Honeymoons: the exotic and romantic getaway for two wonderfully happily newlyweds. But the honeymoon, supposed to be the most unforgettable trip we ever make with our significant other, is so passe. We're all crying out for something a bit different. A million Brits have taken their honeymoon adventure by the scruff of their wedding dress and pioneering a new trend - the rise of the Hostelmoon. Here's seven reasons why.
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EVERYONE is backpacking
These days, everyone is backpacking - you don't have to be 18 and 'gap yah' to be a part-time traveller. According to research from global hostel booking site Hostelworld, 5.7 million UK adults have been backpacking this year and that's a 50% increase on the previous year.
It's a hot new honeymoon trend
Nearly one million adults have stayed in a hostel whilst on their honey-moon. This trend is fuelled by couples bitten by the travel bug and craving something different from their celebratory break.
You don't need to break the bank to visit paradise
After what may have been an expensive wedding, staying in a hostel means you can lower the budget on accommodation, but still go somewhere exotic - win win. Take Marrakech, Morocco a notably romantic destination all year around - especially for adventurous couples who want to find a new experience around every corner. With authentic private rooms, swimming pool, softly lit inner courtyard and rooftop terrace with unbelievable views, Equity Point is a peaceful base from which Hostelmooners can explore a city of infinite surprises. Similarly, Cape Town, SA is not only a place to tick off the bucket list, but with a peaceful stay in The Backpack, you've bagged yourself a first class view of Table Mountain.
You could visit paradise... or... one of the most romantic cities in the world
Hostels are dotted around the whole world, but some of the best are usually situated in perfect locations in the heart of cities such as Paris or Rome where a romantic ambience won't be hard to find. Rome, one of Europe's most romantic cities, situates Blue Hostel, a former convent built during the 17th century, which, now houses one of the world's best hostels for romance. From the Lungtevere to the Trevi Fountain, there is no end to the stunning spots to take a romantic selfie with your new spouse in Italy's capital, and Blue Hostel on Rome's Via Carla Alberto boasts some of the most gorgeous designer private rooms that hostels have to offer. Perfect for some historic Hostelmoon romance.
Intimacy is by no means sacrificed
The majority of hostels offer private rooms and sometimes apartments that would make 5* hotels blush, for example Lisbon Calling in Portugal. Lisbon is catching up with Barcelona as one of the coolest, most chilled out cities in Europe, brimming with culture. But the cobbled Portuguese city is an old romantic, with many prime points to steal a kiss. Taking the huge, retro-decorated private double rooms at Lisbon Calling hostel, you can explore its many romantic view points, including Miradouro de Santa Luzia and the Moorish gateway of Largo das Portas do Sol, as well as the beautiful Jerónimos Monastery, an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site.
And they are in absolutely stunning settings
Today's modern hostels are unique and quirky in their design - even fit with a roof terrace for star gazing and wine sipping. Take, Casa Gracia located right in the heart of Barcelona, a beautiful mansion in the modernist style but now a boutique hostel. The food and drink are exquisite and authentic, and the in-hostel experience is as enjoyable as the rest of the city.
Often the people you meet can make those unforgettable memories
While privacy with your shiny new spouse is of the upmost importance on your honeymoon, hostels are also a great base for meeting others to tell you about the fancy restaurant down the road that you just wouldn't have found, or that salsa class waiting for your attendance before the pool party at Freehand, Miami.
Tagged in Honeymoon