The top signs of a true holiday include having time to relax and unwind, staying in a hotel, trying new foods – and having a go at activities you wouldn't usually do, according to research.
Nearly two-thirds of Brits (63%) would be happy to consider a staycation, with one in six willing to holiday within 50 miles of their home – as long as they are able to explore new surroundings.
The poll, of 2,000 adults, found a third (31%) would be happy as long as they can eat every meal in a restaurant and try new foods.
And other key markers of a real holiday include waking up later than usual, wearing clothes which don’t usually leave the wardrobe at home, and getting to enjoy evening entertainment every night.
It also emerged more than a quarter (28%) find 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 Leisure 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, one in five said three days would be their minimum.
And 39% don’t consider a holiday to be so unless they are staying in a hotel.
More than a third (34%) must be able see the ocean, while 24% want the opportunity to try activities they wouldn’t usually do at home.
And 41% like to have entertainment included on a break – although 68% want to be able to do their own thing.
Going to bed later than usual, dining at a buffet, and living out of a suitcase also feature among the top 20.
The study also found 63% believe they can enjoy just as many world-class sights here in the UK as somewhere further afield.
And at the moment, 55% are more likely to take weekend breaks and short trips than weeks away.
Sadly, 43% of adults polled, via OnePoll, haven’t had a real holiday since the Covid-19 pandemic – and 5% said they need a break now more than ever.
Simon Thompson added: “It’s clear people appreciate all the UK has to offer – many may find it easier to switch off on a staycation and worry less about international travel and all it entails.
“Also, with the economic climate in its current state and the inflation of fuel prices, it's no wonder holidaying closer to home has become so popular.
“Our newest hotel 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:
- Having time to relax and unwind
- Being able to explore new surroundings
- Staying in a hotel
- Being able to see the ocean
- Eating all your meals in restaurants
- Trying new foods
- Having time to read
- Trying activities you wouldn't usually get time to
- Waking up later than usual
- Wearing things you would never wear at home
- Enjoying evening entertainment each night
- Not always knowing what time it is
- Having to get money changed to local currency
- Getting a nice tan
- Having to put suntan lotion on
- Going to bed later than usual
- Dining at a buffet
- Living out of a suitcase
- Getting a new stamp in your passport
- Not being able to speak the language
