That trip away is a necessity

Including those who pay for holidays with credit cards, 28 per cent used borrowed money for their breaks, the poll by travel agent www.sunshine.co.uk found.

Of these borrowers, more than half paid with credit cards, while around a quarter took out a bank loan and a fifth borrowed money from family or friends.

Around 20 per cent of the holiday borrowers said they would rather be in debt than go without their trip away.

The poll of 1,891 holidaymakers also revealed that half the borrowers took 12 months or more to complete repayments, with 22 per cent taking six months and only 7 per cent clearing their debt within one month.

Of those prepared to borrow, two in five said they preferred the flexibility of being able to pay for a holiday in instalments.

Sunshine co-founder Chris Brown said: "Borrowing money has unfortunately become an increasing necessity for those wanting to enjoy a little luxury in this tough economic climate.

"The fact that many would rather experience debt than go without a holiday is surprising, but it just proves how important a little respite from the pressures of everyday life can be.

"Nevertheless, people need to be careful when considering where this borrowed money comes from."