Why traveling is crucial for your relationship

Are you thinking about traveling with your partner? Before you book your trip, keep in mind that this trip can 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 traveling together was the “ultimate test” of a relationship, while 40 percent felt closer to their partner after a trip . The four and a half month period of a relationship was cited as the ideal time for couples to take their first trip.

Mark Verber, a relationship expert and licensed professional counselor, shared Newsweek Earlier this year: “If you think of dating as a test drive, then traveling together is like hitting the highway. Traveling is an accelerator. It requires more focused and extended time together and therefore can either accelerate the progression of a relationship 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 while traveling together, with 61 percent of couples revealing that a particular trip “resurrected”. their romance.

Spontaneity also proved to be a key element of successful couple travel: 72 percent of respondents said it was important and 70 percent discussed their travel plans weekly, highlighting a strong desire to connect through shared adventures.

Laressa Morales, director of research and analysis at 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 when planning travel was rated highly in the survey: 63 percent of couples value similar preparation styles.

Budget (45 percent), hygiene habits (36 percent) and food preferences (33 percent) are among the most important compatibility factors that every couple needs to clarify before traveling.

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

Culinary preferences also played a major role: just over a third (37 percent) of those surveyed said that culinary experiences had a significant influence on their choice of travel destination.

Photography was also mentioned as an important part of couples’ trips. Respondents said that about 13 “romantic photos together per trip” hit the “sweet spot” for treasured memories.

The 20 most important factors for couples’ travel compatibility

1. Spending habits
2. Hygiene habits
3. Food tastes good
4. Planning approaches vs. spontaneity
5. Itinerary versus freestyling on the day
6. Room types (sea view etc.)
7. Activity level (e.g. adrenaline sports, water sports, etc.)
8. Wake-up times
9. Rules of conduct in the bathroom (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. International travel preferences
14. Using social media while traveling
15. Share your trip on social media
16. Eating in bed
17. Pillow preferences (e.g. flat vs. fluffy, use of 3+, etc.)
18. Top sheet preferences
19. Selfies
20. Shoes in bed

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

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