A study of 2,000 UK adults showed as many as three quarters of Brits (72%) claim they need a regular holiday abroad to feel happy and positive, while 82% say going abroad is the highlight of their year
News Andy Gilpin Deputy Editor in Chief 13:42, 17 Apr 2025Updated 14:54, 17 Apr 2025 This article contains affiliate links, which means we will receive commission on any sale of products or services we write. Learn more
A whopping 72% of Brits reckon they need a regular overseas holiday to keep their spirits high, with a staggering 82% declaring that jetting off is the highlight of their year.
A new survey also spilled the beans on the tell-tale signs you're gagging for a getaway, including having your suitcase out early (32%), ordering all your holiday outfits in advance (24%) and obsessively checking your passport's expiry date (23%).
Other clues that you're desperate for some sun include being hooked on Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes or A Place in the Sun (13%), daydreaming during work meetings (15%), and switching your screensaver to a beach snap (9%), according to the poll by Marella Cruises.
The study of 2,000 people revealed that the average Brit spends a mind-boggling 200 hours each year fantasising about kicking back on a cruise or foreign holiday, mentally slapping on the 'out of office' five days before take-off.
On average, Brits jet off on two foreign holidays a year - and we're so smitten with them that we start pondering our next one just 37 days after returning from the last.
A third (36%) confess they get antsy waiting for their holiday, with nearly half (43%) feeling the thrill as soon as they book a break – so much so that many whip out their suitcase a full fortnight before departure.
Despite looking forward to our hols, shockingly, half of us Brits can't easily switch off, taking a whole FOUR days to chill out completely.
That's why Marella Cruises has just named Denise Van Outen as their first-ever Chief Chill-Out Officer. The celeb is ready to spill her secrets on staying cool under pressure, helping cruisers slip into relaxation mode pronto before they hop aboard.
Denise van Outen's getting down to business, showing us how to master 'lazy hacks' for the ultimate cruise chill vibe. Think bubbles in bed and rocking those vacay clothes while tackling the chores – it's all about kicking into holiday gear early with Marella Cruises.
Chief Chill-Out Officer Denise says: "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."
A whopping 57% confess they've not yet pencilled in a foreign getaway this year. The top perks of jetting off include exploring new places (63%), finally getting some proper downtime (43%), tucking into local grub (41%), bagging unique experiences (40%) and ditching the daily dinner dilemma (38%).
For your chance to nab a £1,000 cruise holiday voucher from Marella Cruises, check out the details here
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The 20 signs you need a holiday
- 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%
Cruises
