More Brits favouring shoulder season travel over peak periods
Ilaria Grasso MacolaMore Brits are choosing cheaper prices over the hottest weather by travelling during shoulder seasons, new data from TravelSupermarket has revealed, as holidaymakers continue to seek value during the cost of living squeeze.
TravelSupermarket’s 2024 Pulse Report shows that the five most commonly booked departure dates last year were during the autumn period when holidays and air fares are typically cheaper.
The summer school holiday period, though, remains the most sought-after window, with the last week of the holidays – 24-30 August – currently offering the best value for summer breaks, according to the price comparison site.
Over the past two years, Brussels has held the crown for the cheapest city break at £293.35pp for a three-night stay, while Florida has proved the best-value long-haul destination, with a seven-night stay coming in at just over £1,000pp.
The report’s author Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, said there had, however, been a shift in the cheapest short- and mid-haul destinations, with Tunisia supplanting the Costa Brava.
According to TravelSupermarket, a seven-night all-inclusive stay in Tunisia is averaging £485.17pp. Morocco and Egypt also rank among the top 10 cheapest destinations for all-inclusive breaks.
Tenerife, though, has retained its place as the most sought-after getaway for Brits, topping the most-searched and most-booked holiday destination charts in both 2023 and 2024.
“As well as 300km of coastline with fabulous beaches, great restaurants and accommodation ranging from terrific value all-inclusive hotels to exclusive five-stars, Tenerife also boasts the highest peak in Spain, which lends itself to all types of adventurous activities, from star gazing to mountain biking,” said Webber.
He added: “As a UK anomaly, the Antalya area of Turkey was the most-compared destination for people flying from London in 2023.”
Meanwhile, Kos saw the most growth in terms of searches, with enquiries going up 129% year-on-year.
"Tenerife is not far behind, but all the larger Canary Islands feature in the top 10,” Webber continued. “There have also been notable increases for Malta and Tunisia too. With new flights to Tivat, Montenegro was also a major growth area.”
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