Research by travel website Expedia and dating experts from match.com reveals that nearly half of Brits have fought with their partners on holiday, with over one in ten couples splitting up while abroad. With a further one percent of married couples in Britain admit to applying for a divorce after falling out with each other on holiday.
So why does this happen I hear you ask? Well, the research revealed a failure to compromise on the type of holiday along with issues around money, socialising and an inability to switch off from work cause the biggest flare-ups between couples on holiday.
Kate Taylor, relationship expert at match.com explains: "With Brits working such long hours these days, holidays can become tension time bombs as couples are suddenly thrown together for long periods of time. Expectations are often blown out of proportion as both people feel the holiday has to be "perfect" or it's a sure sign the relationship is on the rocks."
As hard as it is to hear, compromise is the answer
Some of the key reasons why holidays can cause tension between couples is because women want to spend more time doing couple things, compared to most of the men who were surveyed. also, women still expect the men to pay out more money on holiday. A quarter of the women surveyed (25%) thought their partners were too tight and should splash more cash on them while abroad.
Furthermore, one in two couples (49%) refuse to compromise with each other on holidays - either he gets his way with the type of holiday he prefers, or she does and then once you get there, 13% of women think that their men are workaholics and strongly object to their partners constantly checking their blackberries. A quarter of British men (25%) on the other hand, think that women are too lazy and just want to lie around on the beach every day.
Surprisingly enough, some of the most important factors to indulge in whilst away were named as relaxing, experiencing a different culture, spending quality time alone together, eating nice food and having an adventure.
So why then, can't we just leave our relationship baggage at check in and just enjoy the time we have together? Commenting on the findings Alison Couper, Communications Director of Expedia, says: "Summer holidays need not be a disaster for couples - it's all about better communication and setting expectations. If he wants an adventure holiday to Kilimanjaro and she wants two weeks relaxing in the Maldives there are obviously going to be arguments, but there are several destinations abroad that offer the best of both worlds so we advise couples to shop around to find the ultimate holiday compromise locations."
So, as hard as it is to hear, compromise is the answer, but never fear, there are a number of worldwide holiday destinations that offer the ultimate compromise solution for couples who want to avoid a bust-up whilst away.
Try Switzerland where the perfect mix of relaxing natural spas compliments the stunning scenery which is primed for exploring on foot or by bike. The Italian Lakes are a romantic setting with great food and drink for relaxing evenings whilst during the day the traditional towns' offer a cultural fix. While Arizona is renowned for its fabulous golf courses whilst the hotels offer state of the art spa facilities.
For topping up your tan the pristine beaches of Mexico are a sun worshippers paradise, but for some respite from the midday sun the country has a number of majestic archaeological sites dating back some 3,000 years. Closer to home the island of Tenerife also offers fabulous temperatures and sweeping beaches as well as a plethora of water sports for the more adventurous traveller.
So next time you're on holiday and you're turn into a big red lobster, let it be as a result of the glorious sun and not another heated argument and reach for the suncream instead of a baseball bat.
Femalefirst - Ruth Harrison