Once-in-a-lifetime holiday?
Research by Kuoni has found a large number of travellers go back to their ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ holiday destination.
Its study of 2,000 adults, who holiday regularly, found 75% have revisited a city, country or resort at least once and 31% have already chosen to go back to a long-haul destination which they initially deemed to be ‘once in a lifetime’.
More than half said they plan to return at some point in their lifetime.
The study found that America, Australia, Italy, Barbados and Canada top the ‘twice-in-a-lifetime’ holiday list (see top 10 list below).
Kuoni MD Derek Jones said: "We’re seeing a generation of adventurers who set off to see the world with a backpack in their twenties to places like Thailand, Malaysia, India and Australia return to those places they love at a later stage in life."
"Worldwide travel is more affordable and accessible than it has ever has been before. The choice of destinations, hotels and flights now is vast and brings many stunning countries and cruises – viewed in the past as ‘once in a lifetime’ – within the reach of many more people."
Of those who had returned to an exotic holiday location, 20% went at exactly the same time of year, while 10% used the same itinerary a second time.
Creatures of habit, a third went to all the same bars and restaurants, 16% booked the same room and 13% even managed to meet up with the same people.
TOP 10 ‘TWICE IN A LIFETIME’ DESTINATIONS
1. USA
2. Australia
3. Italy
4. Barbados
5. Canada
6. Egypt
7. Thailand
8. Maldives
9. Mexico
10. A Cruise
TOP 20 REASONS FOR ‘TWICE IN A LIFETIME’ HOLIDAYS
1. You have such fond memories of the first visit
2. Fell in love with the scenery and landscape
3. The locals were so welcoming and friendly
4. You didn’t see or experience enough first time round
5. Good value for money
6. Wanted to see different parts of the country
7. Fell in love with the culture
8. You forgot about work completely
9. The accommodation was amazing
10. You loved the food
11. Something for all the family to do
12. Haven’t been so relaxed anywhere else in the world
13. Wanted to take a new partner, or return with the family
14. To mark an anniversary or special occasion
15. You simply want to recreate the first special holiday
16. You met some / made some good friends
17. You don’t think any other holiday could top it
18. You had such a romantic time on your last visit
19. You befriended the staff
20. You met someone / enjoyed a holiday romance
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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