We’re all going on a stressful holiday

As the New Year gets underway, nine in ten Brits (94%) will be turning their attentions to their summer holidays. Yet with 81% of Brits frustrated by the sheer planning, long breaks may not always provide the excitement and relaxation that we crave.

For British jetsetters, the prime cause for concern is the expense of overseas holidays – hardly surprising given that the cost of a family holiday to Spain averages almost £3,000. Significantly, over half (54%) try to plan their trips to avoid the expensive peak seasons, a third (31%) aim to steer clear of crowds and 15% find it difficult even to agree on a location!

Mike Freer, Head of Business Development at NatWest International comments: “Family holidays should be a fun and relaxing time of year but sadly this isn’t always the case. The hassle and expense of arranging holidays can be hugely stressful - from deciding where to go, budgeting, avoiding the crowds, to making arrangements for your pets and packing within weight restrictions.”

Organisational aspects aside, many Brits have seen their holidays ruined on arrival by unacceptable accommodation (33%); inedible food (22%); the behaviour of other hotel guests (15%); and hotel staff (11%).

However, with more than a quarter of a million Brits currently owning a foreign property the trauma and cost of holiday arrangements can become a distant memory. Indeed, a third of current and potential overseas homeowners believe that owning a holiday home will make family breaks more affordable and a quarter feel it would reduce the sheer stress of arranging holidays.

Freer continues: “Buying a holiday home really is a realistic and affordable option for many people and is increasingly becoming the norm for British adults. Spain continues to top the tables as the most popular overseas hotspot. While the upfront purchase cost is a huge financial commitment, the long term benefits of holiday homes can be fantastic as they provide great investment potential, a wonderful lifestyle and a permanent escape from the hassle and expense of holiday arrangements. A holiday home can literally pay for itself.”

For further information on the Spanish Mortgage visit: natwestinternational.com/spain