Romance 'surprising' unwary travellers

Three-quarters of travellers have experienced a holiday romance in some shape or form, according to new research.

This compares with the statistic that just 59 per cent of holidaymakers claim to expect a romance while away, the study by HostelBookers.com revealed.

About 13 per cent of the travellers surveyed have had a serious romance on a holiday, while almost two-thirds of those who had some form of relationship said they had a short fling - despite just half expecting to encounter such a romance.

"Travelling the world can be a very liberating experience; these figures demonstrate that attitudes and expectations can change dramatically whilst away," commented David Smith, general manager of HostelBookers.com.

Last year, research from Saga Travel Insurance found that almost 10.5 million Britons have had a holiday romance, with teenage travellers the most likely to get involved with someone else while away.