- Britons are battling the worst cost-of-living crisis since the 1970s with energy, water, council tax, food, travel and more costs on the rise
- New YouGov research commissioned by loyalty programme Wyndham Rewards shows more than one third (38%) of respondents would dip into their savings to make holidays happen this year, as the long-waited post-lockdown travel boom is here despite the rising cost of livin
- Alice Beer reveals seven money-saving tips to help holidaymakers make the best of their travel budget in the UK and abroad
Millions of British households are facing a cost-of-living crisis with day-to-day costs rising at rates that haven’t been seen since the 1970s. With high inflation levels and increasing demand, going on holiday this summer is also becoming more expensive for many.
Despite the increasing cost-of-living, according to a new YouGov* research online survey commissioned by loyalty programme Wyndham Rewards, 38% of respondents are still willing to dip into their savings to be able to go on holiday this year, showing that a long-awaited post-lockdown break is more important than ever. 39% of respondents also expect to spend more on their holidays this year than pre-Covid. While Brits recognise that they find it difficult to set a realistic budget for their holidays and stick to it (32%, increasing to 43% for respondents aged 25-44), 38% of those who go on holiday said they prioritise work and family commitments, rather than spending time planning their trips within the budget.
Alice Beer says: “With the cost-of-living skyrocketing, being money savvy has never been more important. Saving doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, we overlook small but very important things that can make the biggest difference when planning your holiday. There are many easy ways to keep the costs down and make sure you can enjoy that well deserved holiday:
- Book as far in advance as possible – Last minute bookings are not as cheap as they used to be.
- Put the trip cancellation date in your diary – Ensure you know the cancellation terms and put the date your trip can be cancelled by in your diary. Then if your plans change, or you find something better, you can change your booking.
- Browse destinations where you can get more for your money –The accommodation is only part of the cost, consider the price of meals, activities and treats when you get there. Destinations such as Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Germany offer great value.
- Savings can add up if you are part of a hotel loyalty scheme – You will be the first to hear about flash sales and can get great perks ranging from special ‘member rates’ to early check-ins, late check-outs and room upgrades.
- Collect loyalty points when staying in budget-friendly hotels – You can save these points towards a free stay in the future. Loyalty Programmes are global, so a staycation, trip to visit family, or a business trip can all help you earn points towards a fabulous holiday abroad.
- For group travel, look at branded residences or apart-hotels – These accommodation types provide the facilities and amenities of a hotel and the confidence of staying with a well-known brand. At the same time, they usually work out cheaper per person and give you the freedom that comes with larger accommodation and kitchen facilities, so you can save on eating out.
- Once you have found quotes online, book directly on the hotel website – Large booking sites often charge a commission on the price and the hotel can sometimes offer you a better rate when you book direct, some hotels also provide upgrades, free drinks or other service perks if you book directly through their website or mobile apps giving you more value for your money. Hotel brand websites will also show you rates across their different properties, so if your destination is flexible you can search for the best deal for your budget whilst staying with the brand you know and trust.”
When it comes to saving on hotel bookings, the results of the survey paint a mixed picture. More than one third (34%) of Britons who go on holiday prefer to save on hotels and use the money for other activities, with almost 49% of all respondents browsing online price comparison tools or travel agents (20%) when asked their top two methods to find the best deals. However, only 37% check directly on hotels’ websites to find the best deals. What is more, while many respondents find loyalty perks like discounted room rates (55%) and free hotel stays (46%) attractive, but only 20% actively use hotel loyalty programmes and associated benefits.
Julie White, Vice President Commercial, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa EMEA, commented: “Despite a challenging economic climate, after two years of missed holidays people are eager to make their summer trip work. Our industry is resilient, and it is our priority to help people get the holidays they deserve. Loyalty schemes such as Wyndham Rewards can bring significant savings, especially if you use them over time. From exclusive members’ discounts, flexible cancellation policies, ability to use points for hotels, as well as many high-street brands, there are many easy ways to make the most out of your trips. Being savvy with your booking can make all the difference and we hope Alice’s tips will help travellers make the most of their holidays this summer and beyond.”
Wyndham hotels around the world participate in Wyndham Rewards, the world’s most generous hotel rewards programme with thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals worldwide. The award-winning programme gives more than 94 million members globally generous points earning and redemption options, including free nights at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally.