We’re all going on a stressful holiday

The stress of planning and paying for holidays is almost enough to put would-be travellers off taking a break. Millions of Brits, however, are taking the headache out of the summertime blues by buying their own holiday home abroad.

Although being on holiday should be a time to relax and forget everyday worries, research by NatWest International Personal Banking reveals eight out of ten Brits already feel stressed before they even get there, just by the sheer planning of the holiday in the first place.

Planning the holiday is traumatic enough, but fear of the unknown – rowdy guests, poor service, half built hotels and bad weather – can turn the dream holiday into a nightmare. Many Brits have seen their holidays ruined when they get there by unacceptable accommodation (33%); inedible food (22%); the behaviour of other hotel guests (15%) and rude hotel staff (11%).

One of the prime causes for concern is the expense of overseas holidays for four out of 10 (41%) Brits – hardly surprising given that the cost of a family holiday to Spain averages almost £3,000. A staggering eight out of ten (85%) try to plan their trips to avoid the expensive peak seasons and steer clear of the crowds, over a third (35%) break out in a cold sweat when it comes to packing essentials and keeping under the weight restriction. 15 per cent find it difficult even to agree on where to go in the first place!

Mike Freer, Head of Business Development at NatWest International Personal Banking comments: “Holidays should be fun and relaxing but sadly this isn’t always the case. The hassle and expense of arranging holidays can be hugely traumatic - from deciding where to go and remembering to pack everything but the kitchen sink, yet keeping under the new airline luggage weight restrictions. And the holiday itself can be spoiled by dreadful food, poor accommodation, meaning that Brits end up needing another holiday when they return!”

However, with more than a quarter of a million Brits currently owning a foreign property and a further three in ten (31%)considering buying abroad, 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 abroad is increasingly becoming the norm for British families. 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.”