Paul Nickerson looked at renting a modest holiday home for himself, his partner and three young sons aged under five to enjoy a getaway. However, the owner of the three-bed home in St Ives, Cornwall, wanted a whopping £10,232 per night for the week stay.

It’s a supply and demand issue and they’re exploiting it. A lot of people in the UK need and want a holiday, but many will not be able to afford them.

Cllr Paul Nickerson

Paul, a Conservative councillor for Minster and Woodmansey in Beverley, East Yorkshire, was disgusted with the price, which is more than double the UK annual wage of £31,000.

Speaking to Hull Live, the dad said: “It’s a supply and demand issue and they’re exploiting it. A lot of people in the UK need and want a holiday, but many will not be able to afford them.

“I don’t know anyone who can afford £71,000 for a week’s holiday.

“Everything I have seen is about 50 per cent more than their normal price. We have a young family so we normally do have a UK staycation as it’s easier.

“But it’s normally affordable for a family, but this was shocking.

“I thought it must have been a mistake, but having checked other properties, it is clear it isn’t, as they’re all far more.”

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St Ives, an upmarket seaside resort, attracts approximately 222,000 staying tourists each year.

But a survey found it is one of the most expensive tourist resorts in the UK, with an average rate of £124 per night.

Paul blames holiday homeowners and firms for exploiting the lack of available properties and the narrow choices people have for holidaying.

Second homeownership is on the rise in St Ives, where the average property price exceeds £430,000 according to Zoopla.

The property Paul looked at is advertised as a “contemporary, reverse level property ideal for families”.

The holiday company added: “It is furnished to an exceptional standard and is 200m for the train to St Ives and 10 minutes to a wonderful largely deserted beach. The spacious garden is ideal for children and BBQs.”

But Paul said he gave up on searching for affordable Cornwall properties and is now considering camping in East Yorkshire’s South Bay in Bridlington instead.

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Luxury travel company Kuoni is looking for an amateur photographer “with flair” to become its resident honeymoon photographer for three weeks on the paradise Maldives islands in the Indian Ocean.

Whoever wins the “job” will be paid £2,885, have all expenses covered and can take a friend – but applicants must have a passion for romance.

Kuoni is launching the search for a photographer so that couples will have honeymoon photographs just as good as their wedding pictures – instead of smartphone snaps and selfies.

“Every year couples spend thousands of pounds on capturing the perfect images of their wedding day, but when it comes to honeymoon photography, very few couples have beautiful pictures of themselves together to remember their honeymoon – which is truly their holiday of a lifetime,” says Kuoni director of communications Rachel O’Reilly.

The winner will be posted across four Kuoni resorts on the islands of Kuramathi, Kandolhu, Baros and Velassaru and will receive training from Princess Eugine’s wedding photographer Sandra Von Reikoff before they go.

How to apply

To apply, send your best photographs to photographer.kuoni.co.uk and tell the judges why your pictures should be selected.

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A dream destination for many Britons, the Maldives’ beaches are hard to beat. But a gorgeous beach in Italy has been described as the “Maldives of Europe”.

A holiday in the Maldives might be an attractive prospect, but Britons are unlikely to find any budget flights to the luxury destination.

However, the ‘Maldives of Europe’ is a gorgeous beach destination with budget flights available for less than £40.

Maldive del Salento Pescoluse, a popular beach in Pescoluse in southern Italy, has earned the title of Europe’s Maldives.

A tourist wrote on Tripadvisor: “This beach is just beautiful! Although it was in the middle of July, it didn’t feel as crowded as other beaches we went to. The water is clear and beautiful and the sand is nice and white.”

Another visitor said: “No words needed. It’s a perfect long beach. The beach goes on for miles.

“Sheer perfection. Loads of lidos with well behaved people. Although busy, it’s orderly. Clean sand, crystal clear waters.”

While the beach has lovely white sand, the reason it’s compared to the Maldives is because of its stunningly clear water.

A tourist said: “The sea is so clear, blue, warm and very shallow. You can walk out far and feel nothing under your feet but soft sand.”

A trip to the ‘Maldives of Europe’ won’t hurt Britons’ wallets as return flights in April are available for just £37 from London.

The nearest airport is Brindisi and direct flights are also available from Manchester for just £40.

Although tourists will have to make a stop on their journey, Britons can get return flights to Brindisi for under £100 from Edinburgh, Liverpool, Birmingham and Nottingham.

However, despite the beach’s claim to fame, some tourists thought it didn’t quite live up to the Maldives.

A tourist wrote on Tripadvisor: “A little too cramped. The sandy beach is nice and clean, but to access it you need to go through a parking lot.”

Another person said: “Nice but no Maldives. The beach is okay, but not pristine at all. I think the use of Maldives is misplaced.

“Highly overcrowded, the sand is not that white and the sea is not that clear blue at all.”

Despite the complaints, with return flights on offer for under £40, Italy’s Maldives could be a great alternative to the island paradise.

But the Italian beach isn’t the only spot to draw comparisons to the Maldives. According to holiday home experts, Willerby, there’s a British spot that could match the island paradise.

The Scilly archipelago off the coast of Cornwall could “make you believe you’re in the Maldives” according to a Willerby spokesperson.

The pretty islands are a favourite of the Royal Family and William and Kate have holidayed there with their family.

Although the Cornish islands are often busiest in summer, their unique location means they experience some of the UK’s warmest winters.

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I arrived at Fodele Beach Resort late – around 9pm. Even at that time, there was a buzz of people enjoying the outdoor entertainment and saying ‘cheers’ (or I should say ‘Yiamas’) in the indoor and outdoor bars. After a long day of travelling, my first thought was where to get some food. However, finding somewhere to eat was no issue as I soon discovered late dinner is served until 11pm. After a quick bite, I checked into my room. It was large and modern with a view of the ocean. I settled in in preparation for a few days exploring what the hotel and local area had to offer.

What to do

The facilities at the hotel were a personal highlight for me. No matter your age or what you like to do, there was something to keep everyone entertained.

The waterpark

Located at the top of the resort was a waterpark filled with seven slides and a couple of pools. It is private to the hotel guests which meant there were very few queues and plenty of room to set up camp. 

Each of the slides was up to the standard you would expect at any waterpark and getting on the slides quickly was definitely a bonus. While I only felt the urge to visit once, I can imagine it keeping children entertained for multiple days.

Once you have had your fill of the rides you can relax by the pool with a soft drink, beer or snack served at the Windmill Cafe.

Sports

Feeling energetic? Next to the waterpark was a minigolf course and archery for guests to enjoy. Down by the ocean, active holidaymakers could enjoy beach volleyball which organised friendly competitions running there most days I was there. There was outdoor table tennis and of course, a daily water gym class held in the main pool.

The spa

For those who would rather relax and pamper on holiday (and who could blame you!) various treatments are available at the on-site spa.

I booked a full body massage which began with an intensive questionnaire. Spending a lot of time sitting at a desk I gave my go-to preference of a ‘firm’ massage and it did not disappoint.

I felt my muscles relax as every knot was smoothed out and I would go as far as to say it was one of the best treatments I have ever received. Of course, you can request massages that focus more on deep relaxation if that is your preference.

Pools and the beach

Aside from the various sports, treatments and water fun on offer, holidaymakers can also spend their day at the fully-fitted gym or relaxing by the pool or private beach.

The main pool was located next to the gym and spa and there was a fun atmosphere with activities in the morning and music played throughout the day.

There was no shortage of sun loungers during my visit, however this was at a quiet time of year and it may be busier in peak summer months. 

A morning of swimming and relaxing in the sun is sure to build up an appetite, and just a short walk from the pool you can pick up a snack and drink from F All Day Restaurant, opening 10am-6pm.

If you are more of an ocean diver than a pool paddler, the hotel had plenty of sun loungers at a private spot on the beach. Frankie’s Beach Club was also on hand where you could pick up a light bite or refreshing drink. This is where various water sports could be booked for an extra charge.

Entertainment

As well as a choice of indoor and outdoor bars to relax in in the evenings, there was a selection of entertainment put on each night. This included a Greek night with traditional music and dancing, a disco on another night and a variety performance on the outdoor stage. There is also an arcade if you want to create your own entertainment.

Food

Going hungry will not be a problem for any guests of the hotel. No matter which part of the park you are at, there are snacks and drinks available nearby, with food served from 6am-11pm.

There are also a number of bars where you can grab a drink, however it’s worth noting cocktails can only be purchased in the evenings. Beer, wine and spirits and soft drinks are available throughout the day.

Basilikos restaurant

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the buffet was a failsafe option for filling up. You never know what to expect at a hotel buffet, but Fodele offered a rotating menu which meant there were fresh options every day and lots to choose from.

As well as meals of the day, there were crowd pleasers such as freshly baked pizza, fish, chips and, of course, Greek salad always available. Drinks are self-service which I found slightly unusual for a 5-star, but it didn’t prove much of an issue as there were rarely queues during my visit.  

Ambrosia

The hotel has two a la carte restaurants that guests can book into during their stay. I dined Italian-themed restaurant Ambrosia one evening and enjoyed a delicious three-course meal.

A personal highlight was the mushroom risotto. It was full of flavour and I received a generously sized portion. House wine can be ordered by the glass, with additional wines available for purchase.

Elia

While Greek food was available at the buffet, Elia elevated the native cuisine in the Greek-themed restaurant. Diners can choose up to four courses with a menu packed full of local delicacies.

Of course I had a Greek salad, which was the perfect combination of sharp and refreshing flavours, and I sampled a particularly delicious phyllo cheese for my starter. 

The area

Fodele is conveniently located at a stunning beach and just a 30 minute drive from the airport for those flying in.

There are also plenty of day trips to enjoy on the island of Crete. Why not head into the local town of Fodele, or venture a bit further to enjoy a drink and a meal in the beautiful old town of Rethymno? Travel to the other side of the island to see the gorgeous Plakias beach, which has lovely clear waters and lots of bars to grab a relaxing drink.

The verdict?

I found the staff lovely and the hotel modern. The a la carte restaurants were impressive and the spa treatments get my full backing! If looking for a family-friendly break where everything is taken care of, Fodele is a great option to go for.

A seven-night stay at Fodele Beach costs from £1,172 per room based on two sharing a double room on an all-inclusive basis in May 2023. The price excludes flights. Book at www.fodelebeach.gr. Flights to Heraklion with easyJet start from £143pp in May 2023.

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Crabbing and visiting local tea rooms also feature in the top 20 list, as do penny arcades, pier strolls, and beach ball games.

But on the flip side, some of the worst things about a beach break include getting divebombed by seagulls, and enduring sand in your sandwiches.

Having a nightmare trying to park, crammed beaches, and screaming kids everywhere are also unfortunate parts of a staycation.

Additionally, almost one in three (31 percent) admit their trip to the seaside can also go horribly wrong if they forget to take essentials – such as sun lotion, as well as contact lenses (nine percent), sunglasses (29 percent), or something to sit on (23 percent).

The research was commissioned by Vision Direct to highlight the joys of a beach break – but also what can go wrong if you forget crucial items.

This was brought to life as beach-goers were left stumped when they were tasked to count the number of beach balls in a visual puzzle – in sympathy for those who have left glasses or contact lenses at home.

Barney Streeting, general manager for the contact lens specialist, said: “Many of us will be familiar with the feeling of arriving at a staycation destination, excited to start relaxing – only to discover that you’ve forgotten an essential item like your contact lenses.”

The study also found sea views, and letting the kids dig holes in the sand, are other best things about a “bucket and spade” staycation – as well as sticks of rocks, donkey rides, and rock pooling.

But a trip can quickly fall apart when forgetting essentials, as more than a quarter (28 percent) of poor-sighted Brits have struggled to enjoy their seaside holiday after forgetting their prescription contact lenses or glasses.

This is despite 49 percent packing “everything including the kitchen sink” when going away, according to additional research of 2,000 UK holidaymakers.

And in spite of their thorough packing ability, two-thirds (68 percent) said it’s still likely they will leave something behind.

The beauty of a trip within the UK means you can pack twice as much as you would for a trip abroad, according to nearly half (46 percent) of holidaymakers.

Slippers, teabags, their own pillow, and a favourite mug are among the beloved items they stash in the back of the car for a staycation.

However, nearly three-quarters (73 percent) have had to hit up the local shops the moment they’ve reached their destination, to buy belongings they’d forgotten to pack.

Toiletries, phone chargers, and sunglasses are among some of the most commonly left behind items – but holidaymakers have also forgotten underwear, medicines, and contact lenses in the past.

The research, conducted via OnePoll, also revealed 28 percent have found themselves butting heads with another family member after carelessly leaving something at home during a UK break away.

Barney Streeting added: “We wanted to remind people of how clear vision can make or break a holiday.

“The best times often seem to go by in a blur, so it’s a good idea to make sure your eyesight doesn’t go the same way.”

TOP 20 BEST THINGS ABOUT A “BUCKET AND SPADE” HOLIDAY:

1. Sea views
2. Sea air
3. Eating fish and chips on the beach
4. Paddling
5. Mr Whippy ice cream
6. Warm sand under your feet
7. Pier strolls
8. Building sandcastles
9. Swimming in the sea
10. Penny arcades
11. Visiting local tea rooms
12. Not too far to travel
13. Rock pooling
14. Kids digging holes
15. Sticks of rock
16. Games with the beach ball
17. Having a drink in a beach bar
18. Donuts
19. Donkey rides
20. Crabbing

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Time Out UK has named the best places for a staycation in 2023. The team were looking for undiscovered gems.

Padstow in Cornwall was chosen as one of the best staycation destinations and the stunning town has plenty to offer British tourists.

Time Out said: “The Cornish town of Padstow has been a haunt for foodies for some time.

“Rick Stein launching his restaurant empire back here in the 1970s was the beginning. Gordon Ramsay buying a massive pad across the water in Rock also helped.

“Now a new generation of chefs is attracting gourmets from across the country. You’ve got Prawn on the Lawn and its sophisticated seafood.

“You’ve got The Pig at Harlyn Bay, one of the country-hotel chain’s most recent openings, with its restaurant either growing or sourcing everything from within 25 miles.”

Time Out recommends tourists start their day with a walk along the Camel Trail, an 18-mile scenic route.

Another top spot is the National Lobster Hatchery, where tourists can marvel at the majestic creatures and even adopt their own lobster.

Tourists can relax at Padstow Harbour and enjoy a meal, and the scenic spot is one of Padstow’s top-rated Tripadvisor attractions.

A visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “What an amazing little place, a quaint little harbour, beautiful scenery with some stunning coastline to walk especially at low tide.”

However, despite Time Out’s recommendation, tourists have been warned to stay away from Cornwall in 2023.

Fodor’s ‘Regions to Reconsider’ list included the English county due to the ‘sheer’ number of tourists visiting each year.

Some Cornish residents have complained that holiday lets and second homes have pushed up the prices for locals.

British tourists could try visiting Padstow outside of the peak summer season if they want to avoid the crowds.

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The poolside paradise hotel

Rodney Bay’s Harbor Club hotel may look business-like from the front, but at the back is an impressive collection of stacked swimming pools, each overlooking the yacht-laden marina beyond.

It’s a tranquil spot for sure, and while the best pina colada’s on the island (I’d know – I’ve tried most of them) may tempt you to stay within its walls, the hotel is well placed for exploring the north of the island.

Harbor Club has a relatively small footprint, yet the food selection is top-notch, with five eateries to choose from, including Italian fine dining, sushi and a casual coffee shop.

Our favourite was the wood-fired poolside pizzeria.

Rooms are modern, clean and spacious. Many have views over the harbour, and some have swim-up pools to boot, great for kids raring to go in the morning.

Those wanting to improve their sandcastle skills will be disappointed that there’s no beach at the hotel. But the 10-minute shuttle service to nearby Pigeon Island, with white sand galore, more than makes up for the loss.

Super child-friendly, staff remember their names, as well as their favourite drinks and treats, which was a really nice touch.

The rustic beachside dinner date

Consistently voted to be one of the top eateries on the island, it’s not hard to see why diners continue to flock to The Naked Fisherman.

Set on the beach underneath the Cap Maison hotel at Smuggler’s Cove, it manages to be luxurious and completely rustic at the same time.

Festoon lighting guides the hungry down the cliffside, where large thatched umbrellas atop a wooden platform await, creating a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.

As you’d expect, it’s seafood that takes centre stage on the menu. As we listened to the lapping of the waves on the shore, we ate a tiger shrimp Creole board (around £32) and chowder (around £14).

Despite the engagement-worthy setting, there was a delicious children’s menu too.

The Instagrammable peaks

A trip to Saint Lucia simply cannot be undertaken without a visit to the Pitons, the two astoundingly beautiful twin mountains in the south of the island.

While the intrepid can hike to the top, with a toddler in tow we chose to view them from the sea. To take us there, we hit Tripadvisor and for around £55 per person booked a boat ride with Captain Mike’s.

Setting off from a harbour in Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia, we set sail in search of dolphins, whales – and the Pitons.

While we saw a grand total of zero wildlife while on board, as the peaks of the Pitons loomed into view, we didn’t mind. Truly spectacular, they’re one sight it would be criminal to miss.

The shopper’s haven

A Saturday morning spent in downtown Castries would not be complete without a shopping spree around the cavernous Castries Central Market. Selling local produce from bags and dolls, to bowls and jewellery, it’s a great place to wile away an hour or so, sourcing souvenirs and chatting with makers and craftspeople from the island. Practise your haggling if you dare – we did, with limited success. At the back of the covered market are food stalls, too, dripping with exotic fruit and spices.

The soothing mud bath

If your muscles ache from exploring, a trip to the island’s volcanic Sulphur Springs, nestled near the Pitons in the south of the island, is a must.

Watching the piping hot water bubble up is mesmeric, and if you’re lucky you may even see a geysir emerge from the pools.

Around £100 per person (www.sulphurspringstlucia.com) buys you a half day tour, which includes the Springs, mud baths and beautiful 50ft waterfall.

Submerged in the gloop, you can almost feel the mineral-packed mud doing you good. We did not want to leave.

*A seven-night stay at the Harbor Club, Curio Collection by Hilton, Rodney Bay, starts from just £1,211 per person. This price is based on two adults sharing a standard Island View Room on a bed and breakfast basis, when departing on 30 May 2023. Direct economy flights from London Gatwick and in resort transfers are also included.

For more information visit www.theharborclub.com. To make a booking visit www.tui.co.uk or call 020 3451 2688 for expert advice.

*Direct BA flights from London Gatwick start from £523, visit http://www.ba.com.

For more information visit http://www.stlucia.org.

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Crabbing and visiting local tea rooms also feature in the top 20 list, as do penny arcades, pier strolls, and beach ball games.

But on the flip side, some of the worst things about a beach break include getting divebombed by seagulls, and enduring sand in your sandwiches.

Having a nightmare trying to park, crammed beaches, and screaming kids everywhere are also unfortunate parts of a staycation.

Additionally, almost one in three (31 percent) admit their trip to the seaside can also go horribly wrong if they forget to take essentials – such as sun lotion, as well as contact lenses (nine percent), sunglasses (29 percent), or something to sit on (23 percent).

The research was commissioned by Vision Direct to highlight the joys of a beach break – but also what can go wrong if you forget crucial items.

This was brought to life as beach-goers were left stumped when they were tasked to count the number of beach balls in a visual puzzle – in sympathy for those who have left glasses or contact lenses at home.

Barney Streeting, general manager for the contact lens specialist, said: “Many of us will be familiar with the feeling of arriving at a staycation destination, excited to start relaxing – only to discover that you’ve forgotten an essential item like your contact lenses.”

The study also found sea views, and letting the kids dig holes in the sand, are other best things about a “bucket and spade” staycation – as well as sticks of rocks, donkey rides, and rock pooling.

But a trip can quickly fall apart when forgetting essentials, as more than a quarter (28 percent) of poor-sighted Brits have struggled to enjoy their seaside holiday after forgetting their prescription contact lenses or glasses.

This is despite 49 percent packing “everything including the kitchen sink” when going away, according to additional research of 2,000 UK holidaymakers.

And in spite of their thorough packing ability, two-thirds (68 percent) said it’s still likely they will leave something behind.

The beauty of a trip within the UK means you can pack twice as much as you would for a trip abroad, according to nearly half (46 percent) of holidaymakers.

Slippers, teabags, their own pillow, and a favourite mug are among the beloved items they stash in the back of the car for a staycation.

However, nearly three-quarters (73 percent) have had to hit up the local shops the moment they’ve reached their destination, to buy belongings they’d forgotten to pack.

Toiletries, phone chargers, and sunglasses are among some of the most commonly left behind items – but holidaymakers have also forgotten underwear, medicines, and contact lenses in the past.

The research, conducted via OnePoll, also revealed 28 percent have found themselves butting heads with another family member after carelessly leaving something at home during a UK break away.

Barney Streeting added: “We wanted to remind people of how clear vision can make or break a holiday.

“The best times often seem to go by in a blur, so it’s a good idea to make sure your eyesight doesn’t go the same way.”

TOP 20 BEST THINGS ABOUT A “BUCKET AND SPADE” HOLIDAY:

1. Sea views
2. Sea air
3. Eating fish and chips on the beach
4. Paddling
5. Mr Whippy ice cream
6. Warm sand under your feet
7. Pier strolls
8. Building sandcastles
9. Swimming in the sea
10. Penny arcades
11. Visiting local tea rooms
12. Not too far to travel
13. Rock pooling
14. Kids digging holes
15. Sticks of rock
16. Games with the beach ball
17. Having a drink in a beach bar
18. Donuts
19. Donkey rides
20. Crabbing

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The hotel felt like a much needed drink of water in the desert for myself & my guest – desperate for a kid-free break after two years locked inside with children. Any part of Greece is stunning, and the Ixian Grand hotel, nestled right on the beach in Rhodes, was no exception.

Rooms

We plumped for a suite, which I couldn’t recommend more. Firstly, they are huge, with one of the largest hotel beds I’ve ever enjoyed, a spacious living area and bathroom with a sunken bath plus separate shower.

But the real draw is the private pool. Facing out to sea, the view from our private terrace was one of endless blue – a true tonic from grey London skies. Plus, having your own pool area means missing out on any rush for a bed in the main beach and pool areas.

Walking around the grounds, we noticed rooms all seemed to have either a balcony or sea views (or both), so every guest is spoiled in some way, even if a suite is beyond your budget.

If you can afford it though, a suite is definitely the best option for privacy, unspoiled views, and total luxury – I can see why the suites seemed popular with honeymooners and couples.

Restaurants

Food is one area the hotel really excels, particularly if you are in a suite and have access to the suite-only Alazonia Suites restaurant. This was my personal favourite, with a delicious array of a la carte options at breakfast and dinner. Everything was beautifully presented and lovely staff were only too happy to chat through the menu and make recommendations.

That’s not to say other restaurants around the hotel were slacking – there are several fantastic options.

Milonges serves traditional Greek food, overlooking the main pool, for lunch and dinner. Portions were generous, and we definitely over-ordered in excitement. 

For something more unusual, don’t miss Muza Htista, which serves Japanese and Peruvian fusion. The sushi was outstanding, and again, portions generous.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet style in Vis a Vis, and there was plenty of choice at every meal, from pancakes at breakfast to fresh pasta at dinner.

Amenities

As mentioned, suites come with a private pool. For non-suite guests, there is the quiet pool, or the main pool adjacent to the beach. The most popular area for lounging is of course the beach. The beds are on sand, although it is worth noting this turns to pebbles as you enter the water – many returning guests came equipped with beach shoes.

There is also a spa, although neither of us wanted to tear ourselves away from the sunshine to have a treatment, but it does look gorgeous, and if it is anything like everything else on offer here, it will be of a very high quality.

One of the best extras the hotel offers is the chance to explore. Greece is steeped in history, and reception are more than happy to organise day trips out for guests (at extra cost).

The Final Word

Staff were lovely, the setting was unbeatable, the food was top notch…honestly, if you want a relaxing break, you would be hard-pressed to beat the Ixian Grand.

I’ve recommended the hotel to my mum for a late summer break – truly the highest praise I can give any hotel really! 

Book now and let the stresses of the last couple of years melt away.

For more information and to book, visit the hotel website at www.theixiangrand.gr/

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And the “fidgeter” – who will try everything on holidays including impulsive activities – will have a chaotic, but lovable personality.

Other types include the “workaholic”, who finds it difficult to relax, and the “sun-worshipping pro”, who sees their holiday as an opportunity to make the best of themselves.

Emma Tagg, spokeswoman for Hotels.com, which commissioned Judi James for her insight, said: “Sunbathing is a great way to really switch off from your daily worries and focus on relaxing.

“There are so many different types of sunbather, and I’m sure we can all relate to at least one of the personalities.

“After two years of restricted travel, Brits are finally ready to get abroad and lounge around that pool – with searches up 25 percent for July and August compared to 2021.

“Popular spots such as Spain, USA, France, and Italy remain the most searched-for this summer – however, we found that Turkey is rocketing in popularity, with searches up 260 percent compared to last year.”

The hotel brand also ran a study of 2,000 adults who go abroad – which found 45 percent think they look immeasurably better with a tan.

There are so many different types of sunbather, and I’m sure we can all relate to at least one of the personalities

Emma Tagg, Hotels.com

It emerged the average person is spending more than two hours a day sunbathing while they are on holiday – with more than half (56 percent) considering it important to come back from a trip away with a sun-kissed glow.

And eight in ten think basking in the sun on holiday, or lounging around the pool, is a great way to relax and escape reality.

Two-thirds (67 percent) are the “chill and refill” type, considering it important to have a conveniently placed bar in the hotel, supplying drinks as and when they need them.

And a further six in ten like falling asleep while sunbathing, matching the “sleeping beauty” type.

But 64 percent come back from their holiday with a tan without putting much effort in – causing jealousy among the “sun worshipping pro” types.

The top sunbathing essentials include sun-cream and a bottle of cold water – although the more seasoned bathers also love to bring a pillow along with them (17 percent).

And the top sunbathing set-ups include quietness, an epic view and a good amount of shade.

On the flipside, things that are most annoying to sun worshippers include other people getting drunk and rowdy, loud music, and sunbed hoggers.

But as many as four in ten admit to being a “sunbed space invader”, having reserved a sunbed with their towel before – even though 84 percent find this annoying.

And seven in ten polled, via OnePoll, admit they would like to be paid to lounge around in the sun all day – with 22 percent saying their dream job would be a professional sunbed tester.

Emma Tagg added: “It’s no surprise to see so many people dream of being paid to sunbathe, as it would be the most relaxing job.”

Hotels.com is opening up a “Sun-lounger” position, where you will be given £15,000 to travel around Europe’s hotspots to seek out the best, and most unique, lounging set ups.

To find out more about the role, visit here.

THE MAIN SUNBATHING STYLES:

• THE CHILL-AND-REFILL – Loves to lie back with a cocktail in one hand and an airport-bought novel in the other. Indulgent self-treaters, they see this as a reward for months of hard work – but watch out, they can turn into a party animal at night.
• THE SUNBED SPACE INVADER – The sunbed hoggers, setting their alarms for 5am to sneak down to the pool and claim the best loungers with their towel. Competitive planners and schemers, they love to feel superior – even if it does mean annoying other holiday-makers.
• THE HERMIT/SLEEPING BEAUTY – They ensure everyone knows they are switched off and solitary, rather than open to socialising or flirting, by wearing huge shades and a large-brimmed sun hat, or a baseball cap with the brim pulled down. Their body language will be partly-closed or barriered, and you disturb them at your peril because they’re all about peace and quiet.
• THE FIDGETER – They have a very short time limit on how long they can stretch out on a sunbed without getting bored or needing to move. Fun and impulsive, their fidgeting means they’re also the ones most likely to tilt the sunbed over backwards while they’re trying to get on it.
• THE SUN-WORSHIPPING PRO – The forensic tanner, the one who knows exactly where to position and re-position their sunbed, at what angle and which time of day, to ensure they get the best golden glow. They are meticulous about their sun creams and will sunbathe topless where possible to ensure they get even coverage.
• THE WORKAHOLIC – They will pitch their sunshade over their sunbed and sit down to get on with work, with barely a glance at the view or the infinity pool. Arriving loaded with laptops, phones, and paperwork, they’ll sit putting in a full day of work while their family is off having fun.

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