With the holiday season in full swing, the joy of reuniting with loved ones brings excitement and anticipation, but according to a new holiday travel survey by IHG Hotels & Resorts, it might also come with an unexpected need for additional rest.
The poll of 2,000 U.S. holiday travelers, conducted by IHG in collaboration with OnePoll, showed that 71 percent of travelers said they’d need a separate vacation after spending time with their family to unwind and fully relax. Respondents were eager to take a nap in a cozy, spacious bed (60 percent), soak in a jacuzzi (46 percent), or book a calming spa day (42 percent). The survey was designed to understand what travelers need most during a busy and stressful time, and what comforts help them feel more at ease.
Connor Smith, vice president of masterbrand strategy at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “The holidays often go hand-in-hand with traveling to see loved ones—but as much as we enjoy visiting friends and family, it can leave us feeling drained.”
For travelers who are opting not to stay with friends and relatives, more than half (55 percent) are turning to hotels for respite. Top reasons include having more space to themselves (34 percent), relaxing and being taken care of by someone else (34 percent), getting some quiet time (32 percent), being themselves (29 percent), and not having to clean after meals (27 percent).
Whether travelers prefer to stay somewhere quiet and clean to relax (86 percent), or somewhere where they can have their own space and recharge (83 percent), it’s clear that traveling on their terms in a place where they feel welcomed and cared for is at the top of the list.
It’s possible for hotels to feel like home for the holidays, with more than two-thirds (69 percent) of respondents wanting to stay somewhere festively decorated if they’re traveling.
