A poll of 2,000 adults shows that Brits are planning to make up for lost time with their loved ones by taking extended family with them on their next holiday.
The study by One Poll on behalf of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays found that hardly seeing their nearest and dearest during the past 12 months has left 68 per cent champing at the bit to do something special with them.
And 41 per cent see a bumper family holiday as the perfect way to do this – hoping to take as many as five loved ones away with them in addition to their immediate family, with grandparents, aunties and uncles the most likely companions.
It also emerged nearly half (40 per cent) of those polled believe their families have never needed a holiday more than they do now.
A spokesman for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Spending quality time with family is incredibly special and something many people haven’t been able to do this past year. Quality time with loved ones -somewhere away from the same four walls – is what people are looking forward to more than anything.
“There certainly won’t be a shortage of things to catch-up on and while this past year has been incredibly challenging, families are clearly looking forward to enjoying an extra special break together and creating some fantastic memories.”
The study also found 54 per cent of adults had a holiday booked last year which was cancelled.
As a result of missing out, six in 10 intend to spend ‘more’ than they normally would on their next getaway – to ensure their long-awaited break doesn’t disappoint.
One in 10 will push the boat out by staying in a higher class of accommodation than they might normally.
The same number will make the most of their break by going away for a longer period of time.
And 12 per cent will go somewhere they’ve always dreamt of visiting for the first time – with Greece, Turkey and Portugal top of the list of destinations.
However, the study carried out through OnePoll found consumers won’t be spending their money blindly.
More than half (54 per cent) will be seeking out holidays which ensure they get great value for money during their belated break.
Most said they will be looking for a package holiday with ABTA and ATOL protection and 32 per cent will be checking the refund policy of their chosen travel operator very closely.
A spokesman for Jet2holidays said: “Understandably consumers want certain assurances before they commit to that next all-important holiday. “As such, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to look after our customers, and that’s a responsibility we take very seriously. It is clear to see from the recent surge in bookings that customers want nothing more than to get away and many will be making their next holiday bigger and better”.
