A recent poll by leading holiday price comparison site Holiday Discount Centre has revealed that 36% of UK holiday makers enjoyed their most treasured holiday moments whilst out and about with family and friends. Visiting a theme park, attraction or fun fair topped the list, with cultural sightseeing and visiting scenic views a close second.  Zoos and wildlife parks were also popular, followed by attending music festivals and visiting waterparks.
 

The research carried out amongst its customers also showed that 20% enjoyed their best moments on the beach, with simple pastimes like building sandcastles, playing in the sea, beach walks, collecting shells and eating ice creams, being the things that really count. Boat trips and water sports were also mentioned but it seems donkey rides are a thing of the past, as only got one solitary vote!
 

10% of those surveyed said their best holiday moment had been marking a special occasion – a first holiday aboard was top, with celebrating a birthday, honeymoon and wedding in joint second spot, followed by getting engaged and spending Christmas aboard.
 

Just being able to spend quality time with their family was what 8% said was most special about their annual holiday and 5% liked nothing more than to relax and chill around the pool.
 

Having an amazing city break had given 7% their best holiday moment with New York piping Paris to the top spot. London was third, followed by Las Vegas and then Barcelona.
 

Animal encounters and outdoor adventure both also got 7%. Swimming with dolphins was the animal adventure that is still most magical for holiday makers but riding a camel and elephant trekking are now almost level in popularity. Staying on a working farm, fishing and horse riding were also special experiences for many. Camping and caravanning was the most popular outdoor adventure activity, but mountain climbing and trekking, biking and skiing also provided some people with truly memorable holiday moments.
 

Commenting on the findings Steve Campion, managing director of Holiday Discount Centre said: “Despite our busy lives this study shows that a lot of our customers aren’t just looking for a cheap fly and flop holiday. Some of our most magical holiday moments are experienced whilst exploring, sightseeing and visiting tourist attractions be it in the UK or abroad. Equally this doesn’t always have to mean costly entrance fees to theme parks and attractions as visiting an amazing view, pottering around an iconic city, hanging out at a seafront pier or spending time on the beach with your loved ones, doesn’t have to cost the earth.
 

“I think the study proves that no matter what the price tag, holidays are all about spending quality time with family and friends and sharing memorable experiences.”
 

Here is the top ten listed individual best holiday moments across all categories by individual votes:
 

1 - Visiting a theme park, attraction or fun fair

2 - Cultural sightseeing and visiting scenic views

4 – Building sandcastles and playing in the sea

5 – Chilling by the pool

6 – Beach walks

7 – Camping and Caravanning

8 – First Holiday Abroad

9 – Zoos and Wildlife Parks

10 – Eating ice cream, fish & chips or Cornish pasty

Holiday Discount Centre is a leading online holiday price comparison site featuring millions of holidays, from summer sun and lakes and mountains, to ski and city breaks, from over 40 different travel providers. The site compares the most competitive prices on late availability deals and early booking discounts. Visit www.holidaydiscountcentre.co.uk for more information or follow on Twitter @holiday_centre.

Notes to Editor - The survey was carried out in October 2013 by Holiday Discount Centre amongst 672 of its Facebook followers and customers.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Kathryn Malone

Tel: 0191 442 3940

Email: kmtravelpr@gmail.com