We’ve been plagued by pandemic news day in and day out so when it comes to heading off on holiday, it’s no surprise that ‘fun’ is an important factor in deciding where to go and what to do.
Research from Carnival Cruise Line reveals that Australians are indeed hungry for fun, with 42 per cent of respondents saying they’ve had less fun than usual in the past two years, while another 8 per cent have had ‘no fun at all’.
More Aussies want to check out new places more than before (36 per cent) and want to spend more time with their loved ones (35 per cent) and to relax and switch off (24 per cent).
In fact, the majority of respondents say relaxing, kicking back and forgetting their worries (68 per cent), is now their idea of fun. So too, is experiencing and discovering new places (66 per cent), spending time with loved ones and creating new memories (60 per cent).
The research also found that nearly one in four have forgotten what they like to do for fun and nearly one in five don’t consider themselves a fun person.
While nine in 10 know what their partner likes to do for fun, only 82 per cent think their partner knows what they do for fun and 72 per cent wish they had more fun with their partners.
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Women have been identified as the most-fun gender at 61 per cent, although both men and women think their gender has the most fun (55 per cent of men vs 77 per cent of women).
Psychologist Jaimie Bloch says it’s essential for Australians to rediscover what they like to do for fun to be able to reconnect with one another.
“It’s been a difficult two years for all of us, but what this time has allowed us to do is re-evaluate our idea of fun. The research clearly reflects this with 70 per cent of Aussies saying that their idea of fun has changed. It’s also no surprise that we are eager for a break and adventure – especially considering that we’ve been stuck at home for so long,” she said.
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“Holidays are a great space to have fun together, strengthen relationships with our friends and family and let our stresses and worries go. However, it can be difficult to find a holiday that meets everyone’s expectations because what is fun for me is not necessarily fun for you. This can create stress and tension, especially in the planning stage.
“Knowing what you, and your loved ones, like to do for fun makes this process easier. That’s why Carnival’s ‘Fun Type‘ quiz is such a useful tool. Cruises are also a great option for this same reason; offering as much or as little routine or structure as you like, a whole range of entertainment options, relaxation, flexibility and above all more time to be together and reconnect. What could be more fun than that?”
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As to where they’ll find their fun, 32 per cent want a coastal getaway with “a tropical holiday in a warm destination with the sea, sun and sand”. This was followed by “a cultural holiday with days planned out and full of sightseeing” (20 per cent), “a holiday to reunite and reconnect with family and friends” (16 per cent), and “a chance to kick back, relax and be pampered” (12.3 per cent).
“What this research has shown is that Aussies need to find that fun- version of themselves again. Many of us no longer know what we like to do for fun after being deprived of it for so long!” says Kara Glamore, Carnival Cruise Line vice-president.
What’s your idea of fun on holiday? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below?
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