I plan my annual leave around video gaming – and always pack my Xbox

A hardcore British gamer has revealed how he spends nearly half of his annual leave on ‘gamecations’ – a rising holiday trend in the UK.

Alexander Cobb is part of a whopping 55 per cent of gaming UK adults who take time off work purely to indulge in their passion.

The 29-year-old brings his console with him whenever he takes a trip and has even once packed his entire Xbox 360 for a sun-kissed holiday in Spain.

‘I choose gaming over a traditional holiday if there’s a big release or I just want a quiet break,’ said Alex from Maidenhead, Berkshire.

‘I’d say around 40% of my annual leave is used for gaming-themed time off – some years more.

‘I try to balance it with traditional holidays, but gaming is a big part of how I unwind.

‘I’ve done “gamecations” where I’ve booked a few days off, stocked up on snacks and just immersed myself in a new world.

‘I’ve also taken consoles away with me to Spain, where my grandparents retired and lived.

‘I used to pack my Xbox 360 in the suitcase with folded clothes around it.’

The stakeholder manager’s habits are part of an ongoing movement among Brits who are prioritising this type of holiday.

A study conducted by Logitech G exposed that 78 per cent of participants would choose ‘gamecations’ over beach or spa breaks.

Alex, who has been gaming since he was just seven years old, said: ‘When I went to Malta last year, I brought the Switch for the evenings.

‘I even lugged my PS5 to a cottage in Cornwall – it was a bit of a mission but worth it.

‘I didn’t want to miss out on the release of Rise of the Rōnin.

‘It was a proper gaming retreat with a fire, snacks, the lot.

‘I do have rituals – Haribo sweets and fizzy drinks are a must, Haribo Tangfastics and Fanta Lemon are staples.

‘I also like to set the mood: dim lighting and no interruptions.

‘My Lake District trip was a mix of hiking and gaming.

‘After a long walk, I’d settle in with the Switch and play Fire Emblem or Mario Kart.’

According to Logitech G’s survey, around 43% say gaming holidays are just as relaxing as standard poolside stays.

The findings, which were released last month (23 Jul), suggest the timing is often driven by new product and title releases or major in-game experiences.

Alex said: ‘When booking accommodation, I check for decent Wi-Fi and a good TV setup.

‘If I’m planning to game, I’ll make sure there’s HDMI access and enough space to set up comfortably.

‘Bonus points if there’s a sofa and a coffee table for snacks.

‘I first started taking annual leave for game releases around 2020 because I realised I was planning my downtime around major launches anyway.

‘I’ve taken leave for Starfield, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and I’m already eyeing time off for GTA VI whenever that actually happens.’

It comes after we revealed more and more Brits are taking their air fryer on holiday with them.

In fact, one in five have said they’ve taken their favourite appliance for a trip abroad.