Creature comfort-loving Brits pack holiday suitcases with ‘life essentials’ such as tea bags, their favourite mugs and even canned food in case they can’t buy it abroad, a study has found.
A survey of 2,000 adults who have been abroad revealed 86 per cent have packed a home comfort to take with them.
More than a third have taken teabags, while 25 per cent have packed hand cream and 24 per cent take their own towels.
A fifth (21 per cent) take their own slippers with them, while the same number pack biscuits – possibly to dip in their English tea – and six per cent take baked beans with them.
More than a third (36 per cent) said it was because they didn’t know what they’d be able to buy in the country they’re visiting.
But a third will miss these things if they don’t pack them, while 28 per cent said the items help them relax.
A spokesperson for private covid testing company Medicspot [https://www.medicspot.co.uk/covid-test/day-2-lateral-flow], said: “As a nation, we love jumping on an aircraft and heading abroad to experience new cultures.
“But it is clear we still love our home comforts, and it’s nice to be able to relax with a biscuit and a warm brew after a day exploring a new country.”
Brits typically take four home comforts with them when they go abroad – with 57 per cent admitting they can’t bear to travel without the vital luggage.
More than a quarter (26 per cent) take these things because they’re concerned they might be more expensive where they’re going.
However, it can be costly for them on occasions, with the research revealing 29 per cent have gone over their baggage allowance and been forced to pay a fine to accommodate their home comforts.
It also emerged that a third (33 per cent) would be more likely to visit a country knowing they stock their favourite teas, chocolate bars or brands.
Almost a quarter (24 per cent) feel uncomfortable if they don’t pack these essential items – and 20 per cent of those surveyed via OnePoll feel stressed.
Overall, half (51 per cent) of respondents feel Brits generally can’t travel without their home comforts.
The research was carried out as Medicspot launches its new Day 2 lateral flow test for holidaymakers after a change in travelling rules.
From this week, eligible fully vaccinated passengers arriving in England from countries not on the UK’s red list can take a cheaper lateral flow test instead of a PCR after arriving in the UK.
TOP 10 ‘HOME COMFORTS’ BRITS TAKE ABROAD
1. Teabags
2. Hand cream
3. Towels
4. Notebook and pen
5. Slippers
6. Biscuits
7. Coffee
8. Comfy socks
9. Chocolate bars
10. Alarm clock
