More than eight out of ten people suffer severe stress at the prospect of going on holiday, according to a study published today.

Almost a quarter of those interviewed by Lloyds TSB said they were physically affected by pre-holiday stress and spent the first days of a break in recovery mode.

Almost 20 per cent get in such a flap about going away they forget to pack essentials such as travel insurance.

Leading psychologist Susan Quilliam said: "Stress creates actual hormonal changes in the body and these take a while to dissipate."

Thursday April 29, 2004