Comforts of Home That We Simply Can’t Do Without on Holiday

It’s said there’s no place like home and new research reveals how even when on holiday, global travellers crave their familiar home comforts and are most happy in accommodation – whether that’s a villa, apartment, bed & breakfast or hotel – that feels like home.

According to the global research commissioned by Booking.com, despite the fact that half of travellers (48%) say trying new things and experiences on a holiday makes them happy, their holiday accommodation has to feel like home (70%).

The study, which questioned 17,000 people from 17 countries, shows how for many travellers, staying somewhere that makes them feel like they’re at home is the secret to travel happiness. Accommodation hosts and staff hold a master key to this happiness. Almost two thirds (61%) of those questioned say they like it when their host treats them more like a friend and that a friendly host can make or break a holiday (66%).

In fact, eight out of ten (78%) believe a truly great host who takes care of small inviting details, such as fluffy towels, well-stocked cupboards, and giving them local insider knowledge, is something that brings them real happiness while on holiday. Reviews are critical in the travel planning process and if somewhere has a mention of a great host, travellers are more inclined to book there (63%).

Extreme measures

For almost three-quarters (73%), the need for somewhere to feel just like home is so great that they will even bring elements of their own home with them, including candles, lucky charms and even their own bedding to make sure that their accommodation absolutely feels like their own personal sanctuary.

Top 10 items brought from home by global travellers:

Almost eight out of ten (76%) say returning to their accommodation each evening is a holiday moment that makes them happy so whilst exploring an exciting new destination is definitely part of the plan, the satisfaction of knowing they have somewhere comfortable to return to keeps happiness levels at a maximum all holiday long.

And just because travellers want to stay in accommodation that feels comfortable and like home, doesn’t mean they want to scrimp on standards. In fact, over half (52%) do want their accommodation to include some elements that are different to what you experience every day, and one in ten (10%) will accept nothing less than5-star luxury.

It’s no wonder travellers place such importance on their accommodation as eight out of 10 (83%) say seeing their accommodation for the first time is the holiday is their happiest holiday moment.

Top 10 accommodation requirements by global travellers:

“We travel to broaden our horizons and experience new things but travellers also want to take risk out of their holiday plans. That’s where home comforts, which can take many forms, and a friendly face come in. What makes somewhere feel just like home varies tremendously, which is why people want to have a diverse range of holiday accommodation to choose from,” said David Mau, director of product, Booking.com.

“With over 1 million properties worldwide that have more than 23 million bookable rooms in over 30 types of accommodation, there’s something for every type of traveller on Booking.com. What’s more with over 102 million verified reviews from people just like you, travellers can be sure to find somewhere that feels like home.”

About the Research:

Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 people from each of the 17 markets who had taken at least 1 domestic or international holiday in the past year. In total, 17,157 respondents (18yrs +) were surveyed from the UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Russia, USA, Canada, Brazil, China, Japan, India, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Data was collected from 9 September to 4 October 2016.