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I’m a relative … get me out of here
Sixty-five per cent of Brits will be spending time with relatives this Christmas, but the majority wish they could stay in a hotel instead, according to a survey by TripAdvisor.
Of the 1,500 travellers quizzed, 18% said they plan to ‘escape’ the relatives altogether this Christmas, while 74% of those who are visiting family said they would rather stay in a hotel.
The good news is that Brits appear to be less stressed than other nationalities at this time of year, with 62% saying that the Christmas holidays are more enjoyable than they are stressful, compared with 51% of the rest of the world. Travelling during Christmas is voted the most stressful part of the season, according to 18% of respondents.
Air travel comes in for particular criticism with British travellers citing airline delays and cancellations (38%) and overcrowded airports (20%) being the least enjoyable aspects of travel at this time of the year. In addition, 24% of us also don’t like the hikes in air and rail prices at Christmas time.
Among those flying for the holidays, 29% said they won’t bother bringing gifts, while 20% will be carrying gifts onto the aircraft; 21% will buy them when they arrive at their destination; 15% plan to mail their presents ahead and two per cent will buy their gifts at the airport.
The Caribbean is top of the holiday escapes, according to TripAdvisor, followed by Hawaii, Paris, New York and the Maldives.
TripAdvisor director of communications Michele Perry said: “The holidays are for spending time with family, but it appears many travellers want that quality time in moderation.
“It is interesting that travel is the second most stressful holiday activity, yet almost one third of those surveyed said the best way to alleviate holiday stress is to take a trip.”
By Lisa James
Phil Davies
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