AARP Travel Research: Romantic Getaways

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Romantic Getaways can be a great opportunity for couples to strengthen and refresh their relationship.  In this study, AARP Research explores what defines a Romantic Getaway, what are the most important elements for setting the romantic mood, and what are the top destinations.

Key findings include:

• Among the 45+ cohort who travel for personal/leisure purposes, few (15%) have taken Romantic Getaways.  The majority (87%) of those who have are married and no longer have children living in the household.
• For these travelers, Romantic Getaways are more about being together, away from day-to-day distractions, and finding intimacy through communication and shared experiences than it is about sex.
• And whether their Romantic Getaway occurred in the past two years or is being planned for next year, couples’ attitudes and behaviors toward the trip are the same;
  • The accommodations are very important to setting the mood; it’s about the property overall and a beautiful view.
  • Some (40%) will bring special clothing and/or wine and champagne to help set the mood, but not much of anything else.
  • The majority (75%) say work is “off limits” on their trip.
• For those planning Romantic Getaways, it appears they may start out with a grander intent (more international travel, longer trips, and beach destinations) but as plans settle in, actual Romantic Getaways tend to get smaller and closer to home.
• But regardless of where they go, the primary activities on a Romantic Getaway are the same; dining out, sightseeing and relaxing, which ultimately results in extremely satisfied travelers.

A 10-minute online survey was conducted among males and females, age 45+, who have taken at least one trip 50 miles or more away from home, with a two-night stay, in the past two years. Respondents were further identified as those who had taken a Romantic Getaway in the past two years and/or intend to take one in the next 12 months. The survey was in field from November 12 – 24, 2014 and there were a total of 1,421 respondents. For more information, contact Allison Kulwicki at akulwicki@aarp.org.