A Real Holiday

A study of 2,000 adults found one in six are content travelling a short distance for a break away, but only if they had enough time to relax and unwind, as well as being able to explore new surroundings.

While 31 per cent respectively said they must eat every meal in a restaurant and try new foods.

Waking up later than usual, wearing clothes which don’t usually leave the wardrobe at home and getting to enjoy evening entertainment every night are also classed as crucial for a real holiday.

Almost three in 10 (28 per cent) also claimed to find per cent the idea of sitting on a beach for two weeks boring – with a fifth admitting they would rather a countryside retreat.

Simon Thompson, managing director for Warner Hotels, which commissioned the research, said: " We’re so lucky to live on such a beautiful isle - Brits can find a whole host of gems, quite often right on their doorstep.

“The results show you don’t have to travel for hours and hours to find a relaxing getaway and can experience all the joy of being somewhere new without any of the hassle”.

When quizzed on how long a ‘real holiday’ should be, 20 per cent said three days would be their minimum.

The study also found 39 per cent don’t consider a holiday to be so unless they are staying in a hotel.

A further 34 per cent admit they must be able see the ocean and 24 per cent want the opportunity to try activities they wouldn’t usually do at home.

While 41 per cent per cent like to have entertainment included on a break, and 68 per cent per cent like the idea of being able to do their own thing.

Wearing clothes which don’t usually leave the wardrobe at home and waking up later than normal are also classed as crucial for a real holiday.

Going to bed later than usual, dining at a buffet and living out of a suitcase also feature in the top 20.

When it comes to holidaying, 63 per cent would be happy to consider a staycation, believing they can enjoy just as many world-class sights as somewhere further afield.

And in present times, 55 per cent say they are more likely to take weekend breaks and short trips than weeks away.

Sadly, 43 per cent of adults polled via OnePoll haven’t had a real holiday since the Covid-19 pandemic, and five per cent say they need a break now more than ever.

Simon Thompson added: “It’s clear that people appreciate all the UK has to offer, and many may find it easier to switch off on a staycation and less worried about international travel and all it entails.

“Our newest hotel Heythrop Park offers a country retreat but is only a stone’s throw from the likes of London and Birmingham – meaning less time travelling and more time unwinding.”

TOP 20 SIGNS OF A TRUE HOLIDAY 

1. Having time to relax and unwind
2. Being able to explore new surroundings
3. Staying in a hotel
4. Being able to see the ocean
5. Eating all your meals in restaurants
6. Trying new foods
7. Having time to read
8. Trying activities you wouldn’t usually get time to
9. Waking up later than usual
10. Wearing things you’d never wear at home
11. Enjoying evening entertainment each night
12. Not always knowing what time it is
13. Having to get money changed to local currency
14. Getting a nice tan
15. Having to put suntan lotion on
16. Going to bed later than usual
17. Dining at a buffet
18. Living out of a suitcase
19. Getting a new stamp in your passport
20. If I don’t speak the language