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Holiday companies and tour operators are reporting High demand for holidays and a surge in bookings in early January, despite many people’s finances being squeezed by the cost of living. The average spending per holiday was £3,104 this week, up about 5% on last year.
Holiday bookings up despite cost of living crisis
Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, holiday bookings have been reported to be on the rise. This may be due to a combination of factors, such as:
Optimism: With the roll-out of vaccines and the easing of restrictions, many people may be feeling more optimistic about the future and are eager to book a holiday to look forward to.
Fear of missing out: As travel restrictions continue to ease, people may be worried that popular destinations and deals will sell out quickly, so they are booking early to ensure they get the holiday they want.
Escape from stress: The past year has been stressful for many people due to the pandemic, and a holiday may be seen as a way to escape from that stress and relax.
Financial considerations: People may be looking to book early to take advantage of deals and discounts, or to spread the cost of a holiday over a longer period of time.
Lack of pre-pandemic level of bookings: Holiday bookings are expected to jump with Covid restrictions now removed but they are still below pre-pandemic levels, so people may be booking early to ensure they secure their preferred destination and dates.
Sunshine Saturday: There is a traditional holiday booking trend in the UK known as “Sunshine Saturday”, where the first Saturday of January is considered as the start of the holiday booking season, many people start thinking of booking their summer holidays to get away from the dreary British weather and enjoy some sunshine.
It is worth noting that despite high demand for holidays and the increase in bookings, travel industry is still facing challenges like staff shortages, increasing costs and uncertainty about travel restrictions, which could affect the travel experience for the customers.
What are the most popular destinations for British travellers?
The most popular destinations for British travellers vary depending on the time of year and current travel restrictions. However, some destinations that are traditionally popular among British travellers include:
Spain: With its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and rich culture, Spain is a popular destination for British travellers, particularly for summer holidays.
France: With its picturesque countryside, historic cities, and famous cuisine, France is another popular destination for British travellers.
Italy: Italy is known for its delicious food, stunning art, and rich history, and is a popular destination for those looking for a cultural holiday.
Greece: With its idyllic islands, ancient ruins, and crystal-clear waters, Greece is a popular destination for beach holidays and cultural trips.
Portugal: Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and delicious seafood, and is a popular destination for both summer holidays and city breaks.
Turkey: Turkey is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and delicious food, and is a popular destination for both summer holidays and city breaks.
Egypt: Egypt is known for its historical places and beautiful beaches, and is a popular destination for both summer holidays and city breaks.
USA: The USA is a favourite destination for many British travellers, thanks to its diverse range of destinations, famous landmarks and theme parks.
Caribbean: The Caribbean is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather, and is a popular destination for winter holidays and honeymoons.
Mexico: Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather, and is a popular destination for winter holidays, and honeymoons.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other destinations may be more or less popular depending on the current travel restrictions, and the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Things to consider when travelling abroad?
When travelling abroad, there are several things to consider to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:
Visa requirements: Check if you need a visa to enter the country you are visiting and apply for one well in advance of your trip.
Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that covers the activities you plan to do and the destinations you plan to visit. Get a quote here.
Health and safety: Research the health and safety situation in the country you are visiting and take any necessary precautions. Make sure you have any necessary vaccinations and consider getting travel health insurance.
Currency: Find out what currency is used in the country you are visiting and have a plan for exchanging money or using credit cards.
Accommodation: Research your accommodation options and make sure you have a place to stay before you arrive.
Transportation: Research transportation options and make sure you have a plan for getting around once you arrive.
Language: Learn a few key phrases in the local language to help you get around and communicate with locals.
Culture: Research the culture of the country you are visiting and be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Travel restrictions: Stay informed about the travel restrictions and travel guidance of the country you are visiting and comply with them.
Emergency contact: Make sure you have the contact details of the local embassy or consulate, as well as emergency contact information for your travel insurance provider, in case of an emergency.
Driving abroad: Looking to miss the airport queues? A lot of people drive into Europe. If you are looking to drive, make sure you know the laws in the countries you are driving through and make sure you have breakdown cover.
It is also important to check the regulations and restrictions regarding COVID-19 of the country you are visiting, as well as the rules for entering your home country when you return.
Why is there a high demand for holidays and bookings?
There are several reasons why there is currently a high demand for holiday bookings:
Easing of travel restrictions: As travel restrictions have been easing and more destinations are becoming available for travel, people are feeling more confident about booking holidays.
Optimism about the future: With the roll-out of vaccines and the decrease of new cases, many people may be feeling more optimistic about the future and are eager to book a holiday to look forward to.
Need for a break: The past year has been stressful for many people due to the pandemic, and a holiday may be seen as a way to escape from that stress and relax.
Lack of travel in the past year: Many people have not been able to travel due to the pandemic and may be eager to book a holiday to make up for lost time.
Sunshine Saturday: There is a traditional holiday booking trend in the UK known as “Sunshine Saturday”, where the first Saturday of January is considered as the start of the holiday booking season, many people start thinking of booking their summer holidays to get away from the dreary British weather and enjoy some sunshine.
Financial considerations: Many people may be looking to book early to take advantage of deals and discounts, or to spread the cost of a holiday over a longer period of time.
Fear of missing out: As travel restrictions continue to ease, people may be worried that popular destinations and deals will sell out quickly, so they are booking early to ensure they get the holiday they want.
It is worth noting that the demand for holiday bookings is still lower than pre-pandemic levels, and the uncertainty and the travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic can still affect the travel industry and the experience of the travellers.
Why should I get travel insurance?
There are several reasons why you should consider getting travel insurance when travelling abroad:
Protection against unexpected events: Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected events such as trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen luggage.
Medical coverage: Medical treatment abroad can be very expensive, and travel insurance can help cover the costs of medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Cancellation coverage: If you have to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a family emergency or a medical condition, travel insurance can help cover the costs of cancellation.
Protection for your trip investment: Travel insurance can help protect the investment you have made in your trip, such as airfare, accommodation, and tours.
Emergency assistance: Many travel insurance policies offer emergency assistance services, such as 24/7 support and assistance in case of an emergency.
Peace of mind: Knowing that you have travel insurance can give you peace of mind while travelling, knowing that you are protected in case of an unexpected event.
It is important to read the terms and conditions of the policy, and check what is and what is not covered before buying a travel insurance. Also, check if you need to get a specific coverage for the activities you plan to do, and for the destination you plan to visit.
Read more about our travel insurance cover and get a quote
What is sunshine Saturday?
Sunshine Saturday is a term that is used to describe the first Saturday in January when many British people start booking their holidays for the upcoming year.
It is known as “Sunshine Saturday” because it is believed that this is when many people start thinking about booking their summer holidays to get away from the dreary British weather and enjoy some sunshine, creating high demand for holidays abroad.
This date is seen as the start of the holiday booking season and is often when travel companies and airlines offer special deals and discounts to encourage people to book their holidays early.