Kuoni finds third of holidaymakers return to ‘once in a lifetime’ destinations

Three quarters of holidaymakers have revisited a city, country or resort at least once, new research from Kuoni shows.

And almost a third (31%) have already chosen to go back to a long-haul destination which they initially deemed to be ‘once in a lifetime’.

More than half said they plan to return at some point in their lifetime.

The study of 2,000 adults found that the US, Australia, Italy, Barbados and Canada top the ‘twice-in-a-lifetime’ holiday list.

They would also like to save up and go back to Egypt, Thailand, the Maldives or Mexico.

The report also identified a trend of saving over a long period of time to return to a location which holds fond memories.

More than two thirds of people decided to go back to a long-haul destination after finding local people welcoming and friendly, while a further 37% made good friends they were keen to see again.

Two thirds of people claim their ‘twice in a lifetime’ holiday is the only place they have really managed to relax, and is also the destination where they’ve been able to switch off from work completely.

Kuoni managing director Derek Jones said: “We’re seeing a generation of adventurers who set off to see the world with a backpack in their twenties to places like Thailand, Malaysia, India and Australia return to those places they love at a later stage in life.

“Worldwide travel is more affordable and accessible than it has ever has been before. The choice of destinations, hotels and flights now is vast and brings many stunning countries and cruises – viewed in the past as ‘once in a lifetime’ – within the reach of many more people.”

Top 10 ‘twice in a lifetime’ destinations

1. US


2. Australia


3. Italy


4. Barbados


5. Canada


6. Egypt


7. Thailand


8. Maldives


9. Mexico


10. A Cruise

Top 20 reasons for ‘twice in a lifetime’ holidays

1. You have such fond memories of the first visit


2. Fell in love with the scenery and landscape


3. The locals were so welcoming and friendly


4. You didn’t see or experience enough first time round


5. Good value for money


6. Wanted to see different parts of the country


7. Fell in love with the culture


8. You forgot about work completely


9. The accommodation was amazing


10. You loved the food


11. Something for all the family to do


12. Haven’t been so relaxed anywhere else in the world


13. Wanted to take a new partner, or return with the family


14. To mark an anniversary or special occasion


15. You simply want to recreate the first special holiday


16. You met some / made some good friends


17. You don’t think any other holiday could top it


18. You had such a romantic time on your last visit


19. You befriended the staff


20. You met someone / enjoyed a holiday romance