Despite claims that they are boozy or culturally ignorant abroad , British holidaymakers are now more adventurous than ever when it comes to local history and cuisine , new research suggests . A survey of UK tourists found that three-quarters of those polled are keen to learn 15 phrases in a foreign language while they ’ re abroad , and the average Briton wants to try six new local dishes or drinks . Homestay.com said its study reveals the typical British tourist is now more of a culture vulture than holiday resort recluse . British tourists are keen to learn about local culture while on holiday ( pictured : Blue Mosque in Istanbul ) The study by Homestay.com said the average Briton wants to try six new local dishes or drinks . Forty per cent of respondents said they want to learn about local customs and residents in the countries they are visiting this year . Just 14 per cent ( or one in 10 ) said they would rather befriend fellow Briton during their getaway . More than two-thirds agreed it is important to learn about local culture whilst away , with the average Briton wanting to visit five local attractions . The study also found that 70 per cent want to head back to the UK with a better understanding of the country or countries they have visited . Staple British holiday meals such as fish and chips are also being turned down in favour of local cuisine . Of nearly 2,000 British adults who were polled , just nine per cent want to stay poolside to work on their tan , compared to 40 per cent who aren ’ t bothered about bronzing . The average summer holiday will last 10 days and tourists are planning to spend 20 per cent more on their getaway . Of nearly 2,000 British adults who were polled , just nine per cent want to work on their tan . Alan Clarke , CEO for Homestay.com , an online marketplace for hosted homestay accommodation , said : ‘ The research clearly shows how much our priorities have changed when it comes to our summer holidays . ‘ Millions of Brits now want to explore the country they ’ re visiting and really learn about their destination , as opposed to just lounging by the pool and topping up their tans. ’ Homestay.com ’ s survey seems to support the findings of the Association of British Travel Agents ( ABTA ) , which found that consumers are looking to spend more on their holidays in 2015 . British holidaymakers have been accused of being too boozy or culturally ignorant when they head abroad . An ABTA survey found that 35 % of Britons think they will visit a new country ( pictured : Vilnius , Lithuania ) The ABTA survey determined that 20 per cent of British holidaymakers anticipate spending more on holidays this year , compared to 15 per cent who say they will spend less . Of those polled , many are looking for new experiences , with nearly half ( 48 per cent ) saying they are ‘ quite likely ’ or ‘ practically certain ’ to visit a new resort or city . A further 35 per cent said they think they will visit a country they have never visited before . It may come as no surprise that younger holidaymakers are the most eager to try new destinations , with half of 16-24 year olds ( 49 per cent ) saying it is ‘ quite likely ’ and a further 16 per cent saying they are certain they will visit a new destination . Older consumers , meanwhile , prefer to return to familiar surroundings . More than half ( 56 per cent ) of over 65s polled by ABTA and half of 55-64 year olds said they would definitely not or would be unlikely to visit a country they had never been to .
British holidaymakers are now more adventurous when they head abroad . Study said typical tourist is more of a culture vulture than a resort recluse . Comment: Just 14 % would prefer to befriend fellow Briton during their getaway .