Eight in 10 Brits would holiday abroad on Brexit day

Brexit will have no impact on 2019 holiday plans for the majority of the British public, with eight in 10 dismissing fears and saying they’d happily go abroad on March 29, the day the UK officially leaves the EU.

According to a survey commissioned among 1,000 Brits by On the Beach, 50% will not let Brexit impact their holiday plans, and 86% plan to take the same number of holidays abroad or more in 2019 as they did in 2018.

Almost a third (32%) plan on taking more foreign holidays next year with 54% intent on enjoying the same number of holidays abroad. Only 14% of Brits expect to take fewer foreign holidays next year.

Millennials are most likely to enjoy more foreign holidays next year, with over half (56%) of 16-24-year olds saying they will increase the number of breaks they take outside of the UK.

Almost nine out of 10 (89%), will still book a European beach holiday next year, despite the recent announcement that there will be a fee of €7 for Britons travelling to the EU, post Brexit.

13% of respondents said that they would be looking at holidays further afield, outside of Europe, as a result of Brexit.

More than eight in 10 (83%) stated that they would happily holiday abroad on Brexit day (March 29).

Over a quarter (26%) will increase their holiday spend in 2019, while 40% will budget the same as they did during 2018 and 33% plan on spending less.

The research found holidays feature high on Britons’ list of spending priorities, as one of the last things that they would be willing to give up.

Meals out topped the list of items people would be willing to forego (38%), followed by nights on the town (35%).

Almost a quarter (23%) would happily sacrifice leisure activities, such as nights at the cinema or theatre, before giving up on their week in the sun.

According to the research, Brits would also be willing to relinquish other major items, such as a new car (25%) and home improvements (20%).

On the Beach marketing director Alan Harding said: "Brits largely do not expect Brexit to change their holiday plans for 2019, with the majority planning to take the same or more number of holidays abroad next year as they did in 2018.  

"The results of our survey also show just how important holidays are for hard working Brits, with their week in the sun almost topping their list of disposable income spending priorities."

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