A new survey by easyJet Holidays has revealed that 81% of British parents believe their romantic spark has fizzled due to the demands of parenting, with only 20% regularly enjoying date nights with their partners. In response, easyJet Holidays has launched a new package to help exhausted parents reconnect, featuring spa treatments, romantic dinners, and champagne on arrival.
The survey, which polled 1,750 parents, highlights the challenges couples face when trying to balance parenting with their relationships. Lack of sleep, household chores, and the constant demands of entertaining children emerged as the top ‘passion killers,’ with many parents admitting they have little energy left for romance. Of those surveyed, 43% identified sleep deprivation as the leading issue, while 40% cited the struggle of balancing work and home life.
To help parents rediscover their romance, easyJet Holidays 2025 has introduced the ‘Rekindle the Romance’ package, offering couples a break from their daily routine.
As part of this project, the travel company has teamed up with celebrity couple Martin and Shirlie Kemp, who have been married for over 36 years. The Kemps, both former members of iconic bands Spandau Ballet and Wham!, have released a light-hearted instructional video, sharing tips on how couples can keep the romance alive.
Martin Kemp touched on how easy it is to let romance fade: “When you’re juggling adult children constantly calling for advice, after-school activities, and endless housework, it’s easy for the romance to disappear.” Shirlie added, “We’ve always made time for each other by going on multiple trips every year, so we’re excited to partner with easyJet Holidays to share our experience in keeping the spark alive.”
While almost all parents (91%) agree that “couple time” is essential, more than 60% feel guilty for wanting it, the survey found. Despite these challenges, there’s hope: two-thirds of parents (62%) plan to book a quality mini-break with their partner, with holidays seen as a key time for rekindling romance. In fact, nearly half of couples (49%) said they feel like the best versions of themselves on holiday, while 48% reported enjoying more meals together and 40% holding hands more often during these trips.
Paul Bixby, Chief Commercial Officer at easyJet Holidays, commented: “Parents often prioritise their children, which can leave little time for their relationships. Our new Autumn getaways offer couples the chance to reconnect, unwind, and focus on each other without the distractions of everyday life.”
For parents seeking a romantic break, Sorrento in Italy topped the list of destinations, followed by Santorini, Nice, Madeira, and the Algarve. Despite the allure of these destinations, over a quarter of parents (27%) said difficulty choosing the right location often stops them from booking a trip.
The ‘Rekindle the Romance’ package and Martin and Shirlie Kemp’s relationship tips are now available on easyJet’s website, offering parents a chance to rediscover their romantic spark this autumn.
Top 10 Passion Killers for Parents
- Lack of sleep (43%)
- Work/life balance (40%)
- Housework (33%)
- Entertaining children (27%)
- Meal planning and prep (24%)
- Work hours (23%)
- Messy home (23%)
- Children sleeping in bed (23%)
- Keeping up with housework (20%)
- DIY jobs (20%)
Watch Martin and Shirlie’s top tips for romance and find out more information on the Rekindling the Romance package.
