World Nomads’ survey finds airport and in-transit meet-cutes lead to longer relationships; 35–44s and West Coasters are most open to spontaneous travel dates
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Oakland, California/US — 6 January 2026 - Ahead of Valentine’s Day, World Nomads is sharing fresh insights into romance on the road. Nearly one in four travelers who went on a date with someone they met while traveling say they’re still with that person today, and chance encounters at airports and on planes have high staying power, compared with meetings at bars, hotels, or on guided tours.
Where travel romances start: In-person still leads.
- 21% say local bars and restaurants are the most common meeting spot for a travel romance;
- 17% say dating apps;
- 16% say tours/excursions;
- 13% say airports and planes.
What relationships last beyond the trip?
- 48% say if they met at an airport, they’re still with that person today;
- 36% say planes;
- 13% say bars;
- 11% say hotels/hostels.
Who says yes to a spontaneous travel date? Regional and demographic differences are striking. The Pacific region tops the list (42% say they’ve gone on a spontaneous travel date), and travelers aged 35–44 are the most open (43%). Men report saying yes far more often than women (42.5% vs 26%). Solo international travelers are 3.5× more likely to go on a spontaneous travel date than those traveling in a group (53% vs 15%).
“Travel has a way of dissolving routines and opening people up to new connections, sometimes before you even reach your destination. When people step out of their daily lives, they tend to be more present and more willing to engage with the world around them,” said Christina Tunnah, Head of the Americas for World Nomads. “Our data shows that airport and in-transit meet-cutes aren’t just cinematic; they’re among the most likely to turn into lasting relationships. There’s something about shared anticipation, unexpected delays, and the simple act of going somewhere new that creates space for meaningful connections to form.”
By the numbers
- Pacific travelers lead: 42% have gone on a date with someone they just met while traveling
- Ages 35–44 are most open: 43% say they’d go on a spontaneous travel date compared to 34% of travelers aged 25–34; 19% of travelers aged 18–24; 20% of travelers aged 55–69
- Men vs. women: 42.5% of men vs 26% of women report a travel date.
- Solo boosts serendipity: 53% of Solo international travelers have been on an on-trip date vs non-solo 15%
- Frequent travelers are more likely to say yes to on-trip dates: 54% of people who take 6+ trips a year say they’ve been on an on-trip date; 45% for 5 trips/year; 36% for 4 trips/year; 35% for 3 trips/year; 19% for 2 trips/year; 14% for 1 trip/year.
- Staying power by meet-place: Airport 48%; Plane 36%; Dating apps 24%; Hotel/Hostel 13%; Bar/Restaurant 11%.
Methodology note: Findings are drawn from World Nomads’ October 2025 survey with 522 respondents, aged 18-69. Regional figures use weights to correct for uneven sample sizes; age and gender comparisons use unweighted rates. Percentages shown are approximate, rounded to whole numbers.
About World Nomads
Since 2002, World Nomads has been protecting, connecting and inspiring adventurous and independent travelers by offering specialized travel insurance and safety advice.
Our travel insurance products cover travelers from more than 100 countries. World Nomads focuses on what we believe is important to travelers: emergency medical and evacuation costs, baggage cover, trip cancellation, trip delay and trip interruption costs. We offer cover for more than 250 adventure sports and activities, plus tech and gear. We believe travelers have the responsibility to give back, and through our Footprints program, customers can add a small donation to the price of their plan to help fund a community development project with one of World Nomads’ global nonprofit and charity partners.
We are part of a suite of global specialist travel insurers owned by nib Group, Australia’s third-largest provider of travel insurance and a leading global distributor of travel insurance through nib Travel. nib Group also provides health and medical insurance to more than 1.6 million Australian and New Zealand residents and more than 200,000 international students and workers in Australia.
Media Contacts:
World Nomads
Sarah Roman, Communications Manager
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