• New study reveals we're a nation of sun seekers with over half (56%)1 saying it's important to come back from a trip with a sun kissed glow 
• Swimming pools2  topped the list of most searched for amenity in the UK, compared to global searches, for free breakfast 
• Body language expert Judi James reveals the six sun-bathing personality types to spot this summer ranging from 'space invaders' to 'sleeping beauty'.
• Hotels.com Sun Lounger role applications open for those who are over the daily grind and fancy seeking out the best sun-lounging set ups this summer. 

London, 18 July 2022 - After two years of restrictions it's time for Brits to turn the work emails off and the vacay mode on. This summer, Hotels.com® is on the hunt for one lucky Brit to saunter their way around Europe and test out the best and most unique hotel sun lounging set ups, becoming the brands first ever'Sun Lounger'.

Travellers have been dreaming of that perfect summer set up, so they can stretch out on the sunbed and paddle in the pool, as their day-to-day stresses disappear. Research from Hotels.com's 'The Sun-ner Travel' survey found that eight in ten (80%) believe basking in the sun on holiday or lounging around the pool is a great way to relax and escape reality1, with one in five (22%) claiming their dream job would be a professional sun lounge tester - more so than a mattress jumping reviewer or a sky dive instructor.

Over half of respondents (56%) say it's important to come back from a trip with a sun kissed glow and 45% agree that they look immeasurably better when tanned – with the average person spending more than two hours a day sunbathing while on holiday.

With everyone's perfect sun lounging set up being different, the first ever Hotels.com 'Sun Lounger' will be tasked to enjoy it all, as they will get £15,000 to spend on Hotels.com properties, where they can travel to test out the best sun lounging experiences. Candidates just need to apply here4 and share three reasons why they're perfect for the role (Terms apply). For those who don't get through, Hotels.com is currently offering 30% off in its members only sale, where customers can also earn an extra Rewards stamp4, and book your perfect summer somewhere.

Emma Tagg, spokesperson from Hotels.com brand, said: "We're all about finding your perfect somewhere and sunbathing is a great way to really switch off from your daily worries and focus on relaxing.  Who wouldn't want the job as a professional sunbather?! We've seen searches increase by 25%3 for July and August compared to 2021.**** so it's clear that Brits are ready to go abroad and lounge around the pool.

“Popular spots3 such as Spain, USA, France and Italy remain the most searched for this summer. However, we found that Turkey is rocketing in popularity with searches up 260%3  compared to last year. If you're heading poolside this summer, you can book your perfect stay, with 30% off in our members only sale.”

***

Hotels.com has partnered with body language expertJudi James who has revealed six-character types of sunbathers to look out for. 

1. The 'sleeping beauty' type: a switched off, solitary and in the shade. Usually sporting a hat and there, for the peace and quiet – with six in ten admitting to being this type.
2. The 'sunbed space invader': sunbed hoggers, usually seen sneaking down at 5am to reserve beds with with their towels. Even though four in ten admit to being this type of sunbather, 84% say they find this annoying – with German holiday-goers ranking most likely to do so (44%), followed by Brits (32%), Americans (20%), French (19%) and Italians (15%).
3. The 'fidgeter': fun and impulsive with limited time spent on sunbeds, always on the move …no sleeping beauties here!
4. The 'chill and refill' type, who have a cocktail and book in hand, they are self indulgent treaters rewarding themselves by switching off and relaxing - 67% of holidaymakers are this type.
5. The 'sun worshipping pro' is a forsensic tanner who will position themselves in the optimum place all day to achieve that perfect glow. This type is most jealous of the 64% of people who admit they come back from their holiday with an effortless tan.
6. The 'workaholic': Sunbathing accessories include a laptop and phone. They will be glued to their screen rather than the pool.

ENDS

Notes to Editors 

1 Research from Hotels.com based on 2,000 UK adults. Survey carried out from 29.06.2022 – 05.07.2022

2Search data from Hotels.com website pulled on 07.07.2022, comparing UK amenity searches from 01.01.2022 – 07.07.2022 for check ins from 01.07.2022 – 31.08.2022 to global amenity searches from 01.01.2022 – 07.07.2022 for check ins from 01.07.2022 – 31.08.2022

3 Search data from Hotels.com website pulled on 07.07.2022, comparing UK country searches from 01.01.2022 – 07.07.2022 for check ins from 01.07.2022 – 31.08.2022 to UK country searches from 01.01.2021 – 07.07.2021 for check ins from 01.07.2021 – 31.08.2021 

4To enter the competition, visit this page and enter your details. All Ts&Cs are listed here, and the competition closes on 31.07.2022. The winner will be picked at random by 31.08.2022

5Link to Ts&Cs here for rewards night 

 6Room prices based on a standard double room on 11.07.2022

Hotels.com sale details can be found here: https://uk.hotels.com/lp/b/july-sale?pos=HCOM_UK&locale=en_GB&siteid=300000005 Book by 23.59 GMT 25/07/2022. Excludes taxes and fees. Stay between 19/07/2022– 30/09/2022. Property exclusions apply. Full coupon terms and conditions apply

About Hotels.com® (or Hotels.com™)

Hotels.com® is one of the most rewarding ways to book a place to stay. We really love travel, and we know you do too. That's why we make it really easy to book with us. With hundreds of thousands of places to stay around the world and 90 local websites in 41 languages, Hotels.com has it all. So, whether you're looking for value in Vegas, treehouses in Thailand or villas with views, it's all just a click away.  And with our “Reward-winning” loyalty program you earn reward5 stamps while you sleep… what could be better? Booking just got smarter too. With over 25 million real guest reviews and an app so easy to use that it's been downloaded 70 million times, you can be sure to find the perfect place for you.

1Exclusions apply. Reward night worth the average price of the previous 10. Taxes/fees payable on each Reward Night redeemed. See T&Cs https://uk.hotels.com/customer_care/terms_conditions.html

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Expedia Group, Inc. companies power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, we help people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. We provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travellers. Our organization is made up of four pillars: Expedia Services, focused on the group's platform and technical strategy; Expedia Marketplace, centred on product and technology offerings across the organization; Expedia Brands, housing all our consumer brands; and Expedia for Business, consisting of business-to-business solutions and relationships throughout the travel ecosystem. The Expedia Group family of brands includes: Expedia®, Hotels.com®, Expedia® Partner Solutions, Vrbo®, trivago®, Orbitz®, Travelocity®, Hotwire®, Wotif®, ebookers®, CheapTickets®, Expedia Group™ Media Solutions, CarRentals.com™, and Expedia Cruises™. 

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