New research commissioned by Jet2holidays has revealed that more than half (51%) of us admit to going into ‘hibernation’ as the days draw in, the nights get longer and temperatures fall with rain, wind and even snow making the warmth of the summer sun no more than a distant memory.
As we start to cocoon ourselves, research by Jet2holidays highlights that almost one in five (19%) say they spend less time with family and friends during the colder months while 32% admit they make fewer plans for the weekend. When winter comes around, Northern Irish people will even ditch going out for meals and drinks (25%), put off exercising (23%) and visit the shops less (36%) as spirits plummet.
Humans aren’t built for hibernation, yet 45% say that the dark nights and shorter days make them sleepier while 29% are bedevilled by the winter blues, and 75% blame the cold and wet weather for their dormant state. Furthermore, 17% admitted that they are more likely to “pull a sickie” at work during the winter than the summer.
So, how do people in NI fight this feeling amid the cold, dull and grey conditions? Well, 74% believe that taking a winter holiday is the best way to revitalise and energise themselves, and we love a variety of different types of winter holiday. These include:
- 31% favour winter sun
- 26% prefer to beat the summer crowds
- 36% enjoy getting into the festive spirit at a Christmas market destination
- 21% want to experience one of the top cities in the world
- 29% are more inclined to hit the ski slopes
- 36% use it as an excuse to work through their bucket list, such as seeing the Northern lights
Over one in four (27%) cite a break from work and 21% an escape from politics as the main reasons for getting away.
The research has been commissioned as part of Jet2holidays Winter Your Way competition, which invites people to complete a personality quiz to find out which type of winter getaway suits them best and be automatically entered into a prize draw to win one of six holidays matched with each of the themes.
Plus, one lucky winner will receive the ultimate Winter Your Way package, which includes six amazing getaways. Upon entering the competition, people will also receive a discount code for Winter holidays booked within a certain period.
Zoe Towers, Head of Product at Jet2holidays, said: “We commissioned this survey to celebrate the launch of our Winter Your Way campaign, as well as see how the onset of winter impacts the nations’ mood and the different types of holidays we like to take during the cooler months.
“As the UK’s second largest tour operator, we offer fantastic choice and flexibility when it comes to winter holidays, whether you like winter sun, prefer to beat the summer crowds, get into the festive spirit, visit one of the top cities in the world, hit the ski slopes or tick something off your bucket list. Our competition offers people the chance to take a winter holiday matched with their personality and we hope it goes someway to helping beat the winter blues!”
To enter the competition, just visit https://winteryourway.jet2holidays.com/
The deadline for entering is 31st October 2019.
