A third of people remain worried about travelling and would not consider a holiday until the government gives the green light, new data reveals.
More than half (57%) are worried about a likely increase in the cost of holidays, the biggest cause for concern among prospective travellers.
Younger people are the most keen to get away, with just 23% of 18 to 24-year-olds put off travel for the long-term.
However, almost half of this age group also confirmed they would only consider travelling when it is officially declared safe to do so.
The poll of 500 people by travel insurance firm Allanz Assistance UK found that 30% overall are keen to plan a trip in the UK imminently but just 20% have their sights set on travelling abroad.
Ten per cent have been using their time in lockdown to actively research holiday destinations they hope to visit when they can travel.
However, 31% of respondents said they had been put off making any travel plans for the foreseeable future – even if it is declared officially safe to do so.
Women appear to be the more cautious than men, with 33% claiming this is the case compared to 28% of men.
Thirty nine per cent of men want a UK trip sooner rather than later and 26% are prepared to travel aboard, compared to 22% and 14% among female respondents respectively.
Concerns also exist around travelling on aircraft, trains and ferries.
Providing a Covid-19 ‘fit to fly’ health certificate causes concern for 35%, should it be required.
The same proportion are also worried about social distancing, with women more concerned about this than their male counterparts.
A third of all respondents are put off by a potential need to wear a face mask when travelling with other passengers.
Reported potential earlier check in times of two to four hours ahead of flights, could deter 30% of people from travelling abroad.
Restrictions when abroad, such as limited access to tourist hotspots and plexi-glass sunbathing booths at public open spaces, such as beaches, are the least of holidaymakers’ concerns.
The company’s head of travel and tourism, Rachel Temperton, said: “The future of travel may look uncertain, but what is certain is that how we travel to destinations, particularly by air, will change once restrictions are lifted.
“The good news is that experts predict the changes will, in the long term, not only make travel safer but also a more enjoyable, stress-free experience.
“Our survey suggests that not only is there an appetite by people to travel sooner rather than later, but that they will be happy to embrace the changes needed to make it possible.”
She added: “Our survey offers some good news for the travel industry, both here in the UK and abroad.
“Whilst many consumers are being careful, staying alert to the risks and official advice, they are keen to get their travel plans back on track as soon as possible, once it’s safe.”
