RESOLUTION and pledges are more likely to be made on holiday than in the New Year, a survey has revealed.

Three-quarters of holidaymakers decide to make life-changing decisions after returning from a break in the sun, according to holiday company Thomson.

And losing weight and exercising more head the list of resolutions for home-again trippers.

Helen Gape, assistant general manager of Cannons Health Club, said: "Our research would suggest that in September we have an influx of customers.

"It seems that at that time people start to have new goals and definitely do embark on a new health and fitness regime.

"Perhaps they have a chance on holiday to sit back and take stock of things. It's an opportunity for reflection. That would possibly be why the might be more inclined to change at that time."

Ending a relationship appears to be one of the pledges.

Based on replies from 2,018 people, the survey also showed that 17 per cent had decided on a career change after a summer break, compared with only 10 per cent who had decided on such a move at the New Year.

Also, 10 per cent of those questioned said they made resolutions at the beginning of the year "just for the sake of it", while 40 per cent felt inspired to make changes to their life because of the new experiences gained on holiday.

As many as 44 per cent credited the more positive frame of mind created by their summer break as the main reason they were likely to stick to resolutions made while away.

Thomson marketing director Hugh Edwards said: "Our customer trends research shows a definite upturn in the number of people using their holidays to make major life decisions, with three-quarters of holidaymakers using their time away to consider a move abroad, career change, marriage or re-ordering of their work/life balance, representing an increase of a quarter from 2001."

Top of the list:

The survey revealed that the top 10 holiday resolutions are:

1 Lose weight (44 per cent)

2 Exercise more (44 per cent)

3 Go travelling (25 per cent)

4 Get your finances in order (22 per cent)

5 Move abroad (22 per cent)

6 Learn a new skill (19 per cent)

7 Change careers (17 per cent)

8 Give up smoking (15 per cent)

9 Move house (10per cent)

10 End a relationship (7 per cent)