Happy holidays

In summer 2006 you told us about fabulous backpacking holidays, dodgy trips with the folks and where you would go on a dream break.

How often?

We're relieved to see that 94% of you take a long break at least once a year. 21% dare to take two breaks and a further 11% take time off three or four times. Short breaks are more popular though, as the majority (59%) take them twice a year and 29% take them three or more times a year.

Summer is the obvious time to take a holiday as over half (55%) of you choose that time of year. For 30% of you it depends on what sort of holiday it is.

Top ten reasons to go on holiday

To relax: 83%
To sightsee/explore: 72%
To spend time with friends/family: 55%
To get a suntan: 20%
To have lots to eat and drink: 18%
To get to know the locals: 11%
To go to museums/galleries: 9%
To party/go clubbing: 7%
To do something sporty: 5%
To experience other cultures: 4%

Dream holidays

While a beach holiday sounds like bliss to 18% of you, 13% would happily plump for somewhere hot and sunny. 8% drool over the idea of going to South America and a further 8% dream of going everywhere citing NewYork for a shopping spree as a hot favourite.

Booking choices

Independent booking: 49%
Family of friends book for me: 36%
Book through high street travel agent: 7%
Book package holiday: 4%
Other: 4%

Best holidays

The majority of you (39%) rave about Europe in your accounts of best holidays. Backpacking around Turkey, going to Brussels with your partner and clubbing in Spain were just a few of the experiences you hold close to your hearts. 17% of you said that your favourite holiday has been in the USA or Canada.

Top five accommodation choices

Basic, but clean hotels: 42%
Hostels or fleabag hotels: 10%
Camping: 7%
Self catering apartments: 4%
Caravans: 4%

Learning the lingo

Learning the basics of the local language is important for 40% of you while slightly less of you, 35%, make sure you've got the hang of 'yes', 'no' and 'beer'. 12% don't bother, arguing that most people in different countries speak English anyway. 4% only go to places where English is the first language and 3% always make sure you're fluent in the country's mother tongue.

Do you budget your bucks or splash the cash?

I have enough for nice meals and sightseeing: 45%
I spend as little as possible: 14%
I save up loads and splurge it all: 13%
My family/friends/partner pay for everything: 13%
I have enough for a few drinks with food: 12%
Other: 4%

Worst holidays

A snow trip sharing a room with your mother was enough for one of you to wish you were back in lectures. In fact 16% of you said that holidays with family were the ones you remember being the worst. Dodgy transfers and seedy hotels were also the topic of your bad holiday experiences. A fortunate 16% of you claim to have never had a bad holiday.

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