SWNYHOLIDAY by Marie Haaland
New York office - 646-873-7565 / usnews@swns.com
NEWS COPY - WITH VIDEO & INFOGRAPHIC
New couples should take their first vacation together 10 months into the relationship for best results, according to new research.
A new study examining the concept of a “baecation” looked at how couples navigate their first trip together, and found the smoothest vacation happened when couples had been together for just short of a year.
Timing may well be important, as results confirmed that the first time traveling with a new partner really can be a make-or-break moment: The survey found that 37 percent fell in love on their first vacation with a significant other, while 23 percent broke up because of the trip.
Eighty-eight percent of respondents say their first baecation was a success – even with planning, booking and budgeting for the trip leaving 24 percent to be overwhelmed by the stress.
Commissioned by Visit Anaheim and conducted by OnePoll, the survey of 2,000 American adults, who have traveled with a partner showed that even with a few bumps in the road, the first vacation together is generally a success story.
So much so, that over half of respondents (52 percent) have returned to the same destination of their first baecation.
For a vacation to be successful, respondents say the most important factors are picking the right destination (69 percent), having a budget that works for both partners (61 percent) and good planning (60 percent).
Making sure you and your partner are serious about each other (51 percent) and being able to compromise (44 percent) were also contributing factors.
“We’re not surprised to learn that couples that travel together are happier – we see those happy faces in Anaheim every day,” said Jay Burress, president & CEO of Visit Anaheim. “Exploring a new place definitely brings new couples together, especially when there is so much to experience in a destination like Anaheim. Whether you’re interested in the thrill of theme parks, the energy of professional sports, or the excitement of a live concert, you’ll be transformed by our unique experiences.”
Three-quarters say the trip had a positive effect on their overall relationship, while half (49 percent) reported a positive effect on how romantic they are with their partner.
And after traveling together for the first time, 74 percent reported feeling more comfortable with their partner.
But it’s not all smooth sailing: The most common disagreements were in regard to the destination (32 percent), where to stay (31 percent) and how long the vacation should be (29 percent).
When choosing a destination, respondents say cost was the most important factor (62 percent), followed by the activities offered in the area (54 percent) and the mode of transportation needed to arrive (44 percent).
Four in 10 wanted to travel somewhere with a mix of active and laid-back activities.
“From the Disneyland® Resort to professional sports, Anaheim is a great destination that offers a long line-up of exciting activities and one-of-a-kind date night options,” said Burress. “Anaheim continues growing, evolving and flourishing as a dynamic destination with its own cultural footprint in the cuisine, entertainment, sports and recreation arenas.”
FACTORS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BAECATION
Picking the right destination (somewhere both partners are interested in) 69 percent
Making sure the budget works for both people 61 percent
Good planning 60 percent
Making sure both partners are serious about each other 51 percent
Compromise 44 percent
TOP CHALLENGES FACED WHEN TAKING A BAECATION
Overwhelmed by the stress of traveling 24 percent
Disagreeing on where to go or what activities to do 19 percent
Things going wrong with the trip (delayed flights, lost luggage, etc.) 17 percent
Not budgeting properly 16 percent
Ran out of things to talk about