British holidaymakers book at least three months in advance and continue to opt for packages, according to a new study
Brits book three months in advance, and still opt for packages
British holidaymakers book at least three months in advance and continue to opt for packages, according to a new study.
The Expedia Travel Bookings Report, based on search and booking data across 19 Expedia sites worldwide, found that 16 per cent of people book online on Monday, particularly between 19.00-21.00.
Only one in ten wait until the weekend and book on a Saturday, while Sunday is the quietest day for activity on the site.
British travellers opt for value by aiming to get the most luxurious break for the best price.
While 40 per cent of hotel bookings are to four-star properties, people saved a total of £40 million by booking hotel and flight packages on Expedia.co.uk last year, the company claimed.
Denmark and Germany are equally cost-conscious, habitually booking the best deals and spend around 20 per cent less than the average Briton on flight and hotel packages
The four-day Easter period is fast becoming the busiest weekend to travel behind the late August peak.
More than half the 20 most popular places to book are in Europe and include Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Dublin. This trend is likely to grow with the current improvement in the euro exchange rate.
UK destinations make up just under a quarter of the top 20, with London, Manchester and Edinburgh all making the list.
Long haul locations such as New York, Las Vegas and Singapore make up the remaining quarter of the UK’s favourite places to visit.
Expedia EMEA vice president Mikael Andersson said: “The British have proved themselves as a nation of planners, with more than half meticulously securing their holidays well in advance with one in ten even going so far as to pre-book a space in the airport car park.
“True to form, our German neighbours also take a considered approach, booking well in advance in order to take full advantage of online deals.
“Meanwhile, the French and Italians have a more laid-back attitude to buying their breaks, preferring an expensive last minute get-away to spoil themselves.”
