Steamy nights on the beach? It’s not just the young that are finding love abroad

We all hope we still keep loving as we grow older and might even have our own Shirley Valentine moment overseas. But how many of us actually see ourselves falling asleep reading a book on the sun lounger instead?

Reassuringly Viva’s found statistics from travel search site Cheapflights.co.uk show some 17% of Brits stating they’ve had a holiday romance or flirtatious experience with a stranger on holiday. And interestingly, holiday passion is not just for the young, but for all ages, with 9% of those stating they have fallen in love on holiday aged between 56-65, 15% aged 36-55, 22% aged 23-35 and 27% aged 18-22.

Bars and clubs were the most likely place in which holiday makers met their beau at 30%, however 25% met loved ones in hotels/hostels, 23% on the beach, 20% in restaurants, 10% as part of the same travel group, 10% on the flight, bus or train, 9% in a shop, 8% on a tour and 8% met while doing exercise or an active activity.

Enjoyed the panoramic views from a nearby mountainside.

Dating Expert Hayley Quinn states: “Holidays can free us from the inhibitions and routine that stop us finding romance in everyday life. If people find themselves in a dating rut it can be because they are stuck in the same routine of seeing the same people and places week in, week out. It can also happen because they feel inhibited and judged by those around them. Both of these dating pipeline problems are solved by taking a holiday. Freed from the restraints of daily life, and in an exotic location, it will feel easier to see romantic opportunities. Also rather than worrying about what to say first, or how to connect, both being on your way to the same destination, means you may even find some flirtation before you’ve left the airport.”

And spokesperson at Cheapflights, Lasse Skole Hansen, states it is important for many Brits to switch off whilst away, and as a result meeting new people can play a significant role: “When we book a holiday abroad, we automatically open our minds to new experiences. These of course may come by visiting different places, but also could be via meeting new people in new territories. Released from the daily grind, we savour the moment more on holiday, drinking in the destination, and chatting to fellow travellers or locals alike. It therefore transpires that love and romance may follow, if both parties are on the same page! These can form great holiday memories, or even for some, long-term partnerships.”

Bring on the sun, sea and….sex on the beach cocktail VIVA says!