(TRAVPR.COM) UK - February 5th, 2013 - Single people who are looking for love should talk about their travel plans and show off their holiday snaps if they want to attract potential partners, according to a new survey carried out by Intrepid Travel.

The adventure tour operator’s poll of members from online dating site MySingleFriend.com found that eight in ten (79%) find a potential partner more attractive if their dating profile lists an interest in travel. 

Nine in ten of those surveyed (89%) said people with an interest in travel are more adventurous. Keen travellers were also thought to be curious about the world (84%), open-minded (75%) and cultured (68%), but one in five singles (19%) admitted they find an interest in travel attractive because it means their potential partner has money to spend on luxuries.

“Having shared interests is important for most relationships, so if you’re searching for a partner with a passion for seeing the world, make sure you mention your travel aspirations and show off some of your best holiday or travel photos to boost your chances of finding someone with similar interests,” said Sarah Beeny, TV personality and Founder of MySingleFriend.com. 

Most singles wait between two and six months before going away with a new partner, but over-35s are the most likely to take a trip within the first month of dating.

For men, the ideal first trip with a new partner involves getting off-the-beaten-track to explore a new culture, or getting active on a sailing, hiking or cycling holiday. Women would prefer to visit galleries, museums and monuments on a city break.

“With Valentine’s Day approaching, lots of people will be thinking about whisking their partner away for a romantic break, but if it’s the first time you’ve been away then you may want to choose the destination together,” said Nicola Frame from Intrepid Travel. “It might not sound as romantic, but at least it will appeal to both of you, plus you’re less likely to argue if it doesn’t all work out perfectly.

“For city sightseeing, cultural discovery and activity, try Marrakech with its exotic souks, relaxing hammams and the Atlas Mountains within easy reach. For long-haul, Thailand offers vibrant markets and temples, hiking in hilltribe villages and sailing around exotic islands,” she added. 

More than half the singles surveyed by Intrepid (56%) admitted they have had a holiday romance, with one in three continuing to see each other when they returned home. 

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Note to editors
Survey of 456 UK adults who have registered with online dating service MySingleFriend.com was carried out online from 27 December 2012 – 17 January 2013 on behalf of Intrepid Travel. Respondents were aged 25 – 65.

About Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel was set up by two friends in 1989, to help people get off the beaten track and under the skin of the places they travelled to. Today, it is one of the world's leading small group adventure companies and takes over 100,000 people to more than 100 countries every year. Intrepid's trips are designed to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation.

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