A holiday trip together is an ideal opportunity to test a new relationship – that’s what the current “Vacation” travel trend suggests. Why beach destinations are not always the best choice. And what relationship experts think about it.
Currently, the travel trend is “holidating”, that is, going on holiday with a new lover, even though they don’t know each other yet. This seems to have a clear advantage: you can immediately check whether you are a good match. Testing it isn’t romantic. But broad-minded.
An American survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Discover Puerto Rico of more than 2,000 surveyed adults found: The majority (73 percent) believe that traveling with a partner is the best opportunity and “ultimate test” for a new relationship.
How does the partner behave?
According to the survey, the ideal time to go on a first trip is when the relationship has been going on for four and a half months. Beach destinations in the Caribbean, Maldives and Mediterranean are very popular. On the way, we secretly observe how others behave – and how well you fit in.
What matters most according to the survey: Is the partner stingy or generous? Shopping behavior is the number one criteria. Also important: what about daily hygiene and what about eating habits? Kissing and hitting are out of the question.
Spontaneity versus planning is also frequently examined. Some lovers quickly realize on their first vacation together that they don’t talk to each other much the whole time.
If you’re less romantic and more practical, you’d rather not travel with your partner to a romantic beach to hold hands at sunset or to Paris to hang silly castles on bridges. However, it is better to go on a challenging adventure tour, for example to the mountains or the wilderness.
Many travelers want to take advantage of this first break to find out the advantages and disadvantages. Their methods of examining relationships are as creative as their insights. At least that’s what Booking.com’s international survey claims will be travel trends in 2026. More than 1,000 travelers from Germany were also surveyed.
Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) would consider traveling to a remote location to see how their friends deal with uncertainty and discomfort. Of course it was very cruel. But enlightening. Anyone who’s taken a shaky suspension bridge tour through the jungles of Papua New Guinea with their partner, climbed Lofoten in all weathers, or taken a rally on a houseboat will quickly find out whether they’re a good match – or not.
Role reversal during the holidays
59 percent of respondents were also interested in role regression, where the typical planner relinquishes control or the introvert takes the lead. In fact, many respondents (71 percent) deliberately held back to see if their partner would take over the travel arrangements.
By the way, you don’t have to travel far for such a turbulence test. A canoe trip on a nearby river will suffice. As is known, if you don’t row and paddle in sync, a turn on the spot will occur.
While this trend may sound interesting, couples therapists are quite critical of it. Going on holiday together after a short relationship is risky because under normal conditions you don’t know each other.
There is also no opportunity to take distance. It often quickly becomes very physical – and that can cause you to no longer pay attention to whether it’s actually a good fit or not.
