The late Easter holiday – followed by the Royal Wedding and May Day Bank Holidays – present a rare opportunity for employees to take just three days off work for an 11-day break.
And, according to research from AA Travel Insurance, half of the millions expected to get away over the break will take the same kind of holiday they usually take with 15% going the same destination. However, 28% are taking the opportunity to ‘try something new’.
Airports and travel agents are reporting a big increase in holiday bookings for the end of April, many opting to get away from the UK Royal Wedding celebrations.
According to the research among 3,000 Brits, just over half (51%) will spend their holiday on the beach, a third (31%) sight-seeing and over a fifth (22%) absorbing local culture.
The research also shows that holidaymakers are least likely to use a traditional travel agent to arrange their trip (18%). Mark Huggins, director of AA Travel Insurance, says: “Given that nearly half of travellers (47%) say that the economic situation means they are being careful about how much they spend, it’s perhaps not surprising that well over half (55%) look for the best deals by searching for their holiday online.
“Our study shows that only 18% will use a traditional high-street travel agent.”
Mr Huggins points out that many travel companies are reporting that bookings to some destinations are up by as much as 180% over the Easter break compared with last year.
“The uncertain economy in some European destinations means that there are plenty of holiday bargains to be had, especially for those booking late.
“Our research also shows that about 40% of those booking online are arranging their flights, hotels, hire cars and other components separately.
“This certainly means that your holiday will only be constrained by your imagination and your budget,” he says. “But the danger is that by doing it this way you may not be covered by ABTA or other protection if one of the companies you book with goes bust: so it’s vital that you choose travel insurance that includes financial failure protection.
“But regardless of how you arrange your holiday, travel insurance really is vital and I am concerned that a quarter (24%) say they don’t take out travel cover.”
“But the most important thing is that however you spend your extended break or two successive long weekends, you enjoy it: whether you plan to take absorb the Royal Wedding atmosphere – or take the opportunity to get away from it all.”
Source : The AA Press Release
