Travel agent with 31 years’ experience reveals her go-to destination for travellers navigating relationship changes | TUI Group

• Hannah Sterling from TUI Penarth shares why Thailand consistently delivers for customers navigating relationship changes.

“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.”

“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 slow down and reconnect.”

For travellers navigating new life stages Hannah’s advice is clear: “Don’t underestimate the power of Thailand for relationship transitions. It’s not just a beach destination – it’s a place that genuinely changes people. The slower pace, the stunning beaches, the incredible food – it all comes together to create something transformational. I’ve seen it happen hundreds of times.”

It’s clear that holidaymakers agree: TUI reports passenger numbers to Thailand are up by over 30% for this winter, making it one of the top booked long-haul destinations in 2025 – with even more increased capacity for 2026.

For couples, Hannah recommends the quieter islands: “Somewhere like Koh Lanta or Koh Yao Noi, where it’s just you, the sand, and the turquoise water. I’ve booked couples into beachfront bungalows where they can walk straight onto the sand. They spend their days snorkelling together, taking long walks, watching the sunset with a cocktail. It’s simple, but it’s those simple moments that bring couples back together.”

“I always encourage couples to try something new together while they’re on trips. A shared experience like a Thai cooking class or paddleboarding lesson can create such a sense of teamwork. You’re both beginners, you might make mistakes, and you’ll laugh about it together- those are the stories couples still talk about when they pop back into the store years later.”

For solo travellers, she suggests starting with the more social beaches: “Somewhere like Railay Beach or certain parts of Phuket where there’s a good mix of solo travellers and couples. You can be alone when you want to be, but there’s always someone to chat to at a beach bar if you’re feeling sociable.”

“My advice for newly single travellers is that this is your chance to rediscover what you actually enjoy. I also tell them to set themselves a small challenge: learn a few Thai phrases to use when ordering dinner, or try something bold like surf lessons. When people achieve something on holiday, even something small, it sets the tone for their whole next chapter.”

Hannah shared one of her solo customer success stories: “One of my most memorable holidays booked was for a lovely lady who was divorced and also partially sighted. Back in April she took the plunge and booked a cruise with me, which stopped off in Thailand. In the months running up to the cruise she felt a bit nervous about travelling alone for so long – but she did it, loved every second of it, and even booked another world cruise with me for next year!”

Hannah believes 2026 will see a wave of what she calls ‘intentional firsts’ – travellers deliberately seeking new experiences to mark life changes.

TUI’s ‘firsts forecast’ research shows that nearly six in ten Brits admit to feeling stuck in their daily routine, and sets out the ways in which Brits plan to try something for the first time this year: “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.”