Agoda study reveals couples’ favorite vacation spots

MANILA, Philippines – Agoda, one of the world’s leading accommodation sites and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq:PCLN), recently announced the results of its latest Travel Smart survey, which showed the destinations most favored by couples.

The study looked at millions of bookings and reviews on Agoda made by couples and singles. Customers on Agoda were asked to rate their vacation destination after their stay, on a scale of 1-10.

It also considered destinations with more than 30,000 reviews where the overall ratings have been rounded up.

Bruges, Belgium topped the global list of destinations with an 8.8 score, the highest overall rating. This medieval town looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale, so it’s no surprise that it was so popular with couples.

Verona, legendary home of literature’s most famous star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, came in a close second with an 8.7 score. Hoi An, Vietnam, another charming town steeped in history, came in third with 8.6 score. 

One thing most destinations on the list have in common is that they are smaller cities and have significant cultural attractions to draw in visitors. Many of which are also historic centers filled with architectural beauty.

“Famous destinations, such as Paris and London, tend to draw in more visitors,” said John Brown, Agoda’s chief operating officer. “But experienced travelers know that the types of destinations on this list can often offer an even deeper travel experience and more opportunities to connect to the culture. Take Vilnius for example, it's one of Europe's most charming cities, but it still feels like an undiscovered gem.”

It wasn’t only couples who favored these destinations. Solo travelers, too, ranked them highly. Their top 10 list was almost identical except that it included Crete, Greece and not Krakow, Poland.