These are the top holiday destinations couples travel to each year

Love abroad

Looking to book a trip with your lover? These are the most popular couple destinations in the world.

After years in lockdown, 2023 was the first year that travel was totally back on the cards. 

Whether you were tempted by an overseas holiday or just wanted to head interstate for a weekend jaunt or family reunion, chances are you packed your bags and headed off to the airport at least once this year. 

According to a new report from Flight Centre, which looked at Aussie travel habits over the past year, while there was an overall uptick in travel, there was one cohort who were desperate for a sabbatical: the lovers amongst us. 

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Of all the couples who booked with Flight Centre this year, 73 per cent travelled internationally, with the remaining 27 per cent heading off on domestic adventures. So where exactly are these couples going? 

Of all the destinations in the world that connote romance, Paris has to be at the top of the list. 

Cobblestone streets, buskers playing accordions, baguettes sticking out the back of tote bags, and picnic blankets loaded with cheese and wine under a sparkling Eiffel Tower  – it all just screams romance. 

But while Paris is the city of love (and officially, the city of lights), it doesn’t actually top the list of most popular holiday destinations for Aussie couples – in fact, it doesn’t even make the top five. 

So what does? Whether it’s for romance, adventure, wellness or relaxation, there are the top spots around the world that people in relationships can’t help but flock to, time and time again. 

Bali was one of the top international destinations for Aussie couples. Image: iStock

International destinations 

1. United Kingdom 
2. Italy
3. United States
4. Bali 
5. New Zealand 

Domestic destinations 

1. Sydney 
2. Melbourne 
3. Brisbane 
4. Perth
5. Cairns 

Couples flocked to Italy for romantic getaways. Image: iStock

When it came to overseas trips, most Aussies headed straight to the UK. London in particular is one of the most popular airport hubs in Europe, and many Australians planning a trip up north land in England, even if they don’t plan to stay there that long. 

Italy came in at number two, which we wholeheartedly support – surely gelato and Vespa rides have got to be up there with some of the most romantic getaways on offer. In third place was the US, and then number four and five were closer to home – our neighbours Indonesia and New Zealand. 

In terms of domestic travel, Aussies tended to head to the big cities for their trips interstate, with capital cities taking out the top four spots. 

And in number five? Cairns. After all, what’s more romantic than a trip to the Great Barrier Reef? 

Originally published as These are the top holiday destinations couples travel to each year