Why six in ten holiday makers won’t put going abroad on hold in 2013

LONDON - March 19, 2013 - PRLog -- With Easter just around the corner, travel-hungry adults will be weighing up whether they can afford a last minute getaway. Research from VoucherCodes.co.uk1 reveals six in ten adults (64 per cent) plan to holiday abroad this year, however over a third (36 per cent) say they won’t be going abroad at all, and with money continuing to be tight for a lot of adults it is easy to see why. The research revealed the average amount spent on booking a one week break abroad per adult is £680, although the majority (53 per cent) admit to overspending when they get there.

Overspending abroad
The proportion of those who overspend and blow their budget on holidays rises to 73 per cent for high income earners2. Interestingly, VoucherCodes.co.uk also found that men plan to spend £43.68 more on the cost of the holidays than women3. However, while many admit they inadvertently splurge on holidays, the squeeze on household finances is still evident as a third of consumers (32 per cent) always ensure they stick to a rigid budget. The more conscientious budgeters were found to be the lower income holiday-goers.  For example, 36 per cent of adults earning less than £20,000 a year compared to 23 per cent of higher income earners.

As adults combat the rising cost of living, a quarter of consumers say they will sacrifice a trip abroad this year in favour of a ‘staycation’ (23 per cent) in the UK. This is despite the fact that 45 per cent of Brits say they are happier with a holiday abroad to look forward to rather than staying in the country. Furthermore, while consumers may opt for a ‘staycation’ in a bid to save money, the activities people spend their time doing can rack up hefty bills:

Those who plan to holiday in the UK in 2013, will do the following over a week:
1.    Go to restaurants – 64 per cent
2.    Go shopping – 57 per cent
3.    Go to a theme park / museum / attraction – 48 per cent
4.    Go to the cinema – 15 per cent
5.    Go to the theatre – 12 per cent

Duncan Jennings, co-founder of VoucherCodes.co.uk comments: “Having a holiday is always a welcome treat and with the Easter break coming up we expect to see a lot of people starting to look at their holiday options this year, and what they can really afford. While many may enjoy spending their time off by staying in the country, holiday goers should not resign themselves to the idea they can never afford to go abroad.

“If travellers research online, they can discover a huge range of deals for holiday options abroad and in the UK, without compromising on quality. Voucher code sites offer a wide array of discounts from the nation’s favourite airlines, travel agents and hotel booking agencies to car hire and money off shopping for a new travel wardrobe or essentials such as sunscreen. Shoppers should take advantage of all the money saving measures they have at their disposal as this could add up to a much-needed change of scenery.”

- Ends -

Notes to editors:
1 Research of 2000 Britons aged over 18yrs was carried out by One Poll between 15th to 18th February.
2 ‘High income earners’ earn between £70,001 and £80,000 per annum.
3 Men plan to spend £702.42 compared to £658.74 for women.  

Duncan Skehens
PR Manager
VoucherCodes.co.uk
020 3597 7495
duncan.s@VoucherCodes.co.uk

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