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Travel can make or break a relationship, and for 73% of couples, it's the ultimate test, according to a new study.
A survey of 2,000 people in relationships explored the role of traveling with a partner, revealing that 61% of couples said a specific trip “rekindled” their romance.
Additionally, 40% feel closer to their partner after traveling, and 25% discover a more romantic side of their partner when they travel together.
Produced by Talker Research on behalf of Discover Puerto RicoThe survey found that four and a half months into a relationship is the ideal time for couples to take their first trip.
Budget (45%), hygiene habits (36%), and food preferences (33%) are the top compatibility factors every couple should explore before traveling.
Interestingly, more than half of Americans (54%) consider the Caribbean the most romantic destination, followed by Europe (37%) and North America (23%).
Nandhu Kumar
“Taking a trip is an important step in any relationship, and the results show that certain compatibility factors are crucial when traveling together,” said Laressa Morales, director of research and analytics for Discover Puerto Rico. “But for new couples, it can be especially transformative. Places like the romantic setting of the Caribbean are an incredible chance to deepen your relationship in a new and beautiful setting, and it's no surprise that Americans consider these places like the most romantic.
The survey also found that agreeing travel details before departure is as crucial as during the trip itself.
Compatibility in travel planning ranked high, with 63% of couples valuing similar preparation styles. Additionally, 27% said it was important to agree on room type and energy levels for activities for a smooth trip.
Additional survey results highlight the importance of aligning with daily habits when traveling. Couples cited wake-up times (24%), bathroom etiquette (22%), and a shared interest in educational or cultural tours (20%) as key factors in compatibility.
Culinary preferences also play an important role, with 37% of respondents saying that culinary experiences have a significant impact on their destination choices.
And for capturing romance, 13 is the magic number: Couples suggest taking 12.7 romantic photos together per trip, which is the sweet spot for treasured memories.
(Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels)
Spontaneity also emerged as a key element of a successful couples trip, with 72% of those surveyed highlighting its importance. More than half (60%) of couples have taken a spontaneous trip together, and 28% are ready to pack their bags and leave immediately if the opportunity presents itself.
Convenience plays a major role in choosing a destination, with factors such as flight duration, visa and passport requirements weighing heavily on decisions.
“Ease of traveling is a major consideration for many couples,” Laressa explained. “Puerto Rico is a particularly attractive option for American couples because they can explore all the beauty, culinary scene and culture of the Caribbean without needing a passport – making it a hassle-free escape. We invite couples to discover the unique charm of Puerto Rico and experience unforgettable moments together.
The survey also found that 46% of respondents feel they need a getaway to rekindle the spark in their relationship, and 70% discuss their travel plans weekly, highlighting a strong desire for connection through adventures shared.
Data shows that for couples, traveling is as much about planning together as it is about sharing experiences. Whether it's finding harmony in spontaneous adventures or bonding over a love of local cuisine, travel has a profound impact on relationships.
(Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels)
20 MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR COUPLE TRAVEL COMPATIBILITY
- Spending habits
- Hygiene habits
- Food tastes
- Planning approaches vs. spontaneity
- Itinerary versus freestyle during the day
- Room types (sea view, etc.)
- Activity levels (e.g. adrenaline sports, water sports, etc.)
- Wake-up times
- Bathroom etiquette (e.g. door open or closed)
- Interest in educational and cultural sites (e.g. museums, historical sites)
- Airport philosophy (e.g. what time or what time to arrive)
- Bedtimes
- Preferences for international travel
- Using social media while traveling
- Share your trip on social media
- Eating in bed
- Pillow preferences (e.g. flat or soft, use of 3+, etc.)
- Topsheet Preferences
- Selfies
- Shoes in bed
PRODUCTION MARKET
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older who were partnered, engaged, or married; the investigation was commissioned by Discover Puerto Rico and administered and conducted online by Speaker Research between October 29 – November 4, 2024.
We source from a non-probabilistic framework and the two main sources we use are:
- Traditional online access panels: Respondents choose to participate in online market research for an incentive.
- Programmatic – where respondents are online and have the opportunity to participate in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually tied to the online activity they are engaging in.
Those who did not fit the specified sample were excluded from the survey. As the survey is conducted, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to meet quotas specified within the sampling plan.
Regardless of which sources respondents came from, they were directed to an online survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents received points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash equivalent monetary value.
Cells are only analyzed if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. The data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to achieve the desired sample.
Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality control measures. This includes:
- Speeding: Respondents who complete the survey in less than one-third of the median interview duration are disqualified as speeding.
- Open endings: All text responses (full open questions as well as others, please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant text.
- Bots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, allowing the research team to identify and disqualify bots
- Duplicates: The survey software has digital fingerprint-based “deduplication,” which ensures that no one is allowed to complete the survey more than once.
It should be noted that this survey was only accessible to people with Internet access and the results may not be generalizable to those without Internet access.
