International Flirting Trends

A recent HolidayCheck survey demonstrates that the British, French, Germans and Italians flirt in different ways and have distinct preferences with regard to the locations they choose to flirt in.

Italians view the poolside or the beach as a place for flirty interaction. 36.8% of those questioned like to flirt on the beach. 24.7% of French holidaymakers questioned expressed a similar preference for flirting at the water's edge. The corresponding figure for the Germans was 29.2%. By contrast the water seems to douse the amorous instincts of the English since only 23.9% of those asked would 'take the plunge' and risk a little poolside flirting.

When hotels and resorts lay on entertainment, the inclination of guests to get flirty rises accordingly. Particularly those activities where guests are separated in small groups (anyone for tennis?) offer rich pickings: this suggests people are more prepared to take a risk when there are fewer people around to see them slip up. For the French these organised activities are ranked very highly on the flirt-scale (30.4%). The corresponding figures for the Italians, English and Germans are 26.4%, 13% and 11.4% respectively.

The survey suggests that many holidaymakers are up for more than sightseeing on a guided tour. The coach environment and the potential for pairs being thrown together randomly due to seating arrangements mean that 15.2% of those French subjects questioned saw such occasions as ripe flirting opportunities. 14.9 % of the Italians had a similar point of view. Amongst the Germans, 12.6% would not be adverse to a bit of 'flirten'. The English are stubbornly resistant to the romantic possibilities of the coach excursion. A mere 8.7% of UK residents approached expressed interest in the idea. More susceptible to travel than love sickness perhaps?

By way of contrast, the club scene is a happier hunting ground for the English. 28.4% of her Majesty's subjects approached in our survey were interested not only in throwing some shapes on the floor but also in pulling (or trying to pull). However, the Germans are most likely to put aside their teutonic reserve here; 34.7% of them indicated their readiness to flirt in the disco. The French also proved willing (25.3%) but here the Italians are out of step with a paltry 12.6%.

An advantage of engaging in flirtatious behaviour on an aeroplane is that the object of your affections cannot escape. The English have seized upon this with enthusiasm and 26.1% of those surveyed were quite prepared to give it a go. At least they're not wasting any time getting into the holiday spirit. The corresponding figures for Germany (12.1%), Italy (9.6%) and France (4.4%) suggest they all need a bit more time to loosen up.

Have a look at our photos and videos to see if the statistics really don't lie! For more hints and tips on travel, have a look at holidaycheck.co.uk

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