With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many couples across the UK are organising romantic trips abroad to mark the occasion.
However, new research reveals that British couples are the least likely to split the cost of a holiday equally, with many admitting that one person entirely takes charge of the trip.
Travel expenses are more unevenly split in the UK than anywhere else, as less than half (45 per cent) of British couples say their partner typically pays more.
In comparison, Spain is the most financially balanced holiday nation, with 80 per cent of couples either splitting costs equally or using a shared budget.
Among British couples, trip planning is also not a joint effort, with nearly half (45.5 per cent) reporting that one partner is solely responsible for creating the itinerary and selecting the hotel.
In other countries, most couples are shown to have an equal say in planning – and far fewer report one partner as the clear ‘trip boss’.
But perhaps one of the most surprising findings is that a staggering 51 per cent of British travellers would still go on a pre-booked holiday with an ex-partner – even after breaking up.
Data indicates that men are leading the way on this front (57 per cent), while women are more hesitant (44 per cent).
New research reveals that UK couples are the least likely to split the cost of a holiday equally – as 45 per cent say their partner usually pays more
As well as not splitting travel costs equally, nearly half of British couples admit that one partner is solely responsible for planning the entire trip
Gen-Z, meanwhile, are the most determined of all age groups to follow through with a planned holiday no matter what – with 62 per cent saying they would not give up the trip.
However, over a quarter (26 per cent) say they would only stick to the holiday if the breakup had been amicable.
The research, conducted by the team at TUI Musement, also shows British couples are going on holiday together sooner in their relationships.
After just one month of dating, 35 per cent say they feel comfortable enough to travel together, while just 10 per cent admit they’re ready after only one week.
Male travellers from Spain and Italy are especially quick to take the leap, with 17 per cent and 16.5 per cent respectively taking the first trip within a week.
Older travellers appear to be just as bold – with 13 per cent of Gen X and 14 per cent of baby boomers noting that they’d whisk their other half on a trip after a whirlwind week.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, as 42 per cent of travellers say they argue more on holiday than expected, with key triggers including being negative, late or disorganised, taking control of decision-making, poor money management, and complaining.
Gender also appears to play a part in major triggers, with men getting particularly irritated by their female partners’ obsession with social media and packing too much.
British couples also appear to be going on trips together sooner in their relationships, with 35 per cent admitting they would be fine travelling together after just one month of dating
Women, on the other hand, reveal they are often left annoyed by their partners prioritising partying over shared experiences.
Meanwhile, for couples looking to head abroad without a row, they may want to start off their trip with an ‘airport divorce’.
The strategy, involving splitting up after security and only reuniting once at your seats on the plane, is one that a Sunday Times journalist and his fiancée, Morwenna, have become fond of using.
Huw Oliver said it was beneficial, due to the fact that his fiancée enjoys duty-free shopping at the airport, while he likes to sit around looking at the departures board.
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