Economic Downturn Means People Look To UK for Holidays
The economic downturn has paradoxically prompted a surge in family holiday bookings, according to an intriguing new study
Growing numbers of over-18s are reportedly opting to join Mum and Dad for traditional UK family holidays, rather than splurging on their own trip abroad.
The survey canvassed the experiences of 1,000 over-45s, unearthing some surprising results about the holidaying habits of Brits during a recession.
As well as noting the resurgent popularity of family vacations, researchers also found that young and old travellers broadly share the same priorities when overseas.
“[Older] people show more of a preference for re-living the delights of younger days,” Lucy Black, Marketing Manager at Jet2holidays.com, explained. “Nearly a third now use holidays to re-visit their youth and recreate the experiences they couldn’t do with kids in tow.
“However, there has been an increase in the number of over-18s holidaying abroad with their parents, which could be to save cash or experience destinations they might not usually choose.
“Either way, it seems the credit crunch is helping promote good old traditional family holidays.
This new study confirms Post Office findings earlier in the month. The other survey was conducted by Post Office Travel insurance showed that people over the age of 65 were being more conscious about how they spend their money on holidays this year. Out of 2,024 adults that were questioned, 19 per cent planned to holiday with family and friends who live abroad to make the most of the free accommodation and for the over 65s this figure jumps up to 38 per cent.
“Our research shows that almost half the population has friends and family abroad so in these tough economic times, it’s understandable that holidaymakers are making the most of these networks to cut costs,” said Post Office travel insurance manager Rachel Croft.
