Following a year of extreme heatwaves in Continental Europe, and backlash over overcrowding in popular destinations, new research* from Staysure travel insurance provider, finds that Britons are reconsidering their future holiday destinations. Nine in ten Britons (88%) have considered changing where they holiday during the summer months, with over a fifth (22%) citing concerns over extreme heat, nearly a quarter (23%) referencing overcrowding and a third (32%) stating it was down to increased costs.
Carbon footprint concerns account for one in ten (11%) people considering a change in location during the summer months, but this is of more of an issue in the 35-44 age group with 17% stating this as a reason for reconsidering.
Those who prefer overseas summer travel, are mostly drawn to southern countries such as Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain and the South of France (38%). Meanwhile, only one in ten (10%) visit the northern countries like Lithuania and Estonia. Brits are drawn to Southern European mainly for the climate, with two thirds citing this as the primary draw (68%), followed by the culture and food (55%) and the scenery (48%). Extreme temperatures in Southern Europe have dominated headlines, with July seeing multiple countries bordering the Mediterranean suffering from extreme heatwaves.
One in two Brits (50%) prefer to staycation in the UK, during the summer months. This is particularly true of people in the South-West of England, with the figure rising to almost 60% in this region. This could be down to the proximity to some of the UK’s best beaches and better than average UK weather temperatures.
Conversely, a quarter of Britons (26%) would consider travelling to a country listed on the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) ‘no travel’ list, with half of those (49%) stating that they’d do so to get outside of their comfort zone.
If the FCDO, World Health Organisation or local authorities have advised against all or all but essential travel to a destination, it may not be safe for you to travel there. If you travel against the FCDO’s advice, it may render your travel insurance policy void so it’s best to check with your provider.
Simon McCulloch, Chief Commercial Director at Staysure commented: “Holidays, be they in the UK or abroad, allow people time to down tools and enjoy a much-needed break, and hopefully some warm weather and sunshine. The extreme heat experienced by holidaymakers this year, is one of the reasons people are reconsidering their travel plans for Southern Europe. The soaring costs, against the backdrop of people feeling financially squeezed and reports of protests in response to overcrowding are also responsible for people considering their options.
“Ensuring you are well-prepared when travelling, wherever you go, is paramount. Having the right travel insurance policy in place as soon as you book your trip not only offers the peace of mind you deserve while on holiday, but also safeguards you from costly expenses and administrative hassles should unexpected issues arise before you depart and during your travels.”
