Traveling together can reveal a lot about a relationship, from how you handle money and compromise to what happens when plans go sideways. New Booking.com research finds 35% of travelers have discovered they were incompatible with a companion after traveling together, while 21% have abandoned a trip because of their travel partner.
We Are Austin welcomed relationship expert and sociologist Dr. Jess Carbino to unpack the research and explain how couples and friends can learn more about their compatibility before and during a getaway.
Watch the full video above for Dr. Carbino’s tips for traveling together without letting turbulence derail the relationship.
Travel compatibility test: Booking.com reveals what can make or break a trip
Travel can accelerate a relationship
Why can a vacation reveal so much? Carbino says travel removes some of the space people normally have to avoid differences.
“Travel really acts as a relationship accelerator,” Carbino said. “When you’re navigating an airport or sharing a hotel room, those differences become so much harder to avoid.”
According to Booking.com, 69% of travelers would take a trip to test their relationship compatibility.
That doesn’t mean one disagreement should end a relationship.
“The real question is whether you can solve the problem together in a respectful way,” Carbino said.
Talk before you travel
Carbino recommends discussing budget, itinerary pace, sleeping arrangements and unexpected expenses before leaving home.
Money can be particularly revealing. Booking.com found nearly six in 10 travelers would hesitate to travel again with someone who expects others to pay, while 42% say surprise upgrades or activities can create tension.
“Money conflicts during travel are often not really about money,” Carbino said. “They’re about whether people feel respected, whether expectations are clear and whether everyone’s boundaries are being considered.”
Put your compatibility to the test
Booking.com is also introducing limited-time Turbulence Test experiences at nine partner hotels across the U.S., featuring prompts and games inspired by real travel friction points, including money, hotel habits, road trips and in-flight etiquette.
“Guests are really working through compatibility tension points in a setting where it’s fun instead of frustrating,” Carbino said.
Visit Booking.com for more information about the Turbulence Test experiences.