Travel: The New Love Language
In a surprising shift for Valentine's Day 2026, romantic gestures are evolving beyond traditional gifts. New research, notably from Booking.com's 'This
Guy Books' study, indicates that travel has ascended to become the preeminent love language for Indian women. A significant 86% of them find it incredibly appealing when a partner takes charge and orchestrates a complete travel plan. This suggests that the act of planning and booking a surprise vacation is more impactful than conventional gifts like chocolates or elaborate dinner reservations. The data strongly implies that for many, a confirmed booking email carries more romantic weight than any physical token of affection, redefining the very essence of expressing love in the modern era. The emphasis is clearly on demonstrated initiative and thoughtful consideration, making travel planning the new benchmark for romantic expression.
Initiative Earns Affection
The findings reveal a compelling preference for partners who demonstrate initiative in planning romantic getaways. Specifically, a striking 92% of Indian women consider it attractive when a partner takes the lead in organizing a trip. Furthermore, an overwhelming 82% would opt for a partner who exhibits good planning skills over one with only physical attributes. This highlights a clear trend: romance is increasingly intertwined with an itinerary. The study also points to a 'booking gap,' with 76% of women believing men should initiate vacation planning. However, a significant 8% have never experienced a partner fully planning or booking a trip for them. This Valentine's Day, 91% of women are actively hoping for more proactive planning, particularly concerning travel arrangements, signalling a desire for their partners to step up and take the reins on such romantic endeavors.
Happiness Through Planning
The effort invested in planning and booking a surprise vacation yields substantial emotional dividends. Women who have their trips arranged by a partner report feeling intensely 'Loved' (74%), 'Excited' (72%), and 'Deeply grateful' (51%). A remarkable 95% of respondents would experience increased happiness if their partners occasionally took on the entire booking process. Even more compelling is the statistic that 99% say they would reciprocate with increased affection if their partner booked a vacation spontaneously, without prior prompting. This demonstrates an exceptionally high return on investment, both emotionally and relationally, underscoring the profound positive impact of proactive travel planning on relationship satisfaction and overall well-being.
Barriers to Booking
Despite the clear romantic advantages and the desire for proactively planned trips, several obstacles prevent some individuals from taking the plunge into booking. A notable 22% of individuals admit they are unsure about where to commence the planning process. Another 20% express apprehension about potentially 'messing up' the travel itinerary. A substantial 45% have not initiated booking because their partner typically manages such arrangements. Additionally, 35% of individuals would rather handle all their holiday shopping independently than undertake the comprehensive task of planning an entire trip. These factors collectively suggest a need for clearer guidance and potentially shared responsibility in the travel planning process to overcome these hesitations.
