Britons have increased their spend on holidays to almost a fifth of their disposable income, a new study reveals.
The new research from Saga issued today reveals that the dramatic innovation in the travel industry is one of the drivers of the spending rise.
The average person now spends 17% of their total disposable income on holidays and more than a third of people feel more empowered and adventurous than 10 years ago.
Top of the things people want to tick off their 2017 bucket lists include seeing the Northern Lights (26%), going on a luxury cruise (16%), visiting Australia and New Zealand (16%) and seeing the Great Wall of China (14%).
Driving Route 66 or exploring the Great Barrier Reef in Australia (both 14%) are also key travel aspirations.
When asked what makes them adventurous, holidaymakers say that picking a new destination whenever they go away (28%), picking a destination they know little about (21%) and trying something they have never done is what makes them so daring.
Saga Holidays managing director Maria Whiteman said: “The research shows that as customers have wanted to push the boundaries with their travel, the industry has continued to innovate – whether that’s to meet their needs or to inspire travellers to try new and exciting destinations or ways to travel – or to ensure they are fully protected when they do.
“Saga has been in the industry for 65 years and we have been instrumental in many of these changes, to help the over 50s see the world in style.”