Travel expert reveals the rise of the ‘Yescation’ - The new engagement getaway trend
From Santorini to the Seychelles, couples are saying ‘yes’ to love and a post-proposal holiday before heading home to celebrate with family
Forget the honeymoon, there’s a new way to celebrate saying “yes”. Introducing a ‘Yescation’, also known as the engagement-moon, a short romantic getaway couples are choosing to take to celebrate soon after their engagement.
According to leading travel experts at On the Beach Ireland, more couples are opting to mark their engagement with a short break abroad before returning home to share the news. A “Yescation” offers the perfect chance to soak up the excitement, celebrate privately and enjoy some quality time together before wedding planning begins.
In fact, Google searches for “engagement holidays” have increased by 166% compared to last year, with 24,000 searches in the last month alone.
With Christmas and New Year being peak proposal season, December alone sees around 17% of engagements take place1, there’s no better time to plan a romantic winter escape.
Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer at travel operator, On the Beach Ireland said:
“Engagements are getting a bit of a glow-up. More couples are booking in a trip soon after the proposal for a moment just for them, somewhere sunny, stress-free and selfie-ready! A Yescation is the perfect excuse to do just that. Who doesn’t want to swap seating plans and spreadsheets for sunshine and sangria?! And if you’re planning to pop the question while you’re away, do it early in the trip, that way this is your Yescation as you’ve got the rest of your holiday to celebrate, relax and show off that ring by the pool.”
With this in mind, Zoe shares six of the best destinations to consider for celebrating an engagement and tips on planning a post-engagement getaway.
“Famous for its whitewashed, cliffside villas, and golden sunsets, Santorini is always a favourite for romance. But, visiting outside the summer rush gives it a completely different feel. Milder temperatures of around 15°C in December mean you can explore the caldera, visit wineries or stay in boutique hotels without the crowds. It’s calm, scenic and beautifully understated.
“It's no surprise we’ve seen a rise in couples booking trips to Santorini recently, bookings are up more than 2,200% compared with last year, which really shows how many people are choosing it as a place to celebrate their engagement.”
“Rome is a fantastic choice all year round, but winter brings a slower pace. With pleasant daytime temperatures of around 12°C, couples can enjoy the city’s architecture and food scene without queuing for hours. A long lunch in Trastevere or a walk by the Trevi Fountain feels effortlessly romantic, without trying too hard.”
“Dubrovnik’s old town feels cinematic, but in winter you get to experience it like a local. It’s a great mix of city and coast and temperatures of around 12°C make it ideal for sightseeing or café hopping. The views from the city walls or a waterfront restaurant are hard to beat.”
“For couples looking for reliable sun without a long flight, Tenerife is a solid pick. Expect highs of around 23°C and a mix of beaches and volcanic landscapes. It’s relaxed, affordable and an easy way to turn a proposal into a proper break.
“Looking at this winter alone, couples travelling to Tenerife in November and December have risen by almost 32% year on year, proving it’s become a go-to choice for romantic winter sun.”
“Marrakech delivers great atmosphere with December bringing comfortable temperatures of around 20°C, perfect for wandering through the souks or relaxing on a rooftop terrace. It’s somewhere that feels special without being overly polished. Ideal for couples who like a bit of adventure.
“It’s a couple's destination on the rise too. Bookings for couples are up by over 420% compared with last year, showing how many newly engaged travellers are choosing Marrakech for a post-proposal escape.”
“For couples wanting something more indulgent, the Seychelles is hard to beat. Temperatures sit around 29°C in December and January, and the islands offer clear water and rainforest walks. It’s one for those looking to properly switch off and mark the occasion.”
Four tips on planning a ‘Yescation’
Book early for peace of mind
“Securing flights and accommodation in advance takes the stress out of the trip. You want to enjoy the moment without worrying about last-minute availability.”
Be flexible
“A three-to-five-day break is often long enough, it gives couples time to relax and celebrate, without having to take too much time off work.”
Focus on the experience
“The key is balance. Plan a mix of sightseeing and downtime, it’s about creating memories, not checking off a list.”
Capture the moment
“Bring a camera or plan a mini photoshoot. It’s a great way to remember the excitement of your engagement long before the wedding day.”
“As engagement season peaks over the festive period, there’s no better excuse to escape the cold and toast your new chapter somewhere truly special. A Yescation is less about ticking off destinations and more about taking time to enjoy the moment.”
For more information, please visit: https://www.onthebeach.ie/