A new study shows that the pressure of organising everything on holiday leaves trip leaders needing another holiday just to recover.
Planning and booking a holiday is supposed to be the ultimate escape, but new research reveals that many of those who organise trips end up worn out by the burden of responsibility.
According to the findings, six in 10 people have arrived home from a break only to feel they need another one. A poll of 2,000 adults found that for 35%, the most draining aspect is having to plan the trip in the first place, while for 30%, it’s taking the lead on arrangements once they’ve actually arrived.
Despite their best efforts to switch off, 32% can’t stop checking whether everyone around them is having a good time. Meanwhile, 30% spend their precious downtime hunting out restaurants, and 25% find themselves putting together the day’s itinerary.
In a bid to escape the constant pressure of being in charge, 22% sneak off for a quiet coffee, 17% retreat to the sanctuary of their hotel room, and 11% resort to pretending to be asleep.
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) commissioned the research and has teamed up with TV presenter Josie Gibson to launch its ‘When the Host Needs Hosting’ campaign.
“I’m that person who’s always making sure everyone’s glass is full and having the best time,” Josie admits. “So, when I’m away, I absolutely love being the one who gets looked after for a change.
“Whether it’s a big holiday, travelling for work or just a little night away, for me it’s about being able to switch off, relax and let someone else take care of things.”
The research revealed 54% of adults regularly take on caring responsibilities for others in day-to-day life, while 57% often find themselves arranging group activities. Meanwhile, 49% typically feel it falls to them to ensure everyone is enjoying themselves.
So much so that 64% of those surveyed by OnePoll.com have come back from a break feeling as though they required another holiday just to recuperate.
Yet despite finding organisational duties exhausting while away, 28% do actually enjoy the role. And 31% believe they are the most suitable person to take control within their friendship circle, family or amongst work colleagues.
Nevertheless, for a trip to genuinely feel like a proper escape, over a third (34%) said it’s being able to simply turn up and enjoy themselves. For 33%, not having to cook or clean helps them properly switch off while 32% value having a comfortable room ready for them when they arrive.
Neetu Mistry, managing director of UK & Ireland at IHG Hotels & Resorts, which is launching ‘When the Host Needs Hosting’ experiences through its One Rewards Access platform, said: “The people who bring everyone together are often the ones who find it hardest to switch off.
“And our research shows that even when they’re away, many are still thinking about everyone else.
“For us, great hospitality is about creating the space for people to step back, relax and feel genuinely looked after.
“We’re celebrating the people who do so much for others and reminding them that sometimes, it’s their turn to be the guest.”
TOP 10 HOLIDAY TASKS BRITS WOULD LOVE TAKEN OFF THEIR HANDS:
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Resolving problems
- Managing timings and schedules
- Coordinating transport
- Planning the itinerary
- Organising activities
- Making reservations
- Making sure everyone else is happy
- Deciding where everyone eats