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‘Chav’ travellers putting off the middle classes
The UK’s well-travelled middle classes are looking for new destinations to avoid holidaying yobs or ‘Chavs’, a World Travel Market report claims.
Chavs – the 18-30 year old working class with disposable income – are turning to travel as part of their lifestsyles.
While young midle class Brits are forgoing their break between school and higher education due to fears over university fees and student debts, their place is being taken by Chavs.
They “feel more able to quit their poorly paid jobs or trades such as plumbing, knowing they can pick up where they left when they return home,” the report says.
“Chavs tend to live with their parents, so they have greater disposable income to spend on travel as well as the freedom to take time off.”
But it adds: “One downside for traditional short-haul and long-hail destinations – the trend has had a knock-on effect on the UK’s well-travelled middle classes, who are now seeking out new destinations and experiences to avoid the yobs.”
Julian Rolfe, project manager at Vegas, the youth division of Synovate which undertook the Chav research for the WTM UK & European Travel Report, said: “The prospect of going somewhere the Chavs favour is too awful to contemplate for the middle classes.
“For the middle classes, going somewhere like Chile, Libya or Mozambique has real bragging appeal and sets them apart from the crowd.”
He added: “Chavs tend to live at home with parents. It’s more convenient, they’ve greater freedoms than ever before and more disposable income to spend on travel.
“The internet and the growth of travel magazines means they have more information available to them. And, of course, they have fewer responsibilties and don’t fear for their jobs. It all adds up to a willingness to take extended trips.”
He explained that Chavs protect themselves from the unknown when travelling abroad by setting out in large groups.
Report by Phil Davies
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