New customer research from leading accommodation website Hotels.com indicates that one of the most talked-about trends of 2009, the stay at home holiday or ’staycation’, is over and will be replaced by holidays abroad again.

With three washed-out summers at home still fresh in the mind, nearly three quarters (71%) of Brits consider a long summer holiday to be a ‘must-have’ expense in their household.

Four out of five (81%) people are planning a 10-14 day break abroad in 2010 (up 10% from last year’s figures), and responses to the survey amongst 800 Hotels.com customers suggest that the number of people taking a two week holiday in the British Isles will be down by a quarter on 2009.

Recessionary worries have not completely disappeared, however. While people are keen to get away for a decent break, they are planning some significant cost-saving measures. More than two thirds (69%) say they will consider travelling out of season to avoid peak rates and prices.

However, rather than downgrade their hotel accommodation (only 14% would consider this), half of Brits (49%) plan to book all-inclusive packages to cut back on expensive dining out costs during their stays. And half (50%) of 2010 travellers say they will take the strength of foreign currencies against the pound into serious consideration when deciding on their destination.

Alison Couper, Director of Communications at Hotels.com, said: “While 2009 saw a lot of people holidaying at home to save money, our survey shows that will change in 2010. People see their holiday as a right not a luxury and while they’ll still be looking for a great deal, they are determined to get away to enjoy a well deserved break and some sunshine. There are some fantastic offers to be enjoyed in 2010 including up to 50% off in our biggest ever January sale.”

Via EPR Network
More Travel press releases