Six-fold increase in number of people that think beach holidays will be safe by September

Last updated on June 28th, 2023 at 09:19 am

New research from AllClear Travel Insurance finds that six-times more people in the UK say they would now feel safe going abroad on a beach holiday in the next six months compared to how they felt on the eve of the second lockdown in October 2020 (30% up from 5%).

With news of Portugal moving onto the amber list, AllClear Travel Insurance asked a representative sample size of 2,016 UK residents in what time frame would they feel comfortable going on different types of holidays in the next six months, as a measure of confidence British families have in safe travel overseas.

The results found that for every single type of holiday, the proportion of Britons who now say they would feel comfortable going away within the next 6 months almost doubled since the second lockdown last year.

Percentage of people that believe it will be safe to go on a range of holidays within six months

Huge demand for people to have an overseas holiday this summer

The new findings follow AllClear data which revealed that almost three quarters of British families (72%) are well aware of the risk of taking an overseas trip and that almost half (45%) still intend to travel – and to do so safely. Now AllClear finds that the proportion of people who said that they would feel safe on a secluded villa holiday doubled from 20% to 40% since October 2020.

Further the amount of people keen to take an Airbnb trip in the next 6 months also more than doubled from 14% to 35% – and the proportion of people wanting to visit their second home this summer jumped from 16% to 41%. These holiday types are all ones that are able to facilitate the safest practice whilst overseas.

The Government’s advice for people to holiday at home, fails to take into account the huge pent-up demand for people to have an overseas holiday this summer, and the confusion and mixed messages that could have a lasting, long-term damaging impact on the travel sector.

AllClear also asked people which destinations they thought would be the safest to visit within the next year and Southern Europe emerged as the top for the ultimate risk-free holiday within the next 6 months (31%).

Despite almost all of the countries within Southern Europe still staying on the amber list for Brits, countries such as Turkey have taken matters into their own hands and have said they will allow any double vaccinated holidaymaker across their borders.

People believe they can travel abroad safely

The research suggests that if European countries are put on the green list by the time schools break up in July, the country could witness a mass exodus as families clamour to take advantage of last-minute deals. People believe they can travel abroad safely, they will pay extra to do so and with the majority of the adult population now double-vaccinated, many adults believe they can travel safely abroad before the summer is over.

CEO of AllClear Travel Insurance Chris Rolland comments: “Once again we find ourselves at a standstill for the travel industry. Summer holidays should not be viewed as frivolous fun. As attention turns to rebuilding the economy, and millions of people gear up for a return to the workplace, for many people a summer holiday has a vital wellbeing role to play – allowing families to have quality time together, to see loved ones and to rebuild their confidence in leaving the home. We all fully understand the key importance of safety, but the point the decision-makers seem to have missed is the vast majority of those that want or need to travel overseas this summer fully intend to do so safely. Our tracking research of consumer attitudes to travel during the length of the pandemic clearly shows that those that want to travel are happy to spend a lot more money to travel safely and they will do more research on how to travel in the safest possible way.”

“At AllClear we have a number of comprehensive policies that are available to keep the public safe on their staycations this summer and on their overseas trips once more clarity is shed on the position of the green, amber and red list.”

Planning to travel this summer?

If you’re one of the many seeking a sunny escape this summer, AllClear can help give you the confidence to travel safely

All AllClear branded policies include enhanced Covid cover, which has been rated ‘Superior’ by a leading independent UK Consumer Champion.  Our Covid cover is included for FREE so that you can travel with peace of mind.

We recommend that you check the FCDO website for the latest travel advice and entry requirements before booking a holiday or travelling abroad.

Author notes 

Research based on 2,016 UK residents, June 2021

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