The shocking number of people that break up after traveling together

In a relationship whether or not you can travel together well is often considered the litmus test for a couple. After all, if you can’t deal with the chaos of travel (unexpected delays and cancellations, language barriers, food poisoning) how will you deal with the chaos of marriage? In fact, a recent survey by KAYAK finds that 20% of U.S. adults have ended a relationship during or following a trip together.

Some of the reasons were:

1. Flirting with others during the trip: 52% of people consider it a red flag if their partner flirted with others on a trip. Some people just can’t help themselves, considering 21% of travel breakups are caused by partners flirting or cheating while traveling together.

2. Too much alcohol: 47% of people consider excessive drinking on a trip a red flag for the relationship. And, 24% of travel breakups are caused by drinking too much alcohol.

3. Money issues: Monetary disputes and differing budget expectations throw up red flags for 42% of people.

4. Stage five clinger: 22% of travel breakups say it was due to a lack of personal space, so play it cool.

However, traveling with your SO doesn’t have to result in the end of the relationship.

Ashley Nelson is the founder of Tenth on Hudson,  a luxury travel and wellness creative consultancy. She told Ladders, “My boyfriend and I travel a lot together, we went to Mozambique and Royal Malewane in South Africa just a few months into dating so navigating travel with my significant other has become routine! ”

These are the tips Nelson swears by when traveling with a partner.

• It is important to make sure that you both are on the same page, from doing things that each of you want to do experience to make sure that your travel style (and spending!) are aligned.
• When on a long trip it’s important to also carve out a little solo time too. You’re together the entire trip but going to the beach to read or do yoga while your SO goes diving is more than OK!
• Learn how to adjust and go with the flow, if something goes awry, figure out how you two can navigate the issue together!

Interestingly, February 13, also known as Palentine’s Day, is a hugely popular day for solo travel. According to data from  Flash Pack, which curates bespoke group adventures for solo travelers in their 30s and 40s, February 13th is currently the third most popular departure date in 2020 for solo travelers in that age group.

Flash Pack has seen a 40% YoY increase in travelers departing on the 13th, 14th and 15th February (2020 vs. 2019) and Google data shows that global searches for ‘solo travel’ rose by 22% in February 2019 when compared to February 2018.

Research shows that even if the person is in a couple they would still consider and appreciate a solo trip. Forty-six percent of coupled-up Americans would consider traveling solo at some point, without their other half, and almost a quarter (23%) of them already do. Also, one in 10 couples (9%) have already chosen to travel without their partner on a group adventure with other like-minded travelers, and 41% would consider doing the same.

The main reasons for solo travel

• New experiences: 49% of couples said they were looking for new and interesting experiences they wouldn’t normally try

• Meeting new people: 39% believe traveling without their partner will enable them to meet new people

• Clashing schedules: 20% go it alone as their partner, friends, and family aren’t available to travel with them when they want to go

  Lee Thompson, the co-founder of Flash Pack, said “Ultimately, whether you’re single or in a relationship, people are prioritizing their own passions and seeking out others that share those interests. Millennials are choosing to do more of what they want, even if that means more ‘me time’ away from their partner. Whether solo travel means going totally alone, or joining a group of like-minded individuals, it’s so much more accessible than it ever has been, and couples are starting to realize that there is no reason to compromise.”