Travel can make or break a relationship, and for 73% of couples, it’s the ultimate test, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 people in relationships explored the role of travel with a partner, revealing that 61% of couples said a specific trip “reignited” their romance.
Additionally, 40% felt closer to their partner after a trip, and 25% discovered a more romantic side of their partner when traveling together.
Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Discover Puerto Rico, the 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 that every couple needs to explore before traveling.
Interestingly, more than half of Americans (54%) view the Caribbean as the most romantic destination, followed by Europe (37%) and North America (23%).
“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 backdrop of the Caribbean are an incredible chance to deepen your relationship in a new, beautiful setting, and it’s no surprise Americans regard these locations as the most romantic.”
The survey also revealed that agreeing on trip details before departure is as crucial as during the journey itself.
Compatibility in travel planning ranked high, with 63% of couples valuing similar preparation styles. Additionally, 27% said agreeing on room type and energy levels for activities are important for a smooth trip.
Additional survey findings highlight the importance of aligning on everyday habits while traveling. Couples flagged wake-up times (24%), bathroom etiquette (22%), and a shared interest in educational or cultural tours (20%) as key compatibility factors.
Culinary preferences also play a big role, with 37% of respondents saying food experiences significantly impact their destination choices.
And for capturing romance, 13 is the magic number — couples suggest 12.7 romantic photos together per trip hits the sweet spot for cherished memories.
Spontaneity also emerged as a key component of successful couple travel, with 72% of respondents noting its importance. Over half (60%) of couples have taken a spontaneous trip together, and 28% are ready to pack their bags and leave immediately if the opportunity arises.
Convenience plays a major role in destination choice, with factors like flight duration, visa, and passport requirements weighing heavily on decisions.
“Ease of travel is a top consideration for many couples,” Laressa explained. “Puerto Rico is an especially appealing option for American couples, as they can explore all the beauty, culinary scene, and culture of the Caribbean without the need for a passport — making it a seamless escape. We invite couples to discover Puerto Rico’s unique charm and make unforgettable moments together.”
The survey also revealed that 46% of respondents feel they need a getaway to reignite their relationship spark, and 70% discuss travel plans weekly — highlighting a strong desire for connection through shared adventures.
The data shows that for couples, travel 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 for local cuisine, travel has a profound impact on relationships.
20 MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR COUPLES TRAVEL COMPATIBILITY
Spending habitsHygiene habitsFood tastesPlanning approaches vs. spontaneityItinerary versus freestyling on the dayRoom types (sea views etc.)Activity levels (e.g. adrenaline sports, water sports, etc.)Wake-up timesBathroom etiquette (e.g. door open or closed)Interest in educational and cultural sites (e.g. museums, historical sites)Airport philosophy (e.g. how early or late to arrive)BedtimesPreferences for international travelSocial media use while on a tripSharing your trip on social mediaEating in bedPillows preferences(e.g. flat vs. fluffy, using 3+, etc.)Top sheet preferencesSelfiesShoes in bed
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 US adults 18+ in a relationship, engaged or married; the survey was commissioned by Discover Puerto Rico and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Oct. 29 – Nov. 4, 2024.
We are sourcing from a non-probability frame and the two main sources we use are:
Traditional online access panels — where respondents opt-in to take part in online market research for an incentiveProgrammatic — where respondents are online and are given the option to take part in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually related to the online activity they are engaging in
Those who did not fit the specified sample were terminated from the survey. As the survey is fielded, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve the quotas specified as part of the sampling plan.
Regardless of which sources a respondent 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 were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash-equivalent monetary value.
Cells are only reported on for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to reach the desired sample.
Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality-checking measures. This includes:
Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is quicker than one-third of the median length of interview are disqualified as speedersOpen ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant textBots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify botsDuplicates: Survey software has “deduping” based on digital fingerprinting, which ensures nobody is allowed to take the survey more than once
It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access.
