Celebrating the Separation

Australians are no longer wallowing over a relationship break up, but taking charge of their new and independent lives by celebrating with a group holiday

New research conducted by Booking.com shows that more people are taking group holidays post break-up. In fact, 1 in 10 Aussies identified a separation holiday as their most recent or next upcoming trip*.

Booking.com has discovered that Australians are taking these trips to signal a new beginning (67%), to let go of their old life (47%) and to enjoy the benefits of being single again (36%). Naturally, any element of the ‘ex factor’ is strictly forbidden, with more than half of Australians (52%) agreeing that any mutual friends of the ex-partner are off the guest list*.

Booking.com Australia spokesperson Jaime De Silva says, “In 2017, we expect to see this new trend of separation trips pick up with more and more people treating group holidays as a way of celebrating key milestones in their lives.

“The research tells us that a separation celebration has some specific requirements to get the trip in full swing. Things like accommodation that’s big enough for the whole group to have fun, but still has room to enjoy personal space for those inevitable reflection moments. A great outdoor space and pool are also an added bonus.”

Booking.com has more than one million accommodation listings globally meaning there’s something for everyone.

To help those who are ready to kick off a new chapter, Booking.com has compiled a list of their top 5 picks across Australia for the perfect separation holiday.

Anchors Beach House – Port Campbell VIC

Singles will be wooed by the quirk and charm of this property. Located in the heart of Port Campbell, this holiday home offers guests a wide balcony perfect for entertaining large groups, with close proximity to the beach and stunning views of its surroundings. Research showed that 34% of people on separation holidays look to partake in adventure activities, and Anchors Beach House is just 600m from Port Campbell National Park where visitors can explore the magic of the famous Twelve Apostles whilst embracing single life.

Crusoe's Beach House Ocean Views – Airlie Beach QLD

Research showed that 40% of people on post break up holidays want an accommodation option that is big enough for a large group of friends. This beautiful detached holiday home in Airlie Beach is ideal. Sleeping eight, it has stunning views of the water from vantage points all over the home. The secluded balcony, pool and large outdoor dining area is set amongst bushy greenery, creating a relaxing and decadent experience - the perfect place to start a new beginning.

Vantage over Byron – Byron Bay NSW

This bungalow is perfect for the newly single to chill out and unwind in gorgeous Byron Bay. Guests are able to relax into balmy Byron evenings spent on the deck taking in the sweeping views over the hinterlands or Pacific Ocean. 81% of people on separation holidays are most likely look forward to meals out, and Byron Bay is surrounded by a plethora of buzzing restaurants. Booking.com would recommend trying Balcony Bar where guests are able to enjoy a delicious meal and sip on some of the best cocktails in town!

Dragonfly Lodge – Swansea TAS

9 in 10 (91%) of those on post-separation group holidays choose to mark the event with an escape as a means of moving forward, and Dragonfly lodge is the perfect place to start. Surrounded by restaurants, walking tracks and beautiful ocean, this secluded beachside getaway is the ideal base to start a new journey. 32% of people on separation holidays have identified wine tasting as an ideal activity, and Tasmania has been classified as the wine capital of Australia. Near by sits Gala Estate Winery, where guests can enjoy an award winning Pinot Noir whilst reclaiming a their single status in style.

Jamaica Beach House – Port Douglas QLD7 in 10 (71%) of those on a separation holiday look for some alone time on their group holiday. Just metres from Four Mile Beach, this five bedroom, 2-story beach house offers plenty of space. Guests can relax on the large deck that boasts tropical views, retreat to the stunning swimming pool or read a book in one of the two living areas. Jamaica Beach House is also 500m from the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, where guests can immerse themselves in nature whilst rediscovering their single years.

Ends.

Notes to editors

*Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted by Lonergan Research among 1,069 Australians (18+) who have been on a group holiday to celebrate an event in the past or are planning to in the next two years (September 2016).

About Booking.com:

Booking.com is the world leader in booking hotel and other accommodations online. It guarantees the best prices for any type of property – from small independents to five-star luxury. Guests can access the Booking.com website anytime, anywhere from their desktops, mobile phones and tablet devices, and they don’t pay booking fees – ever. The Booking.com website is available in 42 languages, offers over 1M hotels and accommodations including 498,000 vacation rental properties and covers over 94,000 destinations in 224 countries and territories worldwide. It features over 100M reviews written by guests after their stay, and attracts online visitors from both leisure and business markets around the globe. With over 19 years of experience and a team of over 11,000 dedicated employees in 176 offices worldwide, Booking.com operates its own in-house customer service team, which is available 24/7 to assist guests in their native languages and ensure an exceptional customer experience.

Established in 1996, Booking.com B.V. owns and operates Booking.com™, and is part of The Priceline Group (NASDAQ: PCLN). Follow us on Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest, like us on Facebook, or learn more at http://www.booking.com.