More than half of over-50s will not travel again until Covid-19 risk is overcome, a new poll reveals.
While 53% of people questioned by specialist operator Pettitts Travel say they won’t travel again until the virus situation is resolved, 28% are planning a trip and 19% hope to travel soon.
If resolved, a majority would want to take their next holiday before the end of this year or very early in 2021.
A quarter (27%) of respondents would like to take their next holiday before the end of 2020, if restrictions are lifted, with 17% hoping to get away in the first six months of next year.
However, several respondents noted that they would not feel safe taking a long-haul flight before a vaccine is available.
They would also wait until travel restrictions have stabilised and there is no risk of being stuck abroad, unable to return home.
Many also stated that they would prefer to wait until it was no longer necessary to quarantine upon returning to the UK.
When asked how far they plan to travel in the next 18 months, 37% would be travelling long-haul, with 36% planning to go short-haul. A further 27% would travel within the UK.
Almost 40% respondents said that the Covid-19 situation meant they would be more cautious about when and how they travel, with 36% saying that while they will still travel, it will affect their plans.
The pandemic has not affected the travel plans or interest at all of 20% and only 5% said that they would no longer be travelling at all.
A spokesperson for the Aito-member operator said: “Overall, it seems that the majority of our customers, where over or under 50 years of age, are keen to travel again once it is safe to do so, but will be understandably cautious about where and when they next head abroad.
“We hope that as travel becomes safer once again, and with the hopeful development of a vaccine in the future, our customers can safely enjoy the holidays they love.”
Top 10 destinations people are most looking forward to visiting:
- India
- US
- Portugal
- Greece
- South America
- Canada
- Italy
- Japan
- Sri Lanka
- Cambodia
Top 10 destinations people would now Avoid:
- US
- China
- South America
- Asia
- Brazil
- Russia
- India
- Cruise ships
- Italy
- Middle East
The most common reasons for avoidance include the Covid-19 situation, political situations, anti-LGBT laws, and concerns that it would be difficult to socially distance on cruise ships.