A quarter of men overestimate their partners’ spending habits. One in four happy to be seen in same swimwear four years running. Just over a quarter of men questioned (27%) are also worried about their partner’s holiday spending habits but actually, women spend half as much as men estimate.
British holidaymakers heading off for two weeks in the sun this year would rather make do and mend than splash their hard earned cash on brand new holiday essentials, such as clothes, toiletries and swimwear, according to a new survey by UK holiday rentals website Owners Direct.
With just over one in four of us (26%) happy to hold on to our swimwear for more than four years, it seems that some Brits prefer to dig out their comfy old favourites from the back of the wardrobe than buy brand new clothes and swimwear each holiday season. And despite the cliche that many men take one trusty pair of swimming trunks on holiday, both men and women take a similar amount of swimwear on their summer holiday – up to five each.
Just over a quarter of men questioned (27%) are also worried about their partner’s holiday spending habits but actually, women spend half as much as men estimate.
And it seems that when it comes to treating ourselves to brand new designer clothes, sunglasses, bikinis and bags, most UK holidaymakers would rather make do and mend, saving hard earned cash for meals out and day trips.
Just under two thirds of holidaymakers (59%) are setting themselves a budget of less than £100 to spend on essential clothes and toiletries before heading off for two weeks in the sun, whilst 10% don’t buy anything new at all. Only 10% of people are prepared to double their clothes and toiletries budget to £200 or more
With the average Longchamp tote bag costing over £300 and a pair of Aviator Ray Bans setting you back at least £100, designer holiday items may not be on many people’s holiday wish lists this year.
Bucking the trend, holidaymakers from Northern Ireland are the most extravagant with almost half (45%) changing their favourite swimwear items within a year or even less.
British holidaymakers are also sticking religiously to luggage restrictions to avoid paying excess baggage charges with 65% of those questioned saying their luggage weighs no more than 20kg. 13% are happy to travel light, taking just 15kg of luggage, making the most of new smaller and lighter cabin friendly luggage. Only 4% are prepared to blow their budget on excess baggage charges, taking up to 31Kg of holiday ‘essentials’.
Souvenirs are another area holidaymakers are cutting back on, with just over half of those questioned (45%) spending less than £50 on souvenirs, whilst a frugal few (7%) admit they don’t buy any holiday keepsakes at all.
Karen Mullins, Owners Direct Marketing Director says: “Over the last few years, people have had to really tighten their belts and we believe saving money wherever you can has now become a habit. As well as cutting back on clothes, toiletries and other items, holidaymakers can save themselves money by choosing a self-catering holiday with a site like Owners Direct. Staying in a holiday rental that’s suitable for your needs can be considerably cheaper than a hotel and offers flexibility, giving holidaymakers more choices, such as whether they decide to eat out or cook at home.”
Bob Atkinson, travel expert at TravelSupermarket said: “Whether you’re booking a holiday or updating your holiday wardrobe, my advice is to always set a budget and stick to it. Once you know how much you have to spend, do your research to make sure you get the best value for your money. Use the internet to compare prices of flights, accommodation and your holiday extras such as car hire, travel insurance and travel money. The more money you can save on these types of items, the more you will have to put towards new clothes, toiletries, or even activities and souvenirs whilst away on holiday.”
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
