Rise of the Cinq-Jour Break

30th January 2012

New research commissioned by Select from Direct Line* reveals that increasing workplace pressures are taking their toll on the traditional British holiday, as almost a third (29 per cent) of holidaymakers head abroad for breaks lasting just five days.

Nearly half (45 per cent) of those surveyed said they had not been fortunate enough to enjoy a foreign holiday last year. However, of those lucky enough to have taken a vacation abroad in the last year, 7.2 million (29 per cent) stayed for just five days – an increasing holiday trend dubbed the ‘cinq-jour break’.

According to the research, the popularity of last minute city breaks and spontaneous long weekends in the sun may be more the result of our chaotic British working culture than personal preference, as only one in three (36 per cent) of those taking a cinq-jour break were happy with the length of their trip.

While the effects of increased pressure in the workplace may have shortened the traditional British holiday, people are still prepared to go the distance to enjoy their five days of respite, with 42 per cent (20 million) of people prepared to endure a long-haul flight of thirteen hours for a break of just five days. This includes 8.2 million (17 per cent) who have already done so.

Nick Brabham, head of Select from Direct Line, said: “Traditional British family holidays, which were previously a once-a-year custom, seem to be taking a back-seat as a result of work pressures. Thankfully, the increasing popularity of last-minute and short-stay holidays still ensures that many of us are able to get away each year, but the duration of the average trip does appear to be reducing.

“The fact that so many people are still prepared to sit through a long-haul flight for such a brief trip abroad just shows that exploring exotic destinations still a top priority, but our increasingly time-poor and over stretched lifestyles mean that the typical British fortnight away is becoming more of a long weekend.”

Andrew Booth, group marketing director for Time Out, commented: “Holidaymakers’ appetites for exploring foreign countries are increasing rapidly, but unfortunately lifestyles don’t always allow people to take as much time as they’d like to do this. Britons love to travel and explore, and the cinq-jour trend just shows that people are willing to adapt their travel plans to suit their lifestyle commitments if it means that they can still enjoy a holiday.”

The Select product offers bespoke insurance bundles; customers can choose home or motor insurance only, or choose to bring their various insurance covers into one Select portfolio of covers (including home, car, pet, travel insurance and breakdown cover), with one annual renewal and payment date. The products give customers enhanced levels of cover, greater levels of customer service and peace of mind.

For more information on Select from Direct Line please call 0800 533 5200 Or visit http://www.directline.com/select/select.htm

Notes to editors

*ICM interviewed a random sample of 2,033 adults aged 18+ from its online panel between 10th and 11th August 2011.  Surveys were conducted across Great Britain and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults.  ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.  Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk

For further information please contact:
Ewan Robertson/Katie Pugh
CitigateDeweRogerson
Tel: 0207 282 2981/2914
Email: ewan.robertson@citigatedr.co.uk
katie.pugh@citigatedr.co.uk

Claire Foster
claire.foster@rbs.co.uk
020 8285 8682

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the number one car and home insurer in the UK (based on policies in force 2010) and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com
Direct Line insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales no 1179980. U K Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.