‘Only one in five book with an agent’ – poll

Only 20% of people use a travel agent to book their holidays, according to the findings of a new survey.

The largest majority prefer to book online (58%), with just 20.7% going through a travel agency.

The study, based on 1,005 adults across the UK, found that almost a quarter (24.7%) dedicate more than 12 hours doing research and finding out more about the places they are going to visit, while 21% usually spend between 2 and 4 hours, and just 5.9% less than an hour.

About one third of Britons book their holidays from three to six months in advance, while 20% prefer to book with even further in advance as opposed to 2.4% who opt for last minute offers, or book just a couple of weeks before leaving (3.5%).

When asked about how much planning goes into their holidays, 58.6% of those surveyed replied they normally do research in advance to get an idea of what they are going to do and to see but, while only 11.5% create a detailed travel itinerary, 17.2% just prefer to show up and “go with the flow”. A small percentage prefer group tours, where no planning is needed (5%).

The poll, conducted by online survey company Ciao Surveys into Britons’ holiday habits, also  found that the large majority of UK residents take from one to two leisure trips abroad a year (58.5%). The main reasons preventing them from travelling abroad more often are money (55.8%), lack of time (12.3%) and work commitments (11.3%).

Relaxation and sun came out on top as the top priorities followed by sightseeing, comfort and cuisine (56%, 44.8% and 33.2%). 

Adventure and nightlife are the priorities of only 21.3% and 16.8%. More than 14% go on holiday looking for life changing experiences.

Seaside resorts proved to be the most sought after destinations as, if they had the opportunity, 23% of respondents would like to lie on a beach in Bermuda and 15.6% would love to sail in the Greek Islands.

Shopping in New York represents a tempting alternative for 13.9%.

Only 4.9% of those surveyed would like to hike in the Himalayas and only 5% would plan a trip to the Australian outback.

However, when asked which continent they would most like to visit, Australia was top (24.8%), followed by North America (19.6%) and Europe (18.3%). Antarctica is the least successful destination: just 4.1% of respondents wish to spend a holiday there.

by:Phil Davies