Some French people have already booked all their holidays and weekends until next Christmas. Behind their planning, a need for control is revealed and, moreover, a permanent need for adventure.
The relationship with the organization of time and vacations can be influenced by family patterns and experiences during childhood. Psychologist and coach Boris Charpentier sees in this very anticipated organization, a certain need to control and to appease a certain intolerance of uncertainty. The French are known for their love of long-planned trips and long-term planning. The idea of a long-awaited holiday is a French national pastime and a way to cope with a stressful job, according to the psychologists interviewed for this article. The article is based on interviews with Marie, Clémence, Olivier and Olivier, all of whom were interviewed for the book "Planning for the Future," published by Biteback, in English and French. The book is available in English, French, Spanish and Italian, with prices starting at £3.99 per person.