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Credit crunch fears hitting two-week summer holidays
Credit crunch fears are resulting in increased demand for shorter holidays this summer, a new poll shows.
Only just over a quarter (27%) of 25,000 people asked by online travel firm ebookers plan to take two weeks away.
And 22% are taking less than a week’s summer break.
The survey also found that 64% claimed to be planning summer holidays but had not yet made their bookings, 31% had already booked while 4% were not taking any trips this summer.
“The rise in popularity of city breaks and may be also fears of a credit crunch have brought about increased demand for shorter breaks,†the online travel agent said.
Price sensitivity and bargain shopping, brought on by tightening economic conditions, was further demonstrated by half saying they were influenced in their choice of destination by the strong euro and comparatively weak dollar.
The top five hoped for destinations amongst those who haven’t yet booked are Los Angeles, New York, Florida, Barcelona and Dubai.
Sixty two per cent of those going on holiday are heading off on sun and sand trips, their top five destinations being Florida, California, Spain, Greece and Thailand.
More than a third (38%) are planning urban-centred trips with the top five city break destinations being New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Las Vegas and Barcelona.
Ebookers marketing head Claire Howard Jones said: “People are continuing to book late this year but experience shows that last minute bargain hunters will often be disappointed.
“Smart travellers know the best prices in the travel industry are mostly available to early bookers.
“Bargains can sometimes be found a few days before travel for traditional tour operator packages. With flights and tailor made holidays though, early booking is almost always best.â€
by Phil Davies
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