Flexiblity is ranked at the top of traveller priorities as they start to adapt to the realities of Covid-19, a new Expedia study reveals.
Most people (81%) plan to take at least one holiday with family and friends in the next six months, and the majority are seeking quick doses of adventure, with more than three quarters (78%) expressing an interest in frequent short trips.
More than half (54%) of respondents say they plan to spend more on trips than they did before the pandemic.
But as many as 84% agree that a discounted fee is influential when booking a flight online. A nearly identical percentage (83%) say flexible fare options make a world of difference.
Almost half of all UK travellers (42%) are searching for a relaxing holiday to help their mental wellbeing following a stark rise in mental health issues caused by the impact of Covid-19.
The findings suggest that people value travel and personal time more than ever after two years of enduring the global pandemic.
This caused people to reflect on the importance of spending time with family and preserving their wellbeing, according to the report.
The results come in a 2022 outlook report from Expedia Group covering research among 5,500 consumers across eight countries and company brand data.
In other findings, two in five (40%) plan to use loyalty points for at least part of a trip in 2022, with Gen Z in the lead.
More than half (56%) of those who often work remotely will take a ‘bleisure’ style trip – extending a work trip for leisure, or vice versa.
Almost two-thirds (59%) are willing to pay more fees to make a trip sustainable, and 49% would choose a less crowded destination to reduce the effects of over-tourism.
Nearly half (43%) will add in extra time for services and transit, helping to minimise long lines, stress on workers and missed flights.
Expedia for Business president Ariane Gorin said: “Travel is about to experience a year unlike ever before as people plan purpose-driven trips, value vacation time more, and up their investment in unique experiences.
“Still, travellers are preparing themselves for possible trip changes as Covid-19 persists, and they want an array of options at their fingertips.
“Travel companies that prioritise safety and wellbeing, innovative solutions, and transparent communication will be the clear leaders as the entire industry shifts from survival mode into accelerated demand and growth.”