The science on planning for a holiday is revealed!

Hitchhiker’s Guide fans rejoice as it turns out 42 really is the answer to life’s most important questions – especially when planning a holiday.

With the recent warm weather, holidaymakers have started summer dreaming and data from over 11 million bookings in 2024, reveals the golden number of days Brits should start preparing for their trip is 42.

That’s right, six weeks before take-off is the sweet spot, as it’s enough time to still bag great deals, locate your passport, get in those travel jabs, and you don’t have to wait too long before you head off!

Brits drop over £3,000 on their annual getaway, according to data from Holiday Extras, so getting your ducks in a row with some extra breathing room can go a long way toward avoiding costly mishaps. One in five travellers even admit to forgetting something important in the last-minute dash, which costs them an average of £140 to replace.

Aston spoke to David Lee, director of innovation & growth at Holiday Extras.

Photo by Sai Kiran Anagani on Unsplash