The threat of recession and cost-of-living pressures are failing to dent the nation's enthusiasm for holidays. Many adults have suggested they would cut back on other expenses to secure a getaway.
Holiday Extras, UK expert for travel add-ons such as airport parking, hotels and travel insurance, asked 1,000 recent UK air travellers what changes they expected to make to their travel plans in the next 12 months given the cost of living challenge and forecast of recession.
Some 54 per cent of those polled expected to do more research to save money with 17 per cent claiming they were already getting great value from a trip. Half of those surveyed said they were likely to swap to cheaper destinations, and 40 per cent suggested they’d ditch some of their usual overseas holidays for a UK break.
Waiting for a last-minute deal was an option for 40 per cent of respondents, while another 40 per cent said they’d be likely to cut back on other household expenses to make sure they still got their holiday.
David Norris, chief growth officer at Holiday Extras, said “The Bank of England may be warning of recession, but UK holidaymakers remain determined to get away next year regardless. More research, cheaper destinations and cutting back elsewhere look like the main ways people will be stretching their budgets to make sure they get a break, with some people opting for a UK break instead or waiting for a last-minute deal.
"We’ve seen people taking steps to get the most out of their holidays already this year. The average length of a trip has risen significantly as people book longer breaks to make the most of their time off, and a lot of cheaper destinations have also rocketed in popularity."
He added: "The Greek islands, Albania and Zadar in Croatia have all shot up this year, but the biggest winner this summer has been Turkey where a weak currency, cheap flights and reliable weather have made it the UK’s fastest-growing holiday spot.”
