Modern couples now embark on ‘make or break’ holidays after just THREE MONTHS together

Web Team | 20th June 2019

A survey found one in four love-hungry couples take the plunge and head off on a trip together three months or earlier into their relationship.

 

And around one in five are going on a sunshine break with their other half early in the relationship specifically to test if their partner is worth sticking with for good.

 

Couples take things seriously on their first trip, spending seven nights away on average to test the strength of their bond.

 

And a confident one in eight couples went away for two weeks for their first holiday with their partner.

 

One in 10 decided to travel further afield together on a long-haul trip, while one in two played it safe and chose a short-haul destination.

 

Karl Thompson, managing director for Sandals Resorts in the UK, which commissioned the study, said: “Whether it’s a couple’s first trip together, a honeymoon to celebrate, or a more traditional break away from everyday life, a getaway with your partner can be the perfect chance to spend quality time together and strengthen those romantic bonds.

 

“Whilst a week-long holiday may seem lengthy for a first trip away, it can be a good opportunity to see if a new relationship will stand the test of time and whether any romance lasts when you get home.”

 

Three in 10 people have more sex with their other half on a break away than when they are at home.

 

And two in five listed holiday sex as a way they feel closer to their other half.

 

A third of couples believe that their partner is also more romantic on holiday.

 

Of these, 56 per cent think their partner brings those amorous feelings back home for a loving afterglow once the holiday is over.

 

And one in four believe these romantic feelings remain for two weeks after they return.

 

A third of those surveyed used their holiday as an opportunity to talk to their other half about future plans, with one in eight couples deciding to get engaged or married.

 

One in 10 decided to move in together.

 

And a further one in 10 felt inspired to start a family whilst on holiday.

 

A quarter believe they are less likely to have a fall-out with their partner while they are on a break away.

 

According to the survey, older couples, aged 55 and over, are the most likely to have a harmonious holiday together, with 43 per cent saying they can’t think of anything they disagree about with their partner.

 

However, older couples who do fall out are most likely to disagree over directions and what to pack for the trip, while younger couples argue over money and which activities to do.

 

Younger couples surveyed place more importance on holiday sex and taking lots of photos together in order to feel closer to their partner on their getaway.

 

Older couples consider escaping somewhere idyllic with their partner and getting away from the daily grind of chores as main reasons they feel closer to their other half on holiday.

 

On average, younger couples, aged 18 to 24, typically choose to go on holiday with their partner for seven nights, whereas those aged 55 and over opt for longer 10 night breaks.

 

Two thirds of couples think experiencing new things together strengthens their bond when on holiday.

 

Whilst three quarters said spending quality time together on holiday brings them closer.

 

To stay close, couples think an average of three holiday breaks each year is enough to keep a relationship strong.

 

Sixty one per cent would rather go on holiday with their partner over friends or family, and seven in 10 wish they could go away with their partner more often than they do currently.

 

Though 28 per cent feel pressure to make holidays with their partner go without a hitch.

 

Karl Thompson, managing director for Sandals Resorts in the UK, which commissioned the study, added: “It is easy to place a great deal of expectation on a holiday with your partner, but they can be a great time to shake up a relationship and make plans for the future.

 

“Despite worries about holidays going without a hitch, couples are still finding time to use their breaks away to plan the next step in their relationship and set life-changing decisions in motion.”