Holidays still a priority despite economic uncertainty

More than half of Brits are to continue with their holiday plans despite current economic uncertainty, according to new research.

Almost 60% of respondents in a survey run by online travel company Kayak.co.uk revealed they will not cancel or alter their summer holiday plans.

Sixty six per cent confirmed they are starting to feel a budget pinch and expect to see increased daily expenses such as housing, fuel, food and transport.

But the majority said they would rather ‘trade down’ on luxuries than deny themselves a summer break.

When asked how to save money on holiday if needed, 66% would search for travel deals to get the best price, 60% would self cater instead of eating out and 30% would forgo as much luggage in order to avoid excess baggage fees. 

Only 7% would cancel their holiday completely while a mere 4% admitted they might freeload from wealthier relatives.

The poll also found that despite the increasingly unfavourable exchange rate of the pound against the euro, more than 73% of respondents claimed they would not refrain from taking leisure breaks in Europe. 

Nearly 45% confirmed they had already planned or were in the process of planning their holidays to Europe this summer. 

More than 65% of respondents said they would be inspired to travel to the US and Canada to take advantage of the favourable exchange rate.

Nearly 46% admitted to booking their holidays only one month in advance while 40% booked their trips six or more months ahead of time.

In nearly all cases, respondents revealed they prefer to travel at either the beginning or end of the summer season in order beat the crowds. 

More than 35% favoured travelling in September and October for a late summer sun getaway while as many as 31% will opt for a late spring or early summer departure. 

A quarter were planning a trip abroad during July and August while only 10% admitted a preference for not travelling during the summer at all.

The most popular holiday will be a summer getaway with a partner (57%), followed by a trip with friends (39%) or a family holiday (35%).

The company’s business development director Annie Wilson said: “Last summer was one of the wettest on record and it’s clear that sun–starved Brits value summer holidays far too highly to do without. 

“Potential shortcomings in everyday budgets are not enough to curb UK wanderlust, and instead people are becoming savvier about using sites like Kayak.co.uk to find the best deals possible. 

“Even holidaymakers who might already have a smaller travel budget this year can still find affordable deals and won’t have to miss out on taking a summer break.”

by Phil Davies