Just over half of the 5,000 Brits who took part in a Holiday Inn poll said they definitely would not be going on a two-week summer holiday this year.

Instead, the average family now takes approximately four short breaks a year and spends an average of just £349.11 for a weekend away.

The poll revealed that 24% of Brits cannot go away during school breaks because holidays are more expensive than any other time of the year.

Another 24 % said they simply cannot afford to pay for holidays which last longer than a few days, whatever the date.

One in five people can't get enough time off work for a holiday" whilst one in 10 couples can't take time off work on the same dates.

Some 72% of people now believe that shorter breaks are a more affordable way of treating the family.

Chris Hale, spokesman for Holiday Inn, said: "Over the past few years, we've seen a huge surge in the number of people booking into Holiday Inns for short breaks.

"Gone are the bad old days when people would save all year for their annual two week summer holiday at the busiest and most expensive period" we're much too savvy nowadays."

The poll also found that 15% of people can't stand flying to faraway destinations and one in 10 people hate long journeys on the ferry, train or in the car.

Just under one in five hate the extensive packing and unpacking required for a long trip, one in 10 get fed up with the laundry on their return, and 6% worry about the work they will need to catch up on.


By Bev Fearis