Some Brits Never Holiday Abroad

According to research carried out by insect repellent brand Jungle Formula, one in five Brits have never been on a holiday abroad, and half of those who have been on a foreign break wish they had remained in the UK. There were a variety of reasons for this, but out of the 2,000 people who participated in the study, 76% said they find the long travel times with overseas break too stressful to be worth it.

Holidaymakers find it easier to kick back and unwind without having to worry about visas and passports, bugs and insects, and the barrier between foreign languages. The survey found that families who have stayed in the UK instead of going overseas are more likely to arrive at their destination relaxed and prepared to enjoy their break. Almost half of the families who have been camping locally and on international holidays think that foreign breaks are more stressful. This is compared to just 20% who think camping is more stressful.

In addition to this, 62% of participants in the research said they don’t want to go on a foreign holiday because they don’t want to deal with having to go through an airport. Fifty-seven percent said they believe it’s less stressful not dealing with passport control or having to navigate their way through airports. Half said they have suffered some kind of sickness or injury while travelling abroad, while 45% said the current financial environment has impacted their travel and they can’t justify the cost of taking a break overseas.

Finally, 31% admitted to finding it hard to speak the language of a foreign country and fear trying to communicate while on holiday. Other concerns were taking children into unfamiliar environments, the distance from home, the stress of packing and needing to get up-to-date vaccinations.

Jungle Formula spokeswoman Louise White said that a foreign holiday can seem dream-like when looking at brochures. However, it’s less stressful and much easier sometimes to stay in the UK. The journey is usually shorter and holidaymakers don’t have to find their way around an airport, deal with check-in and security queues, or worry about delays or cancellations.

A spokesman for the company added that there was a time when holidaymakers felt they didn’t take a real holiday unless they had journeyed on a plane. However, it seems more people now are content staying in the UK for their breaks. The recession has had an effect as well, with people having to cut down on their expenses and hold back on luxuries like holidays abroad.

On another note, Jungle Formula is helping staycationers to stay bug free with a specially designed spray for use in the UK. The company says the strap protects against biting insects usually found around the country – including mosquitoes, horseflies, midges, and wasps and other bees. With more than 30 mosquito species in the UK, and scientific research has recently predicted that climate changes may provide the Asian Tiger mosquito with more suitable living conditions. This particular species is known for spreading tropical diseases and has been reported in Belgium and France.

White said last week that they aren’t a product only for use in the jungle anymore. There’s a clear need in the UK, as people use repellents to enjoy the outdoors. They feel the time is right for a product aimed at repelling the type of insects that are common in the country. Jungle Formula Outdoor & Camping will add to an already successful lineup of products, and is great for people who want to enjoy being outside this summer.