Relaxing holidays with a sprinkling of sightseeing thrown in are the most popular type of vacation for people around the globe and particularly for Germans, the British and Swedes.
Thirty-five percent of 18,778 consumers questioned in an Ipsos/Reuters survey in 24 countries opted for a low-key break, nearly twice the number who chose an outdoor trip involving hiking, fishing, boating, sailing or camping, a family vacation with children or a cultural excursion.
Women are also more likely to prefer a relaxing break with the odd bus tour or show than men, as were those over age 50.
"Almost in every country this type of trip was No. 1," said Vancouver-based Dave Pierzchala, the vice president of travel research for Ipsos, the global market research company.
For 45 percent of Germans, 43 percent of Brits and 41 percent of Swedes it was their favorite type of vacation. All three countries have established economies, a holiday ethos and dreary northern winters.
"It stood out as being the most popular definition of why people get away," said Pierzchala. "If you take enough trips during the course of a year invariably you are going to take a trip where all you are looking to do is to get away, relax and see some sights."
Cosmopolitan holidays with plenty of shopping and dining, and adventure travel were the least popular overall of the six travel options offered in the poll, although nine percent of Russians wanted to take a thrill-seeking break, and 12 percent of Saudis and 11 percent of Japanese said they would prefer a cosmopolitan vacation.
Twenty-four percent of Japanese also expressed a preference for a cultural vacation filled with visits to museums, galleries and festivals.
Not surprisingly, adrenaline-pumping vacations also were a big draw for young, unmarried, high-earning men. Residents of the Middle East and Africa were the most likely to select a cosmopolitan break for their vacation.
Family-oriented trips were the favorite get-away for Indonesians, Brazilians, Saudis and Poles and the least appealing to the Chinese, Japanese and French.
"It says something about Indonesia. If you are a family-based destination (then) Indonesia might be a good marketplace for you to market to because there are people there looking for that type of vacation," Pierzchala explained.
The Ipsos/Reuters survey includes responses from people, ages 16 to 64, in Mexico, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United States, China, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy and Japan.