Make way for Paris, there's a new city of love.
A survey of 2,000 Americans looked at some of the world's most romantic travel destinations and found that Maui, Hawaii, was voted the top choice this year (34%).
While many respondents still appreciate the privacy that Paris brings (33%), the results showed that scenic destinations like Rome, Italy (29%) or Santorini, Greece (11%) can hold their own.
Others are turning to beach and tropical destinations to feel the spark, such as Cancun, Mexico (19%), Costa Rica (13%) and the British Virgin Islands (12%).
Ekaterina Pokrovsky – stock.adobe.com
Produced by Talker Research in partnership with Funjet HolidaysThe survey found that while respondents aspire to visit these popular destinations, a majority believe hidden or smaller destinations are more romantic (69%).
Similarly, more Americans agree that lesser-known destinations are more conducive to creating an intimate atmosphere with a partner (45%) and bonding with them in general (45%).
No matter where they go, traveling puts respondents in the mood: On average, respondents estimate that they are about 62% more romantic on vacation than in their normal lives.
SWNS
In fact, half of single people surveyed said one of the best parts of traveling is the possibility of finding love.
If they were traveling as a couple, respondents would show their love by walking on the beach (55%), watching the sunset together (54%) or holding hands (53%).
“Vacationing together isn’t just about discovering new places; it’s about rekindling, deepening or rekindling romance, escaping the ordinary and celebrating the love that binds you,” said Dana Studebaker, vice president of consumer brand marketing at Funjet Vacations. “The beauty of all-inclusive resorts is that they offer the perfect stress-free escape, eliminating the hassle of planning and allowing you to focus entirely on each other.”
But Americans say vacationing with a partner isn't for those interested in adventure: Three-quarters of Americans consider traveling with a partner a serious step in their relationship (76%).
On average, respondents believe that one should be with a partner for about a year before traveling with them, although 42% would do so before that point.
The wait is worth it for seven in ten people who agree that traveling with a partner is one of the most romantic things to do together (71%).
SWNS
Sometimes the best trips require the least planning, as more respondents believe a spontaneous trip with a partner is more romantic than a trip planned in advance (50% vs. 34%).
If you're looking to impress a lover, going on vacation together may be the way to their heart, as 72% of them agree that spontaneous trips with a partner are sexy.
Perhaps it's time for those hoping for some holiday luck to start planning.
SWNS
One in five people believe the best time to travel is during “dating season” (22%), from October to mid-February, when people focus on finding or maintaining relationships during the colder months of the year.
Nearly a third of those not in a serious relationship hope to have a partner during the next cuffing season (31%).
And the same percentage, regardless of relationship status, intend to travel with a partner this cuffing season.
SWNS
“When planning your vacation, I always recommend including activities like yoga, snorkeling, paddleboarding, cooking classes, hiking, wine tastings and more because they help travelers bond and provide opportunities to connect in person with new people over a shared interest or new adventure,” said Michael Lowery, head of global consumer activities at Funjet Vacations. “One of the benefits of choosing an all-inclusive resort is that these experiences are right at your fingertips and at no extra cost.”
THE 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%
- Saint Lucia — 11%
- Santorini, Greece — 11%
- Aspen, Colorado — 11%
- New York, New York State — 9%
- Turks and Caicos Islands — 9%
- Provence, France — 8%
- Amalfi Coast, Italy — 7%
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans from the general population; the survey was commissioned by Funjet Vacations and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 23 and July 29, 2024.
