The Prime Minister's roadmap out of Covid-19 outlined the possibility of holidays in April and foreign travel in May: a relief for the 82% of Brits who believe inability to travel is the worst part of the pandemic. This is according to a survey from global accommodation search platform trivago, exploring how consumers are planning, dreaming and considering travel in 2021. With the four-step plan set out last night, Britons are set to embark on domestic breaks in just two months' time and may even be able to travel abroad for the summer holidays. This announcement comes as 2 in 5 adults in the UK have so much pent up desire to travel that they would sacrifice sex for a year in exchange for an immediate getaway.   

The consumer omnibus survey, conducted in January, polled more than 1,000 adults in the UK (alongside 1,000 in the US). The results reveal significant desires to travel, including what consumers would give up, what they'd like to do and where they'd like to go, as well as why they'd like to get back on the road.

Our pent-up travel desire is reaching a peak

More than 80% of those surveyed somewhat or strongly agree that travel is a part of a well-rounded life. Most of us feel that being prevented from travelling freely is one of the worst aspects of the pandemic (UK, 82%) and that because of the pandemic this is the most they've ever felt like traveling (UK, 61%).

Brits would give up romantic lust in return for wanderlust

Thinking about their first trip after the pandemic, majorities say it makes them feel “excited” (UK, 54%) and/or “happy” (UK, 52%). In fact, we're so desperate to travel, 25% of both Britons and Americans say they'd give up all their savings to do it now, and around two-fifths (UK, 40%) say they'd give up sex for a year to get on the road right away. One in five said they would give up their partner to travel now, and even more telling, nearly half would give up their job (UK, 41%). It's clear that travel plays a massive role in our lives and overall happiness.

The definition of a dream holiday has changed

The typical idea of a big trip or vacation – planned ahead and saved for – is becoming obsolete with travel restrictions and the ability to plan ahead all but impossible. In addition, the isolation and distance of lockdowns has changed the dynamic of dream vacations as we think of them. The #1 choice for Brits (and indeed Americans) for their “dream vacation” was the chance to spend “time with the family and friends I've missed” (34%), with this particularly high with seniors in each country (47%).

New hobbies lead to new holiday inspiration

Increasingly, we see emotional wellbeing as another driver for travel and the need to get away. When they do travel, respondents appear likely to incorporate new interests – more than half (UK, 56%) say they've picked up a new hobby since the start of the pandemic, with most who've done so expressing surprise at their newfound passion. The vast majority of those (UK, 64%) think it's at least somewhat likely they'll pick a vacation connected to the new hobby once the pandemic ends.

Given all this, a travel boom post-pandemic is likely as consumers strive to make up for lost time.

Overall, travelling again is inevitable. More than 4 in 5 of the respondents (UK, 87%) see travel as fundamental to a good life and two-thirds or more (UK, 66%) say they plan to travel even more than they have in the past once the pandemic ends.

To learn more, visit trivago.com.

About trivago
trivago is a leading global hotel search platform focused on reshaping the way travelers search for and compare hotels and alternative accommodations. Incorporated in 2005 in Düsseldorf, Germany, the platform allows travelers to make informed decisions by personalizing their hotel search and providing them access to a deep supply of hotel information and prices. trivago enables its advertisers to grow their businesses by providing access to a broad audience of travelers via its websites and apps. As of March 31, 2020, trivago has established 54 localized platforms connected to over 4.5 million hotels and alternative accommodations, in over 190 countries.


Media Contact:
Stephanie Lowenthal
stephanie.lowenthal@trivago.com

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