Vrbo Family Travel 2022 – A place for together
The confident factor
The Brits have long been one of the world’s top travelling nations, whether by exploring our own country or venturing further afield. Despite all the turbulence of 2021, families in the UK are still confident that they will be able to take that longed-for trip away again in 2022.
Having survived the stresses and strains of the last year, they feel that they have well and truly earned a break this year and a massive 80% of UK families express confidence in their ability to get away.
To help give them that extra boost of confidence when booking, 40% of families feel that holiday companies and property owners should offer more flexible cancellation policies, with the lifting of travel restrictions highlighted by 35%.
Almost a third (31%) say that high vaccination rates in the UK as well as abroad would give them added assurance, with 26% quoting getting a third booster vaccination and 23% expressing a desire to have their younger children vaccinated.
With a show of sangfroid, 23% claim they are now used to travelling during the pandemic and are resolute in their determination to do so in 2022.
From dreams to reality
With the urge to travel sparking new ideas to discuss with the family, nearly half (47%) of UK families are giving a clear stay-at-home message by intending to take a summer break in the UK in 2022. Easter is the second favourite time to get away with 28%, while the extended May bank holiday including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations comes in third on 19%. A very positive 11% are already thinking ahead to next Christmas. Only 7% say they are not taking a domestic holiday this year. UK families are less confident when it comes to planning a summer holiday in Europe in 2022, with 36% stating that this is their intention. An Easter break is popular with 19%, followed again by the spring bank holiday on 15%. A more cautious 22% say that they are not contemplating crossing the channel at all.
When it comes to travelling further afield though, UK families are yet more circumspect, with 31% having no plans to travel outside Europe in 2022. Of those that do, the summer break is again the most popular choice on 28%, followed by Easter and the spring break tying on 14%.
There is no contest when deciding what type of holiday to have this summer – there is a clear winner and it is definitely a case of grabbing the bucket and spade, sunscreen and swimsuit, with 45% of UK families heading straight for the beach for the ultimate in relaxation. A city break is the first choice for 14%, while a trip to a farm or countryside is popular amongst 11%.
Rethinking family travel
The pandemic has certainly given us time and opportunity to re-examine our lives in some detail and perhaps redefine our priorities. Most families (85%) accept that various aspects of travelling have now changed, possibly forever and not necessarily for the best.
On the downside, 82% of families now believe that travelling requires more planning ahead than before and 78% have found that holidays are costing more, the same percentage who believe that health and safety protocols are with us for for the long term, if not permanently. More than half (57%) believe that travel is only easy for vaccinated holidaymakers.
On the other hand, 60% believe that sustainability is now a driving force when it comes to their travel decisions, as finding a way that tourism can be maintained long-term without harming natural and cultural environments has become more important to their families.
Removing some of the stress points from travel is now also key to 72% of families who make choosing destinations within driving distance of their home their first choice and 67% acknowledge the move to more contact-free travelling services, such as online check-in and automated payments.
Two-thirds (66%) consider that holiday rentals are a good choice for families and the same percentage agree that they also offer a safer way to travel.
Holding the purse strings
The pandemic has also brought an unexpected but welcome bonus to many lucky families in the form of lower spending, a scenario that almost three-quarters of UK families (74%) recognise. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as not being able to go out as much as before (32%), travelling less (29%) and having fewer restaurant meals (28%).
More than half of UK families (51%) plan to spend all or part of these savings on their family holiday in 2022. And where are they planning on going with this increased spending power?
Family very definitely comes first, with 45% saying that a destination with a great family offering and entertainment is their top priority, somewhere where the kids can let off steam such as amusement parks, zoos and adventure playgrounds. With the pandemic still very much in evidence, family wellbeing also plays an important role in the decision-making with 43% opting for a destination with high safety and health standards and 36% avoiding overcrowding.
Perhaps having had enough surprises over the last couple of years, 25% pick a destination they have visited before and 22% a language they can speak. Only 20% opt for the excitement and adventure – and potential uncertainty – of a new destination.
Following on from earlier findings, 22% would choose an eco-friendly destination that demonstrates a commitment to sustainability.
Fun facts
Anticipation is half the fun, they say, and getting ready for a holiday can be part of that fun. So what do UK families do in the run-up to the big getaway?
Prosaically, everyday matters seem to take priority with cleaning the home top of the agenda for 45% so that it’s tidy for their return, followed by getting a haircut for 34% and buying travel size toiletries for 27%.
There is more excitement elsewhere with a third of families (33%) buying new outfits, 28% downloading films, TV series, music and podcasts to help while away their relaxation time and 23% buying books and magazines for their loved ones.
The extended family is not forgotten as 22% meet the grandparents and other relatives to bid their fond farewells and 20% book a family dinner in a favourite restaurant, with 19% opting for a pizza in.
Looking through old holiday photos and reliving memories is the starting point for 16% of families.
Given the amount of planning and preparation, now that the big day is finally here, it is not really a surprise to find that more than three-quarters of UK families (77%) realise at the last minute, or perhaps too late, that they have forgotten to pack an important item for the holiday. Sound familiar?
These can range from practical objects such as a toothbrush or toothpaste (13%), insect repellent (8%) and sunscreen (8%) but also seemingly more important articles like a child’s favourite toy (7%), a nightlight (5%) and even underwear (4%).