Couple on holiday
Holiday extras professed today that one week holidays are false economy. Compared with a two week stay the emotional, physical and psychological benefits of a one week holiday do not cut the mustard.56% of Brits claimed that they don’t feel like they have had a holiday having only been away for a week and that tans, feeling rested and having a happy holiday glow are all gone within a week of coming home. Those who have been able to afford the two weeks away said that thy felt on a high for up to a month after.
52% of people who stayed away for only one week wanted a another week away and only 18% said that they felt rested after a week, which rose to half of those who had been on a two week jaunt.
Honey Langcaster-James, psychologist and life coach said:
“The psychological benefits of taking a holiday last for varying degrees upon returning home, but by extending a week’s holiday by just one more, you can prolong the positive health benefits, increasing them four-fold in many cases, but at least doubling them. The small additional cost of a longer holiday may be a wiser choice for most.”
Seven day itch
A huge 36% of participants felt that they were unable to relax until the third day, leaving only four days to feel like they are only holiday. This adds pressure to make the last four days really count. 25% said that on day four they are still not relaxed enough, which means over half their holiday is taken up trying to unwind. One fifth of people said that it takes them till day five to relax, which means 70% of their holiday might as well not have happened.17% of Brits admit that they don’t relax until the second week of their holiday meaning that one week is simply not an option for them.
Many reported that their holiday is stressful in its entirety, with 20 complaining that they get work calls, 19% cannot tolerate other Brits abroad and 17% get ill from eating unfamiliar food.
Are you excited?- No!
The survey also found that people no longer have the time or the inclination to get excited about their holiday, with only 40% taking time out before the holiday to prepare.
Honey commented:
“The busy, high-pressure lives that people are leading today mean that taking a holiday for a proper break is even more important for your health and well-being. It’s sad to see that people are so busy that they can’t enjoy the build up to it, in times gone by people would have looked forward to their holidays for months.”
Three quarters of people admit that early morning flights and strict baggage rules are stressful starts to their holiday and 48% of people worry about leaving their car in a safe place and whether they have got the best bang for their buck at the travel agents.
“It’s important to start your holiday in the right frame of mind and planning for your holiday may give you a greater chance to experience the positive feelings associated with the lead up to a holiday,” advises Honey.
Anthony Clarke-Cowell, Holiday Extras’ Communications Director, said
“The good news is that, other than flight delays; holidaymakers can easily avoid most UK-based stress-triggers with a little planning. Pre-booking airport parking, an over-night hotel and arranging easy travel money with a FairFX card can ensure they’re in the best frame of mind to start enjoying their holiday from the off.”
Home-ward bound
Three in ten people are under the illusion that two weeks holiday will naturally cost more, 83% of people say that a two week holiday pays off. One quarter of people find one week holidays a waste as they are constantly thinking about the return journey while 77% of people on two weeks stays only think about leaving in the last two days.