December 22 is the most stressful day of the festive period, with stress reaching its pinnacle at approximately 12:25pm - according to a new poll. Almost two thirds of us find the festive season to be a stressful time of year with the most significant causes of stress being money, buying gifts for people, and hosting friends/family.
The study by KAYAK, the travel search engine, shows the three days leading up to the most stressful day are actually the most affordable days to travel before Christmas based on average prices. The average person expects to spend around £1079 over the festive period across buying gifts, entertaining, socialising, decorating and travelling to see friends and family - more than enough to fly to Marrakech or Paris for six nights.
University lecturer, Dr Jennifer Murphy said: “We know that financial stress, difficult family relationships, changes to daily routines, reduced physical activity and a poorer diet all have negative effects on our wellbeing. Whilst many report enjoying the traditional Christmas routine, the majority find at least some aspects of this stressful – and many respondents endorsed a desire to get away. Indeed, reviews of the literature suggest that vacations can reduce short-term stress and relate to greater perceived wellbeing."
Two thirds of adults said there is huge social pressure to spend the festive period with relatives, and considering previous Christmas celebrations, 73% of adults say they have put up a front to appear like they’re having a better time than they actually are.
Dr Murphy said: “Whilst the rise in solo travel may reflect many things, qualitative research on (mostly female) solo travel suggests travelling alone can be an empowering, transformative and freeing experience… and after two winters where freedoms were more limited, people may be motivated by the freedom, flexibility and personal indulgence that solo travel may afford."
When dreaming of an ideal Christmas Day, outside of the usual routine, 29% would go abroad; 17% would travel short haul within Europe and 12% would opt for long haul further afield.
Evan Day, KAYAK UK Country Manager said: “While many would anticipate this Christmas to be all about returning to ‘normal’ and embracing traditional celebrations at home with family, the fact is, many would prefer to be elsewhere. Some of the biggest search interest we’re seeing is for destinations not usually associated with your typical Christmas such as Asia and Australia. The ongoing pent-up demand from the post-Covid travel boom is no doubt driving people to reconsider the Christmas period as an opportunity to getaway, particularly for those who are dealing with end-of-year burnout and festive stress.”
Top destinations for Christmas 2022, according to KAYAK search data:
Bangkok, Thailand
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
New York, United States
Mumbai, India
Manila, Philippines
Paris, France
New Delhi, India
Islamabad, Pakistan
Sydney, Australia
Amsterdam, Netherlands
