Holiday Hustle: Brits Spend 7+ Hours on Pre-Trip To-Do List

Holiday-goers have revealed their extensive pre-trip rituals, which include getting a fresh haircut, obsessively checking the weather forecast, and arranging plant care. Other common chores involve doing a large load of laundry, packing an abundance of snacks 'just in case', and changing bed sheets ready for returning home.

Packing Essentials

Many travellers also fill their tablets or e-readers with films, books, games, or podcasts; clear out the fridge; and stock up on travel-sized toiletries. Packing and unpacking multiple times, weighing suitcases, and double-checking that their passport is packed are also parts of the process.

Survey Results

According to a survey, these pre-holiday preparations take an average of seven-and-a-half hours, but a third of respondents said they enjoy the process. Women typically spend seven hours and 57 minutes preparing, while men take slightly less time at six hours and 59 minutes. A significant number even take leave from work specifically to organise everything ahead of their holiday.

Millennials and Gen Z Trends

This trend is more common among younger adults, with 77% of Gen Z and Millennials admitting they've taken time off to prepare for a holiday. Millennials also spend the longest time preparing for a trip, averaging nine hours and 14 minutes, reports the Daily Star.

Insights and Conclusion

Zoe Fidler of lastminute.com, which sponsored the research, remarked: "Between work, childcare, DIY projects and endless life admin, actually booking a holiday often ends up as a last-minute task – bringing with it the stress of wondering if you've missed out on the best deals." Ready for a challenge to get you in the holiday mood? Are you able to spot the 10 essential items in this busy beach scene? Findings from the survey showed that 54% of participants view themselves as well-organised, getting their affairs in order well before their trip. Yet, 25% confess they 'massively' overpack, and 21% leave at least some of their pre-holiday preparations until the last minute. Zoe added: "We know that preparing for a holiday can be time consuming, stressful and expensive - but worth it in the end, which is why we commissioned this research to fully understand what Brits need from their summer getaway. "We firmly believe it's never too late to book a getaway and our booking data shows this happens more often than you think."