Twice in a lifetime holidays on the up

twice in a lifetime

Twice in a lifetime holidays on the up: It used to be that most of us went on a once in a lifetime holiday – but new research shows that many of us fall in love with a destination so much, we go back for a second bite of the cherry.

The study of 2,000 adults who holiday regularly, found 75% have revisited a city, country or resort at least once – and 31% have already chosen to go back to a long-haul destination which they initially deemed to be ‘once in a lifetime’.

Another one in two said they planned to return at some point in their lifetime to somewhere they considered a ‘once in a lifetime’ destination.

The study also found America, Australia, Italy, Barbados and Canada are the places which top the ‘twice-in-a-lifetime’ holiday list.

Derek Jones, managing director of Kuoni, who conducted the study said: “We’re seeing a generation of adventurers who set off to see the world with a backpack in their twenties to places like Thailand, Malaysia, India and Australia return to those places they love at a later stage in life.

“Worldwide travel is more affordable and accessible than it has ever has been before.

“The choice of destinations, hotels and flights now is vast and brings many stunning countries and cruises – viewed in the past as ‘once in a lifetime’ – within the reach of many more people.

“Almost three-quarters of people were likely to return to a ‘once in a lifetime’ destination because they were so overwhelmed by the scenery and landscapes, while the same percentage wanted time to experience things they had missed on their original visit.:”

One third of those polled were so amazed by everything they saw first time round they wanted to see it all a second time, while 63% fell in love with the culture, which was so different from anything else they had come across before.

Six in 10 people felt they’d never be able to match the fantastic accommodation anywhere else in the world, and 59% simply loved the local cuisine.

TOP 10 ‘TWICE IN A LIFETIME’ DESTINATIONS

1. USA
2. Australia
3. Italy
4. Barbados
5. Canada
6. Egypt
7. Thailand
8. Maldives
9. Mexico
10. A Cruise

TOP 20 REASONS FOR ‘TWICE IN A LIFETIME’ HOLIDAYS

1. You have such fond memories of the first visit
2. Fell in love with the scenery and landscape
3. The locals were so welcoming and friendly
4. You didn’t see or experience enough first time round
5. Good value for money
6. Wanted to see different parts of the country
7. Fell in love with the culture
8. You forgot about work completely
9. The accommodation was amazing
10. You loved the food
11. Something for all the family to do
12. Haven’t been so relaxed anywhere else in the world
13. Wanted to take a new partner, or return with the family
14. To mark an anniversary or special occasion
15. You simply want to recreate the first special holiday
16. You met some / made some good friends
17. You don’t think any other holiday could top it
18. You had such a romantic time on your last visit
19. You befriended the staff
20. You met someone / enjoyed a holiday romance