Holiday Brits unable to leave troubles at home

Britons are unable to leave the worries of home behind them when planning to ‘escape from it all' on a winter sun or city break holiday, according to research from American Express Travellers Cheques.

Despite holidays being seen as an opportunity to relax and unwind, the new research reveals that 70 per cent of holiday makers are troubled by home pressures whilst abroad. And furthermore, rising costs of living in the UK are haunting one in four holiday makers (26%).

American Express Travellers Cheques polled a GB representative sample of over 2,000 people to find which domestic troubles are following Britons on holiday.

Further Findings: Out of Sight, But Not Out of Mind

Rising costs of living are a particular concern for those aged 25-34 who are likely to be supporting a young family and still repaying a mortgage (35%).

With news of a recession crime wave looming, one in three holidaymakers (33%) said they are preoccupied with thoughts of coming back to a burgled home. In fact, this was the main concern for young travellers (36%) closely followed by the rising cost of living (33%).

One in twenty holiday makers is fretting about falling house prices (6%) whilst a further nine per cent are worried about being made redundant.

Nearly one in six (13%) discontented young professionals are spending their holiday contemplating a career change.

Despite 28 per cent of women worrying about rising costs of living whilst of holiday, more still worry about putting on weight as a result of holiday indulgence (32%).

Finally, it's not only money issues troubling British holiday makers. When they leave the stresses and strains of work behind them, men are twice as likely as women to worry whether their partner still loves them (6% compared to 3% of women).

Sarah Harrison, Director at American Express Travellers Cheques commented: "A holiday should be a time for rest and relaxation. However, as our research has shown, additional stresses and pressures of home are often difficult to leave behind. Thinking carefully about how you carry your money abroad is one way to give you peace of mind when abroad.

"At American Express we are encouraging autumn and winter travellers to ensure they include Travellers Cheques as part of their travel money mix. Travellers Cheques are just like cash but are insured against loss or theft - one fear that can be neutralised whilst you enjoy the pool!"