Wanderlust and love are a match made in heaven, and the results are in: “romance” (a romantic encounter or relationship that occurs while travelling) is on the rise!
In fact, a recent study by YouGov and Flight Centre revealed that three quarters of South African Zillennials (that’s Gen Z and Millennials) have experienced the thrill of a holiday “romance.” This percentage is significantly higher compared to Zillennials from other regions – a testament to that Saffer charm and the fact that foreigners adore the South African accent (the Afrikaans accent was recently voted the second sexiest in the world by Enjoy Travel’s 1.5 million readers).
The freedom of being on holiday, having fun and escaping the daily grind creates the perfect environment to connect with like-minded people. And Flight Centre’s Travel Experts are here to be your wingmen and women!
So, get ready to pack your bags, open your heart, and ignite a “romance” to remember. Read on for insights, tips, and the world’s most romantic destinations for 2024.
Finding love on the fly – Flight Centre and YouGov’s global survey
As mentioned, an impressive 74% of South African Zillennials admitted to having a holiday “romance” before, with over a quarter of them experiencing multiple romantic encounters during their travels to date. Plus, nearly half (45%) of South African Zillennials actively seek out romantic connections on their journeys near and far.
This Flight Centre/YouGov study, conducted online in December 2023, surveyed over 4,000 Zillennials (aged 18-42) across five markets, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada – with 823 participants from South Africa. The results paint a clear picture: romance and travel go hand-in-hand… and nothing deters young South Africans from igniting that spark!
“We’re so happy to see how many young South Africans are embracing the idea of “romance.” Travel opens up a world of possibilities, not just for adventure but also for love – and what a privilege it is to be part of so many love stories in 2024 and beyond. The report is evidence that finding a partner during your travels isn’t just a possibility – it’s a trend!” comments Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa.
The top 3 most “romantic” destinations for 2024
According to Tamsyn Grundlingh, Flight Centre Regional Leader, the top 3 destinations most conducive to “romance” are Mauritius, Zanzibar, and the Seychelles. After all, what could be more romantic than a getaway in an island paradise?
- Mauritius
Flight time from Johannesburg: 4 hours
Perks: Luxurious, all-inclusive resorts spread across the island, and a mix of relaxation and adventurous activities such as spas, in-room dining, catamaran cruises, non-motorised watersports etc.
Most “romantic” offerings:
- Beachfront villas with private plunge pools
- Private snorkelling excursions
- Private beach dinners
- Outdoor showers
- Bubbles on arrival, complimented with a romantic turn down ranging from rose petals and chocolate-dipped strawberries to essential oil spa baths
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
Flight time from Johannesburg: 3 hours, 25 minutes
Perks: Exotic beaches, rich cultural history, an intriguing blend of African, Arab, and European influences, aromatic dining experiences and some of the most beautiful sunsets in Africa.
Most “romantic” offerings:
- Private spice tours
- Stone Town day tours
- Private hikes
- Days spent together on powder-white beaches
- Seychelles
Flight time from Johannesburg: 4 hours, 55 minutes
Perks: Seychelles is less commercialised than Mauritius, so expect fewer crowds. The resorts are more private, and villas with pools and jacuzzi baths are available at most 5-star properties.
Most “romantic” offerings:
- Island-hopping
- Diving and snorkelling
- Staying in luxury resorts with incredible views
- Private catamaran excursions
- Sunset beach dinners.
Other “hot” destinations offering the potential for an amorous adventure? Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe), the Maldives, the Cape Winelands, Greece, Bali, Mozambique, and the City of Love itself: Paris.
Tips for igniting your travel romance
Love is in the air – or, at least, it could be. Countless travellers have found their partners on a plane! But the opportunities to meet someone special throughout your journey are endless: on a tour, at the hotel bar, at the airport, in a quaint little café… who knows? If you’re having fun and you’re open to it, Cupid could strike at any time. But here are a few helpful tips to up your chances:
- Choose social accommodations: Opt for hostels, guesthouses, or group tours where you’re more likely to interact with fellow travellers. Shared dorms, communal meals, and group activities create natural opportunities to meet new people. Or head off on a cruise! Cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line welcome solo travellers with dedicated “studio” staterooms, a private studio lounge for solo guests, and regular social events to help encourage all sorts of connections.
- Participate in group activities: Sign up for walking tours, cooking classes, pub crawls, or language exchanges. These experiences let you dive into local culture while providing a fun and relaxed setting to strike up conversations.
- Be open and approachable: Smile, make eye contact, and be open to chatting with people you meet. Don’t be afraid to initiate conversations, ask questions, and share your own experiences.
- Use travel dating apps: If you’re comfortable with online dating, there are several apps specifically designed for travellers. Tinder even has a “Tinder Passport” feature available with a paid subscription, allowing you to adjust your location as you travel and start swiping through locals looking for love. Just remember to follow basic safety rules when using these apps – don’t give any personal details away and always meet up in public spaces.
Here’s to finding a “romance” that’s worth bringing home with you. Talk about the ultimate holiday souvenir!
Wanderlust and love are a match made in heaven, and the results are in: “romance” (a romantic encounter or relationship that occurs while travelling) is on the rise!
In fact, a recent study by YouGov and Flight Centre revealed that three quarters of South African Zillennials (that’s Gen Z and Millennials) have experienced the thrill of a holiday “romance.” This percentage is significantly higher compared to Zillennials from other regions – a testament to that Saffer charm and the fact that foreigners adore the South African accent (the Afrikaans accent was recently voted the second sexiest in the world by Enjoy Travel’s 1.5 million readers).
The freedom of being on holiday, having fun and escaping the daily grind creates the perfect environment to connect with like-minded people. And Flight Centre’s Travel Experts are here to be your wingmen and women!
So, get ready to pack your bags, open your heart, and ignite a “romance” to remember. Read on for insights, tips, and the world’s most romantic destinations for 2024.
Finding love on the fly – Flight Centre and YouGov’s global survey
As mentioned, an impressive 74% of South African Zillennials admitted to having a holiday “roamance” before, with over a quarter of them experiencing multiple romantic encounters during their travels to date. Plus, nearly half (45%) of South African Zillennials actively seek out romantic connections on their journeys near and far.
This Flight Centre/YouGov study, conducted online in December 2023, surveyed over 4,000 Zillennials (aged 18-42) across five markets, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada – with 823 participants from South Africa. The results paint a clear picture: romance and travel go hand-in-hand… and nothing deters young South Africans from igniting that spark!
“We’re so happy to see how many young South Africans are embracing the idea of “romance.” Travel opens up a world of possibilities, not just for adventure but also for love – and what a privilege it is to be part of so many love stories in 2024 and beyond. The report is evidence that finding a partner during your travels isn’t just a possibility – it’s a trend!” comments Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa.
The top 3 most “roamantic” destinations for 2024
According to Tamsyn Grundlingh, Flight Centre Regional Leader, the top 3 destinations most conducive to “roamance” are Mauritius, Zanzibar, and the Seychelles. After all, what could be more romantic than a getaway in an island paradise?
- Mauritius
Flight time from Johannesburg: 4 hours
Perks: Luxurious, all-inclusive resorts spread across the island, and a mix of relaxation and adventurous activities such as spas, in-room dining, catamaran cruises, non-motorised watersports etc.
Most “roamantic” offerings:
- Beachfront villas with private plunge pools
- Private snorkelling excursions
- Private beach dinners
- Outdoor showers
- Bubbles on arrival, complimented with a romantic turn down ranging from rose petals and chocolate-dipped strawberries to essential oil spa baths
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
Flight time from Johannesburg: 3 hours, 25 minutes
Perks: Exotic beaches, rich cultural history, an intriguing blend of African, Arab, and European influences, aromatic dining experiences and some of the most beautiful sunsets in Africa.
Most “roamantic” offerings:
- Private spice tours
- Stone Town day tours
- Private hikes
- Days spent together on powder-white beaches
- Seychelles
Flight time from Johannesburg: 4 hours, 55 minutes
Perks: Seychelles is less commercialised than Mauritius, so expect fewer crowds. The resorts are more private, and villas with pools and jacuzzi baths are available at most 5-star properties.
Most “roamantic” offerings:
- Island-hopping
- Diving and snorkelling
- Staying in luxury resorts with incredible views
- Private catamaran excursions
- Sunset beach dinners.
Other “hot” destinations offering the potential for an amorous adventure? Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe), the Maldives, the Cape Winelands, Greece, Bali, Mozambique, and the City of Love itself: Paris.
Tips for igniting your travel romance
Love is in the air – or, at least, it could be. Countless travellers have found their partners on a plane! But the opportunities to meet someone special throughout your journey are endless: on a tour, at the hotel bar, at the airport, in a quaint little café… who knows? If you’re having fun and you’re open to it, Cupid could strike at any time. But here are a few helpful tips to up your chances:
- Choose social accommodations: Opt for hostels, guesthouses, or group tours where you’re more likely to interact with fellow travellers. Shared dorms, communal meals, and group activities create natural opportunities to meet new people. Or head off on a cruise! Cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line welcome solo travellers with dedicated “studio” staterooms, a private studio lounge for solo guests, and regular social events to help encourage all sorts of connections.
- Participate in group activities: Sign up for walking tours, cooking classes, pub crawls, or language exchanges. These experiences let you dive into local culture while providing a fun and relaxed setting to strike up conversations.
- Be open and approachable: Smile, make eye contact, and be open to chatting with people you meet. Don’t be afraid to initiate conversations, ask questions, and share your own experiences.
- Use travel dating apps: If you’re comfortable with online dating, there are several apps specifically designed for travellers. Tinder even has a “Tinder Passport” feature available with a paid subscription, allowing you to adjust your location as you travel and start swiping through locals looking for love. Just remember to follow basic safety rules when using these apps – don’t give any personal details away and always meet up in public spaces.
Here’s to finding a “roamance” that’s worth bringing home with you. Talk about the ultimate holiday souvenir!