Sounds of a holiday

A poll of 2,000 holidaymakers found the turning of a book page, crashing waves, and the noise of a cork popping also ranked high in a list of the top 20.

Others immediately think of a trip away when they hear the sizzle of breakfast cooking, a buzzy atmosphere, or the splash of a swimming pool.

While the sound of cocktails being made and the ding of a lift also made the cut, with 51 per cent associating specific noises with a holiday.

Tony Roberts, chief commercial officer for Warner Hotels, which commissioned the research to launch its holiday sounds ASMR video (meaning the sensation people get when listening to certain audio stimuli), said:

“Whether it’s the sound of a suitcase unzipping, the sound of birds singing, or the bubble of a hot tub, you just can’t beat the sounds of a holiday.

“Making the video was a lot of fun and by capturing some holiday joy, we hope people can begin to get excited about their upcoming travels – or perhaps give them the motivation they need to get their much-needed getaway booked.”

The average traveller will plan a holiday five months in advance with the stresses of everyday life (51 per cent), feeling ‘stuck in a rut’ (38 per cent), and needing a new adventure (26 per cent) among the reasons to go away.

Cost, location and scenic walks were cited as some the most important factors when booking a trip away.

And 38 per cent of respondents have already planned their holidays for this year, with the average holidaymaker anticipating three trips in total.

But 39 per cent are more likely to take shorter breaks little and often to help switch off, rather than having longer holidays less frequently.

It also emerged that while a third feel relaxed as soon as they arrive at their destination, 25 per cent experience this only after they have checked into their room.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, found the best bits of a holiday were found to be completely switching off from everyday life, eating and drinking what you want, and not having to clean.

Seeing local landmarks and exploring the area is what 56 per cent most look forward to on their holiday, while 39 per cent get excited by trying new foods.

But while 26 per cent of those polled enjoy spending quality time with loved ones, 22 per cent go specifically to unwind.

Almost a sixth (15 per cent) always get that ‘holiday glow’ with 28 per cent claiming the joy of being somewhere other than home is one of the things they miss the most when returning to reality.

Tony Roberts added: “Holiday season is on the horizon, so we hope the sounds of the video immerses people and helps them get excited for that special holiday feeling they can hopefully enjoy for real soon.”