TAKING a holiday is a huge strain for most people, a survey reveals.

More than eight in ten are stressed-out in the days leading up to a break. And one in four feel mentally and physically drained by getting to the resort.

People with stressful jobs take up to two days to recover, the survey by Lloyds TSB found.

There was often a good reason why people felt anxious.

Many of the 1,000 surveyed admitted they had forgotten to cancel milk or arrange for plants to be watered. Some even forgot to book time off work.

Psychologist Susan Quilliam said: 'It's not events that create stress, but how you respond. A delayed flight may feel like the end of the world, but relax, smile and keep things in perspective.'

A growing number of travellers are leaving all their holiday preparations until the last minute, leading to stress levels and serious health risks when abroad.

Many of those who book holidays late also put off packing and arranging travel insurance. Some cut their timings so fine that they end up missing their flights. A worrying number of long-haul travellers do not even check which vaccinations they need before departure.

Travel companies are warning that, with so many last-minute deals on offer, Britons are increasingly tempted to book late, but the often leave insufficient time to prepare for the trip. Their findings are supported by a survey published this week.

The study, based on responses from more than 1,200 adults, revealed that 36 per cent did not arrange travel insurance until the last minute and 23 per cent had gone abroad with no travel insurance at all.

Some 13 per cent of holidaymakers admitted to having missed a flight and 55 per cent said they left packing until the last minute. Twenty per cent said they only thought about travel money in the minutes leading up to their departure.