1st July 2003

Brits look for culture and good food in a holiday.

40% of Brits find their 2 weeks abroad as the most stressful leisure activity they undertake.

Travelodge launches Breakaway service on website – www.travelodge.co.uk

As the summer holiday gets underway, millions of Brits are jetting off for their annual fortnight in the sun. But research commissioned by Travelodge, the UK’s number one budget hotel brand, has found that as UK families’ endure flight delays, hotel problems and the scramble for a space by the pool, 72% have never been to Bournemouth and more Brits have been to Barcelona than Bath and New York than Newcastle ! And whilst couples stroll hand in hand around Rome, a staggering 77% of Brits have never experienced the quaint streets of Oxford.

So what do British people look for in a holiday? The top two factors we consider when deciding where to go on holiday are culture and good food , yet 80% have never visited Liverpool – the home of the UK bid for European City Of Culture 2008! And with the our reputation throughout Europe for our diverse choice of restaurants, from fresh fish and chips to Michelin starred cuisine, there’s surely something to suit every palette and pocket.

For years, we have sought escape from daily life by flying to foreign shores, but for nearly 40% of UK travellers, the much-anticipated fortnight abroad is the most stressful leisure activity they undertake – even more traumatic than a weekend visit to the in-laws !

Dr Rosemary Anderson, Chair of the International Stress Management Association UK, says: "Annual holidays are renowned as being stressful experiences for a variety of reasons; the planning they require, the pressures of being in close family contact for long periods of time - not to mention problems such as flights being delayed, or the holiday destination failing to meet expectations. Our advice is that regular breaks away from the work environment are crucial in helping to manage stress - and the more of these a person can take, the better it will be for their overall stress levels."

Simon Gregory, Travelodge sales and marketing director, says: ”The UK has so much to offer and many of us simply don’t take the time to explore what’s right on our doorstep. Travelodge has the perfect solution for short, hassle free breaks - our 237 hotels are ideally situated next to beautiful countryside, theme parks or bustling cities. By offering fantastic value for money, great family packages and superb facilities, we aim to be a home away from home, the perfect base for your UK break. Further information can be found at our website www.travelodge.co.uk.”

To help customers choose the UK break that suits them best, Travelodge has launched its ‘Break Away’ service, giving information on Britain’s top attractions - and your nearest Travelodge for a cosy night’s sleep. To celebrate, a selected number of Travelodges are currently available for bookings at a special discounted rate; why not book your family into the Bath, Oxford, Newcastle Central or Liverpool Central Travelodge from just £44.95, per room, per night. prices are per room, not per person. Most rooms can sleep up to 4 people (2 adults and 2 children, both under 16 years). All rooms are en-suite, with luxury King Size beds and free tea and coffee making facilities.

All you need to do is log on to www.travelodge.co.uk and click on ‘Break Away’. So, instead of the annual summer getaway, why not try a Great British ‘Break Away’ instead?