LONDON, June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
- 10% planning a longer or more luxury break; 19% cutting
back -in other areas to make way for holiday
- 64% want to relax; 42% want a break 'from the real
world'
- Seeking value, insights and reading reviews
online
Despite the gloomy economic outlook, Britons are still looking
forward to their holidays with the majority (84%)* planning to take
a holiday this summer. And when researching that dream destination,
according to a new survey on holiday habits carried out by
specialist travel insurance provider Hiscox, it's no longer
personal recommendations from family and friends that travellers
turn to, but Google (36%) and travel sites like TripAdvisor (33%)
are the top choices when it comes to research.
Determination not to compromise on the year's holiday plans is
revealed with 18% saying their holiday budget will continue to be
the same as the previous year, while nearly one in five (19%) are
cutting back on other expenses so that their holiday remains a
priority. One in ten (10%) holidaymakers are actually planning a
longer or more luxurious holiday this year to help combat work
stress and 15% are planning to take more mini-breaks rather than a
longer holiday.
The research shows that nearly two thirds (64%) see their
holiday as a time to relax while 42% see it as a break 'from the
real world'.
Going online for sunshine
When it comes to researching holiday plans, the internet dominates
with more than half of those who book online (51%) saying it has
changed the type of holidays they go on, by enabling them;
- to find better deals (63%)
- to find it easier to find flights and hotels (60%)
- to see reviews before booking (53%)
- to tailor holiday arrangements to their needs (47%).
The research suggests the internet is the most popular way to
make a booking with 59% booking online directly with the hotel or
tour operator or via travel aggregator sites. One in twenty (5%)
are now researching their travel plans on their smartphones.
Colin Wallace, insurance expert
from Hiscox commented: "We talk about hitting the beaches but
before we get there, it's about surfing the net. Holidaymakers are
searching online for the latest hotspots and tailoring their breaks
to suit their friends and family.
"Holiday makers are also becoming increasingly more aware of the
options open to them with more than a third actively seeking the
holiday with the most value and many willing to cut back in other
areas so they can still pursue their holiday experiences, whether
that's an all inclusive luxury beach resort, a city mini-break or
an all-action activity holiday."
Notes to editors
*2,284 online interviews with ABC1 respondents, working full
time, were conducted from 11-13 April
2012 on behalf of Hiscox by Opinium Research LLP.
About Hiscox
Hiscox, the international specialist insurer, is headquartered
in Bermuda and listed on the London Stock Exchange
(LSE:HSX). There are three main underwriting parts of the Group -
Hiscox London Market, Hiscox UK and Europe and
Hiscox International. Hiscox London Market underwrites
internationally traded business in the London Market - generally
large or complex business which needs to be shared with other
insurers or needs the international licences of Lloyd's. Hiscox UK
and Hiscox Europe offer a range of specialist insurance for
professionals and business customers, as well as high net worth
individuals. Hiscox International includes operations in
Bermuda, Guernsey and USA.
Hiscox Insurance Company Limited, Hiscox Underwriting Limited,
Hiscox Europe Underwriting Limited and Hiscox Syndicates
Limited.
Hiscox also provide a variety of business insurance
products.
For business insurance quotes, public liability quotes and any
further information, please visit http://www.hiscox.co.uk
SOURCE Hiscox
