The Science Behind the Booking: New Formula Unlocks Key to 'The Perfect Holiday'

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• Publié par: ihg
• Nombre de lectures: 26
• Langue: English

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The Science Behind the Booking: New Formula

Unlocks Key to 'The Perfect Holiday'

PR Newswire

DENHAM, England, July 11, 2012

DENHAM,

England

,

July 11, 2012

/PRNewswire/ --

- Travelling for no more than four hours is the key to a perfect break

- Edinburgh is the UK's no. 1 Staycation Destination

This summer is set to be the biggest season of staycations with 30% Brits

predicted to book a holiday in the UK*. But according to a new scientific study,

it's not the recession and summer of sport keeping holidaymakers in the UK in

2012. The study commissioned by Holiday Inn has identified the formula for The

Perfect Holiday - three days long, and no longer than four hours from the front

door - helping to ease the stresses and strains of time off work and travel.

The Perfect Holiday was identified by a top UK research agency who looked at

the trade-off between the monetary expense of the break vs the benefits of the

holiday whilst taking into account factors such as cost, days and the amount of

time required off work. Other considerations include levels of anxiety and

boredom at the airport and relaxation benefit of being away from work.

Expert psychologist Dr David Lewis said: "Research shows that many people

find breaks abroad so stressful that they return home more worn out than

perked up! This helps explain the growing popularity of shorter breaks away in

the UK, with many holidaymakers finding that taking several long weekend

breaks is more relaxing and rewarding."

The research also identified that the psychological effects of a short break are

just as good as those of a two week holiday. Dr Lewis continued: "The post

traditional holiday slump can cause even more stress for people returning to

the workplace to a back-log of work requiring their urgent attention but who

just aren't able to perform at full strength for the first week back. But with

stress and a disturbance to a person's normal routine also playing a role.

"Holidays are intended to recharge our batteries and help us come back

refreshed and reinvigorated, but given the over-indulgences that can be made

on holiday from too much sun to too much food and drink, the longer the

holiday lasts the greater the potential risk to one's health."

Additionally, a study of 1,000 UK adults commissioned by Holiday Inn identified

that

Edinburgh

is the most popular place for a UK break, with

London

and

York

a close second and third.

Tamara Strauss at Holiday Inn said: "There are a lot of people still undecided

about their plans for getting away this summer, and each year we're seeing an

increasing trend for last-minute booking. We've found that people are booking

shorter holidays and especially this year are enjoying the 'best of British'

atmosphere in the UK - despite the weather! The pressure of taking time off

also means people are going away more often, helping them feel like they're

maximising their holiday budget and entitlement from work."

Holiday Inn's Top Tips for a Perfect Break:

1. Make a holiday checklist and include absolutely everything you need to do to avoid last

minute panic.

2. Plan the route in advance to avoid added stress

3. Pre book your accommodation for the best rates and to ensure the hotel of your choice

4. Especially when travelling with children, choose a hotel that provides everything in one

site, from practicalities such as free car parking, children eat free to little extras like games

rooms and leisure facilities including swimming pools.

5. Pre-book attractions in advance to save money and avoid delays.

6. Ask at the hotel reception for top tips and advice on local activities and restaurants.

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, commented: "UK residents

took 46million overnight holiday trips in

England

last year, so it's clear that

many people have already discovered this formula!

The popularity of taking a holiday at home can be attributed not only to

England's

variety as a holiday destination, but also its quality and value for

money. 85 per cent of staycationers said they had an excellent or very good

experience last year, and around 80 per cent said their break offered great

value for money. With

England's

stunning countryside and coastlines, buzzing

cities, unique heritage and world-class shopping - not to mention the once-in-a-

lifetime events of this year - there's never been a better time to take a holiday

at home!"

Holiday Inn commissioned the research to launch their new 'Long Weekend'

package. The package allows a family of four to take up a two night break, 2

nights bed and breakfast plus dinner on one night from as little as £109 plus

Kids Stay and Eat Free.

Holiday Inn are an international hotel brand. Visit the sites below for some of

our hotels in

Edinburgh

,

London

and

York

.

Edinburgh

:

http://www.hiedinburghhotel.co.uk

Situated conveniently close to the heart of this historic city, our hotel is a great

base for your visit to

Edinburgh

York

:

http://www.hiyorkhotel.co.uk

1.5 miles from the station, the Holiday Inn York is an award-winning hotel

London

:

http://www.hilondonregentsparkhotel.co.uk

Our Holiday Inn Regent's Park is just one of our many

London

hotels. It is a

short distance from London Zoo and Madame Tussauds and sits just on the

edge of central

London

Visit http://www.tophoteloffers.co.uk for further information.

Notes to Editors:

*Research completed by Travel Supermarket.

The steps in the derivation of the above equation:

1. Work out how much time from work is required to take a particular length holiday.

2. Work out the cost of taking holidays of this duration.

3. Calculate the anxiety, relaxation and boredom levels associated with a particular length

holiday

4. Find out the optimum balance between all the above factors so that we can know what

duration holiday to take.

IHG UK & Ireland Managed Estate

IHG UK & Ireland Managed estate is an owner managed estate which offers

guests great branded hotels in prime locations, which are perfect for

business and leisure as well as conferences and events. With over 65 Holiday

Inn and Crowne Plaza hotels throughout the UK &

Ireland

you really will be

spoilt for choice. The hotels are perfect for a much needed break or a fun

weekend, whether you're travelling with the whole family or just the two of you,

IHG have everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable stay.

About Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn offers today's business and leisure travellers a dependable, friendly

service and modern attractive facilities at excellent value for money. You'll find

them throughout the world - in small towns and major cities, along quiet streets

and near bustling airports - because Holiday Inn hotels are always conveniently

located.

Holiday Inn provide guests with the services business travellers need, while also

offering leisure travellers a comfortable, casual atmosphere where they can

relax and enjoy amenities such as restaurants, room service, swimming pools,

fitness centres and comfortable lounges. And to help your holiday go further,

kids eat free at all Holiday Inn hotels.

About Crowne Plaza

Crowne Plaza is a dynamic hotel brand currently located in nearly 60 countries

around the world. Truly international, Crowne Plaza offers premium

accommodation, designed for the discerning business and leisure traveller who

appreciates simplified elegance combined with the practicality of the latest

features, as well as value for money. At Crowne Plaza, guests can enjoy a 24-

hour business service, wireless high speed internet access in the lobby plus

excellent fitness and leisure facilities.

For further information, interview or image requests please contact the IHG

team at Weber Shandwick on [phone] or email

[e-mail]