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Almost three quarters of people admit to being stressed by organising the annual family holiday.
The unreliability of public transport is a key cause of ‘holiday anxiety’ for almost 19%, with 10% saying that they have nearly missed a flight due to transport problems – a figure that rises to 18% for 25-34 year-olds.
About half (47%) of the 2,000 people polled for Holiday Extras also admitted that worries about getting to the airport and possible transport delays push them to allow more time than necessary for the journey.
Getting time off work, organising visas, booking airport parking, buying travel insurance and sorting out foreign currency are ‘challenges’ many people leave until the very last minute.
The poll found that 16% left arranging their travel insurance until just before they left and 18% made a late dash to sort their foreign exchange.
Fourteen per cent of holidaymakers leave it until they get to the airport before buying their foreign currency, with nearly two thirds (62%) of men admitting they never bother to compare exchange rates.
Fifteen per cent of those surveyed admitted that they go on holiday without any travel insurance and 8% of 25-34 year-olds have been on holiday without getting the recommended inoculations.
Only 26% of travellers are organised ahead of time with just 20% being savvy enough to book an airport hotel the night before their flight.
Holiday Extras communications director Ant Clarke Cowell said: “It’s disturbing that so many people find the holiday process so overwhelming.
“A holiday should begin the second you leave your home, however it seems that the journey to the airport, airport parking, foreign currency and the time spent at airport are often overlooked.
“Small things like booking your travel insurance, airport parking and foreign currency in advance are sure to ease holiday stresses.”