New research¹ from leading travel app Expedia^® reveals that one in four (26%) Brits report feeling in need of a “nothing-cation” – a holiday dedicated to recharging their batteries and leaving their day-to-day stresses behind while doing nothing. The research also shows that more than half (54%) of Brits connect doing nothing on a holiday with relaxation.

The constant pressures of portraying the ‘perfect’ life to family, friends, and work colleagues while on holiday can be a strain for many. According to new research¹ from leading travel appExpedia^®, over half (61%) of Brits feel the pressure to book excursions or activities they don’t want to do during their time off to show their social media followers that they did more than simply sit by the pool.   

Despite half of travellers (50%) admitting to feeling refreshed at the end of a holiday where they have done little, 15% end up feeling guilty for putting their feet up and relaxing, and 20% of travellers have felt the pressure to be constantly productive and busy.

While 41% of Brits consult their family and friends for their top holiday recommendations, 36% admit this makes them feel more pressure to do their recommended activities.

Unsurprisingly, 35% of Brits are tired of the cold and gloomy weather resulting in 32% looking forward to a beach holiday that allows them to sit back and relax during their next nothing-cation.

A spokesperson for Expedia said: “We lead such busy lives that sometimes we just want to sit back, relax and do nothing on a beach during our holidays. However, even with time set aside to unwind, it can be hard to shake feelings of guilt for taking time to fully rest and recharge on our travels. We would encourage holidaying Brits to use their well-earned breaks to recharge their batteries, without worrying about what their friends, family, and social following might think when they return after their ‘nothing-cation.’”

Expedia’s poll of 2,000 UK travellers also revealed nearly a third (31%) of respondents make a conscious effort to do nothing on their “nothing-cations” and 26% have already made it their goal on their next holiday to fully switch off and recharge.

To inspire travellers to switch off during their next trip, Expedia’s travel experts have compiled eight top destinations perfect for doing nothing in:

• Kauai, Hawaii: Nicknamed “the Garden Isle” for its lush natural beauty and dramatic cliffs – A place you can get lost in without ever leaving your hotel
• Costa Rica: Filled with lush jungles and sounds of nature to help you shut out the outside world
• Nevis: Best known as “one of the most unspoiled and relaxing islands in the Caribbean”
• Koh Samui, Thailand: Well-known for luxurious wellness resorts, offering everything from massages to chakra-balancing and beyond
• Algarve, Portugal: The perfect mix of beaches, golf courses, and market towns
• Playa del Silencio, Asturias, Spain: As the name hints, a special secluded beach that’s hailed as one of the most beautiful in the country
• Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico: A unique gem that lets you wear nothing while you do nothing

¹In partnership with OnePoll. Surveyed 2,000 respondents from December 20 – 23, 2022. The survey was conducted online using panel members who are credited to participate in surveys. Focused on UK adults who have travelled for leisure in the last 3 years.