British holidaymakers feel most like themselves on holiday, according to a new study, with many saying it makes them feel 13 years younger on average.
Holiday Behaviours
A study of 2,000 holidaymakers found that 63% do things on a break they would not usually consider at home. Treating themselves to a daily cocktail or beer, spending money without overthinking it, and making bolder clothing choices are among the top ways adults let loose.
More than a third (34%) said they are more open to trying new activities when away, with watersports, quad biking, and kayaking ranking among the most popular. Other holiday staples include city walking tours, open-top bus rides, and beer and wine tastings.
The Holiday Mirror Experience
The research was commissioned by San Miguel, which is launching an immersive 'Holiday Mirror' experience. The installation is to encourage people to hold onto that carefree holiday mindset, whatever the weather and wherever they are.
Ed Hussey, a spokesperson for the beer brand, said: 'Our research shows holidays give people permission to be more spontaneous, sociable and carefree. The recent heatwave gave us a small glimpse of what that feels like. The Holiday Mirror is designed to remind people that a Spanish summer isn't just about sunshine abroad - it's about mindset, spontaneity and making the most of everyday moments.'
Millennials Lead the Way
Millennials emerged as the most adventurous, putting it down to switching off from daily chores and work emails. More than a quarter (28%) said they are more sociable on holiday as everyday stresses fade into the background, while 30% said they feel more spontaneous because they are out of their normal routine.
Two-thirds said they become the 'best version of themselves' when they can escape the pressures of day-to-day life – and 19% said they only feel like their 'true self' when they are on holiday.
Feeling Younger
That shift can even make people feel younger. Some 16% said they feel an average of 13 years younger on holiday than their actual age. As much, many try to carry the feeling into everyday life.
After returning, 22% said they plan to live more in the moment, exercise more, and spend more time outdoors. Simple pleasures can help recreate that carefree mindset, with 26% saying a beer in a pub garden does the trick and 31% opting to host a BBQ with friends. For 22%, even the sound of a bottle opening is enough to help them unwind.
Ed Hussey added: 'People often return from summer holidays feeling like they've left the best version of themselves behind. We wanted to explore how people can hold onto that feeling for longer, even once they're back home and back to routine.'
Top 10 Things We Only Do on Holiday
- Spend the day by the pool/beach
- Drink alcohol during the day
- Read books for hours uninterrupted
- Have a cooked breakfast everyday
- Talk to strangers
- Spend money without thinking about it
- Spend the entire day doing absolutely nothing
- Try new activities
- Have a nap
- Wear flipflops
