British Holidaymakers Reveal Nasty Surprises in New Survey

Released on: June 10, 2010, 04:56 am
Author: Carrentals.co.uk
Industry: Travel

A range of problems are revealed by holidaymakers from cockroaches to dirty linen and scams

• Bugs, especially cockroaches, have been a problem for one in three holidaymakers
• Surprise additional costs such as car hire accounts for 40% of holidaymakers
• The worst holiday experiences have been had n the UK and Ireland while they both still rate highly on the list of places to holiday in

7 June 2010 – As the summer gets underway in the UK many are making plans to go on holiday. Dirty rooms and bad accommodation facilities rated the highest problems for holidaymakers in a new survey conducted by Carrentals.co.uk.

The nasty surprises survey revealed that creatures and bugs are huge problems with anything from cockroaches and ants to rats and possums. The survey was put to 1,500 holidaymakers and problems with holiday rentals were the number one problem.

As well as unwelcomed visitors in rooms, many said that their hotels were dirty with some reporting urine soaked duvets, linen that had sick on them and used condoms that were hiding under the bed. On top of these finds, 25% of those asked also said that they had experienced broken furniture in their room and one in three had appliances that failed to work.

The survey also revealed the problem that many have with additional costs such as excess baggage and medical care. Car hire however was also rated as a problem as many companied that they had been stung for more than they bargained for when hiring a vehicle.

Gareth Robinson is the Managing Director at Carrentals.co.uk and he spoke about the survey: “Holiday experiences are often full of some kind of problem but this survey showed us that a shocking amount of holidaymakers have to endure all kinds of problems.”

He went on to advise: “When going away the best thing to do is conduct some online research on the hotel that you are interested in staying in before you make your booking. Renting a car should be included in the budget of a holiday but reading the terms and conditions will stand you in a better stead for not getting ripped off. Check the car over for damage before you hire it and never hand a rented vehicle back until the paperwork has been filled out.”

The worst surprises from the survey include the following:
• While in Malaysia, one tourist woke up in his bed to find a rat on his face
• Bed bugs attacked one young by so badly that is face was left swollen and double in size
• A hit and run accident by one coach driver turned into a nightmare for holidaymakers as when ran away and left them all to handle the accident
• One holiday was advertised at costing £110 but the credit card bill came in at£3,400
• A couple in Singapore found a dead gecko in their hotel room kettle but only after they enjoyed a cup of tea

The survey also showed that 22% of Brits choose Spain as their number one holiday destination and the UK and Ireland came in second. Scottish people are more likely to holiday at home this year and staycations are considered to be the worst type of holiday due to the bad weather.

Gareth went on to say: “The recession has proved tough but Brits still seem determined to enjoy a holiday this year. Staycationing came out as the most likely choice for a holiday this year and the UK and Ireland can expect to see a large number of people visiting the primary attractions in 2010. Internet booking also came out on top as a massive 80% said they book their trip this year online.

This survey was all part of the new scheme by Carrentals.co.uk known as Raising the Standard. More information about Raising the Standard as well as travel tips and blogs can be found on the Carrentals.co.uk website.

Carrentals.co.uk compares car hire deals from up to 50 rental companies, including Alamo, Budget, easyCar, Holiday Autos and Sixt, in over 9,000 locations worldwide.

To compare the latest car hire deals visit www.carrentals.co.uk.
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About Carrentals.co.uk
Carrentals.co.uk was launched in February 2003 and grew to become one of the UK's leading online car hire companies by 2006.

In 2007 the company re-launched its site to create the first major online price comparator in the travel industry. Using the latest technology the Carrentals.co.uk site now searches up to 50 different car hire websites, providing an impartial comparison of the best prices available in over 9,000 locations.

Websites searched include Alamo, Budget, easyCar, Ebookers, Hertz, Holiday Autos, Opodo, Sixt and Thrifty, with the Carrentals.co.uk site quickly comparing prices and allowing customers to refine their search by car type.

The Carrentals.co.uk site also features over 5,000 pages of travel information in a mini-guide format.

In 2008 Carrentals.co.uk was voted Best Car Hire Website in the Travolution Awards. To book or for further information visit www.carrentals.co.uk

Media Contact:
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