Stuff the Staycation
Sunday, 04 Jan, 2010
0
Many people who took domestic holidays in 2009 are set to abandon the UK this year, a new study shows.
More than half of those who holidayed in the UK last year plan to travel abroad in 2010.
The poll of 3,000 consumers by travel site www.simonseeks.com found that people are prepared to cut back on areas such as going out and buying new clothes in order to take an overseas holiday.
Fifty six per cent of those surveyed are to turn their backs on ‘staycations’ in 2010 and plan to head for sun, sea and warmer climates, with Spain, USA and France emerging as travel hotspots.
But 41% will cut back on this year’s holiday budget, saving an average of £391.
People are opting to compromise in order to pay for their 2010 holiday
Half of respondents would cut back on entertainment and going out for a year to fund their trip away and the same number of women would wear last year’s winter wardrobe to avoid new purchases.
Another four in 10 would do overtime to pay for the holiday, 14% will drop home improvements and 41% will start taking a packed lunch to work.
The survey found holidaymakers will spend an average of five days researching and comparing prices before booking their holiday.
They are also particularly keen on money-saving schemes, and two thirds would be happy to wait until the last minute to book if it meant finding a cheaper deal.
But they won’t cut the holiday short or downgrade their destination to save money.
Company commercial director Chris Nixon said: “The research reveals a real determination to travel – especially among those who didn’t take a holiday overseas in 2009.
“Staycation was the buzz word of 2009 but it seems that 2010 is will be more about a compromise culture, with people giving up short terms benefits to ensure they can afford that holiday abroad.”
Other key findings include:
· 81% claim cost is their biggest travel concern in 2010
· 50% would be prepared to skimp on flight fares in order to save money, followed by activities (39 per cent), and accommodation (31 per cent)
· 46% said they would try to avoid areas where the pound is particularly weak
· 56% said they will spend longer searching for the best price / discount in 2010
· UK was still hailed as being the best-value destination (20%) closely followed by Eastern Europe and Spain (17% each)
Top 2010 holiday destinations according to the survey are:
1. Spain
2. USA
3. France
4. Italy
5. Greece
6. Portugal
7. The Caribbean
8. Turkey
9. South Africa
10. Mexico
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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