· 30% of NI adults in relationships would rather holiday with friends than partners
· Only 30% of those polled said they had never been on holiday with their mates
· 72% agreed that their friendship group has helped them through the most difficult times of their lives
· TUI BLUE partners with Davina McCall to understand the importance of holidaying with friends
A new national study reveals mates win over dates when it comes to holidays, with 30% of NI adults in relationships confessing they would rather holiday with friends than their partners. The study also revealed the importance of friendships in mid-life with 72% agreeing that their friendship group has helped them through the most difficult times of their lives, compared to the national average of 63%.
The research of adults aged 40 to 65, commissioned by global hotel brand TUI BLUE, revealed that those polled in Northern Ireland were more likely to go on holiday with friends. In fact, only 30% of those polled in Northern Ireland have never been on holiday with friends, compared to the national average of 45%.
Following this discovery, TUI BLUE has once again partnered with wellness advocate Davina McCall to highlight the importance of friendships, particularly at mid-life. Last year Davina tested the brand’s Wellness Menu, designing her perfect personal holiday itinerary in Turkey. This year, she went to Cyprus to explore the research findings, highlighting why friendships are so important at this life stage and why it’s key to invest in them.
Davina McCall said: “The way you make and catch up with friends changes as you get older, and by the time you hit midlife you really know who’s important in your life. Good friends are SO important and can make us feel amazing, so I joined three pairs of friends in Cyprus with TUI BLUE to reconnect and understand the importance of making time for friends. We had such a lovely week kayaking, doing Pilates and Aquafit classes, eating amazing food and just enjoying downtime in the sun. It made us all appreciate how doing things with best friends can make your life richer… and what better way to do this than on holiday?”
The study revealed that 35% of adults that live in Northern Ireland said they currently have 3-5 close friends. On holiday with Davina were best friends Amie and Katie from Liverpool, who joined her in an Aquafit class at the TUI BLUE Atlantica Aeneas Resort. At 40 they have been through countless challenges together, from parental loss to perimenopause, but had never found the time to go on holiday together. Commenting on their friendship, Katie said: “We’ve been friends since we were teens, and it’s a crime this is our first ever holiday together. This week has made us realise that we must go on holiday more often – without life’s distractions. It’s important to make it a priority. Nostalgia is lovely, but taking the time to make new memories together is everything.”
The research discovered that 72% of those polled in NI agreed that their friendship group has helped them through the most difficult times of their lives. Andrew, 60, and Timothy, 59, met on their second day of infant school and have been best mates ever since. Speaking to Davina after kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of Nissi Beach with her Andrew said: “We’ve seen each other through thick and thin over the past 55 years. Our advice? Make the time for each other. Schedule a holiday. You never know what’s around the corner. Don’t waste your time thinking about it. Just go on and enjoy it.”
Managing Director of TUI BLUE, Louise Bates, adds: “As part of the world’s leading travel company, we understand how holidays connect people and were surprised so many of us want to get away with our friends but don’t manage to. After working with Davina to launch our wellness menu last year we knew she was the perfect partner to explore why it is so important to invest in quality time with friends and what it means to escape the everyday and reconnect. We designed an itinerary that allowed Davina and her new friends to do just that, and hope their experiences inspire others to take the time to make new memories with their mates, at home or abroad.”
Davina and friends were guests of the TUI BLUE Aeneas Resort in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. As well as enjoying delicious Mediterranean food and exploring the nearby golden beaches, the group took full advantage of the unrivalled range of activities offered by TUI BLUE to reconnect – from fitness challenges to indulgent spa experiences and wellness classes. View the short film of their journey featuring Davina McCall here, and head to www.tui-blue.com to find perfect personalised holidays to connect with loved ones.
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