05 December 2008

Half of people say holidays still important

More than half of people believe holidays are important and they would rather cut back on spending elsewhere during hard times, according to a new poll.

The research for holiday add-ons firm Holiday Extras found that 51.8% of people had not downscaled or postponed their holiday plans since the credit crunch.

The study, based on 305 customers last month, found that about a quarter had made some slight changes to their travel plans.

Only 10% indicated that they were making dramatic changes to their holiday arrangements because of the credit crunch.

Mike Whiting, managing editor at Holiday Extras, said: "These results highlight just how important holidays are to the British people.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœTravel may be a luxury but it seems most people would rather spend a little less on day to day items rather than sacrifice their well-earned breaks.Ã¢â¬~

Richard Cohen, finance expert for the companyÃ¢â¬â¢s online panel of experts, said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœAlthough the current economic climate means that people are watching their spending it also means that there are some better deals available from holiday companies, airlines and hotels Ã¢â¬' all of whom need to keep making money in these hard times.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThe trick is to shop around for bargains, use sales to your advantage and be on the lookout for any nasty hidden costs.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThis way most people should be able to take holidays as planned without breaking the bank.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœItÃ¢â¬â¢s also worth remembering that some companies may be at risk of going bust, so make sure your travel agent is ABTA registered and consider paying on a credit card as this can offer extra protection for your finances if something does go wrong.Ã¢â¬~

by Phil Davies