a scenic escape.