Research matchmakes the best and worst holiday destinations around the world, from road trips in the US to beautiful beach towns in Italy.
Happily single, honeymooning or heartbroken? lastminute.com has conducted a new survey to find the best locations around the world for travellers depending on their relationship status and what they argue about abroad.
The study investigates a variety of metrics, including age, relationship status, ideal holiday partner and what makes an unforgettable getaway!
Most Popular Destinations by Relationship Stage
While all relationship stages have bonded with Benidorm and Barcelona, the more seasoned couples prefer the quaint cities and towns of France as their holiday destination. Singletons, daters and married couples choose adventure in the US for their trips abroad. While those in a complicated relationship hope Italy will be more a case of make – than break – for their blossoming or rocky coupledom.
Therapist Sally Baker understands the draw of Spain for loved up couples: ”The familiarity of Spain in our national psyche means it provides the perfect backdrop for couples who just want to focus on themselves and spend time relaxing together.”
Trouble in Paradise
However, after spending weeks or even months planning that perfect holiday, it doesn’t always turn out as we had hoped.
- A surprising 44% of daters have been on holidays that negatively affected their romantic relationships – 13% of which were in Italy
- Holidays abroad have left 36% of travellers aged 25-34 broken hearted
- Across all the different relationship types, 82% said they have never been on a holiday that negatively affected their relationship
The Most Common Arguments on Holiday
Packing is the main reason for arguments between people on holiday, with almost 20% admitting they argue about what to pack or leaving something important behind. Directions and which activities to do are also common disagreements for holiday goers.
City break-ups: Therapist Sally Baker says couples put too much pressure on seeing all the cultural sights when they’re travelling: “What happens is that the holiday turns into an argumentative route march in FOMO that can only ever end in exhaustion and argument.”
While alcohol intake and spending habits are common reasons for disagreements on holiday for a lot of people, surprisingly newlyweds are twice as likely as any other group to argue about sex while they’re away, and men are most likely to initiate that conversation.
Here's what makes a great holiday, according to each stage of a relationship
Over 50% of people say relaxation is their main reason for going on holiday, with price of flight and accommodation being the two most important factors when choosing their destination. While singletons prefer travelling with friends, married couples and people in a relationship prefer going on holiday with their romantic partner. Divorcees prefer spending time with their families while travelling.
Spending habits are quite similar across all relationship types, with an average budget of £1,000 per person for a week-long holiday, including all costs and spending money. While those in a complicated relationship are the most willing to fork out on a week abroad, agreeing on a budget isn’t always easy, and 23% of married couples say money is the main reason for their arguments on holiday.
Here are the arguments you’re most likely to have if you’re single, married or divorced:
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
