If you’ve been binge-watching travel shows, sipping margarita at every opportunity, and strolling around in your flip-flops, there’s a good chance you’re officially ready for summer holiday.
In fact, with roughly three-quarters of Brits saying a regular overseas break is key to feeling upbeat, it’s little surprise so many are eager to be ready for summer holiday right now.
According to a new Marella Cruises survey of 2,000 people, nearly eight in ten (82%) claim going abroad is the highlight of their entire year.
We’re so keen on escaping that we’ll haul out our suitcases two weeks early (32%), go on a pre-holiday shopping spree (24%), and triple-check that our passports haven’t expired (23%). Sound familiar? These are all tell-tale signs it’s time to chase some sunshine.
A Country in Dream-Mode
It’s not just the packing cues that matter. About 13% of respondents say they watch programs like Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes or A Place in the Sun to get in the holiday spirit, while 15% admit they start daydreaming in work meetings.
Even nine in 100 people have a beach scene as their phone or laptop wallpaper – a tiny yet telling declaration of wanderlust.
| Sign | Percentage |
|---|---|
| You’re Googling “things to do” at your holiday destination | 41% |
| Your suitcase is out, even though you don’t leave for weeks | 32% |
| You’ve ordered all your holiday outfits | 24% |
| You repeatedly check that your passport is in date | 23% |
| You’re researching excursions at your destination | 23% |
| You have a countdown clock on your phone | 21% |
| You’re zoning out in work meetings | 15% |
| You’re watching travel shows like Rick Stein and A Place in the Sun | 13% |
| You officially do not care about your job anymore | 13% |
| You’ve booked your wax, pedi or mani | 10% |
| You’re smelling your suncream | 10% |
| You’re walking around the house in your swimsuit | 9% |
| You’ve changed your screensaver to a picture of a beach | 9% |
| You’re watching films set in idyllic locations | 9% |
| You’ve already written your out of office | 9% |
| You’ve swapped your cereal for croissants and tropical fruits | 7% |
| You’re following a bunch of travel influencers on social media | 7% |
| You’re wearing sunglasses in the house | 6% |
| You’re wearing flip flops even though it is only 8 degrees | 6% |
| You’re drinking Sangria, Margaritas and Aperol | 5% |
On average, Brits devote a staggering 200 hours each year to envisioning life on a cruise or relaxing abroad. We love vacations so much that a typical traveller starts planning the next getaway just 37 days after returning from the last.
However, the run-up to departure can feel like an eternity: 36% of people admit to getting antsy as they wait, and 43% say they’re giddy with excitement from the moment they book.
The Relaxation Conundrum
Curiously enough, half of all holidaymakers (50%) confess it takes them around four days into a trip before they fully unwind. After all that anticipation, switching off immediately can be harder than it looks.
Meet the Chief Chill-Out Officer
To help travellers find their zen sooner, Marella Cruises has brought on Denise Van Outen as its new Chief Chill-Out Officer.
She’s a pro at balancing a packed agenda with time to kick back – the perfect role model for achieving instant relaxation while travelling.
Her ‘lazy hacks’ include everything from champagne breakfasts in bed to tackling chores in your holiday attire, ensuring your mental out-of-office is well and truly engaged before you even board.
Denise van Outen, Chief Chill-Out Officer for Marella Cruises, says of her appointment: “I’m thrilled to be Marella Cruises’ first ever Chief Chill-Out Officer and help Brits switch on their ‘mental out of office’ sooner.
We all deserve to maximise our precious holiday time and I’m excited to share our lazy hacks to help people relax faster and fully embrace the Marella Cruises’ lifestyle, before they set sail.”
Why We Can’t Resist Going Abroad
Although 57% of Brits haven’t booked an international break this year, the benefits are clear. Discovering new destinations (63%) tops the list of best parts about travelling, followed by the chance to really switch off (43%).
Tasting local cuisines (41%) and having once-in-a-lifetime experiences (40%) also rank highly, with a further 38% enjoying not having to cook every night.
Ready to Make Your Escape?
If you’ve found yourself rummaging for your passport at odd hours or already parading around in beachwear, consider those your signals.
We’re not just longing for a little downtime – we’re longing for that perfect feeling of being ready for summer holiday.
Thanks to Marella Cruises and Denise Van Outen, there’s now a blueprint for tapping into those vacation vibes early, leaving you with extra time to soak up every second once you finally set sail. Bon voyage!
To find out how to enter Marella Cruises’ £1,000 cruise holiday voucher giveaway, please see here: https://www.tui.co.uk/cruise/info/denise-van-outen-cco
