In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, there comes a time when our weary souls crave respite, and our minds yearn for a momentary escape. It’s that unmistakable feeling that begins as a whisper, slowly growing into an insistent longing—a profound need for a holiday. The daily demands and responsibilities have taken their toll, leaving us depleted and longing for a sanctuary away from the monotony of routine. The weight of stress and the pressures of life bear down on us, leaving us yearning for a temporary refuge where we can unwind, rejuvenate, and reconnect with the essence of our being. A holiday becomes more than a mere break; it evolves into a transformative experience, an opportunity to restore our spirit, and rediscover the joy of simply being alive.
ARE YOU WATCHING A PLACE IN THE SUN ON REPEAT, BLARING OUT REGGAE MUSIC, MAKING GREEK SALADS AND WEARING YOUR SUNNIES AROUND THE HOUSE? THEN YOU OFFICIALLY NEED A HOLIDAY, ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY
Researchers from the Post Office revealed a definitive list of signs you are in desperate need of sunnier climes, with daydreaming at work (18 percent), having a big sort out of your summer clothes (19 percent), googling holiday villas you can’t afford (18 percent) and buying travel mags (5 percent) making the list.
As many as 15 percent claim they can tell they need a holiday when they start watching A Place in the Sun on repeat, while 22 percent catch themselves constantly looking at flights.
Making Greek salads and pitchers of margaritas, changing your screensaver to an old holiday snap and looking at your abs (or lack of) in the mirror are further indications – as are following travel influencers.
Overall, 74 percent say their summer holiday is the highlight of their year, while 72 percent say they don’t have anything to look forward to until they have a holiday booked.
Yet just 30 percent of Brits have booked their summer holiday already, while 22 percent are planning to book it soon.
When asked where they plan to go, 65 percent of holidaymakers will be heading abroad, while 35 percent will be staying in the UK.
Seven in ten (70 percent) of those surveyed said they won’t let the cost-of-living crisis stop them getting a much-needed break.
And when it comes to affording a holiday, 42 percent plan to cut down on take-aways to make budget for a trip away, while 40 percent are prepared to eat out less, and 31 percent would be happy to buy fewer clothes.
Although worryingly, around one in four of us would be tempted to go without travel insurance to get the best holiday price.
Laura Plunkett, Head of Travel Money at the Post Office, who commissioned the poll commented, “It’s clear we could all do with a holiday. But it’s really important that people prepare well to make sure they get the best deal. Buying travel money last minute at the airport will mean you get less bang for your buck.
“It’s also very concerning that one in four are tempted to go without travel insurance – this is a big risk to take for you and your family and could lead to significant unplanned expenses while abroad or if you need to cancel your holiday.”
With the nation aware of the signs a holiday might be in order, Post Office has teamed up with travel expert Rob Staines to help them get away for cheaper through his top 10 travel hacks.
Travel expert and presenter Rob commented “I truly believe that everyone deserves a holiday. It’s a chance to escape the normality of life, change focus, discover and experience something new and spend quality time with loved ones or even just ourselves!
“I’m lucky to have visited so many countries but I didn’t actually step onto a plane until well into my teens – which is why I’m all about cheap travel and well aware of the financial barriers. So, if you find yourself googling ridiculously priced villas or lusting over foreign lands whilst watching A Place in the Sun, I’d say you probably need a holiday – and my tried and tested hacks can help get you one that doesn’t cost the earth.”
As a nation our number one travel hack on saving money is to book as early as possible, followed by checking flight and accommodation comparison websites – the nation’s full array of top travel hacks are available here.
The research comes as the Post Office recently launched its annual City Costs Barometer which found for the first time Lisbon is the cheapest city in the Eurozone and also beats its Eastern European counterparts on value.
25 SIGNS YOU’RE IN NEED OF A HOLIDAY… ACCORDING TO BRITS
- Feeling exhausted 33%
- Googling the weather in other countries 29%
- Looking through old holiday snaps 22%
- Constantly looking at flights 22%
- Having a “sort out” of your summer wardrobe 19%
- Daydreaming at work 18%
- Googling holiday villas you could never afford 18%
- Liking your friends holiday pics on social media 15%
- Watching A Place in The Sun on repeat 15%
- Browsing online for bikinis and beach cover ups 15%
- Wearing your sunnies around the house 11%
- Starting a strict exercise regime 10%
- Listening to reggae or Ibiza playlists 8%
- Looking at your abs (or lack of) in the mirror 7%
- Getting your fake tan out 7%
- Changing your screensaver to an old holiday snap 7%
- Making Greek Salads 6%
- Following travel influencers on Insta 6%
- Watching foreign films 5%
- Looking at all the stamps on your passport 5%
- Wearing flip flops 5%
- Buying travel magazines 5%
- Watching Rick Stein repeats on catch up 5%
- Making margaritas 4%
- Splashing out on a pedicure – 4%
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