Honeymoons are becoming ‘buddymoons’, with an increasing number of newlyweds taking friends away with them, according to a British survey.

As many as 20 per cent have shared their post-nuptial travels with pals, the foreign exchange company Travelex poll showed.

And nearly half of couples said they would consider a buddymoon if it saved them money.

The poll showed that some couples would even let family members tag along, but five per cent would only go away with others if it meant a saving of up to 75 per cent.

For buddymooners the most popular destination was Dubai, followed by Thailand, France, South Africa and Turkey.

Travelex said these were all destinations where the pound has strengthened against the local currency, giving UK holidaymakers more spending power.

Elvin Eldic, from Travelex, said: “With young couples feeling the growing financial squeeze of tying the knot, it’s unsurprising that many are bucking traditional honeymoon trends in order to rein in the cost of getting married.

“It makes perfect sense to continue the celebrations with loved ones, while sharing the costs.”

Hotel booking company Mr & Mrs Smith said: “We’ve seen increasing popularity for couples sharing honeymoons.”

Couples opt for ‘me time’

More people are choosing to take trips without their partners, a UK poll has found.

In the past year as many as 27 per cent of those in a relationship went away without their partners, the survey by LV= travel insurance found.

Ten years ago, just 10 per cent admitted having a holiday without their partner.

Based on responses by 1,000 people in live-together relationships, the survey showed the top reason for holidaying apart was to have time with friends, followed by wanting ‘me time’ or to take part in a hobby in which a partner was not interested.

Around 13 per cent took trips at different times from their partner due to work or other commitments, while around the same number holidayed separately as they had different leave patterns.

Failing to agree on a choice of destination was also a cause of solo trips.

Somewhat unromantically, four per cent said it was cheaper to go away alone, while three per cent left a partner behind to look after children or pets.

The solo holiday is slightly more popular with women, who took 52 per cent of the apart-from-partner trips in 2013.

Women tended to prefer going away with friends for city breaks, spas and short-haul beach trips, while men opted for activity-based trips including golf and fishing.