Holidays 'vital' for mental health

A large proportion of people in the UK consider their holidays to be important for their mental health and well-being, a new study has found.

Research carried out by Cater Allen found that 43 per cent of people think they need to get away once in a while for their mental health.

For 17 per cent, holidays are so vital they admit to 'living for them', while 21 per cent confess to making plans for the next trip soon after they return home.

"The two week summer break has become an essential respite for hard working Britons," said Richard Dunn, managing director at the bank.

He added that anyone planning a trip should do their research to ensure they don't pay more than necessary during this time of rising living and fuel costs.

According to the survey, 62 per cent of people in the UK save up for their holiday, while 15 per cent cover most of the cost using a credit card.

A recent poll of Britons' favourite holiday landmarks conducted by Halifax placed the Sydney Opera House in first place, and Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue and the Palm in Dubai in the top five.

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