The Science Behind the Booking: New Formula Unlocks Key to 'The Perfect Holiday'

DENHAM, England, July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- Travelling for no more than four hours is the key to a perfect break

- Edinburgh is the UK's no. 1 Staycation Destination

This summer is set to be the biggest season of staycations with 30% Brits predicted to book a holiday in the UK*. But according to a new scientific study, it's not the recession and summer of sport keeping holidaymakers in the UK in 2012. The study commissioned by Holiday Inn has identified the formula for The Perfect Holiday - three days long, and no longer than four hours from the front door - helping to ease the stresses and strains of time off work and travel.

The Perfect Holiday was identified by a top UK research agency who looked at the trade-off between the monetary expense of the break vs the benefits of the holiday whilst taking into account factors such as cost, days and the amount of time required off work. Other considerations include levels of anxiety and boredom at the airport and relaxation benefit of being away from work.

Expert psychologist Dr David Lewis said: "Research shows that many people find breaks abroad so stressful that they return home more worn out than perked up!  This helps explain the growing popularity of shorter breaks away in the UK, with many holidaymakers finding that taking several long weekend breaks is more relaxing and rewarding."

The research also identified that the psychological effects of a short break are just as good as those of a two week holiday. Dr Lewis continued: "The post traditional holiday slump can cause even more stress for people returning to the workplace to a back-log of work requiring their urgent attention but who just aren't able to perform at full strength for the first week back. But with stress and a disturbance to a person's normal routine also playing a role.

"Holidays are intended to recharge our batteries and help us come back refreshed and reinvigorated, but given the over-indulgences that can be made on holiday from too much sun to too much food and drink, the longer the holiday lasts the greater the potential risk to one's health."

Additionally, a study of 1,000 UK adults commissioned by Holiday Inn identified that Edinburgh is the most popular place for a UK break, with London and York a close second and third.  

Tamara Strauss at Holiday Inn said: "There are a lot of people still undecided about their plans for getting away this summer, and each year we're seeing an increasing trend for last-minute booking. We've found that people are booking shorter holidays and especially this year are enjoying the 'best of British' atmosphere in the UK - despite the weather! The pressure of taking time off also means people are going away more often, helping them feel like they're maximising their holiday budget and entitlement from work."

Holiday Inn's Top Tips for a Perfect Break:

1. Make a holiday checklist and include absolutely everything you need to do to avoid last minute panic.
2. Plan the route in advance to avoid added stress
3. Pre book your accommodation for the best rates and to ensure the hotel of your choice
4. Especially when travelling with children, choose a hotel that provides everything in one site, from practicalities such as free car parking, children eat free to little extras like games rooms and leisure facilities including swimming pools.
5. Pre-book attractions in advance to save money and avoid delays.
6. Ask at the hotel reception for top tips and advice on local activities and restaurants.

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, commented: "UK residents took 46million overnight holiday trips in England last year, so it's clear that many people have already discovered this formula!

The popularity of taking a holiday at home can be attributed not only to England's variety as a holiday destination, but also its quality and value for money. 85 per cent of staycationers said they had an excellent or very good experience last year, and around 80 per cent said their break offered great value for money. With England's stunning countryside and coastlines, buzzing cities, unique heritage and world-class shopping - not to mention the once-in-a-lifetime events of this year - there's never been a better time to take a holiday at home!"

Holiday Inn commissioned the research to launch their new 'Long Weekend' package. The package allows a family of four to take up a two night break, 2 nights bed and breakfast plus dinner on one night from as little as £109 plus Kids Stay and Eat Free.

Holiday Inn are an international hotel brand. Visit the sites below for some of our hotels in Edinburgh, London and York.

Edinburgh:

http://www.hiedinburghhotel.co.uk

Situated conveniently close to the heart of this historic city, our hotel is a great base for your visit to Edinburgh

York:

http://www.hiyorkhotel.co.uk

1.5 miles from the station, the Holiday Inn York is an award-winning hotel

London:

http://www.hilondonregentsparkhotel.co.uk

Our Holiday Inn Regent's Park is just one of our many London hotels. It is a short distance from London Zoo and Madame Tussauds and sits just on the edge of central London        

Visit http://www.tophoteloffers.co.uk  for further information.    

Notes to Editors:

*Research completed by Travel Supermarket.

The steps in the derivation of the above equation:

1. Work out how much time from work is required to take a particular length holiday.
2. Work out the cost of taking holidays of this duration.
3. Calculate the anxiety, relaxation and boredom levels associated with a particular length holiday
4. Find out the optimum balance between all the above factors so that we can know what duration holiday to take.

IHG UK & Ireland Managed Estate

IHG UK & Ireland Managed estate is an owner managed estate which offers guests great branded hotels in prime locations, which are perfect for

business and leisure as well as conferences and events. With over 65 Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza hotels throughout the UK & Ireland you really will be spoilt for choice. The hotels are perfect for a much needed break or a fun weekend, whether you're travelling with the whole family or just the two of you, IHG have everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable stay.

About Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn offers today's business and leisure travellers a dependable, friendly service and modern attractive facilities at excellent value for money. You'll find them throughout the world - in small towns and major cities, along quiet streets and near bustling airports - because Holiday Inn hotels are always conveniently located.

Holiday Inn provide guests with the services business travellers need, while also offering leisure travellers a comfortable, casual atmosphere where they can relax and enjoy amenities such as restaurants, room service, swimming pools, fitness centres and comfortable lounges. And to help your holiday go further, kids eat free at all Holiday Inn hotels.

About Crowne Plaza

Crowne Plaza is a dynamic hotel brand currently located in nearly 60 countries around the world. Truly international, Crowne Plaza offers premium accommodation, designed for the discerning business and leisure traveller who appreciates simplified elegance combined with the practicality of the latest features, as well as value for money. At Crowne Plaza, guests can enjoy a 24-hour business service, wireless high speed internet access in the lobby plus excellent fitness and leisure facilities.

For further information, interview or image requests please contact the IHG team at Weber Shandwick on +44(0)161-238-9400 or email [email protected]

SOURCE IHG