As millions of Britons begin to plan and book their 2024 getaways, a new survey suggests the majority (63 per cent) would rather go away with their friends than their partners.

Eight in ten Brits are actively choosing to book holidays with friends, while 62 per cent prefer them to trips away with their family, the findings suggest.

A further 87 per cent said weekends and mini breaks away with pals can be better than trips with their lover or family.

The research was conducted by Leonardo Hotels, which drew up a ranking of the 15 best things about a 'mate-cation'.

According to the 2,000 Brits surveyed, laughing tops the list (57 per cent), followed by having a good old gossip (second, 42 per cent), and having time to really talk and bond (third, 40 per cent).

New research by Leonardo Hotels suggests the majority (63 per cent) of Brits would rather go away with their friends than their other half 

Having 'in jokes' came fourth (39 per cent), followed by staying out late (fifth, 33 per cent) and seeing the sites together (sixth, 32 per cent). 

Shopping trips and hitting up local bars placed joint seventh (29 per cent), while others preferred getting ready together in the evening (eighth, 27 per cent) and enjoying the first drink of the day (ninth, 24 per cent).

Rounding out the ranking was going out dancing and taking selfies (joint tenth, 22 per cent), spa days (11th, 21 per cent), uploading pics to socials (12th, 17 per cent) and chatting over breakfast in bed (13th, 16 per cent).

According to the survey, 78 per cent of Brits said some of their best holidays have been with their pals, with the average person taking two friend trips a year.  

Almost two-thirds (61 per cent) said they come back from a family getaway feeling more stressed than before they went away. In contrast, 73 per cent come back from a friend break feeling more relaxed. 

Meanwhile, 82 per cent see their friendship group as their family, with a further 86 per cent agreeing that friendship is the most important thing in life.  

Nearly one in five (19 per cent) feel closer to their best friend than their partner, with 88 per cent confessing that their best friend knows them better than their partner. 

According to the survey, 73 per cent of Brits come back from a friend break feeling more relaxed, as opposed to 61 per cent on a family holiday 

Suzanne Cannon, head of marketing at Leonardo Hotels UK and Ireland, said: 'The survey reveals how important friendship is to Brits, as six out of ten would rather enjoy a mini break with their pals than their partner. 

'For those planning a mate-cation in 2024, then look no further. Our 49 hotels in the UK are perfectly situated in city centres across the UK, making them the perfect base for those friends who love a night out on the town or a day of shopping. 

'Or, for those who prefer a relaxed weekend away, our exclusive, comfy dream beds and room service offering will guarantee the ultimate cosy night in with friends.'

Other hotels are available for mate-cations. 

THE 15 BEST THINGS ABOUT A MATE-CATION, ACCORDING TO BRITS

1. Laughing (57 per cent)

2. Having a gossip (42 per cent)

3. Having time to really talk and bond (40 per cent)

4. Having 'in jokes' (39 per cent)

5. Staying out late (33 per cent)

6. Seeing the sites together (32 per cent)

7= Shopping trips (29 per cent)

7= Hitting up local bars (29 per cent) 

8. Getting ready together in the evening (27 per cent)

9. Enjoying the first drink of the day (24 per cent)

10= Going out dancing (22 per cent)

10= Taking selfies (22 per cent)

11. Spa days (21 per cent)

12. Uploading pictures to socials (17 per cent)

13. Chatting over breakfast in bed (16 per cent)

Source: Leonardo Hotels 

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