Our latest data reveals that more than three in four adults (77%) are planning a trip abroad this year, compared to 64% last year. One in four (23%) of us are even looking to have an early holiday before Easter.
You may think that winter travel is all about skiing holidays, but only 9% of people travelling between January and April are keen to don their salopettes for a winter sports trip. Instead, they prefer the idea of a dip in a hotel pool (26%) or a meander through a new city (27%). Many seem to be seeking the sun rather than the snowy slopes, with beach holidays remaining the top holiday type for 39% of those planning a trip between January and April.
Winter holidays are particularly popular with the over 55s, with nearly one in five (19%) older travellers planning trips between January and April 2024. Later in the year, this age group are also looking at the autumn period for another holiday.
Compared to the average Brit, who favours the summer months for their holidays – with 20% already planning trips in July alone – the over-55s prefer autumnal travel. One in five (20%) over 55s are taking advantage of the back-to-school period by going on holiday in September, and one in ten (10%) are travelling in October.
In terms of holiday locations, while the Mediterranean remained top choice (42%), there is evidence that more people are considering cooler destinations. Amongst the over 55s, for example, there has been a three-fold increase in the percentage of people planning trips to Northern Europe or Scandinavia (up from 4% to 11% since April 2023).
Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at AllClear Travel Insurance commented: “It is exciting to see how many people are welcoming 2024 with a holiday abroad – and many are planning to book a break long before the summer period. Whilst ski season is popular with some, there are a wide range of other breaks that are on the cards for the early months of 2024.
Whether you’re heading to the snowy mountain tops, looking for some winter sun, or maybe a romantic city break, we encourage everyone booking a holiday to make sure they get the best possible travel cover, particularly older travellers and those with pre-existing medical conditions.”
Online research conducted for AllClear by Sago research among a representative sample for 2,137 adults in December 2023.
