Britons relying on promise of future holidays to get them through lockdown, study says

A study of 2,000 adults found 56 per cent are using their future holiday plans to keep them going

Many will enjoy a staycation in Blackpool this summer (Getty Images)

Brits are relying on the thought of holidays to get them through lockdown, with a third planning to take more trips than ever when restrictions are lifted to make up for lost time.

A study of 2,000 adults found 56 per cent are using their future holiday plans to keep them going.

And seven in 10 have even created a ‘bucket list’ of the places they want to go and the experiences they want to have as soon as they can travel again.

Half of those polled (49 per cent) feel the pandemic and travel restrictions have actually made them more open to trying new things in the future.

When it comes to travel, exploring a new location (49 per cent) and trying new activities which will take them out of their comfort zone (29 per cent) are among the things Brits are most looking forward to.

But 54 per cent can’t wait to spend time with friends and family on holiday, 45 per cent are just eager to leave their home and one in 10 simply want to be able to use their annual leave.

Graham Donoghue, chief executive of Sykes Holiday Cottages, which commissioned the research, said: “We all need something to look forward to, and for a lot of people a holiday is top of the list.

“This wanderlust seems to be one of the main things pulling us through the months ahead.

"Brits also seem more open than ever to new experiences that they perhaps wouldn’t have considered before the pandemic.”

The study found that eating out and day trips to the city and countryside were among the other experiences people are most looking forward to after the pandemic.

But despite the excitement for holidays, 41 per cent don’t think foreign travel will be able to go ahead this year.

More than a third (36 per cent) are already planning a staycation for this year instead, with 68 per cent even considering a holiday somewhere within their own county.

In fact, 55 per cent of those who took a staycation last year no longer feel they need to travel as far for holidays as they enjoyed it so much.  

The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found half of adults are likely to take more weekend trips and short breaks instead of longer ones later in 2021.

And on average, Brits are planning three breaks in the 12 months after travel restrictions are lifted.

Graham Donoghue added: “We haven’t been able to travel abroad for so long now, and within that time it seems people have found a new appreciation for the UK and all it has to offer.

“Our attitudes towards holidaying have shifted and it’s great to see that more of us are planning to stay closer to home in the future.”

The top 30 things Brits are looking forward to post pandemic are:

1. Going to a restaurant

2. Visiting a relatives’ house

3. Visiting a friends’ house

4. Giving someone a hug

5. Having a drink with a friend

6. Going to the beach

7. Going to the pub

8. Going to a coffee shop

9. Taking a trip with all the family

10. Taking city trips

11. Going to the hairdressers

12. Sitting in someone's back garden

13. Taking a trip with friends

14. Going to the countryside

15. Going to the cinema

16. Going to a shopping centre

17. Going to the theatre

18. Going to a music concert

19. Visiting a museum

20. Going for a pleasure drive

21. Having a long walk

22. Going to the park

23. Having a party

24. Attending sporting events

25. Going to the spa

26. Visiting art galleries

27. Going to the gym

28. Going to amusement parks

29. Time off work

30. Going camping