More than 55% of the Dutch population prefers a relaxing holiday to an active holiday (36%). Only 10% have no clear preference. Slightly more women (57%) than men (52%) prefer a relaxing holiday. 38% of men prefer an active holiday compared to 33% of women.
Worldwide, more than half of the population also prefers not to do too much during the holidays; 59% prefer to relax and take it easy, while 35% prefer an active holiday.
In this GfK online survey, 22.000 respondents, spread over 17 countries, were asked whether they preferred a certain type of holiday; a relaxing or an active holiday.
Brazil (71%), South Korea and Japan (66%) form the largest majority when it comes to relaxing holidays. The Italians (45%), French (44%) and Spaniards (43%) are at the top when it comes to active holidays.
Age and holiday preference
With 40%, Dutch people between the ages of 49 and 60 form the largest group who prefer to laze around and do not do too much during their holiday. The other age groups in the Netherlands are also in the majority when it comes to a relaxing holiday, with the exception of the 20-29 year olds. In this group, the interest in an active holiday (45%) is about the same as a lazy holiday (43%).
Both in the Netherlands and worldwide, the presence of children in the family has relatively little influence on the preferred type of holiday. The diaper holiday remains the most favorite for every family composition. However, families with children between the ages of 6 and 12 (67%) and under the age of six (66%) do form the largest group. This is also the case on a global level with 62% for both groups.
Never understood what people like about an “active” holiday.
I work around the clock all year round and just really want to rest for those few weeks
Dear Bert,
Perhaps there is a difference among holidaymakers, how they want to experience their holiday, because they are working all year round in different ways.
One works like crazy in construction and another works his ass off by being obliged to sit in a chair behind a computer for 8 hours a day.
I know that group of people and I know that they are only too happy to get some “movement”. Would this concise “example/explanation” perhaps help you with the “Never understood what people like about an active holiday”…..?
In the many years that I worked in the Netherlands (sometimes working long days and also starting a family), I walked a lot in the mountains in Europe. Not only but also with my then wife and the children. And although the growing children were not always happy with us, it was still a relief when we were completely on our own during such a day of hiking in the mountains and did not meet anyone all day. Even the children learned to appreciate this (and now do it themselves). In the late afternoon we were back at the campsite so they could still jump into the pool. We didn't do mountain hiking every day, but I can assure you that it is very relaxing and purifying.
So the key question is: what is active and what is relaxing? Laying on the beach all day and being constantly harassed by vendors: is that relaxing? I think it means something different to everyone. Relaxing is not synonymous with idleness.
If you explore a new environment sailing with a rented ship, visit new ports and visit eateries and explore the places, it gives a lot of fun as an active holiday.
I understand those who want a relaxing holiday. But lying in a lounger on the beach for days… I don't understand that.
The holidays would fly by for me.
No, I prefer an active holiday. Get out and about by bike or scooter. Doing things or seeing sights.
At a relaxed pace. That again…