We’re all going on a virtual holiday

UK holidaymakers are making the most of their breaks during the credit crunch by using the net to take a ‘virtual rehearsal’ before they leave, according to Post Office Broadband.

A new study out today showed that despite the credit crunch, 64 per cent of holidaymakers have or are still planning to take a holiday this year, and over three quarters (77 per cent) of UK internet users said that they use the net to research the holiday they’ve booked before they leave.

The top topics people research about their holidays before they leave are:

Weather – 56 per cent
Accommodation – 49 per cent
Resort – 47 per cent
Maps / location – 45 per cent
Reviews by other travellers – 38 per cent
Currency exchange rates – 37 per cent

Scots were revealed to be the most interested in the culinary delights of their destination, with 38 per cent researching restaurants, compared to a national average of only 27 per cent. Londoners, however, were the most interested in how to spend that holiday cash, with almost a quarter (24 per cent) researching the shopping delights that await them, compared to 18 per cent nationally.

Stewart Fox-Mills, head of broadband at the Post Office, said: “With budgets for luxuries squeezed, UK residents seem to be making sure they enjoy every minute of their well-earned break during the credit crunch by taking a ‘virtual rehearsal’ and exploring their destination online before they go.
“Broadband technology has made it really easy for people to research practically every aspect of their holiday destinations before leaving - be it by taking a virtual tour of their hotel, picking the best spot on the beach or even zooming in on their destination on Google Earth.”

“In fact, by the time they make it to their destination, it’s possible they will be suffering from a case of ‘deja-view’ as they’ll have seen it all before they get there.”

The study also showed that around one in four (27 per cent) of holidaymakers will be cutting back on the cost of any holiday they do take this year, due to the economic downturn.

Stewart Fox-Mills added: “Holiday research on the web isn’t just about what the weather will be like. For people looking to tighten their financial belts, it can be an effective way of controlling costs.

“From getting the best currency exchange rates to investigating local bus routes to cut down on taxi costs, the internet is a great place to plan your trip down to the last cent - so you’re not stung by unexpected costs when you’re supposed to be relaxing.”

The study revealed that one in four (25 per cent) UK web users have their holiday snaps as their computer’s wallpaper or screensaver, and around one in ten (9 per cent) admit to personalising their computer screens with pictures of dream holiday destinations. Over one in three (36 per cent) UK internet users even use the web to look at dream holiday destinations that they cannot afford to take.

The Post Office is a trusted high street name that can answer your telecoms and travel needs. Post Office Broadband is a reassuringly easy-to-use service with national coverage. It offers up to 8mb per second connection speed, ideal for browsing the web or for sending holiday snaps to friends and family. You can also pay for the service in cash at any Post Office branch nationwide, a payment alternative not offered by any other internet provider.

The Post Office is also a great first port-of-call for anyone heading away this summer, with travel services including commission-free currency, travel insurance and the pre-loaded Travel Money Card, an easy way to budget for holidays as the credit crunch looms.

For more information, visit postoffice.co.uk