Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Italy are among the top European destinations Brits plan to travel to for a holiday next year – to ensure they get the best value for money amid the rising cost of living, research revealed.
Nearly half of Brits (47%) face having to make changes to the way they travel to ensure they can stretch their budget for a holiday, according to a poll of 2,000 people.
More than a fifth (22%) would be willing to travel in the dead of night to keep costs lower, while 35% will choose short-haul destinations, instead of far-flung.
And almost half of those polled (46%) will go away for a shorter period of time – as the average traveller now has £300 less in the kitty for their next holiday.
But despite facing budget constraints, the research, which was commissioned by loveholidays, found more than half (55%) are still excited about the prospect of holidaying abroad next year.
Nearly six in ten (59%) are determined to be just as adventurous with their holiday plans, while 28% do not want to compromise on experiencing new cultures – even if they are struggling to stretch their budgets.
Al Murray from the online travel agent, which has compiled its insider tips for booking a trip, said: “In light of the current economic situation, it’s understandable that people want to get the best value for their money when it comes to their holidays.
“Our research shows we’re still a nation who love our trips abroad, with many doing whatever they can to ensure they can still get away.
“What’s also encouraging to see is that despite there being so much doom and gloom around, this hasn’t destroyed people’s sense of adventure.”
The poll also found that when booking their holiday, a third (33%) will now do more research to land a cheap deal, and 37% will book further in advance.
It also emerged one in five (21%) are more open to booking late-night or crack-of-dawn flights, if it makes things cheaper.
For those who book their holidays through an online travel agent, two-thirds (68%) say they prefer this route because they think it’s the easiest way to land the cheapest deals.
And 61% think it takes the hassle out of everything, while 42% do it because it gives them more financial protection – and 30% love the number of holiday options it provides.
Meanwhile, the research, conducted via OnePoll, also found nearly a quarter of Brits (23%) are now more open to travelling to destinations that are known to be more affordable, to help curb their holiday spending.
Al Murray, from loveholidays, added: “Making sure you’re getting great value for money on your holiday has never been more important.
“Whether it be the way you book or what you book, there are lots of simple changes you can make to your holiday to keep costs low and make your money go further.”
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