More than half of those who holidayed in the UK this year are planning to go abroad in 2010, a new survey by travel site simonseeks.com has revealed.
According to the poll of 3,000 consumers, 56% said they are turning their backs on staycations, and are planning to escape to destinations including Spain, USA and France.
Of those going abroad, 41% will cut back on this year’s holiday budget, saving an average of £391.
Half of respondents would cut back on entertainment and going out for a year to fund their trip away and the same number of women would wear last year’s winter wardrobe to save the money.
Another four in 10 said they would work overtime to pay for the holiday, 14 per cent will ditch home improvements and 41% will start taking a packed lunch to work.
The survey also found that holidaymakers will spend an average of five days researching and comparing prices before booking their holiday. Two-thirds would be happy to wait until the last minute to book if it meant a cheaper deal.
Simonseeks.com, commercial director, Chris Nixon said: “The research reveals a real determination to travel – especially among those who didn’t take a holiday overseas in 2009.
“Staycation was the buzz word of 2009 but it seems that 2010 is will be more about a compromise culture, with people giving up short terms benefits to ensure they can afford that holiday abroad.”
Other key findings include:
• 81% claim cost is their biggest travel concern in 2010
• 50% would be prepared to skimp on flight fares to save money, followed by activities (39 per cent), and accommodation (31 per cent)
• 46% said they would try to avoid areas where the pound is particularly weak
• 56% said they will spend longer searching for the best price in 2010
• UK was still hailed as being the best-value destination (20%) closely followed by Eastern Europe and Spain (17% each)
Top 2010 holiday destinations according to the survey are:
1. Spain
2. USA
3. France
4. Italy
5. Greece
6. Portugal
7. The Caribbean
8. Turkey
9. South Africa
10. Mexico