Travel trends are changing, and there’s a new face of “family travel” emerging: dual-income couples without children.
These couples are putting a new spin on modern lifestyles by veering away from traditional ideas of family holidays. Whether they’re child-free by choice or delaying parenthood, these couples are focused on creating experience-rich lives and investing in travel that reflects their personalities and freedom to explore the world on their terms.
In many cases, these subcultures are expanding, with these couples and their ‘fur children’ quickly becoming trendsetters for pet-friendly travel. Travel opportunities for this market are more diverse than ever, including luxury experiences and seamless pet-accommodating stays.
“Couples with a double income and without kids have the advantage of exploring difficult-to-reach destinations that would be practically impossible to consider when travelling with little ones – such as Patagonia treks – or embracing slower travel styles like digital nomadism since they’re not tethered by school calendars or parenting duties,” says Sue Garett, GM Supply, Pricing, and Marketing at Flight Centre South Africa.
“Couples free from rigid schedules can really get creative with their getaways – for example, designing their trips around the seasons – chasing cherry blossoms in Japan one year and Iceland’s midnight sun the next. The sky’s the limit!”
Feeling inspired? Here’s everything you need to know if you and your partner are looking to embrace your next note-worthy getaway, courtesy of Flight Centre’s Travel Experts.
Top international destinations for dual-income, child-free travellers
Does a lifestyle filled with limitless wanderlust sound appealing? Here are Flight Centre Travel Experts’ top picks for the perfect destinations:
- Greek Islands
- Why it’s perfect: Few destinations rival the allure of the Greek Islands. Santorini’s iconic caldera views offer dreamy sunsets, while Mykonos provides a party-all-day-and-night vibe with the chicest beach clubs. Explore the lesser-known islands of Naxos or Paros for quieter escapes spilling over with authentic Greek charm.
- Don’t miss: Wine-tasting in Santorini, cliffside dining in Oia, and boating between the Cycladic islands.
- Brazil
- Why it’s perfect: Brazil offers everything from lively cultural experiences like Rio Carnival to natural wonders like Iguazu Falls and the Amazon rainforest – it also happens to be one of the destinations with the largest increase in bookings (+51%), according to Flight Centre’s Year in Travel 2024 report.
- Don’t miss: Samba dancing in Lapa, sipping caipirinhas on Copacabana Beach, and taking a boat tour to explore the otherworldly Parnaíba Delta.
- Reunion Island
- Why it’s perfect: Reunion, located just a short flight away, is where couples can hike volcanoes, swim under picturesque waterfalls, and discover unspoiled black-sand beaches – a must for experience-driven travellers.
- Don’t miss: Trekking the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, soaking in the natural pools of Salazie, and heli-flipping over the rugged Cirque de Mafate.
- Italy
- Why it’s perfect: Italy is tailor-made for romance – and it also offers so much more for couples willing to go beyond the usual tourist hotspots. Think barrelling through Tuscany’s countryside, exploring the breathtaking Dolomites, or immersing yourself in history-rich yet crowd-free towns like Matera.
- Don’t miss: Sunrise hikes in Cinque Terre and truffle hunting in Umbria.
- Turkey
- Why it’s perfect: Turkey’s excellent for travellers looking to stretch their rand even further, so feel free to splurge on boutique stays or guided tours without breaking the bank. Couples can enjoy hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia’s fairytale landscapes, roam the ancient ruins of Ephesus, or relax in Pamukkale’s Travertine thermal pools.
- Don’t miss: Sailing along the turquoise coast of Fethiye and uncovering hidden villages like Sirince.
Top local destinations for couples travelling with their pets
South Africa offers plenty of pet-friendly escapes for couples with fur children. Here are Flight Centre’s top picks:
- Drakensberg – Little Switzerland
- Why it’s great: The Drakensberg is heaven for the outdoorsy. There’s nothing better than hiking scenic trails and then cosying up in a pet-friendly chalet at Little Switzerland.
- Pet policy need-to-knows:
- Maximum two small to medium dogs (<15kg) per unit.
- Pets are not allowed in public areas (restaurants, pools, etc.) and must always be leashed.
- R100 per pet, per day surcharge applies.
- Umhlanga – The Oyster Box
- Why it’s great: This luxurious seaside hotel is as welcoming to pets as it is to their owners, with thoughtful amenities like dog-friendly menus and pet beds. It’s wonderful for couples who want a pampered experience for both themselves and their furry companions.
- Unique touch: If you don’t bring your own pet, their resident cat, Skabenga, is ready to cuddle up with you.
- Cape Town – The President Hotel
- Why it’s great: Cape Town has plenty to offer pets and their owners, from walks along Sea Point Promenade to mountain hikes. The President Hotel complements this with a pet-friendly stay that includes doggy beds, bowls, and even special menus.
- Top tip: Inform the reservations team in advance to ensure arrangements for your pooch.
Ultimately, dual-income, child-free couples are redefining what it means to create meaningful, experience-rich memories.
Garrett sums it up:
“These travellers represent a significant segment of modern travelling couples. With greater freedom and willingness to spend, their demand for stand-out, high-quality experiences drives the evolution of how destinations and accommodations cater to them. It’s never been a better time to embrace a truly personalised way of seeing the world.”
So, whether you’re chasing sunsets in the Greek Islands or hiking in the Drakensberg with your pup in tow, there are many worthy destinations ideal for your next great escape.