Brits’ favourite things about beach holidays – from fish and chips to building sandcastles
Vision Direct challenges beachgoers with eye test game
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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:
- Sea views
- Sea air
- Eating fish and chips on the beach
- Paddling
- Mr Whippy ice cream
- Warm sand under your feet
- Pier strolls
- Building sandcastles
- Swimming in the sea
- Penny arcades
- Visiting local tea rooms
- Not too far to travel
- Rock pooling
- Kids digging holes
- Sticks of rock
- Games with the beach ball
- Having a drink in a beach bar
- Donuts
- Donkey rides
- Crabbing
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