Taking trips during peak holiday periods can be more stressful than staying at work.

Holidaymakers known as 'peak-time parents' end up surrounded by children they do not know, in a place they do not want to be, paying high prices, analysis by business psychology consultancy Talentspace found.

In contrast the 'freeze and fry' brigade, who ski in the winter and head for the sun in late summer, get the most relaxing holidays.

The analysis put people into categories with a maximum of five marks for the holiday that refreshes the most. Categories include: The Squirrel - hoards holidays for a one-off megabreak, marks 2; the Citybreaker - takes multiple long weekends, marks 3; last-minuters - off who knows where at very short notice, Marks 3; landmarkers - have regular week-long holidays every three months to give them something to look forward to, marks 4; freeze and fry - two long breaks, different environments, marks 5; peak-time parent - possibly more stressful than work, marks 0.

Dr Rob Yeung, Talentspace psychologist, said: 'Well-balanced individuals have a better mix of activities, destinations and climates to provide a greater sense of liberation from the workplace. The more stressed cannot escape pressure, and holidays become a chore or something which just happens - rather than being an act of reward.'

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Food celebrated

SCOTLAND'S celebration of good food takes place at the end of this month. The Highland Feast 2004 starts on September 30 and runs until October 3. More than 40 events will be staged throughout the region from Inverness to Strathspey. Visit www.highlandfeast.co.uk for information or call 01463 710707.