The pandemic has triggered greater demand for lengthier holidays of more than ten nights, according to a poll by GlobalData.
The data and analytics company noted that, with accidental savers on the rise and working from home making longer trips a possibility, extended vacations look set to boom post-pandemic.
The possibility to work from anywhere could improve the attractiveness of an extended holiday, says GlobalData
A live GlobalData poll of 602 respondents revealed that over one in four (26 per cent) of respondents now prefer to take a leisure trip of ten-plus nights – the second-most popular length of trip behind stays of between four and six nights (28 per cent).
Gus Gardner, associate travel and tourism analyst at GlobalData, commented: “Many travellers are desperate to escape their lockdown locations and need a change of scenery. A lengthier trip gives the optimal amount of time to switch off and reset, which is likely to be driving the increase in demand.
“Furthermore, GlobalData analysis showed that in 2019, the average trip length was 4.45 days for domestic and 9.22 days for international trips, revealing demand for longer stays has risen considerably since the pandemic began.”
GlobalData noted that while some consumers have experienced a strain on their finances, others have become accidental savers due to less opportunity for recreational spending and reduced expenditure on commuting. These inflated funds may have contributed to the increased desire for longer stays, it added.
Gardner continued: “Travellers who have seen a considerable increase in savings are more likely to splash out on longer stays. Adding an additional night onto a trip generally results in the average cost per night decreasing, meaning the increased cost of a longer stay is minimal. Therefore, those with higher travel budgets will easily be swayed by the prospect of a longer holiday. The pandemic has fuelled the desire to travel and make up for lost time – longer stays are a great way to do this.”
The rise of remote working, which could potentially change the way people travel, has also added to the appeal of an extended holiday.
Gardner added: “The pandemic has accelerated the work from home model, and the tourism industry could benefit. Those that are working from home, especially independent remote workers on a higher salary, no longer require a fixed location and only need somewhere quiet with internet. This new working model, which seems set to stay for some time, could further increase the desire to blend a traditional holiday with a ‘workcation’.
“For those seeking a different location, they may look to book a longer holiday, utilising some annual leave, whilst working remotely for the remaining days to maximise trip length. This new type of traveller could benefit accommodation sharing providers who can offer a home away from home.”
The pandemic has triggered greater demand for lengthier holidays of more than ten nights, according to a poll by GlobalData.
The data and analytics company noted that, with accidental savers on the rise and working from home making longer trips a possibility, extended vacations look set to boom post-pandemic.
A live GlobalData poll of 602 respondents revealed that over one in four (26 per cent) of respondents now prefer to take a leisure trip of ten-plus nights – the second-most popular length of trip behind stays of between four and six nights (28 per cent).
Gus Gardner, associate travel and tourism analyst at GlobalData, commented: “Many travellers are desperate to escape their lockdown locations and need a change of scenery. A lengthier trip gives the optimal amount of time to switch off and reset, which is likely to be driving the increase in demand.
“Furthermore, GlobalData analysis showed that in 2019, the average trip length was 4.45 days for domestic and 9.22 days for international trips, revealing demand for longer stays has risen considerably since the pandemic began.”
GlobalData noted that while some consumers have experienced a strain on their finances, others have become accidental savers due to less opportunity for recreational spending and reduced expenditure on commuting. These inflated funds may have contributed to the increased desire for longer stays, it added.
Gardner continued: “Travellers who have seen a considerable increase in savings are more likely to splash out on longer stays. Adding an additional night onto a trip generally results in the average cost per night decreasing, meaning the increased cost of a longer stay is minimal. Therefore, those with higher travel budgets will easily be swayed by the prospect of a longer holiday. The pandemic has fuelled the desire to travel and make up for lost time – longer stays are a great way to do this.”
The rise of remote working, which could potentially change the way people travel, has also added to the appeal of an extended holiday.
Gardner added: “The pandemic has accelerated the work from home model, and the tourism industry could benefit. Those that are working from home, especially independent remote workers on a higher salary, no longer require a fixed location and only need somewhere quiet with internet. This new working model, which seems set to stay for some time, could further increase the desire to blend a traditional holiday with a ‘workcation’.
“For those seeking a different location, they may look to book a longer holiday, utilising some annual leave, whilst working remotely for the remaining days to maximise trip length. This new type of traveller could benefit accommodation sharing providers who can offer a home away from home.”