The survey explores how couples travel together, from first trips and shared budgets to decision-making and relationship red flags on holiday

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, romantic getaways are once again high on many travel wish lists. But what happens when everything is booked and the relationship ends before departure?

According to the latest study by TUI Musement, a leading provider of tours and activities, more than half of travellers would still consider going on holiday with an ex. In fact, 51% of respondents say they would travel with a former partner, although 26% would only do so if the breakup had been amicable. Men are more open to this idea than women (57% vs. 44%), while age also plays a clear role:62% of Gen Z respondents would not give up a joint trip, compared with 45% among those aged 45 and over.

The survey also looks at other aspects of travelling as a couple: how long people wait before taking their first trip together, how couples make decisions while travelling, how expenses are shared, and which behaviours are most likely to trigger conflict during a holiday.

How long do couples wait before travelling together for the first time?

Travelling together is often seen as a real test of compatibility, and according to the survey results, many couples are willing to take that step sooner rather than later. More than 35% of respondents feel comfortable travelling with their partner after just one month of dating, while 10% would do so after only one week. Among Italian and Spanish men, this figure rises to 16.5% and 17%, respectively.

Overall, and regardless of nationality, men tend to be more willing to travel within the first three months of a relationship, while 16% of women would prefer to wait at least a year before taking a trip together.

By age group, Generation X (13%) and baby boomers (14%) are the most likely to travel together after just one week of dating, suggesting that with age comes greater confidence and less hesitation when it comes to sharing a holiday.

Who takes the lead when planning a trip?

Deciding what to see and what to do is one of the key elements of travelling as a couple. According to the survey, 66% of couples prefer to make these decisions together, a trend that is particularly strong in Spain, where the figure rises to 75%.

In the UK, however, planning tends to be more individual: in 45.5% of cases, one partner clearly takes the lead when it comes to organising the trip.

Age also influences how decisions are shared. More than 70% of Gen X travellers and baby boomers plan their trips jointly, compared with51% among Gen Z.

How do couples split travel expenses?

Managing the travel budget remains one of the main sources of tension for couples on holiday. Overall, 69% of respondents say they either split costs equally or use a shared budget. Spain stands out as the country where expenses are most evenly shared, at 80%. In contrast, in the UK, one partner pays more in 45% of cases.

Red flags that can put a relationship at risk

While travel is often associated with enjoyment and relaxation, it does not always go smoothly. In fact, more than 42% of respondents admit they argued more than expected with their partner while on holiday.

The behaviours most likely to cause friction include having a negative attitude or complaining too much, trying to control decisions without considering the other person’s opinion, being late or disorganised, and poor money management.

The analysis also highlights differences between men and women. For men, particularly irritating behaviours include an obsession with taking photos or posting on social media, as well as overpacking. For women, prioritising partying over shared activities or experiences is more often seen as a red flag.

Age also shapes perceptions. While only 13% of Gen Z respondents are concerned about an excessive focus on photos or social media, this figure rises to 24% among Gen X.

In this context, the survey confirms that travelling together remains one of the most revealing tests in a relationship. It highlights how couples make decisions, manage conflict and, in some cases, shows that even when love comes to an end, a shared holiday can still be on the table.