A travel agent with more than three decades of experience has shared her definitive destination for British holidaymakers looking for love or healing a broken heart.
The Veteran's Verdict on Romantic Travel
Hannah Starling, who has worked at the TUI branch in Penarth for an impressive 31 years, has become an expert at matching life's pivotal moments with the perfect getaway. Her speciality is advising clients during relationship transitions, whether they are newly single and embarking on a first solo trip or couples hoping to reconnect.
"Thailand," Hannah states unequivocally. "It works for everyone, but especially for people going through relationship changes. I've seen it work wonders for hundreds of my customers over the years."
Her recommendation is backed by fresh research from the travel giant TUI, which found that 64% of Brits would book a holiday to mark a major life event. Relationship milestones are a key driver, with engagements and weddings being the most common reason (19%). Interestingly, 8% said they would celebrate newfound freedom by booking a so-called 'divorce-moon'.
Why Thailand Works for Both Singles and Couples
"The beauty of Thailand is that it caters perfectly to both groups, just in different ways," Hannah explains. "For newly singles, it's the ideal place to dip your toes into solo travelling. For couples who've lost their spark, it encourages them to reflect and reconnect."
She describes the country's unique atmosphere, saying it has a "magical ability to make you slow down." Hannah notes that for couples trapped in the daily grind—juggling work, children, and screens—Thailand forces a different pace. "You're sitting on a beach, sharing a meal, watching the sunset. Suddenly you're actually talking to each other again."
For those travelling alone after a split, she adds: "It gives you time to think, to process, to just be with yourself without the chaos of daily life. I've had customers tell me that sitting on a Thai beach was the first time they'd felt calm since their break-up."
Soaring Popularity and Holiday Options
Demand for trips to Thailand is clearly rising. TUI has reported a surge in passenger numbers to the destination, with an increase of over 30% for the winter season, cementing its place as one of the operator's most popular long-haul spots for 2025. The company plans to increase capacity further in 2026.
Hannah summarises the appeal: "Thailand offers the perfect combination of comfort and adventure. It's safe, it's welcoming, but it's also completely different from daily life in the UK."
TUI currently offers several package holidays to Thailand, including:
- A seven-night stay in Khao Lak at the 4T TUI BLUE Mai Khao Lak on a bed and breakfast basis from £1515 per person, flying from London Gatwick on 3rd February 2026.
- A seven-night trip to Phuket at the 4T+ Cape Sienna Phuket Gourmet Hotel & Villas from £1210 per person (based on two sharing), also departing from Gatwick on 3rd February 2026.
- More affordable options from Manchester and Edinburgh airports are also available, with prices starting from £1017 per person.
All packages include flights, transfers, and luggage allowances. Full details can be found on the TUI website, in-store, or via their app.
