If you’ve got holidays on the brain, then read on. A new survey has revealed just how much people living in the East Midlands like their annual holiday to be a home-from-home experience.
ABTA luxury holiday specialist Sun-hat Villas & Resorts quizzed 1,300 holidaymakers about their travel habits, with the results showing the extent to which we crave our home comforts when visiting a foreign destination.
When asked about the items they always pack in their suitcase, just over a third of travellers from the East Midlands said they take teabags with them to ensure a good cuppa.
As many as 70% don’t make use of free resort toiletries, choosing to take their own shower gels, shampoos and conditioners, whilst just under a quarter of people prefer to use their own towel rather than the ones provided. Other holiday essentials included bottled water, a multi tool and silk pillowcase.
When it comes to the things people miss most when away, home comforts firmly top the list and 61% of people from the region find themselves pining for their own bed. After this it was family (30%) and then pets (28%).
The study, from the Algarve resorts specialist, also revealed that people in the East Midlands valued their privacy above anything else when choosing luxury accommodation. Almost 60% said that having a private pool was the most important and this was closely followed by not having to share the facilities with others.
Commenting on the results, Peter Jenkins, managing director of Sun-hat Villas & Resorts, said: “There’s certainly no ‘making do’ when it comes to holiday accommodation. People want the best and are evidently prepared to take the best of home with them too.
“I spent many years working abroad and there was always an ongoing joke about how much British people love their tea – but this survey shows it is certainly true for people in the East Midlands.
“I have to say, I’m not surprised that the majority of holidaymakers prefer having their own pool. We all lead such busy lives so when our much-needed break comes around, the last thing we want is a crowded or noisy resort.”
The survey also revealed the importance that we place on our annual getaway, with 53% of people admitting they sacrifice luxuries at home in order to afford their holiday.
“This shows just how determined people are to enjoy a week or two in the sun,” added Peter. “We tend to find this is even more the case when things are a little gloomy in the world. With uncertainty around Brexit and concerns over the global economy, you may think people would be holding back, but we’ve already had a 10% increase in annual bookings in January alone.
“If our survey results are anything to go by, we’re likely to see a surge in the sale of teabags too.”
Last year, Sun-hat Villas & Resorts revealed some of the more unusual requests the team had received from holidaymakers, including an employee to do ironing everyday of the holiday, a professional chef to cook all meals, regular sessions with a personal trainer throughout their stay and a masseur to attend the villa every other day of the holiday.
Have you booked your holiday yet? If you’re pining sun, sand and azure seas, you may want to hop on over to http://www.sun-hat-villas.com/.