Why Some Couples Are Honeymooning With Strangers

Jan 05, 2017

A couples’ retreat with strangers is nothing new. Couples have been vacationing with other couples since vacation was invented. However, according to group trip organizers, there’s a whole new type of couple choosing to travel with strangers: honeymooners.

In an effort to save money and time, some newlyweds are looking to group travel. “For couples, it’s a great way to focus less on logistics and more on spending quality time with each other, hassle-free,” says Sarah Clark, global general manager for Topdeck Travel.

But this isn’t the group travel of your high school days. “Topdeck allows for privacy with our hotel-style trip options and free time, so couples can enjoy days to themselves but also have the built-in knowledge of a trip leader and social aspect of the group when they want,” Clark said.

If jetting off with your new spouse and dozens of strangers piques your interest, here’s all you need to know about planning a group honeymoon.

Who?

Honeymooners who elect to take a group trip are most often social butterflies with a sense of adventure. A spokesperson for G Adventures, another group travel company, says that the honeymooning couples who choose their trips are “a special type of couple, who enjoys active vacations that create bonding experiences while making new friends.” They’re probably also looking to save a bit of cash — whether that’s because the guest list at their wedding grew larger than expected or they’re saving up for their next trip.

Where?

Most couples tend to choose lengthy cross-European trips and elect to stay in hotels, according to Topdeck. However, couples who choose to travel with G Adventures tend to pick destinations in Southeast Asia, including Bali, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

Why?

Traveling in a group allows couples to see each other in a new light — not only are the two of you in a new setting, but you’re surrounded by completely new people.

“Trying new experiences together often stretches you beyond your comfort zone and can allow you to learn new skills,” said Kara Lucchesi, a G Adventures global purpose specialist. “This can help a couple bond over the shared experiment, discoveries and laughs. You may also learn new things about your partner that you wouldn’t discover sitting on a beach or cruise ship: Perhaps he’s got a talent for rolling tortillas, or she’s a natural on a traditional weaving loom. Seeing each other in a new light can spark even greater attraction for a partner.”

Megan Goldberg, who honeymooned with her husband on a group trip through Japan, advised couples looking into a group honeymoon to arrive with open hearts and minds. You’ll be active with a new social group, yet there will be plenty of time for seclusion. “In my opinion, you have your entire lives together, just you two,” Goldberg said. “To experience other countries and cultures with a group of unique and inspiring people is priceless.”

Plus: There’s always someone around to take honeymoon pictures of you.

Would you ever honeymoon with strangers? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

Explore Chicago's Hippest Neighborhood From This Mid-Century Modern Hotel

Imagine sipping Champagne above a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or indulging in a heavenly spa treatment with the Manhattan skyline in view. Even if your wallet can't quite stretch to a full-blown luxury getaway, sprinkling a touch of luxe into your travels can turn an ordinary trip into a memorable adventure. That idea sparked our new series, Flights of Fancy, where we take you along for a trip to the luxury experiences around the cities we adore.

Chicago is the U.S.’s third-biggest city, and one of its most exciting. While the city is undoubtedly the financial and cultural center of the Midwest, Chicago shouldn’t be relegated to a regional hub. A true global city, this diverse and sprawling metro has a lengthy history of influence in architecture, music, design, and the culinary arts, not to mention comedy and theater.

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One of the benefits of taking a trip to Chicago is that it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Sure, it’s not going to be super cheap to visit any major city, but in comparison to the U.S.’s coastal hotspots, Chicago is a fantastic deal. If you’re particularly intrigued by the Windy City’s emphasis on architecture and design, you shouldn’t miss The Robey hotel.

Photo: The Robey

Located in one of Chicago’s hippest and most bustling neighborhoods — Wicker Park — The Robey stands out for its mid-century modern design, many amenities, and fantastic location for exploring the local shops, eats, and nightlife.

About the Neighborhood

Photo: The Robey

One of the biggest benefits of The Robey is its surrounding scene. Wicker Park has made countless lists of the coolest neighborhoods in the country, and for good reason — from the art murals adorning its historic buildings to the many thrift shops, speakeasies, and gourmet bakeries gracing its streets, it has all the makings of a hipster oasis, even if it’s a little more established these days. Ukrainian Village also borders Wicker Park to the South along Division Street, and has its own share of incredible shops, restaurants and bars.

Here’s how to get the most out of visiting this iconic hotel, no matter your budget. Plus, what to do in the neighborhood!

Stay At The Robey (Budget: $160+)

Photo: The Robey

Booking a room at The Robey can be pretty reasonable. You can score the best deal by booking in the off season, staying Sunday through Monday, and springing for a Queen-sized room. Even The Robey’s most modest rooms are stunning design-wise, boasting decor that looks straight out of a West Elm catalog.

Photo: The Robey

The main draw of every room at The Robey may be the decor, but a close second is the Wicker Park neighborhood’s buzzing energy. You’ll get to view the city lights through your window and revel in all the neighborhood has to offer once you step outside The Robey’s doors.

Photo: The Robey

Every room comes with full access to the hotel’s amenities, which include rooftop pool (open seasonally), personal care items from Le Labo (like we said, this place doesn’t mess around when it comes to good branding), and complementary bikes you can use to traverse the bike-friendly near northwest side of Chicago. You’ll be right on Milwaukee Ave., a busy corridor that has a bike lane connecting the fashionable neighborhoods of Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Avondale.

Dine At The Robey (Budget: $50+)

Photo: The Robey

If a stay at The Robey isn’t in your budget, consider checking out the hotel via Cafe Robey. Chef Michael Elliott serves up comfort food with a seasonal twist, and get this — you can get brunch at any time of day. Dreams really do come true.

Photo: The Robey

If The Robey’s all-day brunch is what you’re craving, spring for the Duck Hash, Biscuits and Gravy, or the Chilaquiles, accompanied by refined yet indulgent sides like the Maple Glazed Pork Belly or the Whipped Ricotta with cherry pepper jam, honey, and sea salt.

Photo: The Robey

More in the mood for dinner fare? We can’t recommend the Roasted Chicken enough, but if you’re more in the mood for something carby, the Ricotta Gnocchi is where it’s at. Wash whatever you choose down with Cafe Robey’s curated wine list or one of their many carefully crafted cocktail options.

Grab Drinks At The Robey (Budget: $20+)

Photo: The Robey

If your budget is pretty limited but you still want a little bit of the Robey experience, head to one of the hotel’s three stunning bars. You could stay ground-level and check out Clever Coyote, a ‘90s inspired nostalgia bar that serves up tiki-style drinks and delicious bar food, all while letting you people watch from a cozy table in a gorgeous environment.

Photo: The Robey

Got your sights set a little higher? Take the elevator up to the Up Room, The Robey’s 13th-floor lounge that allows you to take in the city skyline for miles and miles. The building is the tallest in the area, so nothing will block your view of the endless city lights.

Photo: The Robey

Somewhere in the middle (more specifically, on the 6th floor) is the Cabana Club, which offers some great views that are a little more down-to-earth, though just as exciting. Take in all the sights and sounds of the city, from the El train passing by to views of the iconic John Hancock tower. This is also where the rooftop pool is located — and it’s open to all during the summer months!

Spend The Day In Wicker Park

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Sure, you’ll find mainstay shopping destinations like Lululemon, Aesop, Free People, and Yeti along the corridors, but you’ll also discover some amazing and unique shops. Head to Una Mae’s for stylish clothing and gifts, or Kokoroko for curated vintage finds and kitsch items straight out of decades past.

Some must-visit culinary destinations include Big Star (seriously, the world’s best craft tacos and margaritas), Ina Mae tavern, and Folklore, an Argentine grill just steps away on Division. Oh, and cap off the evening with drinks at Violet Hour, the neighborhood’s famed speakeasy, or The Rainbo Club, an infamous dive bar that’s been in business since 1933.

In addition to all the shopping and eating you can do, there are plenty of opportunities to simply people-watch and spend time outdoors, too. Check out the neighborhood's eponymous Wicker Park, located right in the heart of the neighborhood. Sprawl out and admire the brick Chicago-style homes that line the street, or take a quick walk up to the 606, an old El train line that’s since been converted into a walking path and greenspace-boasting connecting corridor between many of the city’s neighborhoods.

With all that just outside your doorstep, it might be easy to forget the incredible scenery and culinary pleasures that await you when you return to your hotel for the night.

Main Photo: The Robey

Follow along for all your summer travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.

The 8 Best Leave-In Conditioners To Quickly Repair Dry, Damaged Hair

I'm officially ready to emerge from my winter haze and re-acclimate to warmer temps and being outside! First things first though, my hair has been pretty neglected over these dry and dehydrating winter months. In order to get my hair back to it's glossy and healthy normal for summer, I've been using leave-in conditioners to help re-store its shine.

Leave-in conditioners help so much to revitalize your hair and bring back some gloss to it, as well as helping get rid of its dried out state that can occur in winter. I asked some of my favorite hair experts what they think about leave ins: Are they a myth? Or do they really help? So keep reading to see what they say!

What are the benefits of leave-in conditioner?

Photo via Pexels/ Nataliya Vaitkevich

One of the best things leave-in conditioner does for you is moisturize dry or damaged hair. It helps to really lock in the moisture so that it can look healthier as well as preventing your hair from any future damage that it may be exposed to. Hair stylist and expert Marwa Bashir says this about leave-ins, "A leave-in conditioner is one of the most beneficial products for your hair. A leave-in conditioner will protect , moisturize and nourish all hair types. In my arsenal of products the first step for my wavy hair is always a leave-in conditioner, my favorite is SUNCATCHER from R+Co. This product is great to use on damp hair, as well as dry when the hair may feel a bit dehydrated."

Is leave-in conditioner good for your hair?

Photo via Pexels/Yan Krukau

Leave-in conditioner is great for your hair because it has time to really soak into the hair and soothe any dry or brittle ends you may have. It also strengthens any dry ends to allow them to get stronger and prevent them from breaking as easily in the future. It can also prevent your hair from damage via sun, rough sleeping, or heat. Our resident hair expert, Marwa Bashir says, "A leave-in conditioner layered over dry waves or curls can also help revive the shape of the coils or ropey waves." We love to hear that!

Briogeo Don't Despair Hair Treatment

I've been using this hair treatment for about two years now and it has to be one of the BEST things I've done with my hair care routine in a long time. I use a lot of heat from curling irons and blow dryers so my hair has a lot of dryness. I was looking for something that would help with my breakage and dead ends so I could grow out my hair more and this seriously worked like magic. It made my hair feel so hydrated just after two uses and now that I've been using it for so long, I don't think I can go back; it's just that good! Could not recommend this one more! Definitely add to cart.

Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream

With over 800 reviews at Nordstrom, most of which are 4 stars and above, this is one of the most highly-rated leave-in conditioners I've seen. It is certainly well loved with reviews saying things like, "Do yourself a favor and go ahead and order! This stuff is amazing! It adds tons of shine and closure to ends. Cuts out all frizz nicely. My hair feels great...not to mention, the smell is AMAZING! I have extremely thick hair and I literally use a dime size amount. I know it seems expensive up front, but it will last a long time. I’m hooked!!!" Wow that sounds like a stellar product to me!

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

This is one of those products I hate because it's so good!!! I used this once and genuinely noticed a big difference in my hair and hated that because of its more expensive price point. But I promise you, it actually does work and IS worth the hype unfortunately. Try it once and you'll see! The difference in your hair is immediate and game-changing. Another product that lives up to the hype!

Oribe Leave-In Detangler

Another amazing Oribe product that I love. This one can be used to help detangle your hair and smoothen it from any clumps to prevent further breakage. It just helps loosens up the hair and moisturizes it leaving it with a silky, smooth finish. This is a great one to use after the shower to give it an extra shine.

Moroccan Oil All-In-One Leave-In

This is a budget friendly option listed at only $14! It also has amazing reviews and is the complete package as an all-in-one item! It helps to detangle your hair, soften any breakage or split ends, and prevent damage from heat. It's also perfect for any and all hair types!

Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In

Over 2300 stunning reviews?! Sign us up! This product is well-loved for a reason! Another hair product for all hair types but this one helps to protect from heat of up to 450 degrees! That sounds so ideal for me, as someone who frequently uses heat on her hair! I would say this one is perfect for you if you heat-style your hair often.

Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream

Where are my beautiful curly-haired girlies at?! I have the most amazing leave-in conditioner for you that is only $12 and has incredible reviews. This mask is so helpful because it moisturizes your hair while improving your curl texture. We love a dual purpose! This mask is definitely a must for anyone with curly hair!

Since our hair expert Marwa Bashir said that leave-ins even work well on dry hair, we definitely recommend trying it that way to revitalize some of your curls for some extra bounce!

Aveda Botanical Intensive Strengthening Mask

If you have intense breakage or pretty frail hair like me then look no further! This mask does an amazing job of strengthening those frail, broken ends on your hair and preventing any further damage from occurring. I love it because I notice my hair get stronger and not have as many broken ends. It's also paraben-free which I love. You just leave it in for a few minutes and voila! Your hair is shiny and luxurious!

Now that your hair is on its way to looking luxurious, try out one of our Easy Hairstyles For Work!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Sarah Jessica Parker And Matthew Broderick's Love Story Is 30 Years In The Making

Sarah Jessica Parker captured our hearts as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, but she captured Matthew Broderick's heart much before that. What sets SJP apart from her character on Sex and the City is that while Carrie is indecisive, frantic, lost, and even problematic in her relationships over the years, Sarah is the exact opposite. She's remained steady in her relationship over the course of many years and is still as in love with Matthew as ever.

Their secret to staying in love? SJP told the Hollywood Reporter, "I’ve always said one of the reasons we’ve had success is because we don’t talk about our marriage. I’m not flattering myself that anyone’s discussing my marriage, but we’re certainly not going to add to it by saying, 'Well, this is why it works.' Next thing you know, there’ll be a very public divorce. So we just try to respect each other." Sounds like respect and privacy have gone a long way to nurture their personal love story despite being in the public eye!

We just adore this duo and how dedicated and supportive they've been to each other so we just had to give you the scoop on how the love birds met along with a deep dive into their whole relationship history!

Did You Know This Fun Fact About the SJP & Matthew Broderick?

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick have known each other since 1991 — that's over 30 years! They've known each other and been married since 1997. SJP and Matthew Broderick also share three kids together whose names are James, Tabitha, and Marion. We just love their love and can't wait to tell you all about it below so keep reading!

A Full Relationship Timeline of Sarah Jessica Parker And Matthew Broderick's Love Story

Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

November 1991/January 1993 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Meet

The two actually met through Parker's brothers who ran a local theatre in New York City. SJP was visiting the theatre to see her brothers' play and Broderick had recently directed a play at the very same theatre. The two met and a couple months later, Broderick sweetly left her a voicemail which led to the romance! We love a direct man!

After almost two years of dating, the new couple attend their first Golden Globes red carpet together on January, 23 1993 in Beverly Hills.

Photo by Diane Freed/Getty Images

March 1996 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Work Together For the First Time

The two take their chemistry to the stage! After dating for five years, they decided to work together on Broadway for a play, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. This was their debut of working together and it was so sweet!

Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images

May 1997 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Tie the Knot

The two finally get married after years of dating! They ended up doing a surprise ceremony for all of their closest friends and family to enjoy while SJP's sister officiated the ceremony. Sarah Jessica Parker didn't even wear white on her wedding day — what would Carrie think?

She later told Marie Claire in an interview, "I wore black on my wedding day, and I really regret that," Sarah Jessica Parker says. "I was too embarrassed to get married in white, and both Matthew and I were reluctant to have people pay so much attention to us. Which is ridiculous, because that's when you can relish the attention, when it's natural. We treated it like it was a big party on a Monday night, and I regret it."

But it definitely wasn't bad luck to not wear white because the couple is now revered for having one of the longest lasting marriages in Hollywood!

Photo by Keith Bedford/Getty Images

August 2002 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Are Expecting Their First Child

Sarah Jessica Parker was pregnant with her first son during filming for the fifth season of Sex and The City (although the wardrobe department did a great job at concealing the pregnancy for Parker's on-screen character). The couple remained very private throughout their whole pregnancy and birth.

Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images

September 2004 — Sarah Jessica Parker Wins Her First Emmy Awards

Sarah Jessica Parker won an Emmy Award for her role in our favorite show, Sex and the City. She thanked her three cast members in her speech and then went on to thank her family, including Matthew, who was of course sitting in the audience proudly watching her experience this incredible moment.

Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images

November 2006 — Sarah Jessica Parker And Matthew Broderick Are All Family

As it turns out, talent runs in the family as Matthew's mother, Patricia Broderick, was a well-known artist and playwright. Here they are pictured at an art show in New York that was honoring the late artist who had passed away a few years before this. Keeping family close is clearly important to the couple, as they remain a tight-knit family unit even now.

Photo by Lawrence Lucier/Getty Images

June 2009 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Have Twins

In 2009, the couple welcomed twins! Holy moly! The former group of three became five with the birth of their sweet twin babies. The twins are now in high school, believe it or not! Broderick said of the twins being super close on Live with Kelly and Mark, "When it was time to decide for real," Matthew explained, "they were like, 'No, we're going to the same high school.'"

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

March 2010 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Attend The Oscars

The pair showed up to stun at the 82nd Oscars together. They looked fabulous, in no surprise to anyone. In this photo, the pair had been together for around 17 years.

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

September 2011 — Sarah Jessica Parker Talks Parenthood

Fast forward to 2011 where their oldest is a toddler and the twins are still very young. We can't imagine the busy-ness for SJP and Broderick, balancing life and work while having three young kids under the age of five! SJP told E! that "Everyone should be scared of motherhood." She goes on to elaborate that, "It's good to be scared. You should be! Love is scary and friendship is scary and children, even more so." Well that we can definitely agree with!

Photo by Paul Hawthorne

June 2016 — Sarah Jessica Parker And Matthew Broderick On "Conscious Coupling"

The couple ditched their shared home and instead opted for two adjoining yet separate townhouses to create a better space for "conscious coupling" which allows them to work harder on their marriage and commitment to each other. They made the move as an effort to allow some individuality but still be a united front when it comes to their commitment to their marriage and staying together.

Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

February 2020 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Star on Broadway Together

The showbiz stars paired up once more to do a show on Broadway in 2020! They reunited on stage together in Neil Simon's Plaza Suite play. SJP said of the experience in an article to the Hollywood Reporter, "I think we were more so thinking about the play, like, “How are we going to do this?” And I only thought about being concerned when people ask us, “Are you concerned that this is going to be harmful to your marriage?” And then I was worried. “Well, should we be?” We’ve never spent this much time together ever, even before we had kids." She later went on to say that despite it being strange to navigate that it was still a great experience to spend time together working!

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

December 2021 — Sarah Jessica Parker Premiers And Just Like That

And Just Like That, the show is back! SJP showed up in a stunning outfit with her sweet son and husband to support the return of her iconic show. She walked the carpet to celebrate her work with the two men in her life. It was a family affair!

Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Current Day — Still As In Love As Ever

While on Howard Stern's show recently, Sarah Jessica mentioned that her and Matthew Broderick haven't been apart since they met over 30 years ago. She said they have, "never spent a night apart since then, with the exception of work on location, or his mother was ill for a bit so he went to take care of her, but from that first night, we’ve never been apart.”

What else does she have to say about him after all these years? "It seems so silly, but I think you're very lucky if you like the person," she told People. "I still just really like him. I'm sure I annoy him and he annoys me, but I literally learn about him every day. I'm like, 'You're doing what? You're reading what?'

"I think marriage has a lot of vitality," she added. "If you're fortunate, it's like this dazzling organism."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves, SJP! This is a marriage that we are definitely still rooting for after all these years!

Check back here for the latest news on SJP and Matthew Broderick's relationship!

Lead image by Jason Kirk/Getty Images.

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