A NEW survey has found that of the characteristics Australians find most attractive in a potential date, being a traveller is at the top.
The survey, for travel agency Intrepid, asked more than 880 singles on an Australian dating website what they looked for in a potential mate.
More than half of those polled said being a traveller was the most attractive trait.
“The attitudes of singles show that a by-product of travel is that it adds to your sex appeal,” said Intrepid spokeswoman Jo Stewart.
“Travellers are generally considered curious about the world, open-minded and adventurous – all of which are attractive qualities.”
Daring travellers were said to be the most alluring, with 23 per cent of respondents nominating adventure seekers as the most attractive, followed closely by the off-the-beaten track traveller and the cultural connoisseur.
Almost all who were surveyed (96 per cent) said they were looking for someone who shared their passion for seeing the world.
“We know that when looking for a partner, shared interests and lifestyle goals are very important,” said Melanie Dudgeon, spokeswoman for dating website RSVP.
“Many singles hope to travel and explore the world with a partner and this is why a common interest in travel is important to such a large majority. Our ‘travel bug’ group is one of RSVP’s largest as it helps 25,000 like-minded travel lovers connect online.”
Almost half of singles surveyed admitted to having had a holiday romance and 72% of respondents said they think about the possibility of meeting someone special when they go travelling.
When asked to choose from a list of ultimate travel first dates, a picnic in Tuscany ranked highest with a classic day of sightseeing in Paris the second choice.
Are ‘travellers’ top of your dating wish-list? And what’s your ‘ultimate travel first date’? Tell us below: