The rising costs of holidays and NOT coronavirus is having a bigger impact on holidaymakers who are planning a vacation in the UK this year.
New research by booking platform UKcaravans4hire.com found that 56 per cent of holidaymakers are going to give foreign travel a miss because of the cost.
And while 88 per cent plan to take a holiday in the UK, just under a third are also planning on travelling abroad, with one in eight still undecided.
More than a third (36 per cent) of the 1,340 holidaymakers questioned are planning to increase the number of holidays they take this year.
All of this, of course, is assuming the Covid-19 pandemic is under control and current travel restrictions have been eased.
Even with the travel restrictions currently in place coronavirus was not the top concern for holidaymakers, with more people being put off from booking a holiday abroad due to rising costs.
The top five factors stopping people from booking a holiday abroad this year are:
- Cost – 51 per cent
- Coronavirus – 35 per cent
- Require a pet sitter – 17 per cent
- Travel time – 6 per cent
- Environmental reasons – 6 per cent
Interestingly, Brexit barely made the league of top ten factors, with just one in 20 stating leaving the EU would stop them from booking an overseas getaway.
The family dynamic of holidays seems to be changing, with 15 per cent of holidaymakers planning a multi-generational holiday, 38 per cent planning a trip with their children, and 29 per cent going on a romantic getaway.
When it comes to location, the beach was the favourite location for a UK getaway (78 per cent), with just 13 per cent preferring to holiday in the countryside.
Says Gareth Irving, Managing Director at UKcaravans4hire.com: “With the coronavirus pandemic creating such a huge impact on the travel industry, it is no surprise that many of us are looking to holiday a little closer to home this year.
“Whether you prefer a romantic weekend at the seaside or a family trip to the country, the UK really does have something for everyone”.
Brighton Pier, top of page: Ben Guerin on Unsplash
