Farm and Cottage Holidays
TO HOL WITH IT
The point when holidaymakers finally relax on their sunshine break was revealed by experts yesterday (Wed) - two days and 17 hours after arriving.
A study found the stress of packing, planning and travelling to the chosen destination makes for a gruelling first day
The second day is then spent recovering from the journey, unpacking and settling in, meaning it takes until well into the third day to finally relax.
Yesterday James Morris, of Farm and Cottage Holidays, which commissioned the research, said: ''The annual holiday is the one opportunity to completely switch off from work, the school run and all the other stresses of everyday life.
''This study shows the stresses of work really take their toll and us Brits really need to learn to relax more.
''It can be stressful planning a holiday for the whole family so it's important to really make the most of the precious time you spend away.''
It also emerged a worked-up 20 per cent of people say they NEVER fully relax on their holiday.
The biggest hassle is the packing with 40 per cent of Brits saying this is the most stressful thing about a holiday, the study found.
Eighteen per cent of adults polled said spending hours travelling with the family was the biggest bug-bear.
More than one in ten said they even stressed about leaving their home unoccupied for the duration of their holiday.
One in five say they never switch off from the stress of work while their away.
The study also revealed that we spend more time planning and researching our holiday, than we do actually enjoying it.
Researchers also found the average holiday maker spends a whopping eight days researching destinations and then a further five hours picking accommodation.
A total of four hours is dedicated to purely shopping for holiday paraphernalia.
On top of that, washing, ironing and packing clothes for our trip takes a whopping four hours and over two hours are spent on hair cuts, spray tans and even leg waxing.
The study also revealed that we spend three hours researching day trips, activities and meals out before we set off on our journey.
Whilst 60 per cent of people are choosing to jet off to sunnier climes this summer, a whopping 40 per cent are opting to holiday in the UK.
For 70 per cent of folk the main reason for staying put in Blighty is the cost but air troubles have also put 28 per cent of people off flying abroad.
James Morris from Farm and Cottage Holidays added: ''Recent crises in the aviation industry have had an impact on the number people now choosing to stay at home.
''Travelling abroad with a young family can be stressful if flights are cancelled or delayed and this does take the enjoyment out of a holiday.
''Britain is absolutely beautiful at this time of year and we've had a real run of good weather.
''Holidaying in the UK and staying a little closer to home can make things run much more smoothly and can help you relax more quickly plus you don't have the issue of jetlag which can cut in to your valuable family holiday.''
