Are we more romantic on vacation?

Married Americans are 65% more romantic on vacation, according to new research.

A survey examining the romantic rituals of 2,000 married Americans found that 82% believe going on a romantic vacation with their partner can ‘re-ignite the spark.’

And another 56% claimed a trip with their significant other did rekindle their relationship.

Over half (57%) said they feel more connected to their partner while on vacation than at home going as far as to say their partners are 50% more affectionate overall on a trip versus everyday life.

From increased handholding (53%) to cuddling more often (37%), the survey also revealed a notable rise in PDA — a 45% increase — as compared to participants’ day-to-day routine.

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of BeachBound Vacations, the survey also found that 60% of couples said they usually return from a trip feeling even more in love.

When asked what their top 20 most romantic activities were as a couple, watching the sunset together topped the list (47%). That was followed closely by exploring a new place (44%) and holding hands while going on a long walk (38%).

“Vacation provides the perfect setting for couples to reconnect, rediscover passions and create unforgettable memories,” said Dana Studebaker, Vice President of Marketing, BeachBound Vacations. “The shared experiences and new surroundings create the perfect backdrop for deepening connections and making memories that last. Many couples find that a getaway helps them rediscover the joy and excitement in their relationship, returning feeling even more in love.”

About a third of respondents said vacations make them appreciate their partner more (35%) with others describing traveling together as “bringing out the best in their relationship” (30%) and a reminder of why they fell in love with their partner in the first place (28%).

Interestingly, 21% of participants said they feel significantly more attracted to their partner when on a vacation.

But after the trip ends, the affection starts to wane. The survey shows the romance fades back into normalcy about a week after returning from paradise (6.5 days).

Interestingly, women reported the spark fizzling out quicker than men — after 5.6 days of returning home — with men reportedly feeling the love as long as a week after a vacation (7.9 days).

The trick to getting the spark back? Having another trip on the books. Forty-eight percent of respondents said the thing they wish they’d do more as a couple is experiencing a new place together (48%).

“Vacations give couples the chance to step away from their daily lives and focus on one another,” said Michael Lowery, Head of Global Consumer Business, BeachBound Vacations. “Whether it involves a fancy dinner or a long walk on the beach at a tropical resort, getting away from domestic worries can be key to a happy relationship.”

TOP ROMANTIC ACTIVITIES ACCORDING TO COUPLES

• Watching the sunset together (47%)
• Exploring a new place together (44%)
• Taking a long walk while holding hands (38%)
• Trying a new restaurant or cuisine (37%)
• Sharing a slow breakfast or coffee on a balcony (33%)
• Watching the sunrise together (32%)
• Going on a scenic excursion (31%)
• Staying in bed all morning with no agenda (27%)
• Stargazing (23%)
• Dancing together (22%)
• Napping together (20%)
• Taking silly or romantic photos together in a picturesque spot (19%)
• Cooking a meal together in a rental or over a campfire (13%)
• Getting a couples’ massage or spa treatment (13%)
• Making a toast to each other over wine or cocktails (13%)
• Making a wish together at a fountain or special landmark (11%)
• Riding bikes or scooters together through a scenic area (8%)
• Reenacting your first date or a special memory (8%)
• Trying an adrenaline-filled adventure together like zip-lining or a hot air balloon ride (8%)

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 married Americans; the survey was commissioned by BeachBound and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between March 24 – March 31, 2025.

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 incentive
• Programmatic — 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 speeders
• Open ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant text
• Bots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify bots
• Duplicates: 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.