Half of Brits question their life choices when they get back from a holiday

29 September 2023 , 13:17

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It's easy to take a step back when you're relaxing on a gorgeous beach (Image: Getty)

Going on holiday can be life-changing, but not always for the right reasons.

While taking some much deserved time out to see the world, soak up some sunshine or simply recharge your batteries, it can also conjure up some pretty major question marks. A new survey has found that one in two Brits have questioned their life’s trajectory after coming home from a trip.

The majority of global travellers (63%) have made major life decisions after travelling – from overhauling daily routines, moving cities or countries, changing careers, or quitting a job, to even changing their physical appearance. The survey of 6,000 people - conducted on behalf of Hotel Indigo by YouGov - found that being on holiday can be liberating for the spirit. Of those asked, 88% of British travellers said they were more likely to take risks and make bold decisions while travelling

While we may be risk takers, we don't seem to be that well versed in other's languages of love. Just 12% of Brits said they'd had a romantic encounter with a local abroad, compared to 29% of people globally. Brits take home all sorts of things when they travel – with nearly 41% picking up cooking skills or interest in new types of cuisine.

Going on holiday can raise some major life questions (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

There is clearly something about being away from the daily routine that helps people get a little clarity on their lives, whether that be in a positive or negative way. A earlier report by tour operator Kuoni showed that more than 50% of all life-changing decisions are put into action following a decision made on a holiday.

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The topics most discussed on holidays include whether the work/life balance is right, how to lead a fitter and healthier life and, of course, matters of the heart.

Joanna Edmunds, managing director, of Kuoni UK, said: "We wanted to better understand the emotional journey of holiday-makers and we examined the role of holidays in this new context. We looked at the personal discussions and decisions that take place on holidays and how these shape people's futures. The results are exciting. They prove that holidays are more than a break from the daily routine - they can be truly life changing. According to the report, 36% of holidaymakers talk about their love life with 34% actually deciding to take action and spice it up when they get home. It seems the younger generations talk about this subject even more at 57%."

One family who decided to give up the daily grind in favour of the potentially life changing world of travel are Karla Bennett, 34, and her husband Matt, 37, who decided to give up their seemingly perfect lives to take their kids on a round the world trip. The couple were both directors in their own construction business but found themselves working a combined total of 80 hours per week. Despite having successful careers, a beautiful five-bedroom house, and four children, they realised that they had no time to enjoy any of it.

After years of working away and feeling like they were too tied down to their businesses, the couple came to the conclusion that there must be more to life. In March 2023 the pair made the bold move of selling their business and home, and taking their children out of school, to embark on a full-time world tour with their children Paige, 11, Jaxon, 9, Harper, 6, and Indie, 4.

Over the past seven months, the family has visited six countries, starting with Vietnam, then spending two weeks in Malaysia and a month in Thailand. They enjoyed three months in Portugal before visiting Morocco for a few weeks, heading on to Thailand for another month and then finally arriving in Japan, where they currently reside.

Milo Boyd