Sunsets, long dinners and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A vacation can do more for a relationship than just provide time for recovery. A new survey from hotel and travel search site momondo shows that almost half of Swedes expect more closeness and intimacy with their partner when traveling abroad than at home.
As the holidays approach, many people look forward to disconnecting from work, everyday routines and must-do's. But for many Swedes, the time off also seems to give relationships an extra boost. Or at least a hope that it will.
According to a new momondo survey, 44 percent of Swedes say they expect to be more intimate with their partner when traveling abroad than when they are at home. The figure is higher among men, at 52 percent, compared to 39 percent among women.
Parents the most hopeful
Differences are also clear between different life situations. Over half of all parents (53 percent) say they expect more closeness with their partner when traveling than at home, compared to 37 percent among those without children. Younger people also stand out, with almost six in ten Generation Z (59 percent) saying the same, compared to 44 percent of Generation X.
– On vacation, many of the things that otherwise compete for our attention in everyday life disappear. When the calendar is not as full and the pace slows down, many people have more time for each other. This may be one of the reasons why so many people feel that their relationship gets an extra boost when they travel together, says Lisbet Due Berg, press officer at momondo.
Sexologist Suzann Larsdotter also sees a possible explanation for why Generation Z excels in the results:
– It is interesting that Generation Z stands out. It is a generation that grew up with constant connectivity and where much of their social life takes place digitally. Perhaps this makes the holiday season take on a special meaning as an opportunity to be more present together and prioritize physical closeness and shared experiences in a way that can be more difficult in everyday life.
Four destinations for this summer's romantic getaway
For couples looking to get away from it all this summer, momondo has some recommendations for destinations that are especially great for two.
- Rome, Italy: Wander hand in hand through the alleys of Trastevere, share a long dinner at a hidden trattoria, and end the evening with a stroll through the city's illuminated historic quarter.
- Nice, France: Long beach promenades, charming alleys and views of the Mediterranean Sea make Nice a perfect destination for quality time together.
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain: From morning coffee in the old town to sunsets along the coast, Mallorca makes it easy to fill your holiday with both small experiences and relaxing moments for two.
- Rovinj, Croatia: Often called one of Croatia's most romantic towns, Rovinj, with its pastel-colored houses, narrow alleys, and sunsets over the Adriatic Sea, has long attracted couples looking for a romantic getaway.
About the data.
An online survey was conducted by Ripple Research among 1,000 Swedes planning to travel abroad within the next three years. Data collection was conducted between March 17, 2026 and March 23, 2026. All data was collected in accordance with guidelines from the MRS (Market Research Society) and ESOMAR, ensuring ethical standards and robust data quality.
