Brits Confess: Holiday Stress Rises Due to Subpar Tea Quality

Why Do Brits Get Stressed About Tea While Traveling Abroad?

Three quarters of holidaymakers admit they get stressed when going away – in case the quality of tea isn’t up to standard. A poll of 2,000 people who travel found 51 per cent have taken their own teabags abroad before.

Tea Preferences of Brits When Traveling

While 37 per cent have even gone as far as bringing their own kettle, mug or sugar bowl. It also emerged 76 per cent feel a cup of tea is never the same when you’re abroad. The research was commissioned by MSC Cruises, which has sourced British tap water from across the country and an extensive tea ‘library’ full of British favourites for its ship, MSC Virtuosa, departing from Southampton this summer, as part of a trial.

Impressions of Brits When it Comes to Tea Abroad

A spokesperson said: “Brits are very particular about their tea, and they should be. When it doesn’t taste right abroad it can change the whole experience. It might be that the tea bags are wrong, or the water tastes off or it might be the UHT milk – it’s very hard to replicate the components that make the perfect cuppa when you’re not at home.

Benefits of Having British Tea Abroad

The study went on to find nearly six in 10 (58 per cent) believe drinking British tea abroad can improve the overall experience of a holiday, at least a little. More than one in 10 (11 per cent) even describe it as very difficult to get a proper cuppa served when they’re overseas. Partnering with the cruise line to provide tea tips for travellers abroad, Diana Perez, a professional tea sommelier from The UK Tea Academy, said: “Brits tend to agree on the use of cold milk instead of hot milk to keep the flavour as fresh as possible, but in Europe, you could be served hot, so best to specify.

Common Mistakes While Making Tea Abroad

The study also revealed the top things that can ruin a cup of tea are too much milk (56 per cent), a too-short brew period (48 per cent) and the wrong temperature of water (44 per cent). While 43 per cent have had a cup ruined by the wrong kind of milk, and 31 per cent can tell the difference right away if the wrong brand of teabag is used.

Reactions to Improperly Made Tea

According to the OnePoll.com figures, if someone made them a terrible tea, 45 per cent would simply sip it politely and say nothing. And a quarter would still express gratitude for the gesture – with just eight per cent refusing outright to drink it. The cruise ship’s spokesperson added: “Tea-loving travellers just want a cuppa that’s up to standard.

Conclusion

“We want our guests to feel like they are in a home away from home when sailing with us. If this trial is successful, we will roll it out during 2025.”

Top 10 Things That Ruin a Cuppa According to British Travellers