Brits rush to book last of the summer sun

Britain’s wet summer has led to fed-up Brits rushing to book a last minute holiday in the sun, new research has revealed.

Of the estimated 20 million people who went on a staycation in the UK, or even skipped their annual holiday completely, because of the recession, 68 per cent are now desperate to get away.

Forty-nine per cent even say they regret their decision not to book a break abroad and a quarter are now planning a last minute holiday to make up for it.

Teletext Holidays, which commissioned the poll, has seen interest in last minute holidays in September soar by 11 per cent compared to this time last year.

Victoria Sanders, managing director, Teletext Holidays, said: ‘’At the start of this year, when many would have been turning their thoughts to their annual holiday, people were watching their spending more than ever thanks to the recession.

‘’This meant there were a lot of people who decided they simply couldn’t afford to go on their usual holiday.

‘’However, because of this, there are now thousands of people who are in desperate need of a break. We are seeing a clear trend for more people looking online for late escapes from people desperate to catch the last of the summer sunshine.”

‘’There are signs of economic recovery which has given households more confidence to go ahead and book. Those who have had to go without their holiday are now rushing to book a few days in the sun.’’

The poll of 2,000 Brits revealed that 44 per cent decided to go without their annual summer holiday abroad, with half of those skipping their break altogether.

And 57 per cent blamed the credit crunch, saying they simply couldn’t afford to go away.

Thirteen per cent wanted to stay close to home while two per cent decided to stay in the UK thanks to the ‘barbecue summer’ weather forecasts.

But after a washout summer, 61 per cent now wish they had gone abroad.

And more than a third ended up going on more mini-breaks or weekends away to make up for their lack of a holiday.

Fifty-six per cent are even planning a big holiday for next year to make up for this summer

More than half also said they feel more confident about booking a holiday now that the worst of the recession seems to be over.

Researchers also found that 63 per cent think September is the best time for a holiday because it’s such good value for money.

Victoria Sanders added: “Prices come down in September to many of the sunshine hot spots so for those who aren’t tied to school holidays it’s the ideal time to travel. Resorts are often much quieter and the beaches less crowded too.”