Holidaymakers still plan to take two trips abroad in 2023 – despite having to cut back on their travel spending amid the cost-of-living crisis, a study has found.
A poll of 2,000 Brits revealed that the average traveller now has £300 less to spare for their next trip – with almost half (47%) making changes to the way they travel to ensure they can still get away.
More than a third (35%) will book destinations closer to home rather than somewhere far-flung, while almost half (46%) will go away for a shorter period.
And 47% said they feel more pressure than ever to make sure their holidays offer value for money.
But despite facing budget constraints, the research, which was commissioned by loveholidays, found more than half (55%) are still excited about the prospect of holidaying abroad next year.
Nearly six in ten (59%) are determined to be just as adventurous with their holiday plans, while 28% do not want to compromise on experiencing new cultures – even if they are struggling to stretch their budgets.
Al Murray from online travel agent loveholidays, which has compiled its insider tips for booking a trip, said: “In light of the current economic situation, it’s understandable that people want to get the best value for their money when it comes to their holidays.
“Our research shows we’re still a nation who love our trips abroad, with many doing whatever they can to ensure they can still get away.
“What’s also encouraging to see is that despite there being so much doom and gloom around, this hasn’t destroyed people’s sense of adventure.”
The poll also found that when booking their holiday, a third (33%) will now do more research to land a cheap deal, and 37% will book further in advance.
One in five (21%) are more open to booking late-night or crack-of-dawn flights if it makes things cheaper, while 22% think booking their holiday in the dead of the night could help to keep costs lower.
For those who book their holidays through an online travel agent, two-thirds (68%) say they prefer this route because they think it’s the easiest way to land the cheapest deals.
And 61% think it takes the hassle out of everything, while 42% do it because it gives them more financial protection – and 30% love the number of holiday options it provides.
Meanwhile, the research, conducted via OnePoll, also found nearly a quarter of Brits (23%) are now more open to travelling to destinations that are known to be more affordable, to help curb their holiday spending.
When asking respondents where they’d opt to travel in Europe to find the best value, the research revealed Spain, Greece, and Portugal topped the list, while Italy and Turkey rounded out the top five.
Al Murray added: “Making sure you’re getting great value for money on your holiday has never been more important.
“Whether it be the way you book or what you book, there are lots of simple changes you can make to your holiday to keep costs low and make your money go further.”
