It’s deja vu. All over again. Once-in-a-lifetime holidays are becoming twice-in-a-lifetime breaks – with a large percentage of us returning to places we fell in love with the first time round.
Researchers for Kuoni, who surveyed 2,000 adults who holiday regularly, found that three quarters have revisited a city, country or resort – at least once.
And almost a third have already chosen to go back to a long-haul destination we initially considered to be “once in a lifetime”.
Another one in two said they planned to return at some point in their lifetime to somewhere they considered to be a “once in a lifetime” destination. America, Australia, Italy, Barbados and Canada are the places which top the “twice-in-a-lifetime” holiday list.
The Kuoni report also identified a trend of saving over a long period of time to return to locations which hold fond memories.
One third of those polled were so amazed by everything they saw first time round they wanted to see it all a second time, while 63 per cent fell in love with the culture. Six in 10 respondents felt they’d never be able to match the fantastic accommodation anywhere else in the world, and 59 per cent simply loved the local cuisine.
More than two thirds of people decided to go back to a long-haul destination after finding the local people so welcoming and friendly, while a further 37 per cent made some really good friends they were keen to see again.
And when it comes to socialising with people who live abroad, a fifth were lucky enough to enjoy a bit of romance and wanted to go back to see the object of their affections or recreate the experience.
Other reasons why people decided to save up and revisit a tropical destination include wanting to take a new partner or additional member of the family and marking a special occasion such as a honeymoon, milestone birthday or anniversary.
Two thirds of people claim their “twice-in-a-lifetime” holiday is the only place they have really managed to relax, and is also the destination where they’ve been able to switch off from work completely.
Four in 10 holidaymakers said they simply didn’t believe another trip could top the one they’d had previously.
For those people who had returned to an exotic holiday location, a fifth went at exactly the same time of year, while one in 10 used the same itinerary a second time.
A third went to all the same bars and restaurants, 16 per cent stayed in the same room and 13 per cent managed to meet up with the same people.
In addition to the USA and Australia, Brits would also like to save up and go back to Egypt, Thailand, the Maldives or Mexico.
The Top 10 twice-in-a-lifetime holiday destinations
1. USA
2. Australia
3. Italy
4. Barbados
5. Canada
6. Egypt
7. Thailand
8. Maldives
9. Mexico
10. A Cruise
And the top 20 reasons why we go back
1. You have such fond memories of the first visit
2. Fell in love with the scenery and landscape
3. The locals were so welcoming and friendly
4. You didn’t see or experience enough first time round
5. Good value for money
6. Wanted to see different parts of the country
7. Fell in love with the culture
8. You forgot about work completely
9. The accommodation was amazing
10. You loved the food
11. Something for all the family to do
12. Haven’t been so relaxed anywhere else in the world
13. Wanted to take a new partner, or return with the family
14. To mark an anniversary or special occasion
15. You simply want to recreate the first special holiday
16. You met some / made some good friends
17. You don’t think any other holiday could top it
18. You had such a romantic time on your last visit
19. You befriended the staff
20. You met someone / enjoyed a holiday romance
(Featured image: katerha)
