One in ten holidaymakers come back single

One in ten British couples will split up on holiday this summer, according to new research.
Beach parties could spark breakupsBeach parties could spark breakups
Beach parties could spark breakups

A study found that four in ten Brits will fight at least once or twice a day while away - with a quarter having a bust-up in the first 12 hours.

Ten per cent of the 2,000 people polled claim they've returned home single or planning a break-up following petty arguments abroad.

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Alarmingly, the research by Holiday Autos found that 'spending too much time together' is the main cause of tension.

Spending too much money, getting drunk and struggling to decide where to eat or drink were also common sparks.

In an effort to head off heartache this summer, Holiday Autos has launched a 24-hour 'Couples Counsellor' hotline offering private consultations to troubled couples.

By dialling +442033 187 336, holidaymakers will get one-to-one advice from psychologist and relationship expert Corinne Sweet or a trained operator.

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She said: "Millions of couples will pack their bags for what they hope will be harmonious holiday with a loved one, the reality often doesn't match the dream.

"Petty squabbles about small and insignificant details can often snowball out of proportion and quickly become a serious rift in an otherwise happy relationship.

"This is because we bring our stress and unreal expectations on holiday with us as 'baggage', and often haven't spent much time together in previous months, so irritations hit the fan.

"It's important to learn to stop an argument before it explodes, take a deep breath and time out to think."

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The research also found that tension often comes from the stresses involved in a 'driving' holiday.

Almost a third (32 per cent) will frequently fall-out about how best to navigate confusing foreign roads, with a further 15 per cent blaming 'back-seat drivers' as a particular cause of conflict.

Many believe this can have a serious effect on the harmony of the family unit, with 33 per cent deeming their constant in-car bickering is having a serious effect on their children's wellbeing.

Corinne Sweet added: "The Couples Counsellor service will provided holidaymakers with real-time relationship advice.

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"Myself and my team of specially trained operators are just a call away - giving British couples the tools they need to reclaim their vacations and keep relations on an even keel."

To speak to a trained operator call the Couples Counsellor hotline on +44 2033 187 336 between 9am and 5pm from the 12th to 19th of July, subject to availability.

For more information, or to hire a car for your next holiday, go to Holiday AutosMost common holiday argument triggers:

1. Spending too much time together (18 per cent)

2. Spending too much money (17 per cent)

3. Getting drunk (17 per cent)

4. Deciding where and what to eat and drink (16 per cent)

5. Relying on you to organise everything (14 per cent)

Most common holiday types that spark arguments with a partner include:

1. Driving Holiday (19 per cent)

2. Beach holiday (18 per cent)

3. City break (17 per cent)

4. Family Holiday (14 per cent)

5. Coach trip (11 per cent)

Most common triggers for first 'major' holiday argument:

1. Struggling with bags (24 per cent)

2. Trying to find the way out of the airport (15 per cent)

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3. Tackling the queues (and arguing on which is the best to get into) at passport control (12 per cent)

4. Navigating foreign roads (10 per cent)

Most common driving holiday triggers:

1. Bad navigating or not listening to navigation advice (32 per cent)

2. Backseat driving (15 per cent)

3. Not asking for directions (11 per cent)

4. Children arguing in the back (9 per cent)

5. Waiting for partner to change into holiday clothes in the airport toilet (5 per cent)