May travel be the food of love, as 17% Of Brits have had a holiday romance

As we approach the end of the year here in the UK, many Brits might be remembering their trips to sunnier climes, where they might have had their very own Shirley Valentine moment overseas.

Statistics this year 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, during at least one point in their lives.

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.

 UK 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.”

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."

Cheapflights’ Top 10 Most Romantic Destinations Worldwide

1. Big Sur, California

This 90-mile-long stretch of highway between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hearst Castle is arguably the world’s most romantic coastline. Views on the drive through Big Sur will make your heart soar - mountains on one side, sandy shores on the other.
Find California Wedding Planners here.    Find flights to Big Sur here.

2. Kauai, Hawaii 

Kauai is well-known as the ‘garden island’, boasting ample forest and foliage, waterfalls and remote beaches. Hollywood’s 1958 romance South Pacific was shot there too. 

Find Hawaii Wedding Planners here.   Find flights to Kauai here.

3. Mykonos, Greece 

Set in the Cyclades, this island is famous for its iconic white houses and landmarks, including a row of 16th-century windmills sitting pretty on a hill above Mykonos town. Attractive villages and luxury resorts both draw many couples each year to the destination. Find Greece Wedding Planners here.   Find flights to Mykonos here.

4. Venice, Italy 

Most likely the world’s top proposal spot, Venice attracts couples a plenty. Walking the water-lined streets feels like stepping through a renaissance painting. The gondola rides in Venice are also a classic couples’ experience. Find flights to Venice here.

5. Paris, France 

Some call it the ‘city of love’, with its stunning landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre, numerous galleries and romantic bridges across the Seine. Ambling around you’ll spot many couples dining tête-à-tête in street side cafés and bistros, soaking up the Parisian ambience. 

Find Wedding Planners in France here.   Find flights to Paris here.

6. Bora Bora, French Polynesia    

Bora Bora is possibly the most naturally picturesque place in the world. Seeing the bright cobalt sea at first sight when waking in one of the overwater bungalows is an experience to be shared. Spotting tropical fish in the corals is a favourite activity of honeymooners.
Find flights to Bora Bora here.

7. The Whitsundays, Australia 

The Whitsundays are a collection of islands off the central coast of Queensland. Home to the Great Barrier Reef, the coast and islands are dotted with secluded beaches and provide a beautiful backdrop for weddings.  Find flights to The Whitsundays here.

8. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is a region of Tanzania, composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Azure sea and powder white sand make Zanzibar a heaven for relaxing romantic trips. Find flights to Zanzibar here.

9. Northern Lights, Iceland 

Magical and dreamlike, aurora borealis, or the Northern Lights, are strictly not a place, but viewing them transports you to dreamlike land. Romantic and other-worldly, the lights are best seen in Iceland, where couples also often enjoy the country’s hot volcanic springs together. 

Find Wedding Planners in Iceland here. Find flights to Iceland here.

10. Dubrovnik, Croatia 

Known for its rambling Old Town rich in history, Dubrovnik is a port city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea. Couples can walk hand in hand through the ancient city, with its 16th century walls, taking in wonders such as the baroque St. Blaise Church, Gothic Rector’s Palace and Renaissance Sponza Palace. 

Find Wedding Planners in Croatia here.   Find flights to Dubrovnik here.