Forget once-in-a-lifetime, Britons return to exotic holiday destinations again and again

By Sarah Gordon

Published: 19:01 EDT, 9 January 2014 | Updated: 04:39 EDT, 10 January 2014

It used to be the dream to go on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to an exotic destination.

But it seems once just isn't enough for British travellers anymore, with a third of holidaymakers opting to repeat their favourite trip, making it a twice-in-a-lifetime break.

Among regular holidaymakers, 31 per cent have returned to a location initially regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime trip, according to holiday company Kuoni.

Golden sands: Exotic trips are becoming more attainable for British travellers, meaning we're more likely to return to our favourite far-flung destinations

And around half of those who have been on their 'ultimate' dream holiday are planning another visit, the survey of 2,000 British travellers found.

For those people who had returned to an exotic holiday location, a fifth went at exactly the same time of year, while 10 per cent used the same itinerary a second time.

A third went to all the same bars and restaurants, 16 per cent stayed in the same room and 13 per cent even managed to meet up with the same people.

Topping the twice-in-a-lifetime destinations were America, Australia, Italy, Barbados and Canada.

Other exotic destinations on holidaymakers' wish-lists for a second visit were Egypt, Thailand, the Maldives and Mexico.

The main lure for those trying out a dream location for a second time was the scenery, with three-quarters of people likely to return because they were so overwhelmed by the landscapes, while the same percentage wanted time to experience things that they had missed on their original visit.

A third of those polled were so amazed by everything they saw first time round they wanted to see it all a second time, while 63 per cent fell in love with the culture, which was so different from anything else they had come across before.

Six in 10 people felt they’d never be able to match the fantastic accommodation anywhere else in the world, and 59 per cent simply loved the local cuisine.

Go east: Destinations like Thailand were among the top 10 countries Britons would like to return to

Over two thirds of people decided to go back to a long-haul destination after finding the local people welcoming and friendly, while a further 37 per cent made some really good friends they were keen to see again.

Other reasons why people decided to save up and revisit a tropical destination include wanting to take a new partner or additional member of the family and marking a special occasion such as a honeymoon, milestone birthday or anniversary.

Repeat visit: Holidaymakers also said they would like to return to their favourite destinations to show them to an additional member of the family

Kuoni managing director Derek Jones said: 'We're seeing a generation of adventurers who set off to see the world with a backpack in their 20s to places like Thailand, Malaysia, India and Australia return to those places they love at a later stage in life.'

He added: 'Worldwide travel is more affordable and accessible than it has ever has been before. The choice of destinations, hotels and flights now is vast and brings many stunning countries and cruises - viewed in the past as ‘once in a lifetime’ - within the reach of many more people.'