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Travel Insurance » Blog » Press Release » Rise in overseas 2022 travel plans for the over 55s

Rise in overseas 2022 travel plans for the over 55s

Written by: Lydia Crispin | Travel Insurance Expert
Last updated: 23 February 2024 | Created: 24 November 2021
Over-50s-driving-2022-travel-market-AllClear-Travel

More than one in two British adults (57%) is planning an overseas holiday in the next 12months – a 46% rise on this time last year, according to new research from travel insurance specialist AllClear.  Despite parts of mainland Europe currently suffering from a Covid winter wave, the new AllClear data gives a clear early indication that British holidaymaker confidence is returning for 2022.

The data reveals a travel boom is on the cards

The new AllClear poll asked a representative sample of 2,011 adults when, if at all, they planned to take a holiday aboard in 2022. While the winter months look relatively quiet, the data suggests a travel boom is on the cards as early as spring, with the proportion of people looking to book a holiday between March and May around twice as high as was the case this time last year.

Over 55’s will be driving off-peak travel

The research also suggests the over 55’s will be driving off-peak travel in 2022, with 15% planning a holiday in May 2022, 19% planning an overseas break in September and 21% between October and the end of the year. These figures have almost doubled since the survey was last conducted this time last year.

Discover when the 2022 travel peak will occur

Overall, the AllClear study suggests travel demand will reach an early peak next May and remain strong through the summer. Significantly, UK households are already anticipating multiple overseas trips next year – with each survey respondent indicating an average of 2.1 overseas holidays for 2022

Travel plans for the year ahead. Which months people plan to have overseas holidays in 2022.

A comparison of survey findings taken in  Q4 2020 and Q4 2021.

Q4 2020 Q4 2021 Q4 2021 – aged 55+
November 3% 3% 2%
December 3% 4% 2%
January 3% 3% 3%
February 3% 6% 7%
March 4% 7% 7%
April 6% 11% 10%
May 8% 14% 15%
June 10% 16% 15%
July 10% 13% 8%
August 12% 16% 9%
September 11% 17% 19%
After September 10% 18% 21%
Net % planning an overseas holiday In the year ahead 40% 57% 55%

Travel expert and CEO at AllClear comments

Chris Rolland, CEO at AllClear commented: “Our latest findings underline how desperate many people are to get away for a decent holiday. We are all conscious of the Covid risks this winter, with parts of Europe currently experiencing a  rise in case numbers. That said, this survey shows that UK holidaymakers are taking a long-term view and the position for 2022 is one of confidence. Compared to this time last year, the amount of people planning an overseas holiday for the year ahead has almost doubled – and many are planning more than one break.

“One thing that will continue in 2022 as we re-emerge from Covid is that safety will remain top of the agenda for many UK travellers. And for the over 55s, who look set to drive the off-peak travel boom in 2022, getting cover for pre-existing medical conditions will be an even more important issue. At AllClear we focus on making travel safe for everyone, and we encourage people to get in touch in the weeks ahead to find out how we can help them to travel safely in 2022.”

Will you be travelling in 2022?

If you’re one of the many hoping to travel in 2022, then we have plenty of guides to help you travel with confidence.

Perhaps you’re planning to travel to a country that requires proof of vaccination? If so we can help you download your proof of vaccination one step at a time.  We also have the latest information regarding Covid-19 vaccines and details on when and where you can get a booster jab. After all, vaccines have had a massive impact on our freedom to travel.

Remember, before booking or taking any trip, always check the very latest advice from the FCDO.

Edited by Lydia Crispin, MA Content Creator at AllClear and Letitia Smith, M.Sc. Content Manager at AllClear

The research was carried out by YouGov on behalf of AllClear on 26 October 2021 among a nat rep sample of 2,011 adults. The survey was conducted online.