Updated: Oct 27, 2023
Millions of Brits book holidays based on what they've watched on TV.
A poll of 2,000 adults found more than one in 10 have planned a trip away this summer based on their favourite programme, film or sporting events on TV - with Great Railway Journeys, Doc Marten and Travel Man among the top inspirations.
Watching Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip made 13 per cent want to visit Italy, while 11 per cent dream of taking a trip to New York after watching Sex in the City.
And one in 10 said Emily in Paris made them want to visit the French capital.
The main features enticing travellers to part with their money after watching the box were stunning scenery (55 per cent), amazing food (29 per cent) and the novelty of it not looking like somewhere they had previously visited (19 per cent).
A spokesperson for Toshiba TV, which commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new QLED TV, the QF5D TV with built in Fire TV, said: "There’s no denying it, Brits love a holiday, and this new research shows we all get our inspiration from the telly."
“TV gives us a chance to examine and explore different cultures and provides us with a taste of what it might be like, so it’s only natural we’re enticed."
“Being able to stream all your favourite shows in one place is great, as it opens you up to so many other opportunities and cultures – all from the comfort of your home.”
The study also revealed it’s not just programmes which entice people abroad, with films playing a crucial role too.
Mamma Mia (19 per cent), The Beach (13 per cent) and James Bond (13 per cent) are among the top motion pictures which made people consider booking a certain destination.
Sports events which people have seen on the box, including the recent Qatar World Cup, the Athens Olympics in 2004 and Italy’s Serie A football league (all seven per cent) also had a big pull as well.
As if Britain’s love for a foreign getaway needed any further proof, 69 per cent admitted going on holiday was a highlight of their year.
The research, carried out by OnePoll, found the average Brit jets off twice a year, with cost (45 per cent), scenery (44 per cent) and how far away it is (29 per cent) the driving factor behind their choice of location.
Seaside resorts (54 per cent) rank as the top destination, closely followed by a city break (52 per cent) and a relax and recuperation holiday (49 per cent).
A spokesperson for Toshiba added: “It’s no surprise almost seven in 10 Brits think holidays are the highlight of their year. It’s when you can use your time as you wish – whether that’s relaxing in a hot destination like people do in Love Island or exploring the world as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here does.
“Being able to ‘try before you by’ by watching great shows, movies or sporting events gives you an opportunity to weigh up different locations and allows you to get a feel for a potential holiday destination.”
Top 20 TV programmes which inspire Brits to travel:
Great Railway Journeys with Michael Portillo
Doc Marten
Travel Man
Planet Earth
Sex and the City
Emily In Paris
Gordon, Gino & Fred’s Road Trip
Race Across The World
Yellowstone
The Americas with Simon Reeve
Love Island
An Idiot Abroad
Joanna Lumley's Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti
White Lotus
Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father
Riviera
James May: Our Man In Japan
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here
Selling Sunset
Outlander
