Top 20 must-haves for ‘perfect’ summer holiday – including a nearby beach

Italy, Greece, and the Maldives are the top dream destinations for Brits planning their summer holiday this year – with the most important consideration being that their holiday accommodation is just a “stone's throw” from the beach, research has found.

Over half of Brits (53%) value sunshine above all else when they go abroad on holiday, while 49% are keen to explore a new country, and 45% want to spend time sightseeing.

The survey of 2,000 holidaymakers revealed the top 20 must-haves for the “perfect” summer vacation – including a hotel bar, a private beach, and room service.

One in five (18%) would prefer to stay in an adult-only hotel, with evening entertainment a must for 23% – as a third are keen to dance the night away.

And 27% would ensure their accommodation offers an extensive buffet – with the average holidaymaker looking for somewhere with at least five restaurants to choose from.

Al Murray, at loveholidays, which commissioned the research, said: “Everybody has a list of must-haves when it comes to a summer holiday.

“It only comes around once a year, so boxes need to be ticked and the ultimate getaway needs to be enjoyed for people to fully relax and unwind.

“During the planning phase there is so much to consider to get it right, and by using an online agent we can help to not only find the best break for you, but also secure a good deal.

“That way you really have something to look forward to, and that you know you will enjoy this summer.”

The survey revealed the ideal summer holiday would last 10 days, and more than half (51%) would opt for a different country every summer – while 21% are happy to return to the same place, but keen to try new hotels or resorts.

Two in five (42%) said they would spend most of their time away eating and drinking, while 31% would try and maximise spending quality time with loved ones.

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Thinking about this summer, 38% are determined to enjoy a “bucket list” holiday, with almost half (48%) simply eager to escape from the doom and gloom of the UK, and to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life (47%).

For 41%, the pandemic got in the way of enjoying a dream getaway – but three in ten used that time to save up so they could pursue their holiday desires this year.

More than four in ten (41%) are most likely to opt for a package holiday, ensuring flights, accommodation, and transfers are all sorted in one go – compared to 32% who would book each element individually.

Of those who prefer package holidays, almost two-thirds (63%) said that the easier booking process is what is most appealing, while 56% like the fact the holiday will be financially protected.

According to the OnePoll study, more than half (55%) are attracted to the idea that everything will be taken care for them, while 45% do it because it’s more cost-effective.

Al Murray, for loveholidays, which is offering one lucky candidate the chance of becoming its “holiday correspondent” reviewing five dream destinations, added: “Helping the nation enjoy their ultimate summer holidays this year is important to us – whether that be travelling to new destinations, experiencing new cultures, or simply getting to spend time with their loved ones.

“It’s understandable that a lot of people might have less money to play with when it comes to holidays this year, but that’s why making sure you’re getting good value for money has never been so important.”

TOP 20 MUST-HAVES FOR THE PERFECT SUMMER HOLIDAY:

  1. Nearby beach
  2. Sightseeing
  3. Decent sized swimming pool
  4. On-site restaurants
  5. Hotel bar
  6. Extensive buffet at hotel
  7. Plenty of sunbathing
  8. All-inclusive accommodation
  9. Evening entertainment
  10. External excursions
  11. All-inclusive drinks
  12. Lots of adventures
  13. A la carte restaurants at hotel
  14. Adult-only hotel
  15. Boat trips
  16. Adult-only area
  17. Hikes
  18. Private beach
  19. Swimming pool with waterslides
  20. Room service

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