In fact, one in ten will actually lie to friends and family about how much they get up to on holiday in a bid to make their time away sound action-packed and culturally diverse.
Parenting on Female First
The research from Budget reveals that nearly three quarters of Brits admit they would like to see more of the country they visit but top excuses for not doing so include; worrying about additional expenditure outside of their all inclusive package, being nervous about getting lost in the local area, lack of local language skills, lack of confidence in driving in foreign countries and also, not knowing the best places to visit.
For those brave enough to hit the open road and leave the confines of the resort, nearly half (47 per cent) admit it leads to a more adventurous and cultural holidays with the chance to experience the real country and meet the locals.
To encourage more Brits to leave the comfort of their sun lounger this half term, Budget has compiled a guide to the ‘Hidden Hireaways’ in the top five winter sun destinations:
Nice, France
39 mins (27 km)
Coaraze – at 650 metres above sea level, Coaraze, also called “Sun Village”, extends over 1714 hectares of mimosas, olive trees, cypresses, oaks, chestnuts and pines. See sundials designed by famous contemporary artists, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, the medieval village and medieval ruins of Roccasparviera and Notre-Dame du Gressier Chapel.
16 mins (9 km)
Beaulieu – a million miles away from the busier central beaches, these fine sandy bays are nestled away from the well-trodden tourist path amidst luscious vegetation - the perfect setting for a quiet and relaxing day out.
35 min drive (20.7 km)
Antibes – a town that’s rich with culture nestled between Cannes and Nice. Wander through the little streets where the market stalls overflow with fruit and vegetables, grab a crepe at a nearby creperie or walk along the ramparts on the Promenade Amiral de Grasse, where the views out to sea are magnificent. The picturesque Château Grimaldi dominates the skyline of this small town which also houses the Picasso Museum.
10 min drive (4.1 km)
Mont Boron - for spectacular views of Nice the best vantage point is the heights of Mont Boron. From the derelict old Fort and the nearby villa of Sir Elton John, there are fine views over the city to the mountains and east over Villefranche and Cap Ferat.
Albufeira, Portugal
45 mins (50km)
Monchique – dubbed as the prettiest mountain village in the Algarve, the cobble stone streets and tiny doorways of this untouched town make for a truly stunning vista. A 17th century, dilapidated Franciscan monastery – Nossa Senhora de Desterro – offers magnificent views of the surrounding area and countryside.
19 mins (10 km)
Castelo Beach - one of the smaller hidden beaches in Albufeira, Castelo is great for swimming and offers magnificent views of the cliffs. This is also a great place for snorkelling and scuba diving.
38 mins (31 km)
Alte – a delightful village inland, situated just north of Albufeira. It is a typical, Algarve village of whitewashed houses, handcrafted chimneys and narrow, cobbled streets nestling in the foothills of the Serra do Caldeirão. The church is at the centre of the village, and there are numerous little cafes in the surrounding area, to relax at and soak up the tranquillity of the village.
39 mins (34 km)
Carvoeiro - Algar Seco - a few hundred meters along the coast east of the main square and beach is a popular nature site where ocean wave erosion has carved out grottos, islets and “water chimneys”.
Alicante, Spain
1 hour (61 km)
Gudalest – a picturesque ancient village perched on top of a mountain with historical sites to see including castles, churches and towers. Well worth the drive for some spectacular views!
19 mins (16.5 km)
Playa Almadrava - small but perfectly formed, this sandy and pebbly beach is hidden away from the crowds, with a small island just opposite where you can look for sea urchins.
28 mins (20.5 km)
Santa Pola – a busy town which is best known for its salt lakes but more recently as a great destination for kite surfers. It has long beaches, a marina and it’s easy to hire a boat trip to the nearby Island of Tabarca. The town boasts a castle, a palm park, an aquarium and museums.
30mins (26 km)
El Palmeral Park - on the south side of Alicante this park has palm trees, exotic plants, ponds and fountains, walking trails and seating and play areas. El Palmeral Park is also known for its auditorium, which hosts a number of notable events each year.
Palma Nova, Mallorca
15mins (16 km)
The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma - more commonly referred to as La Seu, it is located in the Centre of Palma. The stunning building is only a short distance from Palma Nova but as few holidaymakers venture into the city it is a rare sight.
10-15 mins (8 km)
Cala Blanca - this small sandy beach is a hidden gem situated outside of Palma Nova. There are no beachside cafes or sun loungers, just spectacular natural scenery and untouched Majorcan coastline - the ideal destination for those looking for respite from busy Palma Nova.
30 mins (40 km)
Inca Market - if you’re a fan of shopping, this outdoor market is the perfect spot. Think tables creaking under the weight of fresh fruit, cheeses, herbs and olives. Trestle tables stacked with straw baskets and racks of leather bags, sandals and shoes. A short drive from Palma Nova, any family will find the perfect presents to take home for the relatives here and get a real slice of local life.
10 mins (8 km)
The Caves of Genova - situated in the municipal district of Palma, these beautiful caverns are located some 36 metres underground. Continuous filtrations of water perforate the rock and deposit sediments, forming incredible stalactites and stalagmites – truly jaw dropping beauty that will impress even the more adventurous teenagers.
Cala'n Porter, Menorca
20 mins (14 km)
Torre Llafuda – this site includes the remains of round dwellings, caves, a wall, a talayot and an enormous taula more than three metres high and is one of Menorca’s richest historical sites. Set in a dense oak forest this site dates from the third Talayotic period (800-450 BC) and offers families a chance to see a glimpse of prehistoric Menorca.
60 mins (53 km)
Cala Macarella - an idyllic cove of white sand and turquoise waters, sheltered by hills covered in palm trees and warm enough to sunbathe, even in winter. A stunning section of coast without the crowds, you can expect to have the beach all to yourself.
20 mins (15 km)
Weekly Market San Lluis - held every Monday and Wednesday this street market sells a variety of items including jewellery, local craftwork, clothing and souvenirs. Relaxing and fun to visit before or after dinner, this market is a great alternative way to fill a warm autumn evening.
30 mins (23 km)
S'Albufera des Grau Nature Park – this natural park is one of Menorca’s most diverse and interesting places to visit for nature lovers. The park includes two wetlands, wide swaths of shoreline, an islet and a number of farms. This area is of great importance to locals; however it is rarely ventured to by tourists. The perfect ‘off the beaten’ track destination.