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More people looking to book holidays than this time last year, poll shows

Almost two-thirds of people have already begun planning their overseas trip for 2023, according to new research.

The 61% level is up on the 50% proportion looking at 2022 trips at this time last year.

The American Express poll of 2,000 adults found that a quarter are booking in advance to take advantage of deals while 36% want to secure hotels, flights, and excursions before they get booked up.

More than a quarter (27%) are also eager to book their holidays to give them something to look forward to during the winter. 

A similar number are still booking holidays to catch up on those missed during the pandemic.

More than a third (35%) will choose to travel differently because of the environment, including using more environmentally friendly forms of transport, offsetting carbon emissions or selecting eco-friendly destinations.

Almost half (43%) will use a credit card to pay for their holidays. More than two fifths (41%) say they will collect points or cash-back by spending on a card that earns them rewards and a further three in ten (30%) say they will use points or vouchers to save money on their holidays. 

Unsurprisingly, beach holidays topped the list of holiday types for 2023 (44%), followed by city breaks (37%) and multi-destination trips (13%), while 3% plan volunteering excursions.

Spain remains the most popular destination followed by Italy and France.

For those choosing to stay in the UK next year, the Lake District is the most popular destination (13%), followed by Cornwall (12%), and London (12%).

American Express vice president Nikki Edelman said:“With the new year on the horizon, many of us are planning trips away in 2023, booking in advance to secure deals on transport and accommodation. 

“Lots of us will also be looking at ways to make our money go further.”

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