Kathryn Robinson, Head of Sales & Service at Inspiring Travel said “Our clients come to us for personalised holidays to create an unforgettable experience. We often get requests for life-changing and milestone events that are worth celebrating such as a new baby or graduation. We call these ‘holiday-moons’.” Total eclipse: Could these six holiday-moon trends be on their way out?

1. Pet-moons aren’t as popular as they used to be

Google search trend data has found that searches for “pet-moon” have decreased in interest by 2% in the past month. A lesser known ‘holiday-moon’, pet-moons are where soon-to-be pet owners go on holiday before they get a new pet – perhaps making the most of their free time before needing to find animal care.

Kathryn Robinson commented “Owning a pet is a big commitment and can impact when you can plan a holiday as you need to take them into account, whether you bring them with you or need to look for pet care.

Pet’s can be very trying at times, which is pet-parents-to-be plan a holiday before they get a pet to make the most of their ‘freedom’ whilst they can.”

2. TikTok phenomenon, #Babymoon, has decreased by 4%

With over 266 million views on TikTok for #babymoon, this holiday-moon is for couples looking to enjoy quality time together before the birth of a new baby. Babymoons peaked in searches in August 2022 and have decreased in searches by 4% over the past month.

Kathryn Robinson added “Although interest may have decreased this year, the latest TikTok trend of babymoons is definitely here to stay! If you’re looking to plan a babymoon, it’s worth bearing in mind that you visit somewhere the mother-to-be feels comfortable travelling to, as long flights can be uncomfortable.

“Along with this, most commercial airlines accept pregnant travellers up to 36 weeks if a single pregnancy or up to 32 weeks if a multiple pregnancy. However, it is also best to consult with your GP on the best and safest time to travel.”

3. The classic ‘Honeymoon’ is competing with its younger self ‘mini-moons’

Honeymoons are the milestone event that started the holiday-moon craze. Despite this, when looking at Google Search Trend data, searches for ‘honeymoon’ actually peaked in May 2018.

Following this peak, there seems to be a steady decline in searches for ‘honeymoon’ as, in the past month, it has decreased by 7% in interest.

Kathryn Robinson said, “Honeymoons aren’t as popular as they used to be, this could be due to the decrease in marriages over the recent years but also because more people are opting for a mini-moon instead, as this is an easier holiday to plan whilst also planning a wedding.”

4. Retirement-moons have decreased by 10%

Retirement is a big milestone for anyone. However, retirement holidays have decreased in search interest by 10% in the past month.

Kathryn Robinson said, “Retirement can hold varying significance for individuals, whether it involves commemorating achievements from a diverse and well-deserved career, embracing the sensation of breaking free from the routine of daily work, or merely recognising a pivotal juncture as life shifts gears.

Planning a memorable trip is perfect to mark the celebration of a new chapter in your life, as retirement provides you with more freedom when it comes to travelling.“

5.  Divorce-moons are no longer as popular as searches decrease by 13%

Divorce is a life-changing event and marks a new chapter in life. Although divorce can be perceived negatively, some divorcees book a holiday to mark their new independence and freedom from a past relationship.

It can be the perfect post-separation holiday, where individuals can take the time to recharge and get away from it all. However, searches for divorce-moons have decreased by 13%.

Kathryn Robinson at Inspiring Travel said “Most divorce-moons tend to look for solo holidays, looking to explore somewhere new and experience independence whilst solo-travelling.

However, this doesn’t mean you have to push yourself to go on a solo adventure if you aren’t comfortable. Some often go on holiday with their friends and even family to mark their new chapter in life.”

6.  Graduation holidays have decreased by 24% in interest

Finishing university is a big step in life, where graduates decide whether to continue with their education, jump straight into their chosen career path or go on a gap year.

Searches for ‘graduation-moon’ have decreased by 24% in the past month but actually increased by 16% over the past year.

Kathryn Robinson added “Completing a degree and graduating is a big achievement and should definitely be celebrated. It’s the perfect time for people to go travelling for up to a year before starting their career in their chosen field, otherwise known as a gap year! We expect graduation-moons to stick around over the next few years as it is a big milestone in life.”