The 20 things that Britons feel most nostalgic about when it comes to looking back on childhood holidays have been revealed in a poll – and it’s ‘being allowed to stay up late’ that takes the top spot.
In the study, 32 per cent of respondents said they were fondest of this bygone vacation pastime.
Ranking second is buying postcards to send to friends and family, a treasured memory for 26 per cent of those polled, and in third is playing cards in bad weather (25 per cent).
In joint fourth are the plane taking off at the start of the holiday, going out for late family dinners and taking photos on a disposable camera (all 22 per cent).
Hotel breakfast buffets are not far behind (fifth, 20 per cent).
The 20 things that Britons feel most nostalgic about when it comes to looking back on childhood holidays have been revealed in a poll. Taking photos on a disposable camera plays the biggest part in happy holiday memories for 22 per cent of Britons, ranking it joint fourth
The study reveals that a special place in the nation’s hearts is reserved for another dining scenario, with ‘going to local restaurants’ taking joint sixth (17 per cent), with ‘feeling the first crunch of snow under your feet on a ski trip’.
Continuing the theme of winter sports, 14 per cent of Britons feel most nostalgic about drinking a hot chocolate on the side of the ski slope (joint ninth), while 13 per cent fondly remember watching their skis dangle from the chairlift (joint 10th).
Food and drink-based cherished memories return with eating fresh croissants for breakfast and having a small sip of your parents’ wine joint ninth (14 per cent).
For those who approach holidays with a carefree spirit, nostalgia-infused memories include getting lost while driving in the car was (14 per cent, joint ninth) and laughing at your parents trying to speak the local language (11 per cent, 11th).
Other choice memories include getting to the pool early to bag the best seats and bringing a huge stack of books to read (joint 10th, 13 per cent).
Buying postcards for friends and family is the second most cherished memory overall
The study – commissioned by Crystal Ski Holidays, which polled 2,000 British adults – also reveals that nine in 10 (91 per cent) Britons feel nostalgic when they think back to their childhood holidays.
And a staggering 94 per cent agree that trips as a child were some of the best of their lives.
Meanwhile, 93 per cent say they smile and laugh when they look back at old photos from childhood holidays, with 51 per cent admitting that they make them nostalgic for simpler times.
An overall 33 per cent of those polled say they miss the thrill of going away as a child while 21 per cent think that adult holidays do not live up to childhood ones.
Psychologist Dr Becky Spelman says: ‘The way memory works is truly fascinating, especially when it comes to childhood memories.
‘Because everyday life can be quite repetitive – the usual round of getting up, going to school, and coming home – childhood holidays often loom large in our memories, despite the fact that we typically only spend a very small proportion of our time on holiday.
‘For kids, holidays are often the only time they have their parents’ truly undivided attention, away from work and the usual home duties. Busy parents often feel guilty about spending enough time with their children, but the data shows that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to family time, and that holidays can be a big part of that.’
For 13 per cent of Britons, watching your skis dangle from the chairlift is their fondest memory
The survey also found that 40 per cent think childhood holidays open your eyes to the world and 36 per cent believe they set up a lifelong desire to travel the world.
Chris Logan, managing director at Crystal Ski Holidays, said that the research demonstrates ‘the resounding importance the nation places on family holidays and the sentimental value they hold’.
The research, of 500 skiers and 500 non-skiers, was conducted in March 2024.
