Research from Just You has revealed that 59% of British travellers admit to arguing with a partner while on holiday.But for over one in ten, a holiday is just not a holiday without a good
old-fashioned barney - 12% admit to always arguing while away.

And the bickering can start months before departure, a fifth of women (20%)
have disagreed on the choice of holiday destination with their partner.
It’s no wonder that nearly a third of women (31%) are now saying they would
like to holiday alone.

Often couples who are having problems use a summer holiday as a last ditch
attempt to save the relationship, when in fact taking a short break away
from each other for ‘me’ rather than ‘we’ time can be more beneficial.
Jetting off to your dream destination provides the chance to relax,
recharge and reflect away from the pressures and demands of everyday life.

Relate counsellor & relationship psychotherapist Paula Hall comments:
“Holidays don’t cause relationship problems, they simply draw attention to
existing difficulties. When couples take time out from their usual routines
any problems come under the spotlight”.

According to relationship support organisation Relate, they see a
significant upturn in calls during the month of September from couples
dealing with post-holiday issues. Take Jennifer Anniston and Brad Pitt for
example, their widely documented final holiday together was followed by the
announcement of their separation in the days that followed.

Paula Hall continues: “When things are going wrong in your relationship
it’s really important to spend time alone looking after your own physical
and emotional needs. Getting away by yourself opens up vital space to focus
on your thoughts and your feelings. It means you’re not getting drawn into
reacting to what your partner’s saying or worrying about triggering another
argument.  You can also start reflecting on what’s gone wrong in the past
and what you want to change about your relationship in the future.”

And holidays are changing, it?s not just that women want to be alone, they
are craving more adventurous and different experiences. For a third of all
women, exploring and experiencing new cultures is the most important aspect
of a holiday. Another 10% consider memorable or eye opening encounters as
their number one priority.

Jenni Trent Hughes, Counsellor and Relationship Expert offers this advice
to women who might be reluctant to take the plunge and go away on their
own. “Holidays alone needn’t be daunting, I went on my first trip alone
when I was 23 and have never looked back. Travelling alone is one of life’s
secret pleasures and for women it is even more of a treasure. The idea of
having a few guilt free days to have time out to relax and reflect is good
for the soul.”
——-