Dethroned Paris as the top destination for romantic travel – here’s the new city of love

Move over, Paris – there’s a new city of love.

A survey of 2,000 Americans looked at some of the world’s most romantic travel destinations and found that Maui, Hawaii was voted the top choice this year (34%).

While many respondents still value the intimacy that Paris brings (33%), the results showed that scenic destinations such as Rome, Italy (29%) or Santorini, Greece (11%) can hold their own.

Others look to coastal and tropical locations to feel the spark, such as Cancun, Mexico (19%), Costa Rica (13%) and the British Virgin Islands (12%).

Conducted by Talker Research in partnership with Funjet Vacations, the survey found that although respondents would like to visit these popular destinations, most believe hidden or smaller destinations are more romantic (69%).

Similarly, more Americans agree that lesser-known destinations are better for setting the mood for being intimate with a partner (45%) and connecting with them in general (45%).

No matter where they go, travel puts respondents in the mood: on average, respondents estimate they are about 62% more romantic on vacation than they are in their regular lives.

In fact, half of single respondents said one of the best parts of travel is the potential to find love.

If traveling with a partner, respondents would show their love by taking a walk on the beach (55%), watching the sunset together (54%) or holding hands (53%).

“Holidays together aren’t just about discovering new places; it’s about sparking, deepening or rekindling romance, escaping the ordinary and celebrating the love that binds you together,” said Dana Studebaker, vice president of consumer brand marketing at Funjet Vacations. “The beauty of all-inclusive resorts is that they offer the perfect stress-free getaway, taking the hassle out of planning and allowing you to focus entirely on each other.”

But, according to Americans, vacations with a partner are not for those interested in bubbles: three-quarters consider traveling with a partner as a serious step in the relationship (76%).

On average, respondents believe you should be with a partner for about a year before traveling with them, although 42% would do so before this standard.

The wait is worth it with seven in 10 agreeing that traveling with a partner is one of the most romantic things to do together (71%).

Sometimes the best trips need less planning, as more respondents think a spontaneous trip with a partner is more romantic than a pre-planned trip (50% vs. 34%).

If you’re looking to impress a lover, going on holiday together could be the way to their heart, as 72% agree that spontaneous trips with a partner are sexiest.

It may be time for those interested in holiday luck to start planning.

One in five believe the best time to travel is the “hookup season” (22%) – from October to mid-February, when people are focused on finding or maintaining relationships during the colder months of the year.

Nearly a third of those who are not in a serious relationship hope to have a partner this coming season (31%).

And the same percentage, regardless of their relationship status, have plans to travel with their partner this close season.

“When planning your vacation, I always recommend including activities like yoga, snorkeling, paddle boarding, cooking classes, hikes, wine tastings, and more, as they help travelers bond in their relationships and provide opportunities to create connect in person with new people over a shared interest or new adventure,” said Michael Lowery, head of global consumer business, Funjet Vacations. “One of the benefits of choosing an all-inclusive resort is that these experiences are at your fingertips and they come at no extra charge.”

THE MOST ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS TO VISIT WITH YOUR PARTNER

1. Maui, Hawaii – 34%
2. Paris, France – 33%
3. Rome, Italy – 29%
4. Venice, Italy – 27%
5. Cancun, Mexico – 19%
6. Tuscany, Italy – 16%
7. Costa Rica – 13%

1. British Virgin Islands – 12%
2. St. Lucia – 11%
3. Santorini, Greece – 11%
4. Aspen, Colorado – 11%
5. New York City, New York – 9%
6. Turks and Caicos – 9%
7. Provence, France – 8%
8. Amalfi Coast, Italy – 7%

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans of the general population; The survey was commissioned by Funjet Vacations and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 23 and July 29, 2024.