The 20 things Brits are most nostalgic for when it comes to remembering their childhood holidays have been revealed in a survey, and it’s “being able to stay up late” that comes out on top.
In the study, 32 percent of respondents said they liked this bygone vacation pastime most.
In second place is buying postcards to send to friends and family, a treasured souvenir for 26 percent of those surveyed, and in third place is playing cards in bad weather (25 percent).
In fourth place are airplanes taking off at the beginning of the holidays, late family dinners and photographs with disposable cameras (all with 22 percent).
Hotel breakfast buffets are not far behind (fifth place, 20 percent).
A survey has revealed the 20 things Brits are most nostalgic for when it comes to remembering childhood holidays. Taking pictures with a disposable camera plays the biggest role in happy holiday memories for 22 per cent of Brits, coming in fourth place.
The study reveals that a special place in the nation’s heart is reserved for another dining scene, where “going to local restaurants” ranks sixth (17 percent), followed by “feeling the first crunch of snow underfoot on a ski trip.”
Continuing with the theme of winter sports, 14 per cent of Brits feel most nostalgic about drinking hot chocolate on the slopes of the ski slope (ninth place), while 13 per cent fondly remember watching their skis hanging from the chairlift (10th place).
The most cherished memories related to food and drink come back to eating fresh croissants for breakfast and taking a small sip of their parents’ wine (14 percent).
For those who approach the holidays with a carefree spirit, nostalgic memories include getting lost while driving (14 percent, ninth) and laughing at their parents who were trying to speak the local language (11 percent, 11th). .
Other top picks include getting to the pool early to get the best seats and bringing a big stack of books to read (joint 10th place, 13 percent).
Buying postcards for friends and family is the second most precious souvenir overall
The study – commissioned by Crystal Ski Holidayswhich surveyed 2,000 British adults, also reveals that nine in 10 (91 per cent) Brits feel nostalgic when remembering their childhood holidays.
And a staggering 94 percent agree that trips as children were some of the best of their lives.
Meanwhile, 93 percent say they smile and laugh when looking at old childhood vacation photos, and 51 percent admit it makes them nostalgic for simpler times.
33 percent of respondents say they miss the excitement of traveling as a child, while 21 percent believe adult vacations don’t measure up to those of children.
Psychologist Dr Becky Spelman says: “The way memory works is really fascinating, especially when it comes to childhood memories.
“Because everyday life can be quite repetitive (the usual routine of getting up, going to school, and coming home), childhood vacations often loom large in our memories, even though we usually only spend one very small proportion of our time on vacation. .
‘For children, holidays are often the only time when they have their parents’ full attention, away from work and the usual household chores. Busy parents often feel guilty about spending enough time with their kids, but data shows that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to family time, and that vacations can be a big part of that.’
For 13 per cent of Brits, seeing their skis dangling from the chairlift is their fondest memory.
The survey also found that 40 percent believe children’s vacations open their eyes to the world and 36 percent believe they spark a lifelong desire to travel the world.
Chris Logan, managing director of Crystal Ski Holidays, said the research demonstrates “the resounding importance the nation places on family holidays and the sentimental value they hold”.
The research, in which 500 skiers and 500 non-skiers participated, was carried out in March 2024.