The great escape: Brits to spend £4,487 on dream holidays after a year of lockdown

Last updated on June 28th, 2023 at 09:22 am

At a time when the guidelines on overseas travel are still up in the air, AllClear Travel Insurance asked a nationally representative sample of 2,016 people how the pandemic had affected their plans for overseas travel this year.

Lockdown created a bucket list mentality for many people

Two thirds (64%) of adults say Covid and lengthy lockdowns have made them rethink their holiday plans for the year ahead – with 20% looking to splash out on a holiday of a lifetime this summer.

The study found that the prolonged uncertainty and mandatory stay-at-home rules have created a bucket list mentality for many people who now want to get away this year – and make it one to remember.

Overall, 44% of respondents said it was now more important to see the places they wanted to see whilst they were still fit enough to do so, whilst almost one in five (18%) said they would now like to have a gap year or go travelling, to have an extended break from home and work. This figure rose to 36% for those aged under 25.

Post-lockdown confidence and confusion

Just 18% of respondents said that Covid had put them off travelling, as they weren’t confident to leave the house at this time and still needed time to readjust.

After much confusion over the advice on the green, amber red list compared to the FCDO advice, it seems that the people who have made the decision to have a holiday are planning to do so in style.

Overall, 29% of people are planning to spend up to £2,500 for their dream trip. With 1 in 10 people set to spend more than £10,000. The national average spend for a much-needed summer holiday abroad was nearly £4,500 (£4,487).

For the 50-64-year-olds, a quarter of respondents (26%) said that due to Covid and lengthy lockdowns it was now more important for them to see the world whilst they are still fit to do so and they said they would spend £3,219 on their dream holiday this summer. This compares to £3,174 for the over 65s.

People in the East of England were the most reluctant to travel with 22% saying that Covid had made them lose confidence in leaving their homes and that they needed time to adjust. Londoners were not far behind, with 18% saying the same thing. Despite almost one in five people from London saying they were reluctant to travel as a result of Covid – those Londoners that were planning a trip were set to spend the most – an average of £7,447.

AllClear’s commitment to travel safety

Chris Rolland, CEO of AllClear Travel Insurance comments “It’s about time British holidaymakers had much greater clarity on what they can do this summer. We all share a total commitment to safety – but as pubs, shops, concert venues and offices re-open, we must also be mindful of the huge importance holidays play for British families, their wellbeing and economic confidence. For many, having a holiday abroad is the thing that matters most this summer.”

“At AllClear we are in the business of making travel safe and we are market leaders in ensuring that people of all ages living with medical conditions can also enjoy the freedom of overseas travel, whilst being fully covered and supported. The travel sector has suffered more than most in the last year and it is clear from our research that holidaymakers are safety-conscious and will pay a premium to have a holiday that is Covid-secure and allows them to follow social distancing. We are all still awaiting clarity on when and where Brits can travel without restrictions – and, as and when this happens, AllClear will stand tall with British holidaymakers, ensuring each person is able to have the most enjoyable and risk-free holiday as possible.”

Considering a holiday this summer?

If you’re hoping to have a much-needed break this summer, AllClear can help.

So that you can travel with confidence, all of our AllClear branded policies include enhanced Covid cover, which has been rated ‘Superior’ by a leading independent UK Consumer Champion, giving you the reassurance you deserve.

Remember, before booing a holiday or travelling, check the FCDO website for the latest travel advice and entry requirements.

Author notes

The research was carried out by MaruBlue on behalf of AllClear Travel in April 2021. Statistics based on sample size was 2,016 adults (nationally representative).

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