Planning and taking a holiday is meant to be the ultimate way to unwind, but new research shows that many trip organisers end up exhausted by the responsibility. According to recent research, six in 10 have returned from holiday – needing another holiday. A poll of 2,000 adults found for 35%, what tires them most is having to plan a getaway while for 30% it’s being the one leading the arrangements once there.
Despite trying to switch off, 32% can’t stop checking if everyone else is ok. Meanwhile, 30% spend their downtime scouting restaurants and 25% find themselves building the daily itinerary. To avoid spending all of their holiday being in charge of organising, 22% slip off for a coffee, 17% retreat to their hotel room, and 11% pretend to be asleep.
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) commissioned the research and has teamed up with TV presenter Josie Gibson to launch its ‘When the Host Needs Hosting’ campaign.
“I’m that person who’s always making sure everyone’s glass is full and having the best time,” Josie admits. “So, when I’m away, I absolutely love being the one who gets looked after for a change.
“Whether it’s a big holiday, travelling for work or just a little night away, for me it’s about being able to switch off, relax and let someone else take care of things.”
The study found 54% of adults frequently take responsibility for caring for others in everyday life and 57% often find themselves organising group plans.
While 49% generally feel it’s down to them to make sure everyone is having a good time.
So much so that 64% of those polled by OnePoll.com have returned from a holiday feeling like they needed another break to recover.
But despite how exhausting they find organising duties while on vacation, 28% do enjoy it. And 31% reckon they are the best person to take charge in their friend group, family or among colleagues.
However, for a getaway to feel like a proper break, over a third (34%) said it’s being able to simply turn up and enjoy themselves.
For 33%, not having to cook or clean helps them properly switch off while 32% value having a comfortable room ready for them when they arrive.
Neetu Mistry, managing director of UK & Ireland at IHG Hotels & Resorts, which is launching ‘When the Host Needs Hosting’ experiences through its One Rewards Access platform, said: “The people who bring everyone together are often the ones who find it hardest to switch off.
“And our research shows that even when they’re away, many are still thinking about everyone else.
“For us, great hospitality is about creating the space for people to step back, relax and feel genuinely looked after.
“We’re celebrating the people who do so much for others and reminding them that sometimes, it’s their turn to be the guest.”
TOP 10 HOLIDAY TASKS BRITS WOULD LOVE TAKEN OFF THEIR HANDS:
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Resolving problems
- Managing timings and schedules
- Coordinating transport
- Planning the itinerary
- Organising activities
- Making reservations
- Making sure everyone else is happy
- Deciding where everyone eats
