We’ve all sat on holiday watching a sunset, Mojito in hand, and vowed to change our lives on our return. Well now it seems those musing aren’t just distant pipe dreams.
Over half of all life-changing decisions are made on holiday and turned into reality the minute we clear customs, according to a new survey by luxury travel experts Kuoni. These findings have given birth to a new trend; the ‘changecation’ - holidays taken in order to make big decisions. Of those surveyed, 74% said that a romantic getaway can make or break their relationship, with almost all of us either deciding to spice them up or bin them entirely on our return. And 58% of those who discuss divorce whilst away take immediate action once back home.
The report also revealed that most of us consider a holiday to be more important than ever during the recession, with 30% of us preferring to save for a week away rather than for a new house.
Good news for us is that travel seems to be virtually recession-proof. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72%) told the survey that a holiday was more essential than ever in tough times, so imagine if they manage to win one. Yet more good news for tour operators and travel agents - women, especially, still want to book early. Why? Because, more than half said, much of the pleasure of a lovely holiday lies in the anticipation.
What we want on holiday is changing too, something Unmissable unplugged over 10 years ago now. The survey has seen a big trend towards “experiences” that allow visitors to really get under the skin of the country - like roughing it on a working ranch in the American Rockies or learning to salsa in Havana.
People are increasingly for personal fulfilment - a holiday which gives them food for thought and becomes a catalyst for growth.
Sounds like the perfect excuse to give away a break then.