Britons are becoming "self-made travel agents" who take holidays on the spur of the moment and are more adventurous than ever before, according to Thomson Holidays. A report into buying habits of holidaymakers revealed almost half now have no fixed way of taking a holiday, instead preferring to "pick-and-mix" during the year. A similar number now regard a holiday as more important than buying a house. The operator said the results represent a complete shift from the traditional way of holidaying. The report, Expanding Horizons, said increasing numbers are seeking experiences rather than relaxation with 65% choosing cultural destinations, 17% wanting wildlife breaks and 13% seeking off-the-beaten-track locations. According to the report, over 55s are the most impulsive travellers and spend the least amount of time researching holidays. More than one in ten spend less than an hour on research before handing over their cash compared to just 3% of 16 to 24 year olds. Research revealed customers spend �400 on flights and accommodation for a main holiday and an average of �323 in resort. Men are the biggest spenders, with one in five forking out between �800 and �1000 on a luxury trip compared to only one in ten women. Thomson added that the research highlights a booming singles market with 28% of those questioned having taken a solo trip and 50% claiming they would travel alone. Thomson managing director Peter Rothwell said: "The UK travel landscape has completely transformed in recent years. "Today’s Brits are self-made travel agents who take great pleasure in putting together their holidays. Travel now has a more defining role in our lives with many people ranking it a higher priority than owning property and career progression."

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USER COMMENTS

Alan Cornish MD, Corona Holidays of London Ltd 04 November 2005, 12:50:38 GMT Thomson to start holidays fighting lions or gladiators? "Grab a headline" claims that 95% of people want "experience holidays" i.e. 65% want "cultural" + 17% want "wildlife" + 13% want "off the beaten track" = total 95% - seem incredible. Surely it stretches credulity to suggest that the rest - only 5% of Britons - are happy with relaxation holidays? Maybe Thomson should sell "arena holidays" that include gladitorial combat or fighting lions & tigers to fit with the required "experience." Would Rome be a suitable venue as "off the beaten track?" Maybe guests could be whipped into the arena - i.e. along a "beaten track?" Or are Thomson simply flogging a dead horse?   Mike Cogan Partner, Equinus 04 November 2005, 12:04:31 GMT Volte Face At least we should give Peter Rothwell some credit for accepting that the market has changed. It wasn't that long ago when Thomson executives were claiming that the traditional pre-package holiday and travel agent distribution model was as solid as a rock. I wonder how Thomson plans to handle this change? How many shops will close and what percentage of the leisure travel market will it have? The ex-UK air travel market grew by 25% between 1999 and 2003 and yet the inclusive tour share dropped from 60% to 50%. The writing's been on the wall for years. My contention has always been that Thomson (and others) was in the business of selling leisure travel and not just pre-packaged holidays. Sticking with that would spell disaster. Expedia didn't start with that model and is now achieving $15 billion in annual bookings. Not bad in just 6 years of trading! Mike Cogan Partner, Equinus   David Burdon Principal, Simply Clicks 04 November 2005, 11:44:12 GMT Thomson at the leading edge Its nice to know our leading integrated tour operator is really up with the times. See: http://travelthinking.blogspot.com