According to a Zoover survey, 57% of Dutch people have had a holiday crush at some point, with men reporting it more often than women (64% vs. 50%). Interestingly, men's hearts are broken less frequently by these flings (56%) compared to women (74%). Men were also more likely to be in a relationship during the romance (17% vs. 11%).
For most Dutch vacationers, the romance fades immediately after the trip. How it ends varies by age: Millennials often cut ties via social media (11%), while those over 35 prefer letters or simply ghosting by ignoring messages.
Men are more prone to holiday romances—even when committed. One in seven Dutch respondents was in a relationship at the time, with men outpacing women (17% vs. 11%). Notably, 10% of men say a holiday feels incomplete without one, versus 5% of women. Men also believe cheating on vacation is more common (19% vs. 11%).
Key insights from the survey include:
- A third of holiday lovers are Dutch
- A quarter meet their fling on camping trips
- One in five say the Netherlands offers the best-looking vacationers, followed by Italians (16%) and Swedes (10%)
- Over a third reject the idea that holiday romances are just for the young
- 7% are still with their holiday sweetheart
