Choosing the right travel companion can make or break a vacation. For Spanish travelers, the decision is clear: most prefer to explore the world hand in hand with their romantic partner. According to a recent survey commissioned by eDreams, 62% of Spaniards rank their significant other as the ideal person to travel with—above friends, family, or even going solo.
The study, which gathered responses from 9,000 participants across several countries, including 1,000 in Spain, reveals the deep emotional and practical considerations that influence how people choose who to bring along on their journeys. And while traveling with a loved one seems idyllic, the data also shows that sharing an itinerary isn’t always smooth sailing—especially when it comes to money.
Love Leads the Way, But Generational Differences Remain
Among Spanish respondents, partners topped the list of preferred travel companions, followed closely by family (51%) and friends (29%). Only 10% opted to travel alone. Interestingly, the data revealed generational nuances: younger travelers aged 18 to 24 leaned more toward traveling with friends (49%) than with a partner (40%), though family still remained their top choice (53%).
Gender also played a role. While 64% of men preferred traveling with their partner, the number dropped slightly for women (60%), who showed greater interest in family trips (54%) and vacations with friends (32%).
On the flip side, the least desirable travel companion? The boss. A solid 37% of Spanish respondents said they would rather not vacation with their superior. Other unpopular choices included an ex-partner (30%), in-laws (22%), and even children (11%). Surprisingly, 7% listed their current partner as someone they wouldn’t want to travel with—a reminder that proximity doesn’t always equal compatibility on the road.
Harmony Over Adventure: Similarity and Flexibility Matter
Compatibility is key for a stress-free journey. A remarkable 75% of Spanish travelers prefer companions who are either similar to them (41%) or adaptable to their travel style (34%). Only 21% welcome someone different who might push them out of their comfort zone—though Spaniards were more open to this than most other nationalities surveyed.
When asked who they’d want by their side on a deserted island, most Spaniards opted for someone with survival skills (55%), followed by a problem-solver (16%) and an attractive individual (15%). Women favored survival abilities (61%) more than men (46%), who, in turn, placed more value on attractiveness (20% vs 10%).
Money, Schedules, and Sleep: What Causes Travel Drama?
Romantic getaways might be popular, but they’re not without their challenges. Over half of Spanish travelers (58%) reported having at least one argument during a trip. While most reconciled during the vacation (34%) or continued the journey despite the tension (22%), a small fraction (3%) admitted to canceling trips entirely due to disputes.
Budget disagreements topped the list of travel conflicts, with 27% citing money and expense sharing as the primary cause of friction. This was closely followed by disagreements over planning activities (26%) and exhaustion or stress (16%). Other triggers included accommodation choices (13%) and picking restaurants (10%).
Age appeared to play a role in conflict and reconciliation. Among respondents aged 18 to 24, 47% had clashed with a travel partner but managed to patch things up afterward. The 25 to 34 age group followed closely at 43%. Additionally, 1 in 5 Spaniards said a trip had ended—or at least deeply impacted—a long-term relationship.
How Spain Compares Internationally
Compared to their European neighbors and Americans, Spaniards showed a stronger preference for familiar and emotionally comfortable travel companions. Only 10% preferred traveling solo, far below the 15% of Germans and 14% of Americans who chose solitude. Cultural differences also shaped who respondents avoided traveling with: 48% of Portuguese and 45% of Germans, for example, were especially against vacationing with their boss, while 15% of Italians weren’t keen on traveling with their own family.
On the topic of planning friction, 32% of French respondents said budgeting was their main source of conflict—higher than any other nationality in the study. Italians and Germans were more likely to disagree over itineraries, with 31% from each group citing that as their number-one issue.
Ultimately, travel is as much about who you go with as where you go. And while the dream of the perfect getaway still lives strong among Spaniards, this new data from eDreams serves as a gentle reminder: love may get you on the plane, but clear communication and a shared budget might be what gets you home happy.
