Group holidays promise unforgettable memories. They also bring with them a few heated debates about washing up, the budget or what time to get up. According to the Holiday Clashometer unveiled by Skyscanner, two in three French people have already experienced frustration or conflict during a group holiday. A study analysed by psychologist Alicia Sandon and humorously illustrated by author Margaux Motin, who points out that behind minor arguments often lie major misunderstandings.
For Marie-Faure Ambroise, CEO of Beau Voyage and an author specializing in family vacations, these minor friction points are a natural part of any group vacation. “We’ve all experienced that moment on a group vacation when we eat breakfast in silence so as not to wake up our friends who don’t get up until noon. ” A familiar scene that illustrates these small daily misalignments, which are often more revealing than major conflicts.
Even before setting off, everyone is already speaking a different language
At Skyscanner, we’ve had a bit of fun decoding the real language of holidays thanks to the Holiday Clashometer, a survey conducted with OnePoll among 1,000 French people.
The results are a real treat. When someone says: “I’m flexible!”, they often mean: “I just hope we don’t go over my budget.” The person who offers a very diplomatic “We’ll do whatever you want” is actually hoping that someone will finally ask for their opinion. As for the hero who announces: “I can sort out the bookings”, what they’re really thinking is: “Not again… ”
These little discrepancies, brought to life with the mischievous touch of Margaux Motin, set the tone: holidays often begin with a series of unspoken assumptions.
The real invisible baggage? Everyone’s expectations
The Skyscanner study reveals that more than one in four French people believe a group trip has already strained an important relationship. Ten per cent even admit to having damaged a friendship.
For Alicia Sandon, the problem arises long before the suitcases are packed : “Holidays often begin with a collective misunderstanding. We’ve all said yes to the same thing, but everyone sets off on the trip they’ve imagined in their own head. Not necessarily the same one. ”
Click here to read the full article on Luxus Magazine.
Featured photo : © Margaux Mottin for Skyscanner
