Los Angeles, Sep 20 (IANS): Many women shy away from beach holidays because they are not comfortable with their bodies, says an online research.

One in five women avoid going on a holiday because they don’t feel happy in themselves, says a study conducted by sunshine.co.uk, a travel booking site.

According to the study, 21 percent admitted the reason for not visiting beaches was because of how they felt about baring all in their bathing costumes and bikinis, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Women in the age group of 18 to 25 years and 40 to 50 years are the most conscious of baring their bodies by the beach or the pool.

Also, 69 percent of women diet or start going to the gym before a holiday, giving themselves two months to get beach ready. 55 percent of women also look at other women in their bathing suits while on holiday to compare their own bodies to theirs.

“I think it’s a huge shame that so many women are denying themselves holidays abroad because they’re worried about their appearance in swimwear. Holidays are about getting away for a while and relaxing, so it’s no good if people decide not to go for reasons like this,” said Chris Clarkson, managing director of sunshine.co.uk.