Britons drink the heaviest on holidays

Britons are Europe’s heaviest holiday drinkers, according to a survey.

As many as 65 per cent of Britons drink more while on a trip abroad than at home, a poll from Trip-Advisor company found.

This compares with a figure of 41 per cent for other Europeans, including the Italians of whom only 28 per cent drank more while away than at home.

The survey of more than 6,000 UK and European travellers also showed that while 29 per cent of Britons drink five or more alcoholic drinks a day while on a break, only 10 per cent of other Europeans do so.

While the most common number of alcoholic drinks consumed per day by Europeans on holiday is one, the figure for Britons is three.

Based on responses from holidaymakers from the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain, the survey also revealed other aspects.

UK holidaymakers are least likely to smoke more when away, while Italians are the heaviest on-holiday smokers.

94 per cent of Britons are “careful” or “very careful” about putting on sun protection while away, with only four per cent “not being careful at all”.

12 per cent of French holidaymakers admit to not being at all careful about putting on suncream.

On a score of one to five, with one being the unhealthiest and five the healthiest, Britons were ranked three for their holiday habits, with Italians the least healthy and Spaniards the most healthy.

TripAdvisor official Emma O’Boyle said: “British holidaymakers have long been known for liking a drink when away, but it seems Brits really do up the ante with alcohol on holiday in a way our European neighbours do not.”