More people planning May breaks this year

Most holidaymakers would prefer to have bank holidays more evenly spread throughout the year, a survey shows.

Almost three quarters of people asked want a more even spread of public holidays, according to the poll of more than 500 British travellers by TripAdvisor.

Yet spring breaks remain a popular time to get away with 46% saying they are planning a break during the May holidays, a slight increase on last year.

Of these, a quarter will be taking a long weekend break, 18% a week or longer and 10% a day trip.

Forty five per cent of respondents said they avoided travel on a public holiday.

Seventy-eight per cent said increases in fuel prices will not affect plans, neither will the airport delays of 2007 for 91 per cent, or concerns about the environment for 88 per cent.

Almost half said that taking a break in May is a welcome relief after the long winter. Eighteen per cent said it was because it is less crowded and 15 per cent indicated that prices were more reasonable than summer.

While 18% said that they planned to holiday in the UK this May, slightly more (19%) were going abroad, despite the current drop in the value of the pound against the euro. 

Convenience and less stress was the main attraction of holidaying in the UK for a quarter of travellers while 23% appreciated the opportunity to learn more about their home country.  

Asked what they liked least about holidaying in the UK, half of all respondents cited the unreliability of the weather and less sunshine than abroad.

Fifteen per cent said the food, drink and hotels were cheaper abroad and the accommodation was better.

The most popular parts of the country to visit in May are the North of England, followed by Wales, South of England and Scotland. The most popular countries to visit abroad are France followed by Spain.

More than half of travellers expect to spend between two and six hours on their journey to and from their May holiday destination.

Seeing a cultural attraction is the most popular for 16% of TripAdvisor British members while, 15% will be taking a city tour, 13% going to the beach and 12% visiting national parks or gardens.

Eleven per cent said they will be taking a cycling or walking holiday.  Most (27%) will be staying at a hotel, while seven per cent will be staying with friends or relatives.

by Phil Davies 

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