Brits swap boozy breaks for healthy holidays in 2014
8 Jan 2014
- 61% plan to head abroad to detox in the new year
- Two thirds of people more concerned about their health compared to three years ago
- Spain, France and Italy top the list of healthy holiday destinations
Two thirds of Brits plan to take a healthy holiday, or 'relax-cation', in 2014, according to a study by foreign exchange specialists, Travelex.
In the survey of 2,000 holidaymakers, 61% said they would like to head abroad to detox after a Christmas of overindulgence. Health and fitness breaks are on the rise in Britain, with 43% more likely to go on a healthy holiday than they were three years ago.
Results reveal that Brits are most motivated by getting fit, with over a third (34%) of those considering an active holiday looking to improve their fitness. Over thirty percent (31.3%) want to lose weight, and another third (29.85%) are seeking mental relaxation whilst on holiday as opposed to going out drinking.
The survey revealed the UK to be the most popular choice and Spain topped the poll as the most popular destination overseas for those seeking a healthy holiday, with over one in ten (12.03%) people choosing to head there to start their New Year cleanse. France and Italy followed, showing that people are staying closer to home for their detox holidays rather than heading further afield.
Healthy eating is the most popular intention for Brits heading on a wellness break. Results revealed that almost sixty percent (56%) focus on food to detox whilst away. Spa treatments came second in the Travelex survey, with over fifty per cent (51%) of health-driven holidaymakers visiting a spa on their trip.
The gym, swimming, and meditation are next on the list of ways to improve health after the alcohol-fuelled festive season.
After partying hard in the busiest social month of the year, Brits in January will be looking to rejuvenate themselves, with over forty per cent (41.6%) of people making a health-related New Year's resolution.
As well as getting healthy in the New Year, Brits are also concerned about money after the present-giving season, with over half (52.7%) aiming to sort out their finances in January. With the Pound up four per cent compared to July, those travelling to Spain for their January 2014 retreat will also benefit from an improved exchange rate, enabling saving following the Christmas splurge.
Elvin Eldić, from Travelex, comments: "Christmas is deservedly a time of indulgence. So it's understandable people want to detox during January, and booking a holiday is a great way to begin 2014, with a healthier outlook."
"Whilst Europe is proving to be most popular, those seeking the sunshine can definitely consider travelling further as the strengthening Pound sees Brits get excellent value for their money. With its low-cost spa treatments, Thailand would make a great destination for those looking to detox and de-stress. With the Pound up by a huge 20% against Thai Baht, Brits will see an extra 4,194 Baht in their pocket for every £500 exchanged, compared to eight months ago!"
"India is also offering fantastic value with the Pound buying an extra 9,826 Rupee for every £500 exchanged versus March 2013. World-renowned for their supreme yoga camps India is deemed by many as an inexpensive destination for those looking to cleanse the mind and body after the holiday season. Those travelling to India should be aware that the Indian Rupee is a restricted currency which is difficult to purchase in the UK. It is definitely best to speak to one of our foreign exchange specialists in store who will provide you with the right expert advice before you purchase."
Paul Joseph, co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel, comments "Healthy holidays are definitely an increasing trend in Britain as more consumers seek relief from daily stress and constant connectivity. We have become more aware of the importance of staying fit and healthy and our holidays reflect this trend; we've had loads of enquiries over the last few months for people wanting a health and fitness break. Health is especially on people's minds after the unhealthy festive months, so we're expecting to see our activity and health-focused holidays being booked up quickly for the first months of 2014."
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ABOUT TRAVELEX:
Travelex is the world's largest foreign exchange specialist with almost 1,500 stores and 1,250 ATMs across 27 countries, at key airport, seaport, rail and tourist locations. Over 40% of travellers - 1.7 billion passengers a year - pass through airports where Travelex operates including the major gateways at Amsterdam, Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York, Paris, Sydney & Tokyo. Every hour, Travelex provides foreign currency to more than 2,000 customers.
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