Do you tell holiday lies? A quarter of people fib about their break because they’re afraid of being judged, according to a new survey. Even though they had the holiday they wanted, one in four admitted to embellishing or playing down elements of their trip in case it reflects badly on them.
One in two said they believe a holiday choice indicates how interesting, cultured or affluent people are. Those who go on cruises are far more likely to lie about their break than other types of holidaymakers (61 per cent).
The research, from escorted tour operator Leger Holidays, revealed people mostly exaggerate about details of accommodation, travel or the amount of sunshine they’ve enjoyed. To make out the weather was better than it was, one in eight people (12 per cent) even admitted using fake tan before returning home!
Although it’s mainly family and friends we think will judge us (27 per cent and 26 per cent respectively), nearly one in 10 (8 per cent) is worried that those we connect with on social media will also form an opinion based on a holiday choice. One in eight of us (12 per cent) has gone so far as to turn down a holiday in fear of what others might think, and 47 per cent automatically discount a certain type of holiday because of the stigma attached. Those holidays most likely to be dismissed without due consideration are:
- 18-30s holidays (22%)
- Coach holidays (13%)
- Cruises (12%)
- Holiday parks (11%)
- Single traveller holidays (9%)
Huw Williams, Marketing Director at Leger Holidays, said: “It’s a shame that people are worrying so much about what other people might think they’re actually turning down the opportunities to try new travel experiences. It seems to be a combination of fear of what others might say and fear about whether they’ll like a different kind of holiday, with a third of people admitting they’re scared to try something new in case they don’t like it.
“You’ll never know unless you try, and often the misconceptions are totally out of line with the reality. We know from experience that people can sometimes have very preconceived ideas about escorted coach tours, but actually when they come and try it for themselves, they’re amazed at the places they see, the experiences they have and the comfort and ease of it all.” See www.leger.co.uk
