PHEAR* factor epidemic threatens British holidaymakers
18 July 2005
Source: HBOS press release
One in ten have panic attacks as a result of pre-holiday worry
One in five argues with their partner in the run-up to a holiday
Nearly 6 million have dreams about missing the plane
New research by Halifax Travel Insurance reveals a holiday PHEAR* factor Pre Holiday Extreme Anxiety Reaction - is striking British holidaymakers.
The insurer reveals that, whilst we all dream about holidays and jetting off to relax in the sun, many of us find the actual planning incredibly stressful.
The new research by Halifax Travel Insurance shows that nearly 6 million (16%) Brits claim to experience nightmares about missing the plane or boat and one in ten people say that pre-holiday anxiety has given them panic attacks. One in five also suffer from sleepless nights as the holiday draws near worrying about things they must do before they go away.
The research also revealed that men worry about the actual holiday experience such as where they will stay (20%) and how they will get there, more than any of the chores they need to do before leaving. Women worry about the practicalities. The top worries are how they will pay for the holiday (47%) and how they will clear their desk before they head off (35%).
Women are most likely to panic about doing the pre-holiday chores such as packing (48%), washing and ironing (40%) and arranging care for pets (31%).
All this stress seems to have an effect on our relationships too as one in five Brits admit to arguing with their holiday partner in the run-up to going away (see table one overleaf).
Vicky Emmott, senior underwriting manager at Halifax Travel Insurance, said:
Its ironic that planning a holiday, traditionally thought to provide an escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life, actually piles on the pressure. And the research shows that its women who are most likely to suffer from PHEAR factor, with mens worries being mainly limited to the booking.
Women are better at remembering the importance of travel insurance than men; 1.2 million men (7%) have forgotten to take out an insurance policy compared to 648,000 women (4%). Nearly one million (3%) Brits have forgotten their passports before going on holiday but only 2% have forgotten their tickets.
Travel insurance lessens the stress of unlucky or forgetful passengers, for example Halifax Travel Insurance offers up to £1,500 of cover for lost, damaged or stolen personal baggage and £500 for the loss of passports or driving licences.
The following table highlights the gender division of holiday PHEAR* factor
Which of the following do you consider to be stressful when planning a holiday?
MEN %
WOMEN %
Paying for holiday
40
47
Packing
33
48
Washing and ironing
16
40
Arranging care for pets
20
31
Booking flights / accommodation
26
25
Pleasing the family / partner
24
21
Finding a place to stay
20
18
Do you experience any of the following before a holiday?
MEN %
WOMEN %
Stress about completing work before going away
24
35
Dream about missing flight / boat
11
22
Sleepless nights
14
24
Arguing over holiday preparation and planning with family members / friends / partner
16
22
Notes to editors
*PHEAR (Pre Holiday Extreme Anxiety Reaction) is an acronym coined by Halifax Travel Insurance
Research
1762 British adults were questioned via a TNS online omnibus survey
· The survey was conducted between 23rd and 27th June 2005
Halifax Travel Insurance
· Further details of Halifax Travel Insurance can be found online at www.halifax.co.uk/insurance, by calling 0800 731 0180, or by popping in to your local branch.
· Customers receive a 5% discount when buying Halifax Travel Insurance online. An additional 20% discount is available for customers who have personal belongings cover on their Home Insurance. Halifax Home Insurance customers will a
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