Some people like to try new things, others like to revisit a previous destination, hotel or memory. Here at Short Motivation, we travel fairly frequently and could say we fit into both camps. One half likes to try new destinations, whereas the other half of the brand feels more comfortable heading back to a previous location.
Why is this so? Familiarity is one key factor. When you visit a new location, you’re partly excited to see new things, partly unprepared, so often rush around and don’t get to enjoy your hotel and surroundings. Returning enables you to settle and enjoy your accommodation as you know where the best places are – the best location to grab an early morning flat white, as an example. Simple benefits, easier life.
But, are you one of the increasing numbers of people who return to the same destination every single year?
According to ATOL, research has shown that a staggering 91 percent of British holidaymakers over 50 years of age, choose to return back to their favourite destination, rather than find something new. Indeed, one in five over 50-year-olds will revisit the same location more than once within a year. One in three British holidaymakers, of all ages, return to the same destination each year.
According to ATOL “nearly a third of people (31 percent) admitted to booking the same hotel and a tenth (9 percent) will even try to book the same room. A third of hungry tourists (34 percent) will dine at the same restaurant and over a quarter (26 percent) will go to the same pub or bar on every trip.”
So why do they choose to do this? The reasoning offers is that they “never get bored” of tried-and-trusted hotspots which deliver. If they receive the service they expect, they’ll return. And that’s the key point here. When you are closer to retirement, having an excellent experience is more guaranteed if you return to a location where you’ve been treated well, rather than a potential new destination which brings the unknown.
There are some advantages of returning to a favourite destination. As an example, you will be recognised by the staff (but, for some, this isn’t always a good thing), more likely to receive a room upgrade and often find other perks in the room such as a bottle of champagne. Other highlights can include staff reserving your favourite sunbed or free top-ups when you enjoy your afternoon drinks.
But, herein lies the downside, too. When you return to the same location, particularly at the same time of the year, you’ll often run into the people you saw the year before. Staff can be a bit too friendly, often feeling obliged to come over and chat with you, thinking you’re worthy of their extra attention.
So, do you return to the same destination each year? Do you feel more comfortable returning to a previous location or do you like to try something new? Let us know.
