New research has found that British holidaymakers are now more likely to speak the local language and try the local cuisine whilst on their break away, challenging the preconceived stereotypes of ?Brits abroad?.
The research, from specialist medical travel insurance provider AllClear, found that four in ten regularly speak the local language abroad, with only 8% never giving it a go. This is at odds with the commonly held comic stereotype that Brits only speak English and do so louder and more slowly rather than attempting another language.
The age group challenging the stereotype is predominantly millennials, with only 4% of 25-34 year-olds saying they never speak the local language when abroad.
Regionally, Londoners mirror the Millennials, again with only 4% claiming they never try. Those from Yorkshire, the Humber and West Midlands are least likely to speak foreign languages abroad, with figures at 12% and 13% respectively of those sticking to English wherever they are.
Subverting the outdated stereotype of Brits? holiday eating habits, the research found that 69% of holidaymakers will usually eat the local cuisine and only 2% stating they never do. Again, the 25-34 age group lead the charge with culinary adventure, with 75% usually eating local cuisine when on holiday.
Regionally, 76% (7% above the national average) of the South East will eat locally when abroad, and also more adventurous are the Welsh with 73% eating locally abroad and no-one (0%) from Wales claiming to never eat the local cuisine. The research found that the West Midlands is the region that shies away from foreign cuisine the most, with 7% (over three times the national average) of West Midland-ers never sampling the local cuisine.
Chris Rolland, CEO for the medical insurance provider, said: ?Brits get a bad reputation abroad, and it is good to see we?re better than we might think at embracing foreign cultures.?
For further product information visit allcleartravel.co.uk
