A cheeky tipple before midday, chatting to strangers and having an afternoon nap are a side Brits only show when abroad, a survey suggests.
Research has revealed that nine in 10 have a “ holiday alter ego” that takes over and sees them doing uncharacteristic things while on a sunshine break.
According to the study, the change starts at the airport with one in three hitting the bar, regardless of the time.
One in five make bolder fashion choices wearing bright colours or clothing they would not be seen in at home such as kaftans, Hawaiian shirts, Crocs and even mankinis.
More than a quarter insist on having a pud every night and one in 10 throw caution to the wind and dance the night away without worrying about how they look or what others think.
The survey of 2,000 Brits found the balmy weather abroad, not knowing anyone and an increased sense of bravado gave them the confidence to act more freely.
From going braless and not wearing any make-up to donning a bum bag and mixing different cuisines on the same plate at hotel buffets, half of Brits confessed they preferred their holiday-selves as they were more carefree, happier and fun loving.
The Walkers Doritos and easyJet Holiday Report found dining out every day was top of the table of things Brits would never do at home, followed by boozing at the airport and not worrying about money.
One in 10 had no qualms about taking part in group activities like pool aerobics or getting up early to bag a sunbed.
And one in 20 blamed their mischievous holiday persona for a fling or taking part in a karaoke session while one in five said their vacation personality gave them the courage to go shopping in their swimwear.
One in four confessed the holiday was not complete unless all the toiletries had been taken from the bathroom and more than a quarter said they knew they were away when they had a beer or cocktail before noon.
With travel set to boom again in 2022, a quarter of Brits said they couldn’t wait to embrace their holiday self and one in six said they missed that carefree person during the pandemic.
Aberystwyth folk were found to be the most likely to behave differently when away, followed by those from Brighton, Liverpool, Belfast and Bristol.
Katherine Cook, marketing manager at Walkers said: “After years of travel restrictions, we know that the nation has missed having the freedom to travel and make memories with friends and family on holiday, and in turn missed their happier and more carefree holiday alter-egos.”
Matt Callaghan, easyJet holidays customer director, added: “For most of us a holiday is the highlight of the year, so it’s not surprising that the nation uses it as an opportunity to let their hair down, take life at a different pace, and have more carefree fun.”
Top 30 things Brits blame on holiday alter ego
1. Dining out every day
2. Boozing at the airport
3. Not worrying about money
4. Drinking alcohol before midday
5. Staying up later than usual
6. Having dessert every day
7. Eating cheese and cold meats for breakfast
8. Wearing swimwear instead of underwear
9. Taking the toiletries from the hotel
10. Making “holiday friends” with strangers
11. Snacking more often
12. Taking an afternoon nap
13. Chatting to strangers
14. Wandering around barefoot
15. Drinking elaborate cocktails
16. Having more than one ice cream a day
17. Taking a break from technology
18. Mixing multiple cuisines during one sitting at the hotel buffet
19. Reading a book or listening to an audiobook
20. Going to a restaurant, bar, or shop wearing a cozzie
21. Wearing bolder clothing than normal
22. Staying in bed later than usual
23. Wearing a bum bag or money belt
24. Leaving hair to go wild
25. Letting the kids stay up later than usual
26. Going out without make-up
27. Getting bad tan lines on purpose
28. Getting up extra early to bag a sunbed
29. Getting a T-shirt tan
30. Taking a swimwear selfie
