NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fall is almost here, but before you call it quits on your summer fling, Booking.com has one more trip in mind: a “Turbulence Test.”
With 69% of travelers saying they’d take a trip to test their relationship compatibility, Booking.com is collaborating with 9 partner hotels across the U.S. to offer experiences that reveal how well companions handle the moments that can make – or break – a trip. Think conversation starters, custom games to uncover travel “icks,” blind taste challenges, and more, customized by each property for limited-time stays beginning September 14, 2026 (see the full list below).
To shape the Turbulence Test stays, Booking.com commissioned new research to reveal the top travel “icks” among American travelers. The company also partnered with Dr. Jess Carbino, a relationship expert and renowned sociologist known for her work with popular dating apps, to unpack the findings and explore what they reveal about compatibility on the road.
When travel reveals the truth about a relationship
One-third (32%) of U.S. travelers say travel compatibility is extremely important for a relationship. The numbers suggest they may be onto something: more than one-third (35%) say they have discovered a companion was incompatible with them after a trip, nearly 3 in 10 (28%) have considered ending a relationship or friendship because of a trip, and more than a fifth (21%) have left a trip early because of a bad travel partner.
“Travel can help reveal aspects of what we desire from and how we function in relationships,” says relationship expert Dr. Jess Carbino. “It forces you to confront who you actually are, what you value, and whether the people you’re with align with that. It’s like relationship acceleration —- months of everyday tension show up in days.”
Money: The conversation most travelers aren’t having before they book
Money kills more travel relationships than anything else. Nearly 6 in 10 travelers (58%) would hesitate to travel again with someone who expects everyone else to pay, and 42% of travelers say that someone booking surprise upgrades or activities causes the most tension. The tension doesn’t stop there: two in 5 travelers (39%) would second guess traveling again with people who won’t spend money on experiences, and more than 1 in 3 (37%) hate constant price negotiations.
“Money conflicts during travel aren’t really about the money,” Dr. Carbino says. “They’re about respect. When someone refuses to contribute or splurges without thinking about their travel partner, they’re signaling something deeper—they lack a sense of boundaries and may not respect yours.”
Icks while on the trip: Plane etiquette and mattress mishaps
Nearly all U.S. travelers (94%) say they have at least one in-flight pet peeve. Being rude to airport employees or flight attendants tops the list (53%). Playing videos without headphones (42%) and bringing strong-smelling food on board (38%) follow closely. Seat preference adds another layer: Men are more annoyed by sitting separately on a flight (22% vs. 15% of women). In fact, 26% of women say it’s no problem at all. Yet in a finding that may surprise even frequent flyers, nearly three-quarters (73%) of travelers are unbothered by a companion who goes barefoot during a flight.
The annoyances don’t stop once you touch down, either. When it comes to hotel habits, a partner who refuses to check the mattress for bed bugs is a travel turnoff for nearly half of travelers (45%). This is true for 60% of women vs. 40% of men. On the road, leaving trash in the car (50%) edges out reckless driving (49%) as the most annoying road trip behavior. This near-tie speaks volumes about how travelers weigh cleanliness.
Generational divide: Millennials holding grudges and Boomers craving quiet
Millennial travelers emerge as the most emotionally reactive generation in the data. When itinerary disputes arise, 16% of Millennials admit that even if they surrender, someone will quietly hold a grudge, compared with 10% of Gen X and older. Furthermore, Millennials are more likely than other generations to leave a trip early because of a bad travel partner (26%).
“There’s a difference between compromising and pretending to compromise,” Dr. Carbino explains. “Millennials tend to suppress their feelings rather than work through disagreements, which just builds resentment. It’s less about whether they can compromise and more about whether they actually will.”
The biggest travel “icks” also differ across generations. Boomers are especially likely to be annoyed by a companion who blasts the music volume (53%) and is tardy (49%). 25% of Millennials say the social butterfly who wants to talk to everyone would be one of the hardest to travel with. On the other hand, Gen Z is especially likely to say that “taking too many photos” is forgivable (30%).
These differences show that compatibility is not about agreeing on everything. It’s about understanding what matters most to the person beside you and finding ways to enjoy the journey together. With flights, stays, rental cars and experiences in one place, Booking.com helps travelers plan the full trip – including the moments that take you from turbulence to a smooth ride.
The stays: Where to take the Turbulence Test
To help travelers navigate the make-or-break moments of travel, participating properties are offering an exclusive, limited-time package on Booking.com that comes with a physical Booking.com Turbulence Test Kit. Partners will challenge each other with a travel-themed conversation deck, “Would You Rather?” dilemmas, “Red Flag / Green Flag” speed rounds, and a blindfold for taste tests, before wrapping up with a survey to get their official compatibility verdict. Paired with property-specific additions like resort credits or local excursions, it’s the ultimate way to see if you’re truly travel-compatible.
New York:
Lotte Hotel New York: This polished 4.5 star midtown hotel is offering a package inclusive of $200 F+B credits.Nova Hotel Brooklyn : A contemporary boutique hotel in the heart of Brooklyn gives guests the beloved hotel amenity of late check-out.
California:
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco: The nautical theme at this Fisherman’s Wharf District hotel sets the scene for a playful stay, with Skywheel Tickets, late check-out and an all-time favorite S’mores kit to be enjoyed in their courtyard.
Nevada:
Circa Resort & Casino – Adults Only: On Fremont Street, this adults-only Vegas resort is offering a package that includes a $50 beverage credit, complimentary 1-hour late check-out and a Legacy Club glass of champagne, among other extras.
Florida:
Westgate Resorts: Perfect for amusement park fans, this centrally located Orlando hotel is providing 2 tickets to onsite Treasure Island Water Park, a $50 resort credit, 2 bicycle rentals and complimentary mini-golf.The Elser Hotel: In downtown Miami, this stylish hotel pairs city and bay views with a range of amenities and a “305 Challenge” – a Miami-themed couples game where you divide up vacation decisions across the stay: one picks the pool spot, the other picks the drinks; one chooses the restaurants, the other books the reservation time.Legacy Vacation Resorts Kissimmee: Four outdoor pools give guests plenty of space to unwind, while customized compatibility challenges and a Make Your Own Cocktail amenity add something a little different to the stay.Legacy Vacation Resorts Lake Buena Vista + The Fold Orlando: Located just a few miles from Disney and Sea World, partners can enjoy their Make Your Own Mocktail kit between park hopping.
To explore more of Booking.com’s research into relationship dynamics, money habits, and hidden travel pet peeves, visit the Booking.com Newsroom for a deeper look at the findings and full data set: https://news.booking.com/the-turbulence-test-what-travel-really-reveals-about-your-relationships/
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Methodology: Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 2,010 from the US). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.
Turbulence Test research commissioned by Booking.com surveyed 1,253 individuals 18 or older, living in the U.S. and having taken an overnight trip within the last 12 months. The survey was fielded using Forsta and the panel was sourced from RepData. Fielding took place in July 2026.
About Booking.com: Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit globalnews.booking.com.
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SOURCE Booking.com
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