Millions of Britons are ‘fed up’ with unrealistic travel photos, Hamton by Hilton study reveals

Millions of Britons are ‘fed up’ with unrealistic travel photos – and snaps of ‘hot dog legs’ – with almost a third preferring to see ‘authentic’ pictures of a holiday

  • A study of 2,000 adults found 26% find ‘hot dog leg’ images the most annoying
  • People are seven times more likely to visit a place after seeing real pictures 
  • Only 10% of Britons’ annual leave is spent taking exotic long-haul holidays 

Millions of Britons are ‘fed up’ with travel photos showing unrealistic, picture-perfect scenes.

In a poll of 2,000 UK adults, 29 per cent would rather see ‘authentic’ snaps showing what the holiday was really like than ideal images.

In fact, travellers are seven times more likely to visit a destination after seeing a picture posted on social media that shows its true colours.

A study has found that millions of Britons are ‘fed up’ of travel photos showing unrealistic, picture-perfect scenes. And pictures of hot dog legs

It also emerged that ‘hot dog legs’ pictures are the most annoying holiday photos on social media, according to 26 per cent of adults.

As a result, hotel chain Hampton by Hilton, which commissioned the study, appointed documentary photographer Ian Weldon to reveal the ‘real’ side of British holidays, with a new series titled ‘This is Real Travel’.

Over three days in a busy hotel, Ian captured a series of candid photographs showcasing the warmth, fun and human connection of travellers.

The images range from Morris dancers in full regalia getting to grips with a waffle maker, to football fans having a post-match pint and a flurry of girlfriends getting ready for a night out.

Documentary photographer Ian Weldon spent three days in a busy hotel to capture a series of candid photographs of travellers

Documentary photographer Ian Weldon spent three days in a busy hotel to capture a series of candid photographs of travellers 

They all feature genuine hotel guests in action and will be used by Hampton by Hilton to celebrate the real travel moments that take place at its hotels.

Ian said: ‘This series is all about celebrating those heart-warming and often humorous connections that happen when we travel.

‘I hope it shines a light on the fun and friendliness that can be found in every single type of trip.

‘The images bring to life the real side of travel by celebrating the connections that make travelling experiences so special but often don’t make the photo album.’

One of Ian's images showing Morris dancers in full regalia getting to grips with a waffle maker

One of Ian’s images showing Morris dancers in full regalia getting to grips with a waffle maker

Football fans having a post-match pint at a hotel in one of Ian's snaps. It is part of his new series called This is Real Travel

Football fans having a post-match pint at a hotel in one of Ian’s snaps. It is part of his new series called This is Real Travel

Meanwhile, the study also found that only 10 per cent of Britons’ annual leave is spent taking exotic long-haul holidays.

Instead, the rest goes on trips in the UK and Europe, with 35 per cent going on ‘occasion’ travel to concerts, sporting events and family birthdays.

The USA, Italy and the Caribbean top the bucket list of dream destinations for 2020, but the research, carried out via OnePoll, shows more Britons will be travelling to London, the Lake District and Edinburgh this year.

Tal Shefer, vice president of Hampton by Hilton EMEA, said: ‘With nearly 20 per cent of Britons admitting they would like to see people using no filters for travel photography in 2020, we couldn’t be happier to partner with Ian Weldon to launch our This Is Real Travel campaign.’ 

TOP DREAM DESTINATIONS FOR 2020 VS REALISTIC HOLIDAYS

Top dream travel destinations for 2020

1. USA

2. Italy

3. Caribbean

4. Australia

5. New Zealand

6. Barbados

7. Japan

8. Greece

9. Canary Islands

10. Spain

Most realistic travel destinations for 2020

1. London

2. Lake District

3. Edinburgh

4. Manchester

5. York

6. Spain

7. Liverpool

8. Italy

9. Cotswolds

10. France

Source: Hampton by Hilton  

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