Why Gen Z is swapping date nights for ‘holidates’ with their friends—and saving money doing it

Being single in your 20s comes with an odd mix of freedom and pressure.

On one hand, there's a refreshing lack of obligations—no anniversaries to remember, no awkward ‘meet the parents’ dinners, no one to get mad at you for staying out late with your friends.

On the other, there’s a cultural obsession with coupling up, from TikTok’s endless parade of soft launches to the expectation that you should be spending your weekends going on dates.

Why go on a date with someone you're not even sure you like when you can have fun with a tried and true friend? (Tyla)

And for a while, I played along. Swiping through Hinge, spending too much money on cocktails with people I’d never text again, splitting overpriced small plates at the latest trendy London wine bar, and wondering if we’d ever even make it to date number two.

But then I realised: why am I spending all this effort (and cash) on strangers when my friends are right there? So, instead of forcing another mediocre date night, I booked a trip with the help of First Choice. Not a couple’s getaway, but just me and my mate, off on what people are apparently calling a ‘holidate’.

The sun in February was definitely a factor in our decisions (Tyla)

With 85 percent of Brits valuing holiday experiences over standard date nights and 78 percent believing it may actually be cheaper to fly abroad than to eat at a high-end restaurant in the UK, the numbers were on my side, according to First Choice. It turns out, swapping a fancy London dinner for a trip abroad isn’t just more fun—it might actually be a smarter financial decision.

Marrakech: a holidate worth every penny

Our hotel was not too shabby (Peter Bischoff/Getty Images)

We packed our bags and headed to Marrakech, swapping half-hearted dating efforts for a proper adventure. February in the UK was grey and cold, but here, the sun was shining, and the Sofitel felt like an oasis. Checking in, sipping mint tea, stretching out in a room with a glorious view of the heated pool felt like the perfect escape.

What made the decision even easier was First Choice’s interactive Holidate tool, which helped us choose our ideal destination. The tool asked us questions about our budget, whether we were more into beaches or parties, and—if we were travelling with a romantic partner—how serious the relationship was. It matched us with Marrakech, highlighting its mix of vibrant culture, great food, and affordability. It felt like the perfect fit, and after experiencing it firsthand, I can confidently say the tool got it right.

Exploring the souks was chaotic and mesmerising. We wandered through a maze of stalls filled with vibrant textiles, spices, and handcrafted jewellery, haggling (poorly), and getting lost but laughing through it. There was no pressure to act cool or impressive, no need to overanalyse conversation—we were just fully in the moment, and being with a friend meant I finally had someone to take good candids.

Exploring the souks is a must when in Marrakech - and being with a friend who actually enjoys shopping made all the difference (Getty Stock)

Food became a highlight of the trip. Tagines, fresh bread, couscous loaded with vegetables—we ate everything with total abandon. Unlike a date, where you might pretend you’re ‘not that hungry’ if you’re like me and feel overwhelmed by heteronormative stereotypes, here we ordered seconds, thirds, whatever we wanted. One night, we booked a rooftop dinner overlooking the medina, watching the city glow under the night sky. A meal like that in London? Easily £100 each. Here? A fraction of the cost, and infinitely better. And after all that food, we were able to peacefully lay in bed watching Gossip Girl in fluffy robes and full bellies - something that you can do with a romantic partner, but let's face it; they don't get it on the same level as your bestie does.

Couldn't leave without eating all the couscous available (Tyla)

We also took a pottery-making class, which turned out to be harder than expected. We weren’t great at it, but there was something freeing about being bad at something together, with no stakes, no need to impress. We left with wobbly bowls and clay-stained clothes, laughing at our lack of artistic talent.

Clearly a master of my craft (Tyla)

Why Gen Z is redefining date nights

This trip confirmed what I’ve suspected for a while: romance is nice, but friendship deserves just as much celebration. As Dolly Alderton said in Everything I Know About Love, "Nearly everything I know about love, I've learnt from my long-term friendships with women." And that’s certainly the case for me.

Is the holidate the new Gen Z dating trend? (supplied)

Friendships are often overlooked in favour of romantic connections, yet they are some of the most meaningful (and longest) relationships we’ll ever have. They are consistent, resilient, and fulfilling in ways that romance can’t always match. We pour effort into dating, planning elaborate romantic gestures, and making time for partners—so why don’t we do the same for our closest friends? Trips like this remind me that friendship isn’t just a supporting act to romance; it’s a love story in its own right.

The numbers reflect this shift in mindset. 49% of Brits would consider travelling abroad for a date night, but after this trip, I’d argue we should be considering it for friend dates instead. When you’re with a best friend, the pressure melts away—no need to impress, no awkward post-trip ghosting, just pure, unfiltered fun. Why limit incredible experiences to romance when platonic love is just as fulfilling?

So, next time you’re about to drop £100 on a forgettable dinner date, consider this: that same money could go toward a flight somewhere new, somewhere exciting, with someone who already makes you feel at home. Trust me—it’s worth it.

For more information visit firstchoice.co.uk.

Please note, First Choice works on a dynamic booking basis – prices and details have been provided by dynamic partners including airlines, hoteliers and rail providers, and are correct as of 10/02/2025. Packages and prices are subject to availability and First Choice cannot guarantee that bookings will be available with these exact details and prices if booked at a later date.