A nationwide study of married couples in the UK has revealed where around the world we want to travel to for our next romantic holiday.
The research, commissioned by worldwide travel company Kuoni, uncovered the favourite holiday destinations of couples in Manchester, and also took a look into the personality types of couples from the city. The majority of Manchester couples described themselves as more introverted and private (rather than outgoing and sociable), more mellow and steady (rather than passionate and fiery) and much more likely to be busy and organised than spontaneous.
The research showed that the most popular countries for couples from Manchester to take a holiday together were:
- Spain
- Greece
- France
- USA
The most popular countries for couples from Manchester to go on honeymoon came out as the USA and Greece.
When asked where they would most like to travel to next for a romantic escape, the most popular destinations were a little further afield, with the USA and Australia coming out top, as well as European favourite Croatia.
Finding romantic holiday inspiration
For Manchester couples planning a special holiday away together, whatever your couple personality type, we’ve shared some of the best gems from each of the favourite locations to give you some serious romantic wanderlust:
USA – best for passionate couples
A large slice of couples who described their relationship as being towards the passionate end of the scale, also put the USA as one of their favourite holiday locations – and you can see why, it’s big, it’s bold and it’s beautiful. There are so many diverse areas that it’s easy to forget they all belong to the same country. Experience a small snapshot of the diversity on offer with a trip of excess and indulgence in Las Vegas, before switching-up and taking in the wonder of the Grand Canyon, and then taking a different turn again with a trendy city break in San Francisco before changing tack again with an expedition to the awe-inspiring ancient Redwoods – and all within just two states!
Australia – best for adventure seekers
There is so much to plan into a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Australia. With its raw desert beauty, famous cityscapes and extraordinary wildlife, a romantic trip to Australia could include an epic road-trip, an awesome beach adventure, city-hopping between Sydney and Melbourne – or all the above! If you want dazzling white sands and blue waters, include a stay in Queensland and visit the iconic Whitsundays archipelago. If it’s wild nature you’re after, take a tour of the Outback in the northern territory, or explore the rugged beauty of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales. Soak up sports, arts and a stellar café scene in Melbourne, and plan a trip to Perth for cool bars and quieter historic streets and parklands.
Croatia – best for party spirits
Croatia combines a fiery blend of glamour and tradition with a stunning backdrop of rolling hillsides and rich green forests, all surrounded by the lapping waters of the Adriatic Sea. Take a couple of days in Dubrovnik (a must for Game of Throne fans) to take in the history and superb architecture of the country, before hopping on board an island hopping boat trip to get the best experience of Croatia’s coastline. From beach parties and glitzy bars and clubs, Croatia is perfect for couples who enjoy letting their hair down, but there are plenty of ways to get a daytime thrill too with activities like hiking, abseiling, paragliding, kayaking and canoeing.
Greece – best for sociable and outgoing couples
In the recent study by Kuoni, 44% of the couples who described themselves as more sociable and out-going picked out Greece as their top romantic destination. During the days, couples can get their thrills from adrenaline-packed beach water sports, or discover lost worlds whilst hiking and walking around ancient ruins. The welcoming hospitality of the Greek is famous around the world and long romantic nights can be spent nestled in busy tavernas, enjoying a stunning slow-cooked stifado or freshly caught grilled fish, meeting the locals and sampling the native ouzo and Muscat wine.
Spain – best for beaches and culture
From the vibrant Balearic islands to the always-sunny Canary islands, as well as a variety of coastal resorts and glamourous cities, it’s difficult to know how to pick the best Spanish escape for your romantic break. As an alternative to Barcelona, the city of Seville provides a gorgeous break for couples. Seville has a rich history which you can explore through the city’s pretty architecture, and there are traditional flamenco bars to spend long romantic evenings, catching a show and drinking in the heady Spanish nightlife. For something a little different, Galicia, a region in the northwest of Spain, offers lush green landscapes right on the coast. Perfect for a beach break, but with plenty of culture too – enjoy Glacia’s Blue Flag beaches and the city of Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral.
