Eating and drinking is the top priority for Brits when they go on holiday, new research has shown, with food markets and coffee shops topping the list of favourite activities
Sampling foreign crisps and beers ranks among our top holiday pleasures.
“Proper ice cream”, bizarre crisp flavours and morning pastries from bistro cafes represent just some of the greatest joys we experience whilst holidaying overseas. Research questioned Brits about what we cherish most regarding jetting off, and the majority of responses centred around food.
Statistics revealed we are a nation of food enthusiasts, with sampling new boozy cocktails and snacks ranking as one of the finest aspects of visiting a new country. Exploring food markets was crowned the premier holiday activity, securing 30% of the vote, whilst people-watching over a fresh coffee claimed second place with 29%.
Sharing tapas, morning excursions for pastries, sampling Belgian waffles and enjoying Greek salad also featured in the top 20 list. Brits also favour evening walks through historic quarters, soaking up seaside views, and observing street performers.
The research, conducted by TUI, also discovered that despite eight in 10 Brits claiming they feel proud to be British, as many as 74% still consider themselves European at heart, even though the UK has departed the EU, reports the Daily Star.
TUI UK’s Commercial Director, Chris Logan said: “The amazing thing about Europe is that we have so much to explore right on our doorstep. Beautiful beaches, delicious cuisines, rich history and culture or simply the chance to get away from it all and relax.
“But what’s really clear from this research is that it’s often the small moments and what you discover along the way that stays in people’s minds, plus there’s a real appetite for exploring more of Europe.
“We’re always looking at how we can meet customer needs and provide them with ultimate choice and flexibility, so whether it’s a Greek island escape, or a city break to Tallinn, Estonia – you can book all of that with TUI, flying from your local airport and for a duration that suits you.”
The top 20 list:.
1) Visiting food markets 30%.
2) Watching the world go by with a coffee 29%.
3) Evening strolls through old quarters 25%.
4) Friendly locals 25%.
5) Exploring foreign supermarkets 25%.
6) Morning trips to le boulangerie to get pastries 21%.
7) Sharing tapas in a Spanish square 20%.
8) Exploring Roman ruins 20%.
9) Proper gelato in Italy 19%.
10) Staying up late for dinner with all the family 19%.
11) Swimming in hidden coves 19%.
12) Greek Island sunsets 18%.
13) Drinking espresso in an Italian coffee bar 18%.
14) Having a Siesta 18%.
15) Belgian Waffles 17%.
16) Greek salads 17%.
17) Bright blue seas 16%.
18) Shopping for trinkets at night markets 16%.
19) Trying different foreign crisps 16%.
20) Beer festivals 16%.