Summer staycations and getaways abroad are just around the corner, and many of us will be busy planning our holiday itineraries. However, according to our recent research, holidaymakers across the UK struggle to get into ‘holiday mode’ until day three of a trip!
Add a ‘holiday eve’ into your travel plans for a stress-free start to your getaway!
Holiday Eve
We asked 2000 adults about their travel tips and holiday habits, and our study revealed that 67% can’t relax until they’re fully set up in their holiday destination.
The anxiety of travel delays, early starts, getting to the airport on time and a lack of quality sleep all contribute to dampening that holiday feeling at the start of the trip.
Our research also revealed that 47% factor a ‘holiday eve’ into their holiday plans, staying in a hotel the night before a getaway to help them ease into holiday mode.
So, to combat this pre-holiday stress, we’ve launched our Holiday Eve guide with the help of Victoria Philpott, better known as travel expert VickyFlipFlop, to help more people get the most out of their holidays in 2024.
Tamara Strauss, our Customer Director, said:
“Starting a holiday off on the wrong foot isn’t ideal for anyone, and a lack of quality sleep can usually contribute to it. Setting off early in the morning to catch a flight, train or ferry is a common start to most holidays, but with the journey itself being somewhat unpredictable, it can lead to a stressful first day. The research has shown the negative impact this can have on many people and the strain can end up lingering for a few days, eating into valuable holiday time.”
Holiday Eve
Tamara added:
“We created our guide to encourage those who haven’t tried a ‘holiday eve’ before to give it a go. If it’s not something that’s usually considered, it really can make all the difference to fully relaxing into holiday mode that little bit sooner. Plus, it’s a great way to start your holiday early!”
Victoria Philpott, better known as travel expert VickyFlipFlop added:
“Annual leave is so precious and we want to make the most of it – but it can be hard to switch off. It’s been fun helping create a guide to help those heading away on holiday to make life that little bit easier so there’s less of the stress."
"There’s lots of tips on how to help, including getting a kid’s hangable shoe organiser and packing it full of outfits so you can simply hang it up when you get to your destination and it’s ready to go.”
Seven in 10 of those we asked think that factoring a ‘holiday eve’ into their getaway plans is a good idea, and those who already do this say it creates a smoother start to a trip, eliminating the stress of missing their connections.
38% admitted to sleeping better knowing they’re near their airport or station, and 56% of all respondents thought a comfortable night’s sleep was the main selling point of a ‘holiday eve’ – alongside a relaxing dinner (49%) and a few drinks (32%).
A third of those polled were heading off on holiday within the next two months, and 16% feel nervous about getting to their destination smoothly. So, whether you’re planning UK staycations or jetting off near one of our great value airport hotels, book a holiday eve with us and take the stress out of your next trip! Our super-comfy beds, on-site restaurants and free Wi-Fi will help your holiday off to a great start.