Holidays top the list of most important things people plan to spend on in 2023, according to research by easyJet.
As many as two-thirds (66%) said taking a holiday was most important.
The poll of 2,000 UK consumers this month found that 64% are planning on flying abroad in 2023.
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Almost three quarters (70%) of people agreed that they will prioritise a holiday over other expenditure in their yearly budget and 75% said it was one of their most important plans for next year.
People will be cutting back on other discretionary spend like eating out (46%) or new clothes (40%) and on big purchases such as new cars or home improvements (33%) to prioritise their holiday.
Consumers are also looking at the way they travel to focus on holidays, with two thirds saying they are more likely to book with a low-cost carrier (66%), while three quarters of people are more likely to fly short-haul instead long-haul (74%) and holiday in closer to home destinations in Europe (70%).
The majority (80%) also believe that holidaying in the UK can be more expensive than abroad.
Around half of respondents still plan to go on the same number of holidays that they usually plan for and spend the same amount, while around a quarter of people plan to go on more and spend more on holidays compared to last year.
This survey goes to show just what a priority travel is for people
Half of consumers polled plan on taking at least one holiday in 2023, while almost a third plan to take at least two.
Almost all surveyed (94%) agreed that going away on holiday is one of the most enjoyable experiences – 86% said having a holiday is a priority for them, with 57% saying this is because of the quality time it allows them to spend with friends and family and the opportunity it provides to recharge (48%).
The significant majority of people (83%) described holidays as crucial to their emotional wellbeing.
EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said “Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures and we know that holidays are important to people. Not only does travelling connect friends and family but it offers a wealth of benefits, from promoting wellbeing to experiencing new cultures.
“This survey goes to show just what a priority it is for people, with so many determined to protect their holidays.
“It is fantastic to see that so many consumers plan to travel next year already, and we look forward to welcoming them onboard.”
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