The survey by real-life local dating app happn reveals the first romantic getaway is a key dating milestone for the younger generation. Over a third of Gen Z (35%) say going away for the first time is a more important relationship milestone than having sex for the first time, and for nearly a quarter (22%) it’s more important than meeting the parents.
Because of this, Gen Z are prioritising a first trip abroad earlier on when dating someone. A quarter of them (25%) think the perfect time to go on a romantic holiday is within two months of knowing someone - with 8% even thinking a holiday abroad is great for a first date. They feel going away earlier into dating allows them to spend more time getting to know one another away from hectic daily routines (28%), learn each other’s interests (25%), and explore habits (22%).
However older generations believe in a slower approach, with Gen X thinking people should go abroad with a partner for the first time seven months after the first date.
Despite the urge to go away sooner, not all first breaks result in further dates. The main reason why first getaways have ended in heartbreak for the new generation is that over a third of them (38%) discovered their partner’s bad habits on holidays, such as poor hygiene. Other reasons Gen Z felt their relationship had hit the rocks abroad boiled down to a lack of intimacy and connection (29%), or their partner constantly being on their phone and disengaged (20%).
Claire Rénier, dating expert at happn, said: “Going abroad together is a great idea when you first start dating and it can definitely make or break a relationship. Being in different surroundings with a range of activities helps uncover shared interests and tests out compatibility.
"No wonder younger generations treat a holiday so seriously and think it’s better to go away earlier in the dating stages, as it helps them avoid wasting time or falling in too deep. And for some it deepens their bond with this quality time together leading to more serious commitment.”