More than half of those who holidayed at home in the UK this year are planning on jetting off abroad in 2010, a new survey has revealed.
According to a poll of 3,000 people by travel site www.simonseeks.com, it seems that we are determined to travel abroad next year and are fully prepared to cut back on areas such as going out and buying new clothes in order to bag that all important holiday.
A massive 56% of Brits surveyed are turning their backs on ‘staycations’
Although they are planning to head abroad, a wallet-watching 41% will cut back on this year’s holiday budget, saving an average of £391. In order to pay for their 2010 holiday Brits are opting to compromise. 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 run themselves ragged doing overtime to pay for the holiday, 14 per cent will ditch home improvements and 41% will start taking a packed lunch to work.
In response to the findings of the poll www.simonseeks.com has developed its ‘20 ways to afford a holiday in 2010’. Tips include picking the bargain weeks such as June, choosing cheaper regions in your desired country (e.g. Pyrenees over Provence / Naxos over Corfu) and booking flights early but waiting for last minute hotel discounts before booking accommodation. Those looking for a good exchange rate should choose Turkey and USA, both destinations offer great value for money with the weakening Lira and Dollar against the Pound.
The survey found sun-seekers 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 bagging a cheaper deal. However, they won’t cut the holiday short or downgrade their destination to save money.
Simon Nixon, founder of Simonseeks, comments:
“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.
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“Whether looking for a romantic city break, or a family beach holiday we’ve developed 20 money-saving tips to help minimise budgets, but still let you have a good time. If you’re clever about how you organise your holiday then you can save some serious cash which will mean next year’s trip doesn’t have to cost you a fortune.”
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
To find out more about the survey results and to view the 20 ways to afford a holiday in 2010 visit www.simonseeks.com
