The age-old debates that divide holidaymakers have been laid bare - from whether it's acceptable to sneak food from the breakfast buffet to the great unpacking dilemma. A survey of 2,000 people who holiday abroad found that 44% have no qualms about pocketing pastries from the buffet to enjoy later, while 46% would never dream of taking a few nibbles for the road.
The Great Unpacking Debate
When it comes to bedtime, 64% take the time to untuck the sheets around the entire bed, while 25% prefer to leave the linen squeezed between the mattress and bedframe.
The research, commissioned by Graduate by Hilton, also revealed that 67% believe unpacking is a must after checking in, but 27% are happy to live out of their suitcases.
Hotel Etiquette: What's Acceptable?
Simon Bird, star of The Inbetweeners, said: "It was great fun to be back in Cambridge for a fiery and full-throated debate with my good friend Jess Knappett."
He continued: "I was delighted to learn that the majority of Brits follow my lead and unpack on arrival. 'Chaos is the law of nature, order is the dream of man' - that's my motto."
He added: "I look forward to hearing where the country stands on other travel-related hot potatoes. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion of course. Unless they disagree with me, in which case they could not be more wrong."
The Great Travel Debate: Beyond The Buffet
A recent survey revealed that 48% of people believe hotel guests should keep quiet when around others, such as in a lift, while 27% think it's polite to engage in small talk.
The question of whether or not to adjust the toast settings at the breakfast buffet has also divided opinion, with 38% saying they're happy to do so, but 27% insisting it's off-limits.
Comedian Jessica Knappett chimed in on the debate, saying: "I found it very interesting that Simon and I had such different views when it comes to hotel stays, I had no idea after all these years being friends."
She added: "I just don't see the need in unpacking my bag, and I'll always be the one walking around in a robe, wherever I go. Whether it's breakfast or a nightcap at the bar, I'm bringing that slice of fluffy heaven with me everywhere."
The Great Debate: From Pillow Talk To Breakfast Buffet
The study, commissioned through OnePoll, also discovered that 22% have 'spirited' debates over the correct way to travel. With 52% making compromises while on holiday, and 47% making up to six concessions during a week-long trip.
But when it comes to their accommodation, 21% won't compromise on bringing their own pillows to a hotel. And 18% will confidently strut around the facilities in their fluffy robes.
Kevin Osterhaus, president, lifestyle brands at Hilton, weighed in: "I am Team Simon on this debate (sorry Jessica). Partnering with Simon and Jessica to settle The Great Travel Debates has been a fantastic way to welcome Graduate into our family."
"Especially given the legendary debate culture at universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Regardless of your travel preferences, our hotel taps into those storied traditions that make these universities and their communities so special."
"For guests, it can be more than a place to rest your head, but a way to immerse yourself in nostalgia and collegiate spirit."
The Final Word On The Great Travel Debate
It seems that the most divisive holiday debates have been revealed, including whether it's acceptable to nab a few pastries from the breakfast buffet for later and if you should unpack upon arrival at your accommodation.
While some Brits are happy to sneak food from the buffet, others consider it a faux pas. Similarly, the debate about unpacking vs. living out of a suitcase continues to divide opinion. Perhaps the only thing we can all agree on is that travel etiquette is a complex and often contentious issue, and that even among friends, opinions can differ wildly.
This latest survey highlights just how much variation exists in how we approach our holidays.
But one thing is certain: the Great Travel Debate will continue to rage on, ensuring that every trip is filled with a unique blend of fun, frustration, and friendly (or not-so-friendly) disagreements.
