A new study from ATOL has found that us Brits are creatures of habit, returning to the same destination for our holiday each year.
Donning the term ‘returnerism’, the research revealed that UK holidaymakers visit the same resort four times, and more than 10 per cent of us will return to the same spot 10 or more times.
These holiday goers are also becoming more and more familiar with their destination, so much so they put their own holiday together, instead of going through a travel company.
Commenting on the study, Head of ATOL, Andy Cohen said: “Our research shows that many of us in the UK are creatures of habit who love the comfort of taking our well-earned summer breaks in familiar surroundings that we know inside out.”
The study showed that 40 per cent of ‘returners’ are booking their own flights, hotel and transfers independently, but most people are not realising this ‘DIY approach’ to booking holidays is not ATOL protected.
“If you book a ‘DIY’ holiday in this way you will not be ATOL protected – losing out on that important protection for your holiday and money if something happens to the companies you book with,” Andy added.
Booking an ATOL protected holiday through a UK travel company means you are protected even if the company ceases trading, so by booking your holiday separately could be putting your money at risk if one of the companies you book with goes bust.
And you don’t want you wasting all that hard earned cash you’ve been saving now do you?
Andy further commented saying that it is important all holidaymakers check for ATOL protection, so you won’t have to worry if anything goes wrong: “So even when people know their destination really well, it’s important to remember to pack peace of mind when booking, by checking for ATOL protection.”
So what are the top destinations British people like to return to?
Well, the most popular destination is Spain, with The Canary Islands, The Balearic Islands, Costa del Sol and Benidorm, all featuring in the top 10! Spain has topped the holiday destination charts for the past 25 years with over 30 million people travelling to and from the sunny spot each year.
However, it’s not just short haul destinations UK holidaymakers are returning to, places like Orlando and California also feature in the top 10...
The top 10 places Brits return to are:
As well as returning to the same resort, the study also revealed that we like to follow tradition and book the same accommodation and dining too.
Almost a third admitted to booking the same hotel, and almost 10 per cent try to book the same room too! As well as this, a third of tourists like to dine at the same restaurant and over a quarter of us will go to the same pub or bar every trip.
For more information about ATOL protection, click here.
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Do you return to the same holiday destination every year?
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