Most Brits say that major changes in Europe will not stop them from travelling in the region
Latest research from the travel search engine KAYAK.co.uk gives insights on how Brits feel about travelling in Europe
- Nine out of ten Brits still want to visit other European countries, with sightseeing (35%), the most commonly cited factor inspiring travel – But 10% insist there is ‘nothing they like’ about the rest of Europe
- Italy is the favourite European destination for holidays amongst Brits – followed by staycations in the UK, with Spain in third
- 34% of Brits say they have no friends from another European country, but 58% say they have made new friendships thanks to European travel
London – May 30th 2017: The last twelve months have seen many developments when it comes to Brits’ relationship with Europe. But data from KAYAK.co.uk, examining the current feelings of British people regarding European travel, reveals that though tensions do exist, travel continues to help break down borders. According to the study, 76% of Britons feel that travel ‘helps to break down barriers’ – with 39% of those asked claiming it was one of the ‘most important ways’ to do so
This study supports the launch (from June 6th) of a new KAYAK campaign called ‘Love Letters’, which aims to illustrate the power of travel to open people’s minds and bring them together, with videos and a dedicated hashtag, #loveurope
The feeling that travel ‘breaks down barriers’ was felt strongest amongst younger respondents, with 59% of 18-24 year olds compared to just 33% of 55-64 year olds agreeing with the statement. On the other side, 15% of Brits questioned said travel made no difference in increasing tolerance – an answer given by 19% of 55-64 year olds compared with just 4% of 18-24 year olds.
Furthermore, Britons as a whole also rejected the notion that major political or economical upheaval would change the way they thought about travel, with 47% of respondents saying that such a situation would make no impact at all on their travel plans, more than said it would make them more (6%) or less (24%) likely or enthusiastic to visit a particular country.
When asked about the feelings they have experienced while travelling abroad, most British people (51%) said they like to experience new things, while 40% were also curious to discover new cultures and countries. Thirty-two per cent said they were inspired to visit more places in the future. Travelling also helps to build friendships: although 34% of Britons say they don’t have any friends from other European countries, significantly more than in Italy (7%), Germany (10%), Spain (14%) or France (16%), more than half of British people (58%) said they had made new friendships while travelling in Europe, while only 14% were uninterested in making new friends.
Which country do Britons most like to visit? The top country cited was Italy (15%). Trips around the UK were the second most popular, receiving 11%, while perennial favourite Spain was the third choice, with 8% of respondents.
The top reason given by British people for travelling abroad was to do sightseeing (35%), followed by relaxation and a break from work (24%). A vocal minority (10%) claimed to see ‘nothing’ to like about other European countries – this was a response mainly given by those of the older generation (14% of 55-64 year olds compared with 7% of 18-24 year olds)
Suzanne Perry – travel expert at KAYAK, comments: “KAYAK empowers people to travel and to discover new places. Looking at the current fragile state of Europe, we feel more so than ever before that travel is one of the most important ways to bring people together, to learn from each other, and become kinder and better connected. With the Love Letter campaigns we aim to showcase some of the amazing experiences and friendships that have been created as a result of travel through Europe – this is all about solidarity.”
The Love Letters campaign starts the week of June 6th – KAYAK.co.uk will be collecting and showcasing Love Letters videos from any traveller to a European country of their choosing. The love letters must be posted on public mode on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #loveurope. The promotion will also see the participation of influencers and celebrities who have benefited from their experiences travelling throughout Europe. Bespoke booths made to record these love letters will also be available in London at Observation Point on June 8th and 9th, Berlin on June 23-25 at the Sony Center, Madrid at Atocha Station (outside the AVE arrivals hall, next to the Antonio Lopez sculptures) on June 16-18 , and in Paris at the Centre Pompidou Square on June 11th and 12th. A selection of videos and more information are showcased here: www.kayak.co.uk/loveletters
Note to editors:
Research conducted by Opinium for KAYAK between 28 April – 03 May 2017 and amongst 1,000 UK adults (online interviews). The samples have been weighted to reflect a nationally representative audience.
ABOUT KAYAK
KAYAK is the world’s leading travel search engine. KAYAK searches other travel sites and shows travellers the information they need to find the right flights, hotels, hire cars and holiday packages. The company’s website and apps also offer tools to help travellers plan and manage their trip, including price alerts, price forecasts and free itinerary management. KAYAK processes 1.5 billion annual searches for travel information and operates more than 40 international sites in 20 languages. KAYAK is an independently managed subsidiary of The Priceline Group.
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