It’s holiday season – or is it?

For anyone like me who has squirrelled away their holiday for a long break in December, the summer holidays can be a challenging period.  

You’re bombarded by colleague and client OOOs messages, from the jaunty “I shall be sipping margaritas in the sun” to the outright flippant “I will NOT have access to email. Do not contact me”. As such, you’d be forgiven for having severe FOMO, convinced that everyone is jetting off except you. 

But you *might* be wrong. 

According to a recent poll we ran in the UK, about a third of Brits (35%) are holidaying less than they did before the pandemic. Surprisingly, less than 1 in 5 (18%) say they’re holidaying more. The biggest shift? Older Brits-nearly 2 in 5 are packing their bags less often than they used to. 

When the world opened post-pandemic, many expected a travel boom. But then the cost of living crisis hit, putting those long-awaited travel dreams on hold for many. Earlier this year, Travel Weekly reported record numbers planning overseas holidays, but there was widespread change in behaviour to accommodate stretched budgets, from travelling off-peak (like myself) to taking fewer, longer holidays or reducing their time away entirely. 

What can brands do, with a more limited pool of travelling Brits? 

With fewer Brits packing their bags,how can travel brands stay ahead? Here are three strategies to connect with today’s cost-conscious holidaymakers: 

  1. Make it easy – take advantage of the spontaneity of planning, making the booking experience straightforward and intuitive. Nearly half (46%) of Brits ranked an easy booking experience as one of their top 3 considerations when considering a holiday. Brands that offer intuitive and hassle-free booking processes can capture those last-minute planners. 
  2. Make it valuable – cash-strapped Brits still want to feel they are getting as much as they can for the money they have. Luxury accommodation is a top priority for 2 in 5 travellers, whilefewer than 1 in 10 are seeking off-the-beaten-track opportunities. 
  3. Create some FOMO – “It” destinations live and die on consumer’s Instagram reels and TikTok stories, and as such brands need to create a pull power through rich visual content and an ‘If you know, you know’ sentiment. 

These three ideas – simplicity, value, and FOMO – can co-exist. Whether it’s sharing secret travel hacks, offering budget-friendly breaks, or promoting hidden gems, brands that tap into these themes can help lure cautious Brits back to the airport. 

Author 

Frances Revel-Cooper 

Head of Custom Insight

Email | LinkedIn 

Want to find out more?

Get in touch