A report into the behaviour of British holidaymakers has revealed some intriguing  and surprising results.

Alongside the expected results that Brits tend to eat less healthily, drink more and generally let their inhibitions loose when on holiday, the report highlights stark differences between sexes, ages and even regions.

While men often indulge in buying new clothes (36%) and exercising (20%) in preparation for a holiday, they are far more likely than women to not do anything to prepare for their holiday. Women make far more elaborate preparations, including everything from dieting (36%) and exercise (30%) to indulging in pampering manicure/pedicure (22%), fake tan (15%) and spa treatments (7%) to ensure they look and feel their best when on holiday.

Age also plays a big part, while older holidaymakers like to read up on their destination (65% aged 55-65), those aged between 25 and 34 are more likely to partake in pre-holiday shopping and grooming.

The top five things Brits hope for in a holiday include rest and relaxation (71%), escaping everyday problems (47%) and rejuvenation/health (35%). With the top five hoped-for holiday experiences including seeing beautiful places (60%), new experiences (52%), fun (52%) and escape (45%).

More than one in ten of Brits hope for some holiday romance and say they have much more sex while on holiday, while couples in established relationships hope that a holiday will provide them with an opportunity to reinvigorate their relationship. Although, we might expect that young, single holidaymakers are the most likely to have sex in unusual places, this appears not to be the case, with couples aged between 35 and 54 being the most adventurous.

It’s no surprise that we enjoy spending our cash when on holiday, but what do we spend it on? The top five ways Brits like to spend their hard-earned cash include day trips (45%), local foods (41%), local handicrafts (31%), health and beauty treatments (19%) and clothes (17%).

When asked what they like to eat and drink on holiday, four in ten Brits like to treat themselves to different foods while away from home, with women being the most indulgent (42% of women vs 37% of men). Women also have a greater tendency to make unhealthy food choices (17% of women vs 11% of men) and eat more than usual (19% of women vs 17% of men).

British holidaymakers confirmed that fine dining is more popular with older couples (12%) and couples who don’t have children (11%), while cost-conscious families are more likely to make the most of all-inclusive deals which take the stress out of feeding children.

When asked what they think will be important when travelling in the future, British holidaymakers favoured protecting the planet, with 22% of people saying a holiday gives them an opportunity to connect with nature. While younger people say that going to the moon will be important in ten years time (11%).

Almost a quarter of Brits still view luxury as a priority as affordable luxury holidays continue to be the most popular holidays booked, with weddings and honeymoons abroad becoming increasingly popular.

It’s clear that the right holiday can enrich our lives in many more ways than first thought and ultimately what British holidaymakers want from their holiday is to relax, have fun and enjoy themselves with friends, family and new friends they may discover along the way.

Source: Kuoni Holiday Report 2011

Please support us in raising money for Comic Relief and help transform the lives of poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged people across the UK and Africa.

As well as helping to tackle important issues in Africa, Comic Relief cash also helps thousands of disadvantaged people across the UK facing poverty and deprivation. In fact, wherever you live in the UK, you’re highly likely to be within 30 miles of a project that’s using your cash to change lives and transform communities.

All the staff at Blue Bay Travel will be taking part in various activities to help raise money, including a pyjama day, quiz and anything else we can come up with before the big day! Our very own Thom has also volunteered to let us shave off his lovely long locks if we exceed our target of £400! And as if that wasn’t enough, our Directors have kindly offered to match the total we raise in-house, so please dig deep and donate whatever you can to help!

Not only that, but if you donate via our Blue Bay Travel Red Nose Day Giving Page you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a £100 Love2shop Voucher!*

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