It’s reassuring that some things stay the same and the Irish cup of tea bag abroad always will.
Those of us fortunate enough to have an Irish Mammy will know that she always leaves room in her suitcase.
For Lyons or Barry’s teabags… and which one depends on which part of the country you’re from.
Our old friends at TUI, who know a thing or too about Irish foibles, bring us a study from Perspectus Globa on what the Irish bring on holiday.
And they reveal that 52 percent of respondents admit to packing tea bags, and 34 percent bring along coffee on their holidays.
Slipper time
The survey also reveals that 36 percent can’t travel without their slippers… confession here, I always return with a pair.
And 22 percent insist on bringing their own pillow.
Additionally, 12 percent feel the need to have ketchup or sliced bread, and 11 percent won’t leave the country without their favourite cereal!
More than half (57 percent) confess to feeling homesick during their holidays (huh?).
And 42 percent pack various items simply because they prefer to have familiar comforts around them to create a homely atmosphere while away.
One in four (24 percent) admit that they like to get their suitcases packed and sorted well in advance of their departure date.
With nearly a quarter (23 percent) always overpacking as they are trying to get as much as they can in, to be ‘on the safe side’!
Wrap up a blanket
And a piece of advice here from a far better-travelled pal, my old Greystones mucker JP Thompson… pack half full to leave room for what you’ll bring home.
In fact, this passion for creature comforts has even resulted in one in ten (12 percent) finding space for their hot water bottle and favourite blanket (11 percent).
As well as Cheddar cheese (10 percent), their Kettle (8 percent) and their favourite mug (7 percent).
When it comes to the most stressful aspects of a holiday, 27 percent admit to feeling stressed about fitting everything into their bags.
While 21 percent experience pressure when checking if their bag meets the weight requirements.
Other stress-inducing factors include getting to the airport (25 percent), airport security (33 percent), sorting out insurance and currency (23 percent), and waiting around at the airport (21 percent).
More than half (58 percent) confess to exceeding luggage allowances, with individuals.
About a third (32 percent) willingly pay the additional cost.
Meanwhile, 16 percent go to the extent of discarding items to reduce weight, and 35 percent admit to wearing as many clothes as possible.
Half a suitcase
And this is where JP’s words rung true.
When I decamped from Washington DC off the bus in New York on the hottest day of the year
With two rucksacks on my shoulders, carting a suitcase behind me.
And wearing a bulky jacket and a cowboy hat.
Craig Morgan, head of Ireland for TUI, said: “This research shows how much Irish travellers love their home comforts while on holiday.
“That’s why we’re increasing our luggage allowance for TUI Airways to 20kg as standard, with an extra 5kg for guests staying at TUI BLUE, Holiday Village and A La Carte hotels.
“With all that extra weight to play around with guests will have plenty of room to take along loads of teabags, photos of their pets and even a loaf or two of bread.”
And here’s your top-ten must-haves with your Irish cup of tea bag abroad first in the, er, bag.
The top ten
- Teabags – 52%
- Extra toothbrush – 44%
- Slippers – 37%
- Cotton buds – 36%
- Coffee – 35%
- Extra tubes of toothpaste – 34%
- Your own pillow – 22%
- Emergency sewing kit – 21%
- Cheese and onion crisps – 20%
- Your journal – 19%
