Recent survey research by Superbreak has found that British holidaymakers are more likely to book a European break over the coming months with 56 % having changed, or planning to change, their behaviour as a result of the strengthening pound versus the euro.
p>Recent survey research by Superbreak has found that British holidaymakers are more likely to book a European break over the coming months with 56 % having changed, or planning to change, their behaviour as a result of the strengthening pound versus the euro.
The survey also found that when it comes to counting the pennies, men appeared more savvy than women; 20% more men were aware of the stronger exchange rate with an additional 13% planning to change their behaviour as a result. Conversely, 10% more men pay for a holiday by credit card, with women opting to save up and pay by cash.
On average, the survey found that it takes six-12 months to save for a week long holiday and between one and three months for a short break, except for pensioners, who lead the way in holiday spontaneity with more than a third of over-65s stating they could go on a short break without any notice at all.
Culture is the biggest pull, closely followed by famous landmarks, when choosing a short break destination with 44% of respondents looking for places to see and visit. In contrast to the priorities for a longer holiday, weather only rated as the sixth most important factor when choosing to spend a few days away.
The survey also found that the most popular destination for a European short break was Paris, with half of respondents choosing either the capital (27%) or Disneyland (23%).
?The operator's sales director Jane Atkins said: ?With the current strength of the pound, there has never been a better time to go on a European short break and agents need to be shouting about this. The majority of customers are still looking to save up, rather than put on the credit card, but as prices lower, a short break can be taken with just a few months? notice.
?We are so lucky in the UK to have a host of destinations within just a few hours, with rail links making Europe really accessible, even for those not on the south coast. Interestingly, only 35% of Brits have travelled by Eurostar, despite it being 18 years old, although 47% said they would like to in the future.?
