Britons Embrace Record Number of Holidays, Survey Shows
A recent survey commissioned by the travel trade organisation Abta has revealed that people in the UK are now taking an average of 3.94 holidays per year, marking a significant increase from previous years. This surge in holidaying frequency has been attributed to a group dubbed as “habitual holidaymakers”.
The poll, which has been conducted annually since 2011, highlighted that this year’s figure surpasses last year’s count of 3.42, as well as the previous high of 3.91 in 2019. Despite the proportion of individuals going on holiday remaining steady at 84%, the rise in trips per person indicates a growing trend towards taking multiple holidays throughout the year.
According to the survey, families with at least one child under the age of five lead the pack in terms of holidays taken per person, averaging at 6.49 trips annually. This statistic comprises 3.74 domestic holidays and 2.75 overseas excursions. Additionally, the research noted a significant increase in the number of families opting for cruises, with 15% choosing this type of holiday compared to 8% in 2019.
When it comes to holiday preferences, a substantial 48% of those who went on a package holiday last year visited beach destinations, while 43% opted for city breaks. Interestingly, the survey underscored that holidays are now considered a priority expenditure for consumers, with just 32% indicating their willingness to cut back on travel spending compared to other categories like dining out, leisure activities, and shopping.
Mark Tanzer, the CEO of Abta, emphasised the transformative power of holidays in bringing people together and providing much-needed relaxation. Speaking at the organisation’s annual convention in Greece, Tanzer highlighted the shift in consumer behaviour towards taking multiple trips throughout the year.
Tanzer remarked, “You can’t underestimate the power of a holiday – giving people the chance to relax and spend time together – which is why we’re seeing people taking trip after trip. Instead of a single summer holiday, many individuals are now spreading their travel budget across various experiences during the year, reflecting their confidence in the travel industry to create memorable moments.”
The survey involved 2,000 UK adults and was conducted by The Nursery Research and Planning between July 24 to August 2. This data sheds light on the evolving holiday habits of Britons, showcasing a growing appetite for travel experiences and a willingness to prioritise creating lasting memories through exploration and relaxation.