A study of 2,000 holidaymakers found a manicure or pedicure is the treatment they would most like to have while away, followed by a Turkish bath and a facial
Holidaymakers are seeking out beauty treatments abroad(Image: PinPep)
Two thirds of travellers describe themselves as ‘pamper tourists’ and relish beauty treatments abroad – because they’re more affordable and there’s greater opportunity than back in the UK.
Research involving 2,000 holidaymakers revealed a manicure or pedicure tops the list of treatments they’d most like to indulge in while away, with a Turkish bath and facial following close behind. Massages, hair treatments and even fish pedicures also feature among the top 20.
A third of those surveyed said they would be tempted to book a treatment abroad if it worked out cheaper than back home, while 28% would consider it simply because they have more free time than usual while on holiday.
More than one in 10, however, would book a treatment at their destination purely to avoid the last-minute rush before they even set off.
The research was commissioned by Treatwell as part of its ‘No Shame in Being Type B’ campaign, which celebrates holidaymakers who don’t panic if their beauty prep isn’t sorted before take-off.
Its so-called ‘beautician brigade’ took over London Victoria, lining the concourse of the Gatwick Express terminal with signs serving as a love letter to those with an unapologetically last-minute approach to holiday beauty prep.
The brand’s UK CEO, Alessandro Frau, said: “Holiday beauty prep doesn’t have to happen before you leave home anymore.
“As our customers’ habits evolve, we’re evolving with them, making it easier to discover and book trusted beauty services wherever they are in Europe.”
The findings came off the back of data from Treatwell revealing that 5% of all UK bookings made on the beauty and wellness platform were placed overseas rather than at home.
Nails proved the most popular treatment booked by British travellers abroad, topping the charts in six of the brand’s seven biggest European markets — only knocked off the top spot by hair in Lithuania.
Italy is the overseas destination where UK travellers are most likely to book a beauty treatment, with the Mediterranean nation accounting for 21% of all cross-border bookings across those same countries, ahead of France (18%), Germany (17%), Spain (15%) and Lithuania (15%).
Greece is the fastest-growing of the seven destinations, with UK bookings there up 38% year-on-year, while Portugal (+23%) and Lithuania (+5%) also recorded strong growth.
However, a number of hurdles remain when it comes to booking treatments abroad, with 33% expressing concerns over treatment quality, 25% unsure about which venues to trust, and 23% worried about hidden costs.
This follows research revealing that UK travellers are divided between meticulous planners and last-minute bookers, with 54% describing themselves as Type A travellers who prefer to plan well in advance
Yet 11% proudly consider themselves Type B, leaving everything to the eleventh hour, according to the research by OnePoll.
Despite this, the average traveller spends just under six hours preparing for a trip, juggling everything from passports and visas to pet care and beauty treatments.
Alessandro Frau, from the beauty booking brand, added: “Whether you’re planning ahead or booking from your sun lounger, Treatwell gives you the same seamless experience, verified reviews and quality partners you trust at home.
“So everyone is treated like a local.”
TOP 20 BEAUTY TREATMENTS TO HAVE WHILE ON HOLIDAY:
- Manicure / pedicure.
- Turkish bath.
- Facial.
- Hot stone massage.
- Body scrub / exfoliation treatment.
- Aromatherapy massage.
- Hair treatment.
- Hammam massage.
- Reflexology.
- Scalp treatment.
- Acupuncture.
- Korean glass-skin facial.
- Japanese camellia oil facial massage.
- Fish pedicure.
- Body wrap.
- Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage.
- LED light therapy facial.
- Eyebrow threading.
- Ayurvedic facial.
- Lash treatment.