What’s Hot 2012 - WHY...do we want to go there?

20th January 2012

This is part two of the Jet2.com and Jet2holidays travel trends report. The report examines the key travel trends for 2012 based on customer data and independent consumer research.

This instalment looks at why we are making our travel choices:

• Going local

Gone are the days of hunting for home comforts on our holidays – a good old English fry up is no longer the dish of the day.  Instead, keeping it real is a must, with 70% of open minded holidaymakers keen to seek out and sample local life - from savouring local tipples, fun at a fiesta, or sampling local delicacies in an authentic setting.  For many, the ideal beach and city break now means immersing yourself in the traditions of the country.

• The Olympic effect

As a summer of sport is set to thrill the nation, we asked what effect this will have on holiday plans for next year.   Surprisingly, despite all the hype around the Olympics at home, the thought of a summer of sport makes 64% want to escape to somewhere hot instead.

Nearly a quarter, however, are keen not to miss out on the action, so we’ve handpicked hotels in our popular summer hotspots that will be screening and embracing both the games and Euro 2012 for football fans.

Inspired by the sporting prowess being showcased in 2012, we’re expecting to see a surge in bookings to hotels with good sports facilities such as La Manga Club in Murcia.

• The perfect tonic

Despite the gloomy economic outlook, determined holidaymakers are doing whatever it takes to make sure they don’t miss out on their hard earned trip.  In fact, 28% say a holiday is vital to their health and wellbeing.  Almost a third are willing to compromise on the length and even the type of break, so long as they still get to jet away.  A quarter admitted that they’d happily sacrifice other treats throughout the year for the promise of a foreign escape.

It seems a little bit of what you fancy really does do you good too, as indulging in some added luxury, with plenty of pampering on hand, is high on the agenda this year.  Double the amount of holidaymakers are opting for a budget busting trip than last year and we’ve seen a giant leap in the number of bookings for our 5 star hotels.  With 17% preferring the finer things in life, including luxurious rooms with private pools, Jacuzzi baths and in-room beauty treatments, our  ‘Indulgent Escapes’ holidays are proving too good to resist and are providing the perfect tonic to our winter and financial blues.

If you need to know why to book now then consider the current Jet2holidays offer of £100 off per booking for bookings made before 29 February this year. With just £60 deposit it won’t break the bank to book your summer break and give yourself something to look forward to.