Planning a first holiday with a new partner can feel like navigating a diplomatic summit. Will your sleep schedules align? Do your travel styles clash? According to a 2024 Booking.com poll, over two-thirds of British travellers admit to using a trip as a compatibility test. To help couples avoid a holiday disaster, relationship therapist Georgina Vass, in partnership with fashion brand Pour Moi, has created the Couples' Holiday Success index.
The index evaluates destinations across five criteria: crowd stress, affordability, safety, sleep and comfort, and bonding and experience. Each location receives a score out of 100, and the results offer a clear guide for first-time couple travel.
Lake Garda: The Top Choice
Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, claimed the top spot with a perfect 100 for bonding, thanks to its scenic vistas and relaxed atmosphere. It also scored highly for sleep and comfort. Unlike its celebrity-favoured neighbour Lake Como, Garda offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. Easily reachable from Milan, Venice, or Verona, it provides a romantic yet accessible escape.
Second place went to Bled in Slovenia, a picturesque lake destination known for its island and traditional pletna boat rides in summer. The view from the castle above the lake is a classic couple’s photo opportunity.
Third was Essaouira in Morocco, which earned the highest affordability score in the top ten. Couples can enjoy the beach, explore the UNESCO-listed medina, or relax in a hammam. Fourth place went to Giethoorn in the Netherlands, a village accessible only by boat or bike, ideal for a quiet day trip. Rounding out the top five is Kotor in Montenegro, where a climb to the fortress rewards visitors with panoramic views over the bay and a UNESCO-listed Old Town.
The full top 20 includes several other European favourites: Santorini and the Amalfi Coast for romance, Venice and Dubrovnik for culture, and the Faroe Islands for adventurous couples. For those seeking alternatives to crowded hotspots, consider destinations like these eight European spots recommended by Skyscanner to avoid peak-season stress.
While the index leans heavily on European locations, it also includes non-European gems like Tulum, Seychelles, and Kyoto. However, for European couples, the continent offers a wealth of options that balance affordability, safety, and intimacy. As Spain leads overnight stays in 2025, it’s clear that Europe remains a top choice for travellers.
Ultimately, the best destination depends on your shared interests. Whether you prefer the quiet canals of Giethoorn or the dramatic cliffs of Kotor, the index provides a data-driven starting point for a successful first trip together.
