Top things holidaymakers do before every trip - and the list is long
A poll of 2,000 adults who have been on holiday in the past 12 months found more than six in 10 will complete a series of tasks to get everything 'in order' before they leave.
Holidaymakers have revealed the top 30 tasks they undertake before every trip, and it's quite a lengthy list. It includes getting a fresh haircut for the holiday, obsessively checking the weather forecast, and organising care for their plants. Other key pre-holiday activities include doing a large laundry load, packing an abundance of snacks 'just in case', and changing the bedsheets so they're fresh upon return.
Repacking their luggage multiple times, purchasing new underwear, and repeatedly worrying about whether they've packed their passport also feature on the list. Many holiday makers also make sure their tablets and e-readers are loaded up with films, books or podcasts.
According to the poll, those who do any preparation ahead of a holiday will spend an average of seven-and-a-half hours doing so, with over a third saying they actively enjoy it.
Many people have even taken time off work specifically to get everything sorted before their holiday. This is particularly common among younger adults, with 77% of Gen Z and Millennials confessing they have taken time off for holiday preparations.
Millennials are found to spend the most time preparing for a holiday, averaging nine hours and 14 minutes. Women typically take seven hours and 57 minutes to get ready, while men spend six hours and 59 minutes on preparation.
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Zoe Fidler of lastminute.com, who organised the study, commented: "Between work, childcare, DIY projects and endless life admin, actually booking a holiday often ends up as a last-minute task – bringing with it the stress of wondering if you've missed out on the best deals."
The study revealed that 54% consider themselves to be someone who gets everything sorted well in advance of a trip. However, 25% tend to overpack 'massively' and 21% leave at least some of their pre-getaway prep to the last minute.
Interestingly, 23% selflessly prioritise the needs of others over their own when preparing for a holiday.
Zoe added: "We know that preparing for a holiday can be time consuming, stressful and expensive - but worth it in the end, which is why we commissioned this research to fully understand what Brits need from their summer getaway.
"We firmly believe it's never too late to book a getaway and our booking data shows this happens more often than you think."
TOP 30 HOLIDAY PREPARATION TASKS:
Secure travel documents in one place
Purchase sun cream/after sun
Exchange currency or order travel money
Check passport/visa requirements and renew if needed
Pack any prescription medication and travel health kit
Make a packing checklist
Clean out the fridge
Secure the house
Get your hair cut
Read reviews
Clean the whole house
Buy medicines/tablets
Charge every possible device and pack two portable chargers
Arrange pet care
Buy travel-sized toiletries
Do a big pre-holiday clothes wash
Repeatedly worry whether you've packed your passport
Weigh their suitcases multiple times
Change the bedsheets
Obsessively check the weather at your destination
Research health precautions (e.g. vaccinations, water safety)
Load your tablet or e-reader with movies, books, or podcasts
Pack a 'just in case' kit with mini sewing kits, painkillers, duct tape, and safety pins
Take pictures of your passport and insurance
Pack lots of snacks "just in case"
Buy new underwear
Download offline maps/apps
Decide at the last second to pack several more items
Arrange plant care
Pack, unpack, and pack again
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