Bickers' World

 

BICKERS' WORLD

Brits barney before holiday begins

 

London, 5th October 2009 - Holidays are meant to be a relaxing, get-away-from-it-all break. But the stress of organising, booking and travelling to a chosen destination seems to take its toll, with 32% of Brits confessing to a bust-up before leaving the house and over half (58%) arguing before leaving the country.

 

The research, commissioned by Expedia.co.uk, pinpoints when Brits are most likely to argue while travelling, as well as the factors most likely to cause them. Getting lost (47%) tops the list of things that makes the nation's blood boil, closely followed by not being able to agree on where to grab a bite to eat (41%).

 

"We've all had a holiday argument in the past, from the stress of airport transfers, to spending 24/7 in other people's pockets, causes of quarrels while on holiday are often unavoidable. While we can't promise you an argument-free break, what we can offer travellers is a range of really useful planning tools, products and services to make their holiday as stress-free as possible, said Jonathan Cudworth, director of product marketing, Expedia EMEA.

 

TOP TEN CAUSES OF HOLIDAY ARGUMENTS

• 1. Getting lost and my partner/ travel buddies refusing to ask for directions
• 2. Not agreeing on a place to eat
• 3. Standard of accommodation
• 4. Other tourists
• 5. Weather conditions
• 6. Not agreeing on things to do
• 7. Bad food
• 8. Money
• 9. Too much alcohol
• 10. Local transport systems

 

 

 

Two in five (44%) of the nation thought travelling by car was the most stressful mode of transport. Unfamiliar roads, combined with a backseat full of fidgety kids, is a surefire recipe for disaster. Off the roads, if other tourists (21%), disappointing food (15%) or bad weather (17%) haven't got Brits' backs up, indecisive travel companions will do the job. Not being able to agree on where to have dinner, or being overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to do, causes 57% of all holiday arguments.

                                                                                   

Spending habits has also made it into the top ten, and for many Britons in holiday mode, the budget goes completely out the window. A fifth (19%) of the nation confessed to worrying about how to pay off the debt when back in the UK.

 

IT'LL ALL COME OUT IN THE WASH

Brits are a romantic bunch at heart, with almost half (44%) of travellers saying that they kissed and made-up post paddy. But one in ten (8%) are snubbed by their travel companions for the remainder of the holiday.

 

Avoid falling out by following Expedia.co.uk's top quarrel-quashing tips:

 

• 1. Share responsibilities

To avoid an argument before leaving home, agree in advance who will be responsible for packing suitcases, organising travel documents and shopping for essentials

• 2. Allow plenty of time

Whether it's for airport transfers, duty free shopping or just a stroll along the beach, giving yourself extra time will allow you to take things at a more leisurely pace

• 3. Plan your budget carefully

Plan your budget while back at home and stick to it. Allow money to spoil yourself (it is a holiday, after all), but only leave the hotel with what you'll need for the day ahead. Use Expedia.co.uk to find great value deals on flights, hotels and car hire (providing your other half isn't afraid of asking for directions!)

 

 

 

• 4. Look into things to see/do and places to eat before you leave

Not only will this give you something to look forward to in the weeks leading up to your holiday, it will help decision-making easier once you're out there. Expedia.co.uk offers an array of exciting experiences and ideas to whet your appetite

• 5. Invest in a handheld fan

Or borrow one from a friend or relative. Should you become hot under the collar, this essential holiday accessory will cool you off a treat! 

 

                                                                - ENDS -

                                                                       

For further press information, please contact the Expedia press office team:

Telephone: 0870 990 5427

Email: expediapressoffice@golinharris.com

 

EDITORS NOTES:

About Expedia, Inc.

Expedia, Inc. is the world's leading online travel company, empowering business and leisure travelers with the tools and information they need to easily research, plan, book and experience travel. Expedia, Inc. also provides in-destination concierge service and activity desks for travelers. The Expedia, Inc. portfolio of brands includes: Expedia.com®, hotels.com®, Hotwire®, Egencia^TM (formerly Expedia Corporate Travel), TripAdvisor®, Expedia Local Expert^TM, Classic Vacations® and eLong^TM. Expedia, Inc.'s companies operate more than 70 global points of sale in more than 40 countries, with sites in North America, South America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Expedia, Inc. is a component of the S&P 500 index. Expedia, Inc. partners with loyalty programme Nectar in the UK enabling its customers to collect 200 Nectar points on stand alone flight, hotel or car hire bookings and 1000 points on package purchases through www.expedia.co.uk. For more information, visit http://www.expediainc.com/ (NASDAQ: EXPE).