Why travel is make or break for your relationship

Thinking about going away with your partner? Before booking your travels, you may want to consider that this trip could potentially make or break your relationship, depending on various compatibility factors.

In a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who are in a relationship, engaged or married, 73 percent said that traveling together is the “ultimate test” for a relationship, while 40 percent felt closer to their partner after a trip. The four-and-a-half-month mark of a relationship was cited as the ideal time for couples to embark on their first trip.

Mark Verber, a relationship expert and licensed professional counselor, told Newsweek earlier this year: “If you look at dating as a test drive, then going on a trip together is like hitting the highway. Travel is an accelerant. It involves more focused and extended time together, and as a result can both expedite a relationship’s progress or hasten its demise.”

The recent study, conducted between October 29 and November 4 by Talker Research on behalf of Discover Puerto Rico, found that 25 percent discovered a more romantic side of their partner when traveling together, with 61 percent of couples revealing that a specific trip “reignited” their romance.

Spontaneity was also found to be a key element of successful couple travel, with 72 percent of respondents noting its importance and 70 percent were found to discuss travel plans weekly, highlighting the strong desire for connection through shared adventures.

Laressa Morales, director of research and analytics for Discover Puerto Rico, noted: “Taking a trip is an important step in any relationship, and the results show that certain compatibility factors are crucial when traveling together.”

Compatibility in travel planning ranked high in the survey, with 63 percent of couples placing value on similar preparation styles.

Budget (45 percent), hygiene habits (36 percent), and food preferences (33 percent) were found to be among the top compatibility factors that every couple needs to explore before traveling.

The study also highlighted the importance of aligning on everyday habits when traveling with your partner. Couples cited wake-up times (24 percent), bathroom etiquette (22 percent), and a shared interest in educational or cultural tours (20 percent) as key compatibility factors.

Culinary preferences were also seen as playing a major role, with just over a third (37 percent) of respondents saying food experiences significantly impact their destination choices.

Taking pictures was also noted as a key part of couple travel, with those surveyed saying that around 13 “romantic photos together per trip hits the “sweet spot” for cherished memories.

20 Most Important Factors for Couple Travel Compatibility

1. Spending habits
2. Hygiene habits
3. Food tastes
4. Planning approaches vs. spontaneity
5. Itinerary versus freestyling on the day
6. Room types (sea views etc.)
7. Activity levels (e.g. adrenaline sports, water sports, etc.)
8. Wake-up times
9. Bathroom etiquette (e.g. door open or closed)
10. Interest in educational and cultural sites (e.g. museums, historical sites)
11. Airport philosophy (e.g. how early or late to arrive)
12. Bedtimes
13. Preferences for international travel
14. Social media use while on a trip
15. Sharing your trip on social media
16. Eating in bed
17. Pillows preferences(e.g. flat vs. fluffy, using 3+, etc.)
18. Top sheet preferences
19. Selfies
20. Shoes in bed

Source: A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who are in a relationship, engaged or married, conducted from October 29 to November 4 by Talker Research on behalf of Discover Puerto Rico

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