Take care of your cash
The British love affair with an annual holiday in the sun is still as strong as ever despite the current economic climate, according to new research published by leading UK holiday firms Thomson and First Choice.
Whilst consumer confidence in the high street has forced many retailers to launch their sales early, data released today shows that consumers remain committed to taking their annual holidays.
Highlighting the importance of the annual summer holiday, a staggering 88% of those questioned stated they would cut back in other areas such as eating out and home improvement, rather than cutting back on their holidays. 59% said that even if they had to cut back on spending, their main annual holiday would be the last thing they would give up.
Financial protection of holidays is also high on the agenda. Before the collapse of XL, 50% of those asked thought their money was financially protected if they booked direct with a scheduled airline.
Asking the same question this week, it appears the message about financial protection is starting to get through, with 76% knowing their money is not protected when they book a scheduled flight direct with the airline.
However that means 24% of those asked still think that in the same scenario their money is protected. Assuming the survey reflects the views of holidaymakers nationwide, thousands of people are booking travel arrangements, without knowing their money is at risk.
So why do so many people take risks when it comes to booking their holidays? This video, which features Francis Tuke from ABTA and Tim Williamson from Thomson, addresses the situation, and also give tips for getting a value holiday in 2009.