Hard-working Britons are slow to take 'health breaks'

Britain lags behind continental Europe when it comes to taking health and beauty "wellbeing" breaks, it has been revealed. UK employees work the longest hours in Europe yet few opt to go away simply to recharge their batteries, according to a new survey by holiday website Expedia.co.uk.



While 88% of Britons think they need a recuperation holiday, just 29% of them intend to take a medical, holistic, beauty or spiritual break this year, in contrast to 64% of Italians, 54% of French and 45% of Germans, says the online travel company.

As many as 52% of Britons said such breaks were "too expensive", while many said they were too busy to take such a holiday.



For those Britons keen to enjoy a wellbeing break, 28% would want to do so in their own country, with visits to spas the most popular form of recuperation.

A spokesman for Expedia.co.uk said: "Our research shows a clear desire for people to refresh themselves a little more on a wellbeing break, which is why we believe it is time Brits adopted a more European approach.



"It's a great shame that so many assume this type of break needs to be expensive, when in actual fact a few days away dedicated to mental, physical or spiritual balance can be a very effective way to re-energise yourself."