TUI promises new product to help extend that ‘holiday feeling’

Research by TUI UK has found it takes an average of just 43 hours for holidaymakers to hit the peak of that ‘holiday feeling’ while on a trip.

But the average traveller loses the feeling less than four days after unpacking their bags when they return home.

The research, in collaboration with University College London’s Affective Brain Lab, has identified a ‘Factor 30’ list of the key triggers that cause the biggest holiday feelings.

These include feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, stepping off the plane and feeling that wave of heat, and hearing the ocean.

With 95% of Brits wishing they could make the holiday feeling last longer, TUI is exploring the findings to assess how it can help guests heighten the holiday feeling in resort.

One potential idea is installing ‘holiday feeling’ photo booths on resorts so guests can physically capture an image of them at ‘peak time’ and then re-live the moment at home.

TUI is also developing a brand-new product launching later this year which will help to extend the holiday feeling back in the UK.

It would not disclose details, but chief marketing officer Katie McAlister said: "We will be creating something new soon that will quite literally ‘bottle the holiday feeling’ in a bid to make it last for even longer."

Dr Tali Sharot, director of UCL’s ABL, who conducted a qualitative study of guests at a TUI Sensatori resort in the Dominican Republic, said: "It’s interesting to see that a significant number of the key triggers that ignite positive holiday feelings happen before we even set foot on the plane.~

"Planning a trip can spark the feeling of anticipation and joy which activate the brain’s "reward centre" – the striatum. This part of our brain receives input from dopamine neurons, providing us with a feeling of intense pleasure.

"In other words, just thinking about going on holiday – or planning your next holiday when you return home – will activate the reward system in your brain."

One in three Brits start researching their next getaway less than three weeks after returning from their last trip, and 22% book their next holiday less than a month after returning home.

To coincide with the research, TUI enlisted the help of John Barrowman to bring the holiday feeling to life in a short film.

TUI’s ‘Factor 30’ list of top holiday feeling triggers:
Feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin
Stepping off the plane and feeling that wave of heat
Exploring the local area
Spending quality time with family and friends
Hearing the ocean
Soaking up a picture-perfect view
Not having to worry about day to day chores, like cooking and cleaning
Booking your holiday
Swimming in the clear blue sea
Having dinner with a sea view
Seeing your hotel room for the first time
Watching the sunset
Having your first swim in the pool
Looking at the weather report and seeing 100% sun
Trying new foods
Packing your suitcase
Feeling of sand between your toes
Checking in at the hotel
Discovering a new culture
Smelling the salty sea air
Having a drink at the airport
Taking your first sip of a holiday cocktail, like a pina colada or mojito
Researching where to go on holiday
Smelling your sun cream
Getting ready for dinner or evening activities
Booking a holiday excursion or trip
Checking in to your flight online
Putting your out of office on
Checking your holiday countdown clock – on an app or email
Having an ice-cream