Couples That Go Away Together Stay Together

Couples That Go Away Together Stay Together

2 in 3 (62%) of Aussies say holidays with their partners improved their relationship

Honeymoons work best, with 90% of marrieds admitting they liked their partner more after their trip

Even so, 1 in 3 marrieds (32%) admitted they argued on their honeymoons

42% of Aussies would cap their honeymoon at $5000

'Couple therapy' by means of a holiday works for Aussie couples, according to new data that reveals 62 per cent of Aussies strengthen or improve their relationship when they take a trip away with their partner. Honeymoons are the proof in the pudding, with 90 per cent of marrieds admitting they liked their partner more after their trip.

The findings come from a survey of a nationally representative, independent panel of 1004 Australian adults conducted by an independent research agency[1] and commissioned by HotelsCombined (hotelscombined.com.au), the world's leading hotel price comparison platform. HotelsCombined sought to uncover whether Aussies think holidays with their partners is good for their relationship as it gears up its program sponsorship of Nine's Married at First Sight for the show's 'honeymoon week'.

The survey results further reveal that 'holiday therapy' works more for younger couples. Sixty-five per cent of respondents in their 20s and 68 per cent of respondents in their 30s say holidays taken with their partner strengthens or improves their relationship.

When asked what is the best type of holiday to build a relationship, respondents chose beachside holidays (24% of respondents) more than any other holiday option. Sightseeing holidays were the second-best holiday choice (18% of respondents), followed by cruises (15% of respondents).

Chris Rivett, Head of Marketing for Australia and New Zealand at HotelsCombined, says: "Beachside holidays are ideal for couples because they are picturesque and relaxing. There is no pressure to be anywhere, and with very little technology being beach-friendly, it's a chance to spend time together without distraction. That opportunity to switch off from the world might be the reason why beachside holidays are popular honeymoon options."

For over-55s, 27 per cent believe a cruise is the best type of holiday to help build a relationship followed by beachside holiday (20%). Couples in their 30s and 40s agree on a beachside holiday before a sightseeing holiday (29% beachside and 21% sightseeing for 30-39s and 28% beachside and 21% sightseeing for 40-49s). For those in their 20s, an adventure holiday comes in at the number one spot (25%), followed by beachside holiday (23%) and then interestingly 'spa' holidays (17%).

The survey also confirmed honeymoons are the ultimate relationship builder, with 90 per cent of married respondents admitting they liked their partner better after their honeymoon. Interestingly, 25 per cent argued during their honeymoon, but admitted the arguments weren't serious; and a further 7% admitted their arguments were serious.

When asked how much they would pay for the ultimate couples trip – a honeymoon – 42 per cent say no more than $5000, including flights, accommodation, meals and activities. More than a quarter of respondents (26%) believe it is reasonable to spend $5001-$7000, followed then by 20 per cent who believe a honeymoon should cost between $7001-10,000. Thirteen per cent of Aussies think that spending $10,000+ on their honeymoon is reasonable.

When it comes to the length of a honeymoon, more than half (53%) of Australians think one to two weeks is adequate length. Nineteen per cent believe a honeymoon should last for two to three weeks while 16 per cent believe a honeymoon of wedded bliss should last for a week or less.

"A honeymoon is the first holiday spent together as a newlywed couple. It doesn't have to be a lavish trip that breaks the bank, but it's a chance to unwind after an often very busy and stressful period in the lead-up to a wedding. It can be an important milestone for couples to relax and remember that they're together for the long-haul now!" says Chris.

Married at First Sight airs on Channel Nine on Sundays at 7pm and Mondays & Tuesdays at 7.30pm. The 'honeymoon week' episodes featuring HotelsCombined begins on Monday 6 February 2017.