More than a half of holidaymakers factor in a ‘holiday eve’ stay away before jetting off abroad.<br /><br />A poll, of 2,000 adults, found seven in 10 think staying somewhere the night before leads to a smoother, less stressful start to a trip, by minimising the chance of missing their selected mode of transport.<br /><br />While 38 per cent admit to sleeping better knowing they’re somewhere close to where they need to be in the morning.<br /><br />And 56 per cent of all respondents thought a comfortable night’s sleep was the main selling point of a ‘holiday eve’, alongside a relaxing dinner (49 per cent) and a few drinks (32 per cent).<br /><br />The research was commissioned by Premier Inn, which has launched a guide [www.premierinn.com/holiday-eve] with expert Victoria Philpott, on how to enjoy the perfect ‘holiday eve’.<br /><br />Victoria said: “Annual leave is so precious and we want to make the most of it - but it can be hard to switch off.<br /><br />“It’s been fun helping create a guide to help those heading away on holiday to make life that little bit easier so there’s less of the stress.<br /><br />“There’s lots of tips on how to help, including getting a kid’s hangable shoe organiser and packing it full of outfits so you can simply hang it up when you get to your destination and it’s ready to go.”<br /><br />It also emerged only 41 per cent of the sleep had before heading on holiday was estimated to be ‘quality’ - with seven in 10 believing it affects their mood the following day.<br /><br />Despite some of the strain, 32 per cent feel excited the night before a holiday, though 16 per cent feel on edge or nervous.<br /><br />A third of those polled were heading off on holiday within the next two months, yet only 21 per cent of those who’d never factored in a ‘holiday eve’ before would consider it in future, despite the obvious benefits.<br /><br />It also emerged respondents struggle to get into ‘holiday mode’ until day three of a trip - due to the lingering stress of the build-up.<br /><br />Travel delays, having to set off early to get to the airport and a lack of quality sleep the night before dampen enthusiasm early on.<br /><br />While 67 per cent aren’t satisfied until they’re fully set up and comfortable in their new surroundings.<br /><br />However, 68 per cent don’t let any last-minute packing and airport stress ruin their mood, according to the OnePoll data.<br /><br />Three in 10 (29 per cent) frequently endure the lingering stress and tiredness for a few days into a holiday.<br /><br />Tamara, from Premier Inn, added: “We created our guide to encourage those who haven’t tried a ‘holiday eve’ before to give it a go.<br /><br />“If it’s not something that’s usually considered, it really can make all the difference to fully relaxing into holiday mode that little bit sooner.<br /><br />“And it’s a great way to start your holiday early.”
