Six in 10 holiday planners return from their trips needing another holiday to recover, according to new research commissioned by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
A poll of 2,000 adults found that 35% are most tired by having to plan a getaway, while 30% say leading the arrangements once there is the biggest drain.
Hosts struggle to switch off
Despite trying to relax, 32% cannot stop checking that everyone else is okay. Meanwhile, 30% spend their downtime scouting restaurants, and 25% find themselves building the daily itinerary.
To avoid spending the whole holiday in charge, 22% slip off for a coffee, 17% retreat to their hotel room, and 11% pretend to be asleep.
Campaign launched with Josie Gibson
IHG has teamed up with TV presenter Josie Gibson to launch its 'When the Host Needs Hosting' campaign. Josie said: "I'm that person who's always making sure everyone's glass is full and having the best time. So, when I'm away, I absolutely love being the one who gets looked after for a change."
The study found 54% of adults frequently take responsibility for caring for others in everyday life, and 57% often organise group plans. Some 49% generally feel it is down to them to make sure everyone is having a good time.
What makes a proper break
For a getaway to feel like a real break, over a third (34%) said being able to simply turn up and enjoy themselves matters most. For 33%, not having to cook or clean helps them switch off, while 32% value having a comfortable room ready on arrival.
Despite the exhaustion, 28% enjoy the organising duties, and 31% reckon they are the best person to take charge in their friend group, family, or among colleagues.
Neetu Mistry, managing director of UK & Ireland at IHG Hotels & Resorts, which is launching 'When the Host Needs Hosting' experiences through its One Rewards Access platform, said: "The people who bring everyone together are often the ones who find it hardest to switch off. And our research shows that even when they're away, many are still thinking about everyone else."
The top 10 holiday tasks Brits would love taken off their hands include cooking, cleaning, resolving problems, managing timings and schedules, coordinating transport, planning the itinerary, organising activities, making reservations, making sure everyone else is happy, and deciding where everyone eats.
