Brits only really start to get the most from a holiday at the age of 31, a study has found.
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After years of booze-filled breaks and late nights, it’s only once we reach our early thirties that we really start to relax and truly enjoy holidays.
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Although getting away from it all is still a priority, the way we go about this is different – we are less inclined to party and more inclined to pursue family-friendly activities that will live long in the memory.
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Experiences such as whale watching and helicopter rides are among the activities those in their thirties are most interested in, along with cultural excursions such museums and art galleries.
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The findings emerged after six in ten admitted they have been on a holiday only to return home feeling like they’ve not really had a break at all.
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The research of 2,000 holidaymakers was commissioned by Virgin Holidays, who are launching 250 new ‘Experiences’, enabling travellers to personalise their holidays and trips.
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Joe Thompson, Managing Director at Virgin Holidays, said: “Our research suggests the travel industry needs to do more to offer holidaymakers bespoke holidays, personalised to their individual needs.
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“It’s apparent we all want different things from our getaways and there is no one-size fits all when it comes to holidaying.”
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When it comes to what we want from our holidays, trying new dishes is among the top things all age groups look for – along with escaping the daily grind.
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A third of ‘care-free’ 18 to 29 year olds are keen to top up the tan, 29 per cent look for vibrant nightlife and around a quarter want the chance to be independent.
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And more people from this age group – 25 per cent – favour adventure holidays than any other age demographic.
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As we reach our thirties, our preferences alter, with a quarter simply happy to get a moment to read a book, while 27 per cent want to do “as little as possible”.
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However it’s not all peace and quiet for this age group as theme park holidays are most popular among this group.
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A quarter of those in their forties are keen on getting off the beaten track, nearly a fifth are interested in wine and cocktails and two in five prefer a city break.
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Twenty-seven per cent of those in their fifties want to learn something new when holidaying and 30 per cent favour cultural holidays the most.
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Three in ten over sixty year olds want to meet interesting people when getting away and they are also the biggest advocates of multiple destination trips, group tours and cruises.
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Amid this, the research carried out by One Poll also found more people aged under 30 said laughter makes a holiday memorable than any other age group.
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And more respondents in their thirties and forties said family time makes holidays live long in the memory than anyone else.
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While a greater proportion of 50 year olds said doing something new makes a holiday memorable.
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And larger numbers of those aged over 60 said the weather makes a trip unforgettable.
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When booking a holiday top of the list of criteria across all age groups is cost, however the weather and the distance from door to destination is key too.
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Joe Thompson added: “We’re want to empower customers to do more on their travels, with personalised itineraries.
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“That’s why we’re launching over 250 Virgin Holidays Experiences – there is something for everyone to help create happy holiday memories.”
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“The Experiences include activities for thrill-seekers, outdoor adventurers, foodies, shopaholics and sci-fi fanatics.”
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WISH LIST – THINGS WE MOST WANT TO DO ON HOLIDAY:
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1. Foodie experiences
2. Whale watching
3. Helicopter ride over a natural wonder (like the Grand Canyon)
4. Museums and art galleries
5. Wine tasting
6. Helicopter ride over a city (like New York)
7. Visiting the set of my favourite films or TV shows
8. Local food cooking course
9. Driving a classic or luxury car
10. Checking out the local street art
11. Going in a seaplane
12. Driving an Easyrider motorcycle on Route 66
13. Personal shopping experience
14. Flying in a fighter jet (Top Gun style)
15. Zip-lining
16. Jet packing in the sea
17. Surf lessons
18. Bungee jumping