Hiscox: Despite Gloomy Economy, Britons Still Looking Forward to Travel [Manufacturing Close – Up]

Despite the gloomy economic outlook, Britons are still looking forward to their holidays with the majority (84 percent) planning to take a holiday this summer, according to a new survey on holiday habits carried out by specialist travel insurance provider Hiscox.

The survey found that it is no longer personal recommendations from family and friends that travellers turn to, but Google (36 percent) and travel sites like TripAdvisor (33 percent) are the top choices when it comes to research.

Determination not to compromise on the year's holiday plans is revealed with 18 percent saying their holiday budget will continue to be the same as the previous year, while nearly one in five (19 percent) are cutting back on other expenses so that their holiday remains a priority. One in ten (10 percent) holidaymakers are actually planning a longer or more luxurious holiday this year to help combat work stress and 15 percent are planning to take more mini-breaks rather than a longer holiday.

The research shows that nearly two thirds (64 percent) see their holiday as a time to relax while 42 percent see it as a break 'from the real world'.

Going online for sunshine When it comes to researching holiday plans, the internet dominates with more than half of those who book online (51 percent) saying it has changed the type of holidays they go on, by enabling them; - to find better deals (63 percent) - to find it easier to find flights and hotels (60 percent) - to see reviews before booking (53 percent) - to tailor holiday arrangements to their needs (47 percent).

The research suggests the Internet is the most popular way to make a booking with 59 percent booking online directly with the hotel or tour operator or via travel aggregator sites. One in twenty (5 percent) are now researching their travel plans on their smartphones.

Colin Wallace, insurance expert from Hiscox, said, "We talk about hitting the beaches but before we get there, it's about surfing the net. Holidaymakers are searching online for the latest hotspots and tailoring their breaks to suit their friends and family.

"Holiday makers are also becoming increasingly more aware of the options open to them with more than a third actively seeking the holiday with the most value and many willing to cut back in other areas so they can still pursue their holiday experiences, whether that's an all inclusive luxury beach resort, a city mini-break or an all-action activity holiday."

More information:

www.hiscox.co.uk

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