It turns out the biggest test of a relationship may not happen over dinner, but on holiday.
A new survey by Skyscanner and dating app Coffee Meets Bagel found that 47% of Singaporeans see their first trip together as the most exciting relationship milestone, ahead of a first kiss (27%) or even holding hands (21%). More tellingly, 93% believe travelling together for the first time is a key test of long-term compatibility.
The findings come as Singapore enters "cuffing season", the period leading up to the year-end holidays, Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day when singles are typically more open to finding a partner. According to the survey, 47% of singles say they are more open to dating during this time, while 46% plan to take their first trip with a partner or potential partner within the next year. Nearly one in three admit they're as nervous as they are excited.
Planning the trip may be just as revealing as taking it. Nearly half of respondents worry about clashing travel styles (47%) and disagreements during the planning process (43%). More than half (51%) would even compromise on activities to secure their ideal destination, while 50% would stretch their budget and 42% would shorten their trip to make it happen.
Couples on the go
· 71.6% of Coffee Meets Bagel users believe a person's travel style reflects what they are like as a partner.
· 56.3% said a match's travel style has positively or negatively influenced their interest in that person.
· Couples prioritise spending on accommodation ahead of activities, food and flights.
· The top booking priorities for accommodation are affordability (44%), proximity to attractions and dining (40%), and unique stays such as domes or castles (31%).
Tokyo emerged as the top destination for a first getaway, followed by Seoul and Taipei.
Accommodation is where couples are most willing to splurge, although affordability remains the biggest booking consideration. Meanwhile, 44% prefer destinations that are new to both partners, suggesting shared discoveries trump revisiting familiar favourites.
Amanda Chong, dating trends & insights lead at Coffee Meets Bagel, said: "74.2% of Singapore CMB daters say honest, transparent communication is what makes them feel ready to travel with someone. Before booking flights, think less about judging your partner and more about observing how the two of you work as a team."