We Brits are renowned for being polite - but it seems that our politeness could be costing us valuable holiday time.
That's because a new study has revealed that on average Brits use 10 days of annual leave on events they feel obliged to attend, such as hen dos or weddings, instead of holidays.
The research, conducted by Hampton by Hilton, revealed that family events proved the biggest use of our time with 46 per cent of people using annual leave days, followed by birthday celebrations at 39 per cent and weddings at 13 per cent.
In fact, these events are taking up around 21 days of our free time every year, which could easily be spent on mini breaks in the UK or long weekends abroad.
Not to mention it's proving costly; as a nation we collectively spend £35.6million on these events if you consider factors such as hotels and transport.
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Then there are those events abroad which can also make a dent in the budget, as it's previously been revealed that Brits spend nearly £1,000 on stag and hen dos abroad.
But it's not just the annual leave that can take its toll.
The research revealed that 9 in 10 Brits rely on just one individual to organise their travel.
That leaves this organisers spending time and money to plan everything, with just a third (33 per cent) saying they did it for enjoyment.
Meanwhile, 38 per cent said they feel as though nobody else would do it in their place.
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One of the top worries is keeping everyone happy, but having to find travel that suits all budgets and having to chase money also proved key factors.
In fact, Brits are waiting for over £197million in money owed!
To help these 'Real Travel' organisers, Hampton by Hilton is launching a brand new 24/7 Hampton Helpline, offering guidance to Real Travel planners across the country.
Hosted by television presenter and self-styled organiser, Andrea McLean, the helpline will be live throughout the summer to offer advice, words of wisdom and calming meditation techniques to make organising these trips as straightforward as possible, leaving planners more time to sit back, relax and enjoy.
Simply call 0800 689 1914 or email hamptonhelpline@hilton.com.
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Andrea McLean, said: "I just can’t help myself when it comes to taking on the task of planning our family’s trips to weddings, birthdays, anniversaries – the list goes on.
"From sorting the travel and deciding where to stay, to arranging the itinerary – I love making sure everyone’s having a great time.
"As much as I wouldn’t have it any other way, I could often do with a helping hand, so I am delighted to be working with Hampton by Hilton to launch this Helpline, which offers planners like me helpful advice and tips to make life easier and ensure everyone is happy. Organising heroes, we salute you!"
