Familiarity breeds content, rather than contempt, for many holidaymakers who are happy not to venture too far on trips, according to a survey.

As many as 34 per cent of UK tourists have not taken a break outside Europe, the poll by travel agent www.sunshine.co.uk found.

Most of those holidaying comparatively close to home said it was the familiarity of European countries that made trips further afield undesirable.

Also, around 22 per cent felt it was cheaper to have a European break, while 13 per cent preferred to keep flying times short.

However, 11per cent said they had never taken a holiday in Europe, with 32 per cent of these saying breaks beyond Europe were cheaper, while 24 per cent said they had got used to particular longer-haul destinations.

Of those taking further-away trips, 4per cent said they did not see any point in going on holiday unless it was to somewhere involving a long-haul flight.

A presumably puzzled seven per cent of the 1,110 people polled “weren’t sure” if they had been outside Europe for a holiday.

Sunshine.co.uk co-founder Chris Brown said: “I think when many people imagine a holiday, they immediately think of destinations like France, Spain and Portugal and stick to European places.

“However, people shouldn’t be afraid to look a little further afield for a holiday.”