The Real Value of a Holiday

CHESTER, England, November 8, 2011 -

A quarter of Brits believe looking forward to a holiday is just as important as the holiday itself
Half of all men rely on someone else to book their holiday
Women prioritise getting in shape and buying clothes for their holiday before they book their travel insurance

It’s long been thought that a regular holiday is the best way to re-charge your batteries. But new research from TravelSupermarket has revealed that one in four Brits (25 per cent) believe that having a holiday to look forward to is as important - and in some cases more important - than taking the holiday itself.

Half of Brits (47 per cent) said that booking a holiday before the end of 2011 would give them something to look forward to with a further one in six (17 per cent) saying it would make them feel more optimistic about the colder months ahead. Less than one in ten Brits (9 per cent) stated that they didn’t think it was important to have a holiday to look forward to.

Many of us get in the holiday spirit as soon as we’ve booked - one in ten (10 per cent) British women begin buying their holiday wardrobe straight away, as do six per cent of men.  In total, 86 per cent of women buy new clothes for their upcoming holiday compared to 67 per cent of men.

When it comes to the psychological importance of a getaway, it is women who emotionally invest more than men. A quarter of women (24 per cent) admitted to ‘counting down the days’ to their holiday as soon as they have booked it, compared to just 16 per cent of men.

British women also book their holidays further in advance than their male counterparts - 4.4 months compared to 4.1 months for men.

Women are also more concerned than men when it comes to getting the perfect ‘beach body’. One in every two women (51 per cent) gets in shape for their holiday compared to just 30 per cent of men. However women could be getting their priorities wrong - on average women begin to diet and exercise two months (60 days) before they get away and start buying holiday clothes 38 days before. However, they leave it on average to just 26 days before they depart to arrange travel insurance.

It is also women who have a slightly harder time adjusting to normal life when they return from their holidays. Twenty-eight per cent said that they felt ‘blue’ upon returning with an additional 17 per cent saying they felt ‘depressed’.

Bob Atkinson, travel expert from TravelSupermarket commented: “We’re not surprised to see that Brits feel  a holiday is important - not just for the break itself, but to give you a real ‘emotional boost’. That is why - in addition to helping you find a good deal - it’s a smart move to book your holiday sooner rather than later so that you have something to look forward to.

“However our research did show that only 30 per cent of Brits book their travel insurance at the same time they book their holiday. There is a real misconception that insurance is just to cover you whilst you are away for things such as medical costs. Yet buying a policy at the same time that you make your booking not only costs you no extra, but it gives you protection should you need to cancel your holiday before you go for things such as medical reasons.

“It’s completely normal that many of us suffer from ‘post-holiday blues’ after arriving home - it’s only natural to feel this after enjoying a wonderful holiday away with friends or family then having to go back to reality.

“But our research has shown how having a holiday to look forward to can give you a real boost, helping you to get through the long winter months. And it doesn’t have to be a main summer break. A quick city break, a week of winter sun or even a weekend away in the UK can help keep those mental batteries charged up without breaking the bank.

Notes to editors:

Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2013 UK adults aged 18+ from 21 to 24 October 2011. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.

About TravelSupermarket

www.travelsupermarket.com is an online comparison service where customers can find the best value travel options for their needs and purchase over the internet. The website compares flights, car hire, hotels, cruise, package holidays plus dynamic packaging by searching hundreds of travel websites. The information supplied is unbiased and is designed to save the customer time and money.

The site thrives on offering its users accurate real time availability by taking information directly from suppliers such as Opodo, British Airways, Thomas Cook, First Choice, Radisson, Sol Melia, easyCar, Auto-Europe and many more, ensuring users are presented the best possible price at all times. It searches:

• Over 650 scheduled, low cost and charter airlines from 39 individual suppliers
• Over 200,000 individual hotels from over 42 individual hotel suppliers
• Over 200 individual car hire providers from over 21 suppliers
• 1,000s of individual package holidays from over 34 suppliers

Additionally, TravelSupermarketalso compares prices on travel insurance and on airport car parking.

TravelSupermarket is part of the MoneySupermarket Group PLC.

www.moneysupermarket.com is a website where consumers can compare personal finance products, save money and apply online. The website has several service areas including personal loans, credit cards, mortgages, current accounts, savings accounts, motor insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, health insurance, mobile phones, broadband and shopping.

For further press information contact: Emma Morris, travelsupermarket.com, emma.morris at travelsupermarket.com, +44(0)1244-220-671