Move over romantic getaways and family adventures, there’s some new competition in town. A recent survey of over 2,000 Brits from leading package holiday firm, easyJet holidays found that 60% would prefer to holiday with friends over family.
The travel experts spotted the shift after a surge in demand for getaways with pals creep up in popularity compared to family trips and are looking to extend the options for ‘Matecations’ in 2023.
Men were more likely to embark on a Matecation. 69% said they would prefer to holiday with friends than family.
Nearly one third of Brits (31%) said they would opt for a Matecation to briefly escape the rigours of family life. Much more common however was the 72% who said they would rather seek the sun with friends rather than their partner.
As to why they wanted to take a friendship to a new clime, holidaymakers said they wanted a chance to let their hair down (45%), have a less stressful experience (43%) and have fewer arguments (30%).
Although family holidays are far from being on their way out, UK holiday-goers appear to be keener than ever to consider a getaway with pals, as well as naming surprising new criteria for the perfect travel companion.
While patience (56%) and great organisation skills (53%) were among the top traits required in the perfect travel buddy, a great sense of humour (74%) proved to be the number one mate trait. A savvy 18% choose a buddy who could snap stunning social media pictures.
The great-value holiday provider partnered with leading UK psychologist Jo Hemmings who explained why Brits are turning their backs on kids and loved ones.
Psychologist Jo Hemmings said: “The typical two-week holiday has been replaced or supplemented with a weekend or a week away with mates. With 71% of Brits reporting bickering with their family while abroad, numbers of people are choosing to holiday with their friends knowing that they will have more in common.
“Being with friends who want a similar holiday to you – whether that’s sightseeing, sunbathing or adventure – means that you are likely to feel more relaxed, less stressed, contributing to your overall sense of holiday wellbeing. Also having missed socialising on a wider scale for a couple of years, during the pandemic, a holiday is the perfect time to familiarise yourself with just how good it feels to spend quality time with your mates, when no one is on a deadline or has early morning starts to worry about. With recent pressures on family budgets, it may also be that holidaymakers are seeking holidays that they can book out of the school holiday season, hence the rising appeal of the Matecation. Taking a Matecation, to remind yourself of the good times and make some new memories can be the perfect escape.”
Top sunny destinations for friends-only trips include Spain (51%), Greece (46%), and Italy (41%).
Top 5 Destinations for Matecations
Spain 59%
Greece 46%
Italy 41%
Portugal 40%
Tenerife 39%
Matt Callaghan, Director of Customer and Operations at easyJet holidays, said: “The Great British family holiday is an institution, and thoroughly enjoyed year in year out, but it’s very interesting to see the rise of the Matecation, where people are seeking a different way to let their hair down, and maybe even escape the relatives for a few days. We’re extending the range of destinations within our package holidays offering, so for any customers looking for some absence to make the heart grow fonder, there’s an escape with us!”
Holidaymakers can now plan their matecations well in advance, with easyJet holidays yesterday launching its summer 2024 season, so packages are on sale up to October 2024.
