Top tips to trigger holiday memories

Food glorious food

Taste was ranked bottom of the list when Kuoni asked British holidaymakers to rate the strength of their senses. But in terms of reliving holidays, food is actually one of the best things that you can use.

So, when picking up the obligatory holiday souvenirs it might also be a good idea to get some local recipes as well (you can still do this if you holidayed in the UK) so that when you get back home you can invite your friends round to cook up a holiday feast and make a night of it.

Martin says: 'Food helps to reinstate context, which means that your memory is triggered when you taste something familiar. Taste is an extremely powerful sense and regardless of whether you are in a totally different climate or environment, your brain and taste buds will help send you right back to your trip.'

Eau de holiday

Survey respondents ranked smell highly as an aid for helping them to recall holiday memories. This is likely to be particularly true in scent 'hot spots' such as Asia or Africa where the smell of spices run through the streets, or even on the great British coast where the sea air and fish and chips create a wholly distinctive smell.

Martin says: 'Although it can be difficult to capture the smell of a place you might have visited, you may be able to recreate this through bringing back local herbs or incense. Another tip you can try is to wear a certain perfume throughout your trip, and then whenever you use it on your return it will remind your brain of your holiday.'

So, for the ultimate night in when you feel like reminiscing about those holidays past why not cook up a fabulous holiday feast, invite your friends round, talk them through all of your best snaps and make sure you wear your holiday perfume.

For information on Kuoni holidays visit www.kuoni.co.uk or to access the new Kuoni online travel guide with the latest articles, travel tips and videos visit i-travel.kuoni.co.uk