Heavenly holidays - new research reveals brits are more likely to go to church whilst on holiday than at home

• Almost half of British holidaymakers have been to church abroad
• More than a quarter of Brits have attended a religious service whilst on a foreign holiday
• In contrast 36 per cent of Brits have never been to a church in the UK

Brits are far more likely to visit a church or attend a religious service whilst on a foreign holiday than at home in the UK, according to new research from Direct Line travel insurance.

Almost one in two Brits (49 per cent) revealed they like to visit a church or other place of worship whilst on holiday abroad and more than a quarter (26 per cent) of travellers have attended a religious service abroad.

These figures are in stark contrast to church attendance in the UK, with more than a third of Brits (36 per cent) admitting to having never visited a church and a further 25 per cent visiting less than once a year.

Direct Line’s research suggests the stereotypical image of the Brit abroad as a boozed up, loutish tourist who’s uninterested in the local culture or customs, is not all that it seems.

More than one in 10 Brits (15 per cent) have been on a religious pilgrimage, a spiritual holiday or visited a holiday destination primarily for religious reasons.

Holidaymakers from London, Scotland and Northern Ireland are most likely to visit a church or attend a religious service whilst on holiday abroad. In contrast tourists from the North West, East of England and Yorkshire, prefer the sun and sand option rather than a trip to church.

Tom Bishop, head of travel insurance at Direct Line, said: “This research suggests that a large number of British tourists want to experience something other than sun, sand and a hangover from their holidays. Whilst many popular holiday destinations already have sites of religious significance, many pilgrimage destinations such as Jerusalem, are further afield.

“As tourists become more adventurous and seek out different destinations to visit they should ensure they have adequate travel insurance in place to protect themselves against any unforeseen events.”

- Ends -

Notes to editors

Opinium LLP interviewed a random sample of 2012 adults aged 18+ via omnibus for Direct Line travel insurance. Surveys were conducted across the country during March 2012.

For further information please contact:

Mark Lester 
PR Manager 
Direct Line
Mark.lester@rbs.co.uk
07917 598 585

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the number one car and home insurer in the UK (based on policies in force 2010) and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting 

Direct Line insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales no 1179980. U K Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.