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Tactical Holiday Planning Doubles Annual Leave
How 8 out of 10 workers can turn 20 days holiday into 46
The vast majority of the working population could more than double their 2004 statutory holiday allowance simply by booking time off early and planning tactically around public holidays and weekends.
Research published today by Expedia.co.uk reveals that eight out of ten (79%) UK workers, whilst only entitled to the legal minimum amount of 20 days holiday a year, could turn 20 days holiday into 46. Here’s how:
And the good news doesn’t end there. Not only does this mean you can enjoy as many as six holidays a year, from a two week sun shower to a city break with friends, psychologists also believe you will have a more balanced outlook on life with regular breaks from work stresses and always something to look forward to.
Expedia.co.uk’s research found that millions of workers in the UK have missed a trick in 2003 by leaving travel arrangements to the last minute and as a consequence haven’t been able to take all the holiday they wanted this year:
• 42% book holidays simply ‘when they feel like it’
• And this lackadaisical attitude means we’re at the mercy of bosses and colleagues with a fifth (20%) having to cancel holiday plans due to work clashes
• Over a third (36%) didn’t take their full holiday entitlement in 2003
• Meaning one third (34%) will carry up to a whole working week over to next year In an effort to beat the January blues and ensure Brits make the most of their holiday allocation in 2004, Expedia have devised a Holiday Planner www.expedia.co.uk/holidayplanner (live from the 23rd December) that calculates your optimum holiday allowance depending on the type or combinations of breaks you’re looking for: Culture, Relaxation, Party, Luxury, Winter sports or Family. Anyone awarded up to 35 holidays a year can use the planner.
Psychotherapist Christine Webber believes booking your holidays early can be equally as gratifying as a New Year detox, “Returning to work after Christmas is a big anti-climax,” she says. “With generally less money and less spring in your step you need something to look forward to. Submitting your holiday requests for the year ahead is a constructive exercise guaranteed to lift your spirits and balance your life.”
The type of holiday planner you are can also depend on where you live in the UK:
• Londoners are most likely to book late – 28% book 1 month before departure
• People in the North West and Wales are most likely to take all of their holiday entitlement with 70% carrying over no extra allowance
• The people of the North West are the biggest long term planners with almost a quarter (23%) booking their holidays over 6 months in advance
• West Midlanders are also very organised – over half (53%) book their trip 3-6 months in advance
Dermot Halpin, Managing Director of Expedia.co.uk commented, “After the festive season, we’re always on the look out for a pick-me-up that will get us through the cold winter months. Forget the litres of water and gym regime – using Expedia’s holiday planner means you can go back to work on 5 January with double the amount of holidays and knowing that you’ve booked the first of many getaways, ‘planning ahead’ has got to be the best New Year’s resolution.”
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For further information please contact:
T: 020 7009 2806 / E: expediapressoffice@redconsultancy.com
For online press information on Expedia.co.uk: http://www.expedia.co.uk/daily/press/
About Expedia.co.uk
Expedia, Inc. operates Expedia.co.uk in the UK and has localised versions for travellers in the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Expedia, Inc. is part of IAC Travel, a division of IAC/InterActiveCorp (Nasdaq: IACI), formerly USA Interactive. Expedia and Expedia.co.uk are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Expedia.co.uk provides the tools and ideas to enable travellers to create and book their perfect trip: millions of published and discounted fares on over 450 airlines, a directory of more than 80,000 accommodation properties world-wide and 4 million rooms, car hire from the top rental companies, build-your-own packaging technology and a choice of pre-package holidays. The site also includes in depth destination guides and maps, a comprehensive travel information service, and links to relevant Web sites. |
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