Kuoni survey reveals why summer holidays lead to make-up or break-up

30 Jul 2010

Kuoni, commissioned survey reveals why 74% of UK households agree that holidays can change the course of our relationships.

27 million Brits are about to take their summer breaks and for many the next few months will be a pivotal time in their lives as holidays are one of the most powerful ways to help couples decide if they are in the right relationship.

According to a new survey by luxury family holidays operator, Kuoni Travel, being with a loved one 24/7 can help couples get reacquainted, with some even decide to marry (54%), start a family (46%) or move in together (42%). However a staggering 59% decide to divorce or separate after their holiday experience.

Leading relationship councillor, Christine Webber, commented:

"It's certainly true that you don't know someone till you've been on holiday with them. As a therapist more people come to see me for the first time after their holiday than at any other time of the year. And it's always about their relationship.

"The good news is that for couples who are happy together a holiday is a marvellous opportunity to reconnect. Sharing much more intimacy than at home can really boost levels of oxytocin, which is the hormone that is responsible for us feeling bonded and content. Years ago, I surveyed a large group of women about when they felt sexiest and 96% of them told me that they felt most fruity on holiday. Men take note.

"Sometimes though, it does the opposite. In my view, it's a good idea to discover these kinds of differences before buying a house together, marrying or having children. So a holiday can be seriously life changing - but in a very good way. In a sense the holiday speeds up the inevitable split. It's a catalyst. If a couple are going to break up, it's not a bad thing to realise this on holiday when there are no distractions around them."

According to the survey attitudes between men and women differ with 78% of women agreeing that holidays make or break relationships compared to 68% of men. Younger generations were even more adamant about this statement with 81% saying its make or break time on a holiday.

However for those women in a lack-lustre relationship 25%, believed that a holiday might help them re-ignite passion as over a third said a break helped them get re-acquainted with their partner.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
Kuoni commissioned Opinion Matters to carry out the independent survey at the end of 2009 with a nationally representative panel of 2,100 UK adult respondents. To understand the psychology of what happens on holiday Kuoni asked questions of a personal nature, such as why and how holidays affect relationships and how holidays can aid life-changing decisions.

About Kuoni:
Kuoni, the luxury holiday operator, was established in 1906 in Switzerland by Alfred Kuoni, a visionary adventurer and explorer of his time who opened some of Europe's first travel agencies. Today it has branch operations in over 40 countries and offers a wide range of holidays from Nile cruises and New York holidays through to all inclusive Thailand holidays.