Travel compatibility is the new dating dealbreaker for singles over 50, with one in ten (13%) now saying there’s no possibility of a match if their travel preferences don’t align.
In fact, new research from Ourtime, the dating app for over 50s, reveals that 68% of midlife singles now consider travel compatibility a firm ‘non-negotiable’ when dating.
Over one in five (21%) say they wouldn’t date someone who’s not on the same page when it comes to voyaging and one in 10 (9%) wouldn’t consider matching with someone who doesn’t actively mention ‘travel’ in their dating bio. 37% even prioritise travel chemistry over political views in a potential partner, while 24% prioritise the same travel interests above physical appearance.
And it doesn’t stop there – one in five (20%) would cancel a date after discovering incompatible travel styles and 16% would even break up with someone over clashing travel preferences.
For the over-50s, travel isn’t just a hobby, it’s their number one passion. The research found it firmly leads their list of interests (33%), followed by sport in second place (20%) and music in third (15%). In fact, one in 10 single over 50s (10%) travel for leisure more than once a month – and over a quarter (28%) prefer to whizz off with a romantic partner over their own children (22%).
And here’s the thing, when a romantic spark does fly, over-50s don’t wait around. They’re catching flights AND feelings. One in ten (11%) start chatting about travel and going away together within just days of matching on a dating app. And talk turns into action fast – as three in ten (29%) would happily head off on holiday with someone they’ve only been dating for four weeks.
While 29% of singles over 50 would even book a trip with a new flame they’ve only spoken to online if they felt a strong connection, according to the study of 1500 single adults aged 18+ years old who are dating and travel regularly, conducted by 3Gem, for Ourtime.
A huge 81% actively seek a partner who shares their sense of wanderlust, from budget-friendly staycations and local excursions to city breaks and bucket-list holidays. While 71% agree that it’s easier to take off on trips – thanks to reduced childcare commitments (40%), more disposable income (37%) and retirement (27%). While nearly half of over 50s (48%) say they prioritise travel more now as it’s easier to take off on trips.
Over half (54%) enjoy romantic getaways thanks to the freedom and opportunity to get to know each other away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, while 28% credit uninterrupted time for sex. What’s more, 65% of singles say that finding a travel companion to enjoy trips with is an important reason they use dating apps.
This comes as 85% of midlifers say a trip is the ultimate compatibility test, and 84% believe it’s the perfect time to get to know someone.
Filtering matches via travel helps singles find someone who is aligned on lifestyle (44%), spontaneity (20%), and even spending habits (17%) – making it easier to form a meaningful connection beyond surface-level attraction, which is key for 46%.
Why? For this group, travel is about more than a holiday or ticking off destinations – they enjoy creating fun, shared memories with others (50%), strengthening connections (30%) and embracing a renewed “you only live once” mentality (29%).
Kate Taylor, dating and relationships expert from Ourtime, said:
“Our relationship priorities change throughout our life. For singles over 50, aligned lifestyles feel far more important than surface-level chemistry. We’re not looking for short-term passion, but long-haul compatibility.
“Travel is a fun, revealing shortcut to emotional connection. Our travel tastes reveal what we value, how spontaneous we are, and even how generous or adaptable we can be. For midlife daters, a mutual love of travel isn’t just about having a holiday – it’s a sign that someone shares our sense of adventure, outlook on life, and desire to keep making memories. It’s also a true test of compatibility. Nothing reveals a person’s true self more like navigating a foreign airport…”
“Choosing a partner with similar travel styles means you’re not just planning trips together, you’re shaping a shared lifestyle – ideally, one that will stay active, curious and full of discovery.”
Top five tips for travelling with a new flame for the over 50s, by Ourtime’s dating and relationships expert, Kate Taylor:
1) Stay close to home at first
Your first trip away doesn’t have to be to the other side of the world. European breaks, or short-haul overnighters, can be just as romantic. They’re also a good test of your travel style, without the pressure of an 8-hour flight.
2) Keep expectations low
Your first trip together might rival a romcom in its cosy compatibility – or you might be bickering before the plane has taken off. Travelling can be tiring and stressful, so be patient. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, the happy vibes will kick in.
3) Separate rooms can create closeness
Don’t feel obliged to share a room if you’re a new couple. Having separate spaces (ideally, next to each other) can be even more romantic. It keeps some mystery, creates your own “retreat”, and can always be shared if the mood takes you…
4) Keep screen time low
When you’re away with your date, focus on them. Avoid taking or making too many calls, and don’t spend every moment capturing pictures for social media. Work on building memories together.
5) Stay active
Couples bond during shared activities, so choose a holiday that offers optional fun things to do. You’ll discover more about a person by playing 18 holes of crazy golf than you would during a million candlelit meals.
The top 10 romantic holidays for midlife singles
- City Breaks – vibrant city escapes filled with food, culture and history (25%)
- Sun-Soaked Serenity – slow, beach-based escapes for pure relaxation (18%)
- Ocean Escapes – cruising the seas, experiencing different new destinations, charming ports and panoramic views (13%)
- Scenic Strolling – walking holidays along coastlines, through countryside, or on heritage trails (9%)
- Bucket-List Breaks – once-in-a-lifetime adventures to dream destinations (7%)
- UK Hideaways – romantic, budget-friendly staycations enjoying all that the UK has to offer (5%)
- Adventure Trips – exciting, adrenaline-filled trips from trekking to skiing (5%)
- Winter Sun Wanderlust – swapping grey skies for tropical warmth in colder months (4%)
- Everyday Excursions – low-cost, high-reward day trips close to home (3%)
- Vineyard Ventures – wine-region escapes blending tastings, local culture, and countryside charm (3%)
