Couples vacations and romantic passion and intimacy

• Published in: Annals of tourism research empirical insights Vol. 5; no. 1; p. 100121
• Main Authors: Coffey, John K., Shahvali, Moji, Kerstetter, Deborah, Aron, Arthur
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Dyadic design; Intimacy; Leisure vacations; Relationship satisfaction; Romantic passion; Self-expansion; Relationship satisfaction; Leisure vacations; Self-expansion; Romantic passion; Intimacy; Dyadic design
• ISSN: 2666-9579; 2666-9579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.annale.2024.100121

Despite limited empirical support, vacations are marketed as beneficial for romantic partners. Using the self-expansion model as a foundation, we tested how self-expanding (e.g., novel, interesting, challenging) vacation experiences are associated with passion, physical intimacy, and relationship satisfaction. Study 1 (n = 238 partners) found that higher individual self-expanding experiences on vacations predicted higher post-vacation romantic passion and relationship satisfaction for couples traveling with their partners, but not those that did not travel together. Study 2 examined 102 romantic dyads that traveled together and found that higher self-expanding experiences on vacations predicted more post-vacation physical intimacy. Our findings advance self-expansion research and provide evidence for the tourism industry to design and promote self-expanding vacation experiences for couples seeking improved relationships and meaningful vacations. •One to two extended leisure vacations a year help maintain romantic relationships.•Self-expansion on vacations is linked to romantic passion and relationship satisfaction.•Couples with more novel experiences report more physical intimacy post-vacation.•Vacations are a methodological extension of the self-expansion model.