Independent Travellers’ World survey (full)

Wednesday, 07 Feb, 2002 0

Key findings from survey (in association with The Times)

Although respondents were independent in the way they made travel arrangements the same cannot be said for how they travel. 64% said they preferred not travel alone but 33% were happy to travel solo. (Last year this figure was 49%)

30% have fallen in love on their travels.

The Internet continues to be an important source for independent travellers as do guide books. 68% of respondents used the Internet to research their holiday, 52% used guidebooks and 51% used magazines and newspapers to research their holiday.

Time spent travelling is on the increase with 50% travelling for two weeks or more.

When asked where they were travelling next. 35% stated Western Europe, 23% planned to travel to Australia or New Zealand, 20% planned to travel to Eastern Europe and 11% to the USA.

As for what’s important to people when they travel 76% stated adequate travel insurance was important. 73% said proper immunisation was important. 72% said a safe environment was very important. 57% said knowledge of a destination was important before travelling. Knowledge of self-defence and keeping in contact with home were considered to be of less importance.

Independent Travel continues to grow in popularity 44% considered themselves independent travellers, preferring to tailor make their holiday to ensure a flexible itinerary.

Only 5% said they book package holidays but 40% said their holiday contained both package and independent elements.

Only 28% used travel agents. (*In last year’s survey with a similar sample size 56% used a travel agent.)

81% of those taking a gap year would combine work and travel experience

30% said the best time to take a gap year was before University, 36% said after University and 27% would take a gap year as a career break

When asked what they wouldn’t travel without (excluding their passport) the most popular responses (in order of popularity) were: – Camera, Cash, Travel Insurance, and Swiss Army knife/ penknife.

Statistics taken from an independent survey commissioned by ITW with a sample size of 300, surveys were distributed in travel shops and leisure centres across London. Respondents were aged between 18 and 45. Further details of the survey are available from Michels Warren on 0207 3367313.