50 percent rise in number of older people jetting abroad for winter holidays

Winter holidays growing in popularity with over 55s

New research from AllClear Travel Insurance suggests that the number of over 55s looking to head overseas for a winter break is up 50% – rising from 40% to 60% compared to this time last year.

At a time when the cost-of-living crisis has caused many to re-evaluate their spending this winter, demand for overseas holidays remains strong for older travellers. The over-55s survey conducted by AllClear asked people which winter holidays they were considering for the early months of 2023. Almost a third of respondents (27%) are hoping to enjoy some winter sun in the months ahead – while almost a fifth have either booked, or are considering, a cruise (18%).

These figures are up significantly on this time last year, with the percentage of over 55s considering a cruise almost doubling from 10% to 18%. The popularity of a winter sun holiday was also up significantly – from 16% to 27% compared to when the survey was last conducted 12 months ago.

Beyond a winter relax in the sun, city breaks were also popular for 16% of respondents (up slightly from 13% last year) and 11% of respondents wanted to go abroad to have time with their children or grand-children. After the era of Covid restrictions when these holidays were not possible, it seems the older generation are taking the opportunity to make up for lost time.

Set against the popularity of winter sun and cruises, skiing and winter sports were popular with only 3% of survey respondents. This comes at a time when ski resorts across the Alps have been without snow, as a result of warm weather and torrential rain over the Christmas and new year period.

Whilst demand for holidays is strong – and there are signs of resilience despite the cost-of-living crisis – even for older travellers, there are signs of people making cut backs and economies to ensure they can still move forward with their holiday plans.

Compared to this time last year, the over 55s are planning to spend 10% less on their winter holidays – down from an average spend per head of £1,001 to £898. Overall, two thirds of this age group are planning to spend less than £1000 (per head) on their holiday (63%), with only 7% spending more than £2,000 – down from 11% last year. The most common spend level was between £1,000 and £1,499 (23%).

Within this context of pruning holiday spend, the AllClear research also revealed that people with pre-existing medical conditions were those most likely (31%) to under-declare their full medical history in an attempt to get a cheaper travel insurance quote. AllClear reminds holiday makers that it’s vital to declare all medical conditions so they have comprehensive cover for their holiday.

Chris Rolland, CEO at AllClear Travel Insurance commented:

“The travel sector has been through an enormously challenging period since Covid and it is positive to note from our latest data that 2023 promises to be a year of resilience. The economic pressures that have followed the era of Covid restrictions throw up new challenges that will affect most households but, through 2022, our data has repeatedly suggested that holidays were one area of spend that most people still prioritised as important. Our latest figures also suggest the over 55 market has a key role to play to drive the travel sector forward in 2023.

“While many are looking to make savings on their holiday spend for 2023, we strongly encourage everyone to get the best possible travel cover they can. It is a false economy for anyone to cut corners or to under-declare when buying travel insurance. In doing so it can invalidate a policy – and when a claim does come in, we always want to be in the position to fully help our customers. When getting a quote for travel cover, we encourage everyone to disclose everything at point-of-sale and be sure you are fully covered before heading off abroad.”

Source : Research was conducted by Schlesinger Research Group UK for AllClear between 9-11 December 2022 among a representative sample of 2,103 adults.