Lounging on the beach is set to play second fiddle to adventuring in the countryside for British tourists when they next go on holiday, research has revealed. A survey of 2,000 UK adults found 67 per cent have spent too much of the past 12 months sitting and laying around doing nothing.
As a result, if they’re given the chance to get away, more than a third want to avoid sunbathing in the sand and do something more adventurous instead.
Almost one third (32%) would like to see the Northern Lights, but the most popular holiday activity that Brits long for this year is to explore the countryside on a walking adventure. More than half (56%) want to go somewhere on holiday where they can take photographs of stunning scenery – while 55% would like to visit a new country.
The survey, by Icelandair, also found more than half of respondents want to go abroad on holiday this year – with 37% of these having booked a trip already. But 79% are worried about booking a holiday in case it gets cancelled – something just 27% were ever worried about prior to Covid.
Bogi Nils, CEO of Icelandair said: “After being restricted by the virus, there are signs that better days are on the horizon, giving people the opportunity to get out and enjoy themselves on a well-earned adventure once more.”
The study also found 29% of those polled have drawn up a list of locations to visit because of the pandemic. And a quarter have put together a list of adventures they’d like to undertake. However, the pandemic has changed the priorities for booking trips away.
The ability to postpone a holiday without charge is now more important than the hotel, food, drink and attractions at the destination. Being able to get a refund is as important as the weather, while being able to postpone without charge is now four times more important than it was before the pandemic.
Almost three quarters (72%) also said they will not book a holiday this year if there is a possibility that they can’t cancel it or postpone it without being charged.
Overall, six in 10 of those polled via OnePoll admitted they didn’t fully appreciate how important it was to go away until the Covid outbreak curtailed freedoms last year. And more than two thirds (69%) say the last 12 months have made them want to experience more in life.
Top things to do on a holiday post-covid
- Walking in the countryside
- Visit castles and other historic buildings
- Beach lounging
- See the Northern Lights
- Swimming pool lounging
- Boat trip
- Visit museums
- Whale watching
- Visit a rainforest
- Visit a theme park
- Safari /exotic animal spotting
- See a volcano
- Climb a mountain
- Watch a geyser erupt
- Cycling
- Zip wire
- Rafting / Kayaking
- Visit a desert
- Cave exploration
- Off-road driving
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