For the upcoming Valentine's Day, MEININGER Hotels is publishing the results of a representative survey conducted by Appinio on behalf of the company. The result? Travelers are not only curious about new experiences, cultures and adventures, but they are also open to love. Over a quarter of respondents (26.2 percent) have already fallen in love while on vacation - and for 24.8 percent of them, it was the love of their life. And even if not every vacation flirtation ended in marriage, 16.4 percent reported that their romance developed into a long-term relationship, while 45.8 percent mentioned a shorter fling.
This is where the heart beats faster: Accommodation as a place of love
Traveling is not only a great way to discover new cultures, but also to make romantic connections. Nearly 40 percent (39.8 percent) of respondents believe it is easier to fall in love while traveling. Reasons include the relaxed holiday atmosphere, openness to new experiences, and encounters with like-minded individuals. "Traveling creates unique moments and makes it possible to meet people with similar interests and tastes”, comments Malin Widmarc-Nilsson, VP Commerce at MEININGER Hotels. "That’s why, at MEININGER, we place great importance on creating spaces that foster interaction between our guests. Our hybrid model, which combines the comfort and service of a hotel with hostel-like amenities such as a guest kitchen, game zone, and bar, is designed for this." The survey also provides proof of this concept: more than a quarter of respondents (25.6 percent) stated that they had met their vacation romance in the public areas of their accommodation - be it in the breakfast room, lounge or other common spaces.
Pure Romance: These types of vacations ignite the most sparks
If you're looking to find love while traveling, the seaside might be your best bet: Nearly half (46.2 percent) of respondents who fell in love on their travels met their partner during a beach holiday. City trips came in second place with 21.8 percent. Adventure and activity holidays are also romantic, though less common, with 9.2 percent of participants finding love during these types of trips. Respondents were less often struck by Cupid's arrow during a business trip (3.8 percent), on a cruise (3.4 percent) or during longer stays abroad such as work & travel (3.1 percent). When asked about the timing of the spark, it seems love often doesn't take long to ignite: 71.8 percent felt the chemistry within just a few days, and 20.6 percent met their vacation love right upon arrival, for example, in the airplane or train. But do these relationships last? The survey results are mixed: 25.3 percent of respondents believe a vacation romance doesn't have long-term potential. However, nearly as many (23.5 percent) think it has a chance of lasting. In the end, love remains unpredictable – an adventure that you simply have to embrace.
Paris is and remains the city of love
Anyone who wants to spontaneously give their loved one a romantic city trip for Valentine's Day should book a ticket to Paris quickly, as the French capital has made it to the top of the most popular destinations for Valentine's Day with 32.3 percent. “Paris has a very special atmosphere that’s best experienced when exploring the city and letting yourself get lost in its charm”, says Malin Widmarc-Nilsson, not surprised by this result. “But Venice (20.1 percent) and Rome (19.9 percent), which took second and third place, are also perfect for a Valentine’s Day trip from Germany. With 36 hotels in 26 European cities, we offer the ideal destination for everyone, whether it’s a classic romantic city or a hidden gem off the beaten path.”
About the survey
The study commissioned by MEININGER Hotels was conducted from January 2 to 7, 2025 using the Appinio Panel. It surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,000 participants. The survey examined participants' romantic experiences during various types of trips, ranging from short and city breaks to longer vacations, regardless of whether these trips were taken for personal or professional reasons.
