The nation’s top holiday antics include having dessert every day, skinny dipping and nabbing hotel toiletries.
A study of 2,000 adults revealed the top 40 things people only typically do when abroad, with dining out daily coming top (47%) - followed by drinking at the airport (29%) and not worrying about money (29%).
Wearing swimwear as underwear (26%), chatting to strangers (23%), and taking a complete break from technology (21%) also made the list.
It also found nine in ten (91%) confess to have a “holiday alter-ego”, with 17% claiming to have missed “holiday them” during the pandemic.
With travel set to boom again in 2022, the research was commissioned by Walkers, Doritos and easyJet Holidays to celebrate a new partnership, offering Brits the chance to win a holiday every hour.
Katherine Cook, spokeswoman for Walkers, said: “After years of travel restrictions, we know the nation has missed having the freedom to travel and make memories with friends and family on holiday, and in turn missed their happier and more carefree holiday alter-egos.
“Our study shows just how much Brits enjoy being their holiday self - letting all their worries and self-consciousness go when abroad.
“The list of holiday moments features lots of food- and fashion-related scenarios which reflect how people become more carefree on their holidays, showing a positive behaviour change.
“So, what better way to celebrate the return of summer holidays than by reuniting our customers with their beloved holidays abroad?”
The study also found the good weather (43%), anonymity (29%) and increased confidence (17%) experienced abroad cause people to act out of character.
Those aged 18-24 are most likely to have a holiday alter-ego, with 97% of this age group claiming to act differently while abroad.
However, while this decreases slightly with each generation, even 89% of those over 65 admit to having a “vacation version” of themselves.
More than half of adults (53%) prefer the holiday version of themselves, claiming they’re happier (57%), carefree (52%) and more fun (45%) than their usual selves.
Among those with a “holiday alter-ego”, the shift in personality is most likely to come into play at the airport (33%), while for some it emerges while they’re packing (17%) or the moment their out of office goes on (17%).
Alongside adopting holiday alter-egos, many also give their image an overhaul while abroad, with 20% opting to “express” themselves with bolder fashion choices.
When it comes to crimes against holiday fashion, men are the guiltier party - with a tenth claiming socks and sandals look good, versus 4% of women.
A further 12% favour a holiday bum bag, compared to 7% of women, while more than one in 20 men (6%) even go all out and don a mankini when abroad.
Other bold holiday fashion choices worn overseas include straw fedoras (17%), kaftans (11%) and Hawaiian shirts (11%).
Additionally, despite a quarter (26%) insisting on wearing swimwear in place of underwear while abroad, a third always take way more underwear than they need, packing an additional five pairs on average.
Fashion choices aside, newly sun-kissed skin proves a bonus for couples, with almost one in ten (8%) claiming to fancy their partner more with a tan.
And the same number (8%) of those polled, via OnePoll, even claim to like the dreaded t-shirt tan - 12% of men versus 5% of women.
TOP 40 THINGS BRITS ONLY DO ON HOLIDAY:
- Dining out everyday
- Drinking alcohol at the airport
- Not worrying about money
- Drinking alcohol before midday
- Staying up later than usual
- Having dessert everyday
- Eating cheese and cold meats for breakfast
- Wearing swimwear instead of underwear
“Stealing” the toiletries from the hotel
Making “holiday friends” with random people
Snacking more often
Taking a daytime nap
Chatting to strangers
Wandering around barefoot
Drinking elaborate cocktails
Having more than one ice cream a day
Taking a break from technology
Mixing multiple cuisines during one sitting at the hotel buffet (e.g. Chinese noodles with Spanish tapas)
Reading a book or listening to an audio book
Going to a restaurant, bar, or shop with just your swimwear on
Wearing bolder clothing than normal
Staying in bed later than usual
Wearing a bum bag or money belt
Wearing hair “au naturel”
Letting the kids stay up later than usual
Going out without make-up on
Getting bad tan lines on purpose
Getting up extra early to reserve a sunbed
Getting a t-shirt tan
Taking a swimwear selfie
Dancing in front of others in a bar, restaurant or club
Getting up extra early to take part in activities like sunrise yoga or a morning hike
Staying up all night
Letting the kids stay in bed later than usual
Eating crisps as a meal
Eating ice cream or dessert for breakfast
Getting a massage on the beach
Going out without wearing a bra or top
Taking part in karaoke
Having a holiday romance
