A survey of 2,000 Americans has revealed that Maui, Hawaii has been voted the most romantic travel destination this year, with 34% of respondents choosing it as their top pick.
While many still appreciate the romance of Paris (33%), the results showed that scenic destinations such as Rome, Italy (29%) and Santorini, Greece (11%) are also highly regarded for their romantic allure.
Others prefer tropical and beach locations to spark romance, with destinations like Cancun, Mexico (19%), Costa Rica (13%), and the British Virgin Islands (12%) proving popular choices.
Conducted by Talker Research in partnership with Funjet Vacations, the survey also revealed that although respondents dream of visiting these well-known locations, the majority believe that hidden or smaller destinations offer a more romantic experience (69%).
Similarly, more Americans believe that lesser-known destinations are better suited to setting the mood for intimacy with a partner (45%) and fostering a stronger bond overall (45%).
Regardless of the destination, travelling seems to increase romantic feelings, with those surveyed estimating that they feel 62% more romantic on holiday than in their everyday life.
In fact, half of the single respondents said one of the best parts of travelling is the potential to find love.
When travelling with a partner, those surveyed said they would showcase their affection by going for walks along the beach (55%), watching sunsets together (54%), or holding hands (53%).
“Vacationing together isn’t just about discovering new places; it’s about igniting, deepening, or rekindling the romance, escaping the ordinary and celebrating the love that binds you,” said Dana Studebaker, vice president of marketing of consumer brands at Funjet Vacations. “The beauty of all-inclusive resorts is that they offer the perfect stress-free escape, removing the hassle of planning and allowing you to focus entirely on each other.”
However, according to Americans, travelling with a partner is not for those seeking casual flings, with 76% considering it a serious step in a relationship.
On average, respondents felt that you should be with a partner for about a year before travelling together, although 42% would be comfortable doing so before that milestone.
The wait is well worth it for seven in ten, who agreed that travelling with a partner is one of the most romantic things to do together (71%).
Sometimes, the best trips are those that require the least planning, with more respondents finding spontaneous trips with a partner to be more romantic than those planned in advance (50% vs. 34%).
For those looking to impress a partner, a spontaneous trip could be the way to their heart, as 72% agreed that spontaneous holidays with a partner are sexy.
It may be time for those hoping to find romance on holiday to start planning.
One in five believe the best time to travel is during “cuffing season” (22%)—October to mid-February—when people are more focused on finding or maintaining relationships during the colder months.
Nearly a third of those not currently in a serious relationship are hopeful they’ll have a partner by this upcoming cuffing season (31%).
And the same percentage, regardless of relationship status, have plans to travel with a partner during this time.
“When planning your vacation, I always recommend including activities like yoga, snorkelling, paddleboarding, cooking classes, hiking, wine tastings and more, as they help travellers bond in their relationships and offer opportunities to create in-person connections with new people over a shared interest or new adventure,” said Michael Lowery, head of global consumer business, Funjet Vacations. “One of the perks of choosing an all-inclusive resort is that these experiences are right at your fingertips and come at no extra charge.”
MOST ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS TO VISIT WITH A PARTNER:
- Maui, Hawaii — 34%
- Paris, France — 33%
- Rome, Italy — 29%
- Venice, Italy — 27%
- Cancun, Mexico — 19%
- Tuscany, Italy — 16%
- Costa Rica — 13%
- British Virgin Islands — 12%
- St. Lucia — 11%
- Santorini, Greece — 11%
- Aspen, Colorado — 11%
- New York City, New York — 9%
- Turks and Caicos — 9%
- Provence, France — 8%
- The Amalfi Coast, Italy — 7%
