Brits Share Their Holiday-Only Rituals – Including the Cherished Airport Pint!

TRAVELLERS have revealed the things they only do on holiday – including chatting to strangers, tucking into a cooked breakfast every day and enjoying the classic airport pint.

A study of 2,000 holidaymakers found for 63 per cent, there are certain things they wouldn’t normally consider doing which they do on vacation.

Treating themselves to a daily cocktail or beer, spending money without overthinking it and making bolder clothing choices are some of the top ways adults let loose Credit: SWNS The research was commissioned by San Miguel, which is launching an immersive ‘Holiday Mirror’ experience Credit: SWNS

Treating themselves to a daily cocktail or beer, spending money without overthinking it and making bolder clothing choices are some of the top ways adults let loose.

Meanwhile, 34 per cent say they’re more open to trying new things during getaways – with watersports, quad biking and kayaking ranking among the must-try activities.

Other holiday staples include city walking tours, open-top bus rides, and beer and wine tastings.

The research was commissioned by San Miguel, which is launching an immersive ‘Holiday Mirror’ experience.

Passers-by will find themselves transformed into their best holiday selves, complete with a sun-ready wardrobe.

Ed Hussey, a spokesperson for the beer brand said: “Our research shows holidays give people permission to be more spontaneous, sociable and carefree.

“The recent heatwave gave us a small glimpse of what that feels like. The Holiday Mirror is designed to remind people that a Spanish summer isn’t just about sunshine abroad – it’s about mindset, spontaneity and making the most of everyday moments.”

Millennials emerged as the most adventurous, driven by escaping daily chores (48 per cent) and work emails (47 per cent).

More than a quarter (28 per cent) of adults are more sociable on holiday, as everyday stresses fade into the background.

A further 30 per cent feel more spontaneous, with 34 per cent of them putting it down to being out of their usual routine, reinforcing a growing appetite for escapism.

While 59 per cent admit they become the ‘best version of themselves’ as they switch off from the pressures of everyday life.

In fact, 19 per cent only feel like their ‘true self’ when they’re away – highlighting how strongly people associate holidays with freedom, confidence and self-expression.

More than a quarter (28 per cent) of adults are more sociable on holiday, as everyday stresses fade into the background Credit: SWNS

This leads to 16 per cent of holidaymakers feeling an average of 13 years younger than their actual age when away from home.

When it comes to post-holiday intentions, 22 per cent say they plan to live more in the moment, exercise more and spend more time outdoors once they’re back home.

However, the holiday feeling doesn’t last forever, with the OnePoll research revealing the post-trip buzz disappears within 48 hours, according to 46 per cent.

But simple pleasures can help prolong that mindset – with 26 per cent admitting a beer in a pub garden does the trick, while 31 per cent turn to hosting a BBQ with friends.

For 22 per cent, even the sound of a bottle opening is enough to remind them to relax.

Ed Hussey, from San Miguel, which is encouraging people to hold onto that carefree holiday mindset, whatever the weather, added: “People often return from summer holidays feeling like they’ve left the best version of themselves behind.

“We wanted to explore how people can hold onto that feeling for longer, even once they’re back home and back to routine.”