Brits back summer holidays

[18th June 2008]

Despite rising fuel prices and the gloomy economy, Brits are still determined to take their summer holiday a new survey shows.

More than 4,000 travellers around the world responded to online travel community TripAdvisor’s annual summer travel survey.

With petrol prices hitting record highs, only 21% of British travellers in the TripAdvisor survey said that the price of fuel will affect their summer holiday plans. Worldwide the figure was 41%, suggesting Brits are more committed to their summer holidays.

However, the poor performance of the pound, particularly against the euro, is affecting travel plans. Currency exchange rates have had an impact on 30% of British respondents to the survey, with 38% saying they will travel to a destination with a more favourable exchange rate.

Nearly one fifth of Brits plan to take all off their annual holiday entitlement during the summer, while 62% will take half or more of their annual leave then.

Beach holidays are still most popular worldwide, with 61% of travellers planning to visit the seaside this summer. City breaks are popular with 49%, and lakes and mountains holidays with 31%.

Activity holidays are also well liked. Nineteen percent said they would take a hiking holiday, 14% a camping holiday, and 9% a biking holiday. Sailing and boating holidays were chosen by 12%, and diving holidays by 11%. Adventure sports holidays also got the vote from 5% of respondents.

“A summer holiday is a must-have for the British public. It may be a last hurrah but it seems that we are determined to have a good time this summer, no matter what the cost,” says TripAdvisor European communications manager, Ian Rumgay.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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