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Daily Mirror

Travel

Andrew Young

Italy tops list of holiday destinations for Brits - here's the 9 places it beat

Italy Jet2Holidays

Italy, Greece, and Spain have topped a list of holiday destinations for Brits travelling abroad – with value for money being the number one priority when booking a getaway, research has found.

Other top considerations when deciding where to book include seeking out sunny weather, and the standard of the accommodation.

And the first thing that organised holidaymakers will do when arriving at their accommodation is unpack – followed by taking in the view from out the window or the balcony.

Nearly two-thirds of Brits (62 per cent) say going on holiday is the thing they most look forward to each year – with having time away from their normal life named as their favourite thing about a getaway.

They also enjoy making memories, experiencing new things, and being able to switch off and relax.

And other popular destinations for doing so include France, Portugal, Turkey, and the Canary Islands.

The survey of 2,000 adults has revealed their top 10 goals for every aspect of their holidays – from where they are going and what they will do when they arrive, to their favourite things about a holiday, and their priorities when booking.

Italy and Greece topped the list of holiday destinations - with unpacking being the first thing holidaymakers do upon arrival (SWNS)

The research was commissioned by Jet2holidays, which was recently named the UK’s largest tour operator – with a spokesman for the brand saying: “Holidays are hugely important, and with good reason.

“They’re a chance for fun, for adventure, and to step away from the norms of everyday life, while also offering the opportunity to spend time with loved ones and create many happy memories.

“So it’s no wonder they are the top thing people look forward to each year.

“But our research shows many people still look for the same type of things when booking a getaway, and even have the same routines holiday after holiday – from the first thing they do when they get to their hotel, to their favourite food they seek out.”

The top thing adults like doing when on holiday were revealed to be experiencing local culture (20 per cent) and trying local food (14 per cent) – with Italian and Greek named as the favourite cuisines.

The nation’s favourite foreign language was revealed to be French (15 per cent), closely followed by Spanish (14 per cent) and Italian (11 per cent).

When packing to go away, underwear was the first thing to go into the suitcase (28 per cent), then followed by swimming costumes (12 per cent).

Brits are also more likely to make sure their phone charger is safely stowed before their sunglasses, according to the figures from OnePoll.com.

When it comes to city breaks, the nation’s favourite destination was split between Barcelona, Paris, and Rome – with Venice and Vienna also featuring.

The average holidaymaker went on their first holiday without parents or guardians at the age of 16.

And just under one in ten (eight per cent) even experienced their first taste of love while holidaying away.

The Jet2holidays spokesman added: “Holidays are a wonderful time to experience all sorts of firsts, from a new destination to local food – or even romance.

“We’re coming into peak summer holiday season, so people are getting excited about packing their bags and experiencing new things, while also sticking to some of the same routines.

“It's clear that holidays remain a top priority for many of us Brits, and as we start to operate our biggest ever summer programme, there is no better time for people to explore new cities, beaches – and hotel rooms – and make some unforgettable memories along the way.”