According to holiday operator First Choice, online ski trip bookings are soaring - the travel brand has seen a hike in web traffic with 57% of 16-24 year old’s flocking online to book their winter getaways meaning millions of UK holidaymakers will escape to the mountains for a winter break over the next six months.
However, holidays aren't always plain sailing and First Choice has uncovered the top five winter holiday ‘icks’ ahead of the new season - deep, visceral reactions to a travel scenario that for some inexplicable reason causes an unforgiving sense of internal cringe.
Clapping When the Airplane Lands
Clapping when the plane lands divides travellers. While 5.9 million Britons find it fun and heart-warming, over 15.5 million say it’s “unnecessary and awkward”.
Accent Adventures
When it comes to holiday personas, 19% of 16-24 year old’s believe putting on an accent whilst speaking English abroad is a sign you're trying to replicate the language (even if you know very few words). However, travellers rocking accents can be quite the holi-‘Ick’ for some - over 6.6 million, in fact. Remember, wherever you travel, it's about having fun and immersing yourself in the culture - accent or not.
Namaste or Apres ski?
Holiday experiences can make or break a trip. Over a quarter of 25-34 year old’s [26%] say a wellbeing retreat is their “ultimate holiday pick”, whereas the nation’s 16-24 year old’s crave pints and table dancing more than any other age demographic. The former will be catching the first ski lift of the day to beat the crowds and enjoy the sunrise. In some cases, the latter will be lucky if they make it to the slopes at all!
Printed Itineraries - The Perils of Being Unprepared
In the digital age, over 8.1 million 25-34 year old travellers prefer to skip paper printouts, while almost half of those aged 55+ (46%) - the ‘Print Crusaders’ - prefer to carry printed documents to avoid digital disruptions.
To croc or not to croc?
After a long hard day on the slopes, slipping out of your torturous ski boots and into something more comfortable is a wonderful feeling. Crocs are considered great Apres ski attire by some - but it can very much depend on who’s wearing them. Just one in five 16-24 year olds [20%] say they’ll “proudly” sport Crocs on their holiday, despite the reptile inspired footwear beginning to make a comeback in the UK.
