Must-haves for the perfect summer holiday revealed – are they on your list?

THE “perfect” summer holiday must be all-inclusive, offer plenty of berths and be just a stone’s throw away from the beach.

A survey of 2,000 holidaymakers found that ideally Brits would like to have at least three different daily activities on offer and at least five restaurants to choose from when holidaying abroad.

1

While 27 percent said they would like a full buffet at their accommodation and 18 percent would prefer to stay at an adults-only hotel.

In the evening, 33 percent want the opportunity to dance the night away, while 23 percent see lots of entertainment as a must.

Loveholidays’ Al Murray, who commissioned the study, said: “Everyone has a list of must-haves when it comes to a summer holiday.

“It only happens once a year so boxes need to be ticked and the ultimate getaway needs to be enjoyed allowing people to fully relax and unwind.

“There is so much to consider during the planning phase to get it right and by employing an online agent we can help you not only find the best break for you but also get a good deal.

“That way you can really look forward to something and know that you’re going to enjoy this summer.”

The poll found that the ideal summer vacation would last 10 days – with Italy, the Maldives and Greece topping the poll for dream destinations.

More than half (51 percent) would choose a different country each summer, while 21 percent would happily return to the same place but are interested in trying new hotels or resorts.

Sightseeing (45 percent), eating and drinking (42 percent) and spending time with loved ones (31 percent) – this is what most respondents spend the majority of their free time on.

And when it comes to what they enjoy most on vacation, top choices include soaking up the sun (53 percent), discovering a new country (49 percent) and getting away from the hustle and bustle of life (47 percent).

Thinking about this summer, 38 per cent are determined to enjoy a ‘bucket list’ holiday, while almost half (48 per cent) are simply keen to escape the UK’s doom and gloom.

For 41 percent, the pandemic got in the way of a dream vacation, but three in 10 used this time to save up so they could pursue their vacation dreams this year.

More than four in ten (41%) are most likely to opt for a package holiday rather than booking each element individually (32%) – to ensure flights, accommodation and transfers are organized in one go.

For 63 percent of those who prefer package holidays, the simpler booking process is most appealing, while 56 percent like the fact that the holiday is financially secure.

According to the OnePoll study, more than half (55 percent) are drawn to the idea of ​​having everything done for them, while 45 percent do so because it’s more cost-effective.

Al Murray of loveholidays, which offers one lucky candidate the chance to be their “holiday correspondent” and reviews five dream destinations, added: “It’s important to us to help the nation enjoy its ultimate summer vacation this year travel to new countries, get to know new cultures or simply spend time with loved ones.

“It’s understandable that a lot of people have less money to play with this year when it comes to holidays, but that’s why making sure you’re getting value for your money has never been more important.”

TOP 20 MUST-HAVES FOR THE PERFECT SUMMER HOLIDAY

Benidorm beach in Spain

1. beach nearby
2. sightseeing
3. Reasonable size pool
4. On-site restaurants
5. hotel bar
6. Extensive buffet in the hotel
7. Lots of sunbathing
8. All inclusive accommodation
9. evening entertainment
10. External excursions
11. All inclusive drinks
12. Many adventures
13. A la carte restaurants in the hotel
14. Adults only hotel
15. boat trips
16. Adults only area
17. hikes
18. private beach
19. Swimming pool with water slides
20. room service