As many as 85% of people who haven’t flown since 2019 intend to take an international trip next year, new research reveals.
The number rises to 90% of the 2019 holiday market travelling next year when those who have flown throughout the pandemic are taken into account.
The biggest obstacle to getting away won’t be the pandemic itself but the unpredictable changes to travel rules and the associated hassle (57%), meaning that whether people go on holiday in 2022 depends directly on how governments – especially the UK – choose to respond; rules need to be consistent, straightforward and not intrusive.
The research by Holiday Extras found that that people will be heading to the periphery of the Schengen zone to escape the extra queues, time limits and paperwork created by Brexit. Examples include Albania, Kerry in Ireland, Croatia and Iceland.
However, Turkey is expected to be the biggest winner, helped by the value of Turkish lira falling almost 80% against the pound since 2019.
Travellers are looking to spend more and have bigger adventures in 2022, partly due to saving money in lockdown and also to make up for lost time.
Mexico is proving popular among families while Egypt has multiple centennial celebrations in 2022.
A Holiday Extras spokesperson said: “As we head into the new year, our research shows just how high the appetite to travel is – and how many of us plan on getting away somewhere within the next 12 months.
“After a year of even more confusing and hassle rules and restrictions, it’s no wonder travellers are yearning for simple rules, which is reflected in our analysis on where’s likely to be top of the bucket list in 2022.”