I’m a travel agent – there’s one country I send people to for love | Travel News | Travel
A veteran travel agent swears by one particular destination when it comes to helping her customers find love.
After 31 years behind the desk at TUI’s Penarth store, Hannah Sterling has become something of an expert in matching destinations to life moments. And when it comes to clients experiencing relationship changes, whether that’s a first trip as a couple or a newly single traveller taking their first solo break, she has one destination she recommends time and time again.
“Thailand,” says Hannah simply. “It works for everyone, but especially for people going through relationship changes. I’ve seen it work magic for hundreds of my customers over the years.”
New research from TUI found that 64% of Brits would book a holiday to celebrate a major life moment, with relationship changes often being a driving factor. Engagements and weddings topped the list of reasons to book a getaway (19%), while a surprising 8% said they’d celebrate newfound singleness by booking a ‘divorce-moon’.
“The beauty of Thailand is that it offers exactly what both groups need, just in different ways,” explains Hannah. “For newly singles, it’s the perfect solo travel training ground. For couples who’ve lost their spark, it forces them to reflect and reconnect.”
Do you have a romantic travel story to share? We’d love to hear from you. Email webtravel@reachplc.com
TUI passenger numbers to Thailand have increased by over 30% for this winter, making it one of TUI’s top booked long-haul destinations in 2025. The holiday provider is planning to further increase capacity for 2026.
“Thailand has this magical ability to make you slow down,” Hannah adds. “The moment you arrive, you feel the pace shift. For couples stuck in the rat race – rushing to work, managing kids, staring at screens – Thailand forces you to be present. You’re sitting on a beach, sharing a meal, watching the sunset. Suddenly you’re actually talking to each other again.
“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.
“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. Whether it’s a couple reconnecting or a newly single person rediscovering themselves, Thailand gives you the space to do it.”
TUI offers the following Thailand trips:
Seven-night trips to Khao Lak, Thailand staying at the 4T TUI BLUE Mai Khao Lak on a bed and breakfast basis from £1515 per person. Price is based on one adult staying in a Premium Double Room with Pool View and Balcony, with direct TUI Airways flights departing from London Gatwick Airport on 3rd February 2026. Includes transfers and 25kg luggage per person. For more details or to book, visit tui.co.uk, stop by your local TUI holiday store, or download our app.
Seven-night trips to Phuket, Thailand staying at the 4T+ Cape Sienna Phuket Gourmet Hotel & Villas on a bed and breakfast basis from £1210 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Double Room with Sea View and Balcony with direct TUI Airways flights departing from London Gatwick Airport on 3rd February 2026. Includes transfers and 20kg luggage per person. For more details or to book, visit tui.co.uk, stop by your local TUI holiday store, or download our app.
Seven-night trips to Phuket, Thailand staying at the 4T The Marina Phuket Hotel on a room only basis from £1017 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Double Room with direct TUI Airways flights departing from Manchester Airport on 5th February 2026. Includes transfers and 20kg luggage per person. For more details or to book, visit tui.co.uk, stop by your local TUI holiday store, or download our app.
Seven-night trips to Phuket, Thailand staying at the 4T Nipa Resort on a room only basis from £1326 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Double or Twin Room with indirect Turkish Airlines flights departing from Edinburgh Airport on 9th February 2026. Includes transfers and 20kg luggage per person. For more details or to book, visit tui.co.uk, stop by your local TUI holiday store, or download our app.
