More People Would Rather Go on Vacation Than Spend Christmas With Family, According to a New Survey

For some people, the holidays are a time for visiting family and friends, catching up over a roast dinner and a festive drink of choice. However, it’s just not for everyone, and that’s okay.

In a new survey from Sandals Resorts, the vacation company found that the majority of respondents said that they would consider booking a trip for two over the holidays in place of attending large family gatherings, à la Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn in “Four Christmases”.

Surveying over 1,000 people, Sandals discovered that 64 percent of couples would rather book a romantic vacation for two than attend festive family gatherings over the holiday season. Speaking on what type of vacation would connect them deeper as a couple, 37 percent said that they would opt for a luxury all-inclusive beach vacation, while 27 percent would prefer an adventurous escape such as an African safari.

Interestingly, almost of third of the people surveyed (32.8 percent) revealed that they had been in a relationship for more than 20 years, suggesting that some of those couples who would rather go on vacation for the holidays have done the festive gatherings multiple times over.

Recognizing that there are quite a few people who would consider a romantic vacation around the holidays, Sandals have introduced a deal titled “The Perfect Gift” to make a couples’ vacation even more special. If you book a five night vacation, you’ll receive a catamaran cruise for two, or a seven night vacation booking will get you $150 spa credit.

For those who can’t escape unpleasant family gatherings this holiday season but would prefer to do so, there are ways you can manage your time and your emotions.

Rachel Gersten, co-creator of Viva Wellness, suggests trying to stick to your normal routine as much as possible. The key is to balance out holiday activities with things that you love to do on a daily basis.

“For example, if fitness grounds you, make sure you’re still prioritizing that workout class when things get busy,” she told Apartment Therapy in 2018. “You need to take a break from all of the holiday activities, especially if they’re not always a pleasant experience, and still feel like ‘you’ during a stressful and busy time.”