Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Harmonious Holidays Or Travel Tantrums? New research reveals a nation of quarrelsome UK citizens abroad

Forget sun, sea and sand, for most UK citizens summer holidays are far from harmonious!

Research from Just You, specialists in holidays for single travellers, reveals that 59% of us admit to arguing with a partner while on holiday. But for over one in ten, a holiday is just not a holiday without a good old-fashioned barney - 12% admit to always arguing while away.

And the bickering can start months before departure, a fifth of women (20%) have disagreed on the choice of holiday destination with their partner. It is no wonder that nearly a third of women (31%) are now saying they would like to holiday alone.

Often couples who are having problems use a summer holiday as a last ditch attempt to save the relationship, when in fact taking a short break away from each other for ‘me’ rather than ‘we’ time can be more beneficial. Jetting off to your dream destination provides the chance to relax, recharge and reflect away from the pressures and demands of everyday life.

Relate counsellor & relationship psychotherapist Paula Hall comments: “Holidays don’t cause relationship problems, they simply draw attention to existing difficulties. When couples take time out from their usual routines any problems come under the spotlight”.

According to relationship support organisation Relate, they see a significant upturn in calls during the month of September from couples dealing with post-holiday issues. Take Jennifer Anniston and Brad Pitt for example, their widely documented final holiday together was followed by the announcement of their separation in the days that followed.

Paula Hall continues: “When things are going wrong in your relationship it’s really important to spend time alone looking after your own physical and emotional needs. Getting away by yourself opens up vital space to focus on your thoughts and your feelings. It means you’re not getting drawn into reacting to what your partner’s saying or worrying about triggering another argument. You can also start reflecting on what’s gone wrong in the past and what you want to change about your relationship in the future.”

And holidays are changing, it’s not just that women want to be alone, they are craving more adventurous and different experiences. For a third of all women, exploring and experiencing new cultures is the most important aspect of a holiday. Another 10% consider memorable or eye opening encounters as their number one priority.

Jenni Trent Hughes, Counsellor and Relationship Expert offers this advice to women who might be reluctant to take the plunge and go away on their own. “Holidays alone needn’t be daunting, I went on my first trip alone when I was 23 and have never looked back. Travelling alone is one of life’s secret pleasures and for women it is even more of a treasure. The idea of having a few guilt free days to have time out to relax and reflect is good for the soul”.

For more info on Just You holidays visit www.justyou.co.uk or call 0800 915 8000.

-ends-

Press Enquiries:

Julie Doyle – 07920 528 859 or Helen Mitchem – 07970 115669
icas PR, tel: 020 7632 2400, e-mail: julie@icas.co.uk