More than half (57%) of British adults plans an overseas holiday in the next 12 months – a 46% rise on this time last year, new research reveals.
The data gives a clear early indication that confidence in travel is returning for 2022 despite parts of mainland Europe currently suffering from a Covid winter wave.
A new poll by travel insurance specialist AllClear asked a representative sample of 2,011 adults when, if at all, they planned to take an overseas holiday in the next year.
While the winter months look relatively quiet, the data suggests a travel boom is on the cards as early as next spring, with the proportion of people looking to book a holiday between March and May around twice as high as was the case this time last year.
The study also indicates the over 55s will be driving the off-peak travel market next year, with 15% planning a holiday in May 2022, 19% planning an overseas break in September and 21% between October and the end of the year.
These figures have almost doubled since the survey was last conducted this time last year.
Overall, the results suggests travel demand will reach an early peak next May and remain strong through the summer.
Significantly, UK households are already anticipating multiple overseas trips next year – with each survey respondent indicating an average of 2.1 overseas holidays for 2022.
AllClear chief executive Chris Rolland said: “Our latest findings underline how desperate many people are to get away for a decent holiday.
“We are all conscious of the Covid risks this winter, with parts of Europe currently experiencing a rise in case numbers.
“That said, this survey shows that UK holidaymakers are taking a long-term view and the position for 2022 is one of confidence.
“Compared to this time last year, the amount of people planning an overseas holiday for the year ahead has almost doubled – and many are planning more than one break.”
He added: “One thing that will continue in 2022 as we re-emerge from Covid is that safety will remain top of the agenda for many UK travellers.
“And for the over-55s, who look set to drive the off-peak travel boom in 2022, getting cover for pre-existing medical conditions will be an even more important issue.”