reports
Vacation drives marriage satisfaction and increased intimacy
Maldives.net.mv – Travelers report more sex, more happiness, more emotional health while on holiday; 94% would give up life’s ‘prized possessions’ for a full week to gain just one more vacation day.
The 2014 Expedia Pleasure Index study, released today, revealed that Americans prefer vacations to just about everything.
In particular, 80 percent of Americans said that vacations make them happier than marriages (and weddings), religion, cats and birthdays. Eighty-two percent of Americans get more pleasure out of vacations than possessions, and 94 percent would give up at least one of life’s “prized possessions,” including alcohol, video games, chocolate and favorite clothing for an entire week, in return for a single extra vacation day.
To earn that extra vacation day:
- 50 percent would go a week without chocolate.
- 42 percent would go without television.
- 41 percent would go without coffee.
- 35 percent would not touch their mobile phone/smartphone.
- 35 percent of Americans would avoid their best friend.
- 30 percent would go without sex (35 percent of women would do so, versus 25 percent of men).
The 2014 Expedia Pleasure Index is a study of 2,000 American adults, conducted by Northstar Research. This is the study’s second year. Full details on the study can be found on the Expedia® Viewfinder blog.
“The Expedia Pleasure Index study brings some rigor to the notion that most of us intuitively understand: vacations are the fastest path to happiness,” said Sarah Gavin, Expedia Travel Expert, Expedia.com. “People appreciate themselves and their loved ones more on holiday. Nine out of 10 Americans believe their happiest memories were formed on vacation. Expedia is releasing this study in the dead of winter to remind Americans that happiness – a sunny beach, a mountain chalet or just an afternoon at a cafe with friends – is only a few clicks away.”
Expedia introduced the Pleasure Index last year to determine where vacations rank on the list of life’s pleasures. They found it outranked nearly all of them. The 2014 study reveals a tight link between vacations and personal happiness. Eighty percent declared that vacations make them “very” happy. Ninety-six percent believe that vacations make them feel better both mentally and physically.
Vacations charge the American libido. Ninety-three percent report being at least “somewhat likely” to be intimate on vacation. Forty-eight percent say they are “more likely” to be intimate with their spouse or partner on holiday than they are at home. Seventy-seven percent of Americans report that vacations are important to the overall health of the relationship with their spouse or partner. Seventy-nine percent say they most look forward to time with family, and their spouse/partner in particular, when they’re traveling. And this goodwill carries over: Americans who take vacations three or more times per year report higher satisfaction with their relationships.
The single most prevailing charm of vacationing is the ability to do nothing at all. Seventy-four percent of Americans prefer relaxation to adventure on holiday, with four in ten citing “relaxing, doing nothing” and “not having a set schedule” as their favorite vacation feature.
Americans have a complicated view of vacations. Many see vacations as something of a guilty pleasure. Expedia’s 2013 Vacation Deprivation® study found that Americans use only 10 of the 14 vacation days available to them, leaving well over 500 million vacation days unused each year. This is in stark contrast to the French, who take all 30 days available to them.
The 2014 Expedia Pleasure Index study finds that 32 percent of Americans have never taken a holiday of more than seven days, while 71 percent of Americans have never taken one more than 14 days long. Yet a full 85 percent report feeling that they “need a vacation right now.” And those who have taken a vacation in the past year express more satisfaction with both their work lives and their love lives than those who have not.
Americans prize what they know. Forty-one percent of American vacation-goers have visited the same destination four or more times in their life. And they’re willing to travel a great distance to find holiday happiness. The average distance traveled by Americans on their most recent vacation was 532 miles. Younger Americans were more likely to vacation closer to home, though not by much: the average distance traveled by Americans aged 18-34 was 459 miles away, versus 538 miles for Americans aged 35-54, and 606 miles for those 55 and older.
Maldives has soared into the top 5 most popular babymoon destinations according to a new study by My 1st Years.
Babymoons, pre-baby getaways for expecting parents, have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. The UK alone has witnessed a staggering 128% increase in searches for “best babymoon destinations” in just the past three months.
To understand expectant parents’ travel dreams, My 1st Years analyzed Google search data for hundreds of destinations worldwide. The Maldives secured the coveted fourth place, surpassing Italy, Australia, and Portugal.
This tropical paradise offers the perfect escape for parents-to-be seeking relaxation and rejuvenation before welcoming their new arrival. Imagine soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or indulging in pampering spa treatments – pure bliss!
For expectant couples seeking a luxurious and unforgettable babymoon experience, the Maldives offers a truly idyllic setting.
Maldives is setting its sights on welcoming a record-breaking 2.01 million tourists in 2024, a 7.9% increase compared to anticipated arrivals this year. This optimistic forecast, released by the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), paints a vibrant picture of tourism industry thriving next year.
Several key factors are driving this projected surge:
- The Resurgent Chinese Market: With borders reopening and travel restrictions easing, Chinese tourists are expected to flock back to the Maldives in droves, injecting significant energy into the sector.
- New Tourist Delights: The Maldives is steadily expanding its offerings, with new resorts, attractions, and experiences emerging to cater to a wider range of visitors.
- Smoother Skies Ahead: The completion of the Velana International Airport’s new terminal will boost capacity, making it easier for more tourists to reach the paradise islands.
- Luxury’s Enduring Allure: The Maldives’ reputation as a premier luxury destination remains undimmed, attracting high-spending travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.
- Weddings and Honeymoons in Paradise: The Maldives’ romantic charm is drawing ever-increasing numbers of couples seeking picture-perfect wedding and honeymoon destinations.
Looking geographically, Asia is expected to dominate the tourist influx, accounting for 60% of arrivals. Europe, America, and other regions are also projected to contribute significantly, highlighting the Maldives’ diverse appeal.
MATATO’s forecast is based on a meticulous analysis of data from various sources, including past tourism trends, industry forecasts, consumer sentiment surveys, and even cutting-edge AI technology.
MATATO acknowledges potential risks that could affect the rosy outlook. A global economic downturn, rising travel costs, and political instability are factors to be monitored closely.
With its stunning natural beauty, luxurious offerings, and strategic initiatives, the islands are poised to welcome a record number of visitors, reaffirming its status as a dream destination for discerning travelers.
The Maldives has secured its place among the most sought-after “old money” destinations in the world, ranking an impressive fourth in a recent analysis conducted by SlotTracker.com. With over 12 million Instagram hashtags (12,777,931), the Maldives has emerged as a paradise for those seeking a luxurious and refined getaway.
Renowned for its exclusive resorts, pristine beaches, and private water villas, the Maldives offers an ideal setting for indulging in opulence and tranquillity. The timeless natural beauty of the archipelago, coupled with high-end accommodations and a variety of water-based activities, further adds to its allure, attracting discerning travelers in search of sophistication.
The concept of “old money” or “quiet luxury” has gained significant attention in recent times, with TikTok’s latest trend garnering over 2.5 billion views for the hashtag #oldmoneyaesthetic. This trend embodies a sense of understated elegance, free from overt displays of wealth, and draws inspiration from the refined style of celebrities like Sophia Richie and the hit TV show “Succession.”
Driven by curiosity about this trend, SlotTracker.com conducted a thorough analysis of more than 400 million Instagram hashtags to identify the destinations that epitomize refinement and elegance. From enchanting European cities to exotic havens in the Caribbean, their findings unveiled the most popular “old money” destinations worldwide, captivating travelers with unparalleled experiences of luxury and exclusivity.
The Maldives’ fourth-place ranking showcases the destination’s enduring appeal and its ability to deliver a quintessential “old money” experience. The abundance of Instagram hashtags dedicated to the Maldives indicates its popularity among influencers and travelers seeking to showcase their elegant retreats and experiences in this tropical paradise.
With its breathtaking turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and idyllic private villas perched above the ocean, the Maldives offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The luxurious resorts scattered across the archipelago cater to the most discerning guests, providing personalized services, gourmet dining, and world-class amenities.
Whether it’s indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, embarking on a romantic sunset cruise, or exploring the vibrant marine life through snorkeling or diving, the Maldives offers a range of activities that complement the serenity and sophistication of the destination.
As the Maldives continues to attract global attention as a premier “old money” destination, the local tourism industry is poised to benefit from the discerning travelers seeking luxurious experiences. The Maldivian government and tourism authorities can leverage this recognition to further enhance the destination’s offerings, promoting sustainable luxury tourism that preserves the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the islands.
The fourth-place ranking among the world’s most popular “old money” destinations reinforces the Maldives’ position as a leading luxury travel hotspot. Travelers from around the globe are enticed by the Maldives’ timeless charm, and the destination’s commitment to providing an extraordinary blend of tranquillity, sophistication, and exclusivity continues to set it apart in the world of luxury travel.
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