Singles Over 50 Prioritize Travel in Romantic Relationships

Research from dating site Ourtime has uncovered that singles over 50 are redefining their romantic priorities, emphasizing travel over traditional dating activities. The survey highlights a growing trend among older adults who are seeking partners with similar travel aspirations, suggesting that personal experiences and adventures are now at the forefront of their romantic pursuits.

A significant finding from the survey is that 68% of respondents consider travel compatibility as a non-negotiable aspect when dating. The desire to “keep making memories” has become more important than conventional dating norms, such as dinner dates or physical appearance. In fact, 81% of participants actively seek partners who share their love for travel. This shift in priorities indicates a broader change in how individuals over 50 approach relationships, with many expressing a yearning for deeper, shared experiences.

Among the respondents, 24% stated that compatible travel interests are more important than physical attraction. The survey also revealed that 33% of midlife singles view travel as their primary interest, outpacing other popular pursuits like sports and music. This trend is further reflected in the fact that 9% of those surveyed would not consider matching with someone who does not mention travel in their dating profile.

Kate Taylor, a dating and relationships expert at Ourtime, elaborated on this phenomenon, stating, “Travel is a fun, revealing shortcut to emotional connection. Our travel tastes reveal what we value, how spontaneous we are, and even how generous or adaptable we can be.” She emphasized that for those in midlife, a mutual love of travel indicates a shared sense of adventure and a desire to create lasting memories together.

The survey also highlighted that many midlife daters are willing to take significant steps in their relationships based on travel compatibility. Approximately 29% of respondents would be open to going on holiday with someone they have only been dating for four weeks, while the same percentage would consider booking a trip with a person they have only communicated with online, given the right connection.

The research points to practical factors that contribute to this newfound freedom for travel. Many older singles report having fewer childcare responsibilities, with 40% citing reduced obligations. Additionally, 37% noted that increased disposable income and 27% identified retirement as key factors that enable them to travel more freely with a romantic partner.

Taylor also shared practical advice for those looking to ignite romance through travel. She recommends starting with short trips to foster connection and suggests keeping expectations manageable while prioritizing shared activities over screen time. Interestingly, she advises couples to consider separate accommodations, stating, “Having separate spaces (ideally, next to each other) can be even more romantic. It keeps some mystery and creates your own ‘retreat.’”

The study also asked participants to identify their top romantic holiday preferences. The results included:

1. City Breaks – vibrant city escapes filled with food, culture, and history (25%)
2. Sun-Soaked Serenity – relaxing beach getaways (18%)
3. Ocean Escapes – cruising to various destinations (13%)
4. Scenic Strolling – walking holidays through picturesque landscapes (9%)
5. Bucket-List Breaks – once-in-a-lifetime adventures (7%)
6. UK Hideaways – budget-friendly staycations (5%)
7. Adventure Trips – adrenaline-filled excursions (5%)
8. Winter Sun Wanderlust – escaping to warmer climates in winter (4%)
9. Everyday Excursions – local day trips (3%)
10. Vineyard Ventures – wine-region getaways (3%)

These findings underscore the evolving landscape of dating for those over 50, where the focus has shifted from traditional romantic gestures to shared adventures and experiences. The emphasis on travel compatibility reflects a broader desire for connection that prioritizes lifestyle alignment and emotional resonance. As singles in this age group continue to explore new relationships, the importance of mutual interests, particularly in travel, is likely to shape the future of dating for years to come.