On 11th February 2021, Original Travel issued a survey to its client database and social following to determine where, when, how and with whom people were planning to travel when they eventually could. The results issued, 11th March 2021, show that an overwhelming 63% of respondents hope to travel overseas for a summer holiday this year, if permitted, as going on holiday is the activity people have missed the most during lockdown (27%) coming in above eating out (22%) and going to a pub/bar (15%).  

Regarding where people are planning to visit on that all important first trip away, 54% answered with European destinations, with Greece, France and Scandinavia topping the charts. 18% answered with Asian destinations, 15% chose locations in the Americas and 13% opted for Africa & Middle East destinations.  

Regarding when people are likely to take this first trip away, the most popular outcome (28% of respondents) was to travel as soon as the non-essential travel ban is lifted and home quarantine restrictions are removed, whilst just 5% of respondents would hold off until the non-essential travel ban is lifted and their whole family is vaccinated. Additionally, 37% of respondents declared they had holiday allowance carried over from 2020 and, from this cohort, 40% of respondents shared that they had more than eight days to carry over into 2021. This confirms the expected rush for holidays this year with many respondents having the largest holiday allowance they have ever had and wanting to use it wisely as soon as permitted to do so.  

In terms of the type of trip respondents would like to take first, a beach holiday came out top with 35% of respondents opting for this. 20% would like to pursue a new hobby they have picked up in lockdown while away on holiday, with favourites including yoga/meditation, learning languages and photography. When asked for their destination preferences both pre- and post-pandemic, long haul remained the favourite with 38% of respondents saying they will still mainly travel long haul post the pandemic, which represented just a 6% drop from pre-pandemic.  

In terms of how people will travel in the future, there seems to be a clear shift of attitude with 53% of respondents saying the pandemic has changed the way they will travel in the future, while 34% admitted they will take travel less for granted. A hefty 81% of respondents admitted that they will make a concerted effort to get to know a destination better when they can get back to travelling, with many (30%) stating they will do this mainly by avoiding well-known places and seeking out lesser-known places. 

When asked who they are most looking forward to travelling with, a romantic getaway with a partner was the most popular with 42% of respondents opting for this, and an immediate family holiday taking the 2nd spot with 32% of respondents.  

Original Travel's Co-founder, Tom Barber, says: 'The results of the survey show a real determination from our clients for a return to travel as soon as possible. There is also clear evidence of people having pretty concrete ideas in place about where they want to go, when and with whom, which is all very encouraging. We are the high touch travel experts on all things Europe, so we're ready for the expected surge in European enquiries. We have long championed off-the-beaten-track destinations through our Undertourism campaign and can meet the increased demand for interacting with local people thanks to our network of in-destination Concierges who can help our clients get to know a destination better.' 

-Ends- 

For more information contact:  

press@originaltravel.co.uk  

020 3582 4990 

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Notes to Editors: 

The survey was completed by 210 respondents. The survey was sent in an email newsletter to all clients and also shared on Original Travel social channels. Please refer to attached PDF for full results. 

Original Travel curates customised itineraries, crafted by destination experts to 77 countries worldwide from Anguilla to Zimbabwe. Since its launch in 2003, it has created 50,000 itineraries, each unique and adhering to the company ethos that “Life is in the Detail”. 

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Original Travel launched a flexible pledge that allows clients to change their dates or destination up to 30 days prior to departure. For new bookings made between now and May 31st 2021, and for departures at any time, while clients still need to pay a 20% deposit at the time of booking, the final balance is not due until 30 days before travel (this is usually 60 days). We also offer clients the full flexibility to change the trip up to 30 days prior to departure. Clients can, for any reason, change their destination to any other, and to any date up until the end of 2021, and there will be no charge. For all bookings where we cannot fulfil the trip due to changes in travel restrictions, we will postpone the trip - again at no charge - to any departure date until the end of 2021, or offer credit against any future departure, or refund all monies paid.  

Original Travel is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd, who are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and who offer a brand new travel insurance policy that includes cover for cancellation or curtailment of a trip due to contracting coronavirus, or through being quarantined or refused permission to travel due to infection or suspected infection. This insurance policy is only valid for travel to countries where there is no FCDO advice against all but essential travel. Full details can be found on a new section on Original Travel's website, entitled 'Coronavirus Confidence'. 

Original Travel also has its own specialist dive division. Original Diving is the world's only luxury dive travel outfit and is staffed by a team that includes 1 dive instructor, 5 dive masters and a marine biologist. Having completed more than 3,000 dives in over 50 countries, equating to over 100 years' collective diving experience, the team pride themselves on their unparalleled expertise and knowledge of the best dive destinations across the globe. 

Original Travel clients enjoy a wealth of additional services they would not find with any other UK tour operator, including: 

• Access to a network of 70-plus Concierges who live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are extremely well-connected. They lend fantastic ground support, offering insider recommendations, facilitating any last-minute changes and troubleshooting.
• A brace of additional services designed to make departure easier than ever. Every Original Travel client, regardless of whether they're off on a long weekend to Seville, or a multi-destination sabbatical, will enjoy UK airport meet and greet, fast track UK check-in, fast track UK security*, lounge access and pre-booked flight seats. There are alsoupgradeoptions to include: a luggage transfer service from your home to the airport; fast track check-in and security and lounge access on your flight home; fast track through immigration on your return to the UK. 
• The knowledge that not only will Original Travel offset the carbon footprint of their international flights, but also - in an industry-first - car-hire and other flights (even if booked independently).
• The knowledge that they are contributing to Our Foundation, which supports nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 developing countries. To date, nearly £800,000 has been invested to support five key areas: child protection, vocational training, economic development assistance, preservation of cultural and natural heritage and safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples.