Millions of Brits are ‘fed up’ of travel photos showing unrealistic, picture-perfect scenes. A study of 2,000 adults found 29% would rather see ‘authentic’ snaps showing what the holiday was really like than the ideal images.

In fact, travellers are seven times more likely to visit a destination after seeing a picture posted on social media that shows its true colours. It also emerged ‘hot dogs or legs’ pictures are the most annoying holiday photos you see on social media, according to 26% of adults.

As a result, hotel chain Hampton by Hilton has appointed documentary photographer Ian Weldon to reveal the ‘real’ side of British holidays, with a new series titled ‘This is Real Travel’. Over three days in a busy hotel, Ian captured a series of candid photographs showcasing the warmth, fun and human connection of travellers. The images range from Morris dancers in full regalia getting to grips with a waffle maker, to football fans having a post-match pint and the flurry of girlfriends getting ready for a night out. They star genuine hotel guests in action and will be used by Hampton by Hilton to celebrate the real travel moments that take place at its hotels.

“This Is Real Travel campaign.”

The study also found only 10% of Brits’ annual leave is spent taking exotic long-haul holidays. Instead, the rest goes on trips in the UK and Europe, with 35% going on ‘occasion’ travel like concerts, sporting events and family birthdays. The US, Italy and the Caribbean continue to top the bucket list of dream destinations for 2020, but the research, carried out via OnePoll, shows more Brits will be travelling to London, the Lake District and Edinburgh this year.

Tal Shefer, vice president of Hampton by Hilton in EMEA said: “With nearly 20% of Brits admitting they would like to see people using no filters for travel photography in 2020, we couldn’t be happier to launch our ‘This Is Real Travel’ campaign.”